Unlocking Value from Surplus Medical Equipment with GovDeals
Industry
Government
Challenge
The owner of a large, custom-built hospital-grade mobile oxygen delivery system required a streamlined and compliant process for disposing of the now inactive surplus equipment. Since the unit was no longer in use, the main goal was to ensure its removal was quick, efficient, and aligned with healthcare asset management best practices.
Results
After a two-week online sale, the mobile oxygen delivery system was successfully sold for $105,000!
Challenge
The owner faced a unique challenge with a large, custom-built, hospital-grade mobile oxygen delivery system originally acquired during the COVID-19 response. Designed to support up to 500 patients with critical oxygen needs, the system had become inactive as demand declined. Traditional disposal or long-term storage options would have consumed valuable space and resources, while also limiting the potential for the equipment to be repurposed by other healthcare providers or emergency response teams.
The seller sought a solution that was efficient, compliant, transparent, and capable of optimizing the equipment's use. Using an online auction platform allowed them to reach hundreds of medical equipment buyers, facilitating continued utilization of the asset, reducing waste, and generating revenue.
Solution
The asset was sold under GovDeals’ “approve all sales” approach, which gives the seller the ability to approve or deny the highest bid on an auction. This protects the seller with the final decision while also allowing for the best practices of low starting prices, which drives competition and generally leads to higher final bids.
By leveraging an online auction platform, the agency was able to:
- Reach a wide pool of qualified buyers in the medical and healthcare fields.
- Ensure transparency and compliance throughout the sale process.
- Maximize return on investment, turning unused equipment into immediate revenue.
The sale of the hospital-grade mobile oxygen delivery system demonstrated the platform’s ability to connect government agencies with a nationwide audience of vetted buyers, including hospitals, clinics, and medical supply companies.
Results
The Mobile Oxygen Delivery System was listed for 14 days to provide targeted marketing to the most relevant buyers. To maximize exposure, the marketing team leveraged several specialized medical auction sites, as well as GovDeals' established biopharma buyer base.
- Successful Sale: The hospital-grade mobile oxygen delivery system sold for $105,000 after 90 bids and with 1500+ visitors to the auction.
- Community Impact: The system had the capacity to provide critical oxygen support for up to 500 patients, ensuring this surplus asset continued to serve a life-saving role.
- Proven Track Record: For over two decades, government agencies and medical organizations have been utilizing online platforms to sell medical assets.
Online auctions offer an efficient way to dispose of specialized medical equipment, reducing administrative burdens and accelerating the sales process. Repurposing surplus medical assets supports the circular economy, extending the useful life of critical equipment and promoting sustainability. Overall, this sale demonstrates how government agencies can effectively generate revenue, provide direct community benefits, and promote responsible resource use by adopting digital methods for surplus asset disposal.
Medical surplus equipment doesn’t have to sit idle. GovDeals helps it save lives, generate revenue, and support communities. Learn more about how your agency could benefit from a partnership with a leading online platform for government surplus.

