For years, many Mississippi agencies relied on sealed bids or traditional, in-person auctions to manage their surplus. While these methods worked, they also came with limitations: fewer bidders, more paperwork, and results that often didn’t reflect the true value of the assets being sold.
That’s starting to change. Across the state, cities, counties, and school systems are making the move to online surplus sales and seeing dramatic improvements in both efficiency and revenue.
Here are a few stories of agencies experiencing success.
Gulfport, MS – Breaking Away from Tradition
The City of Gulfport had long depended on traditional auctions to move surplus equipment and vehicles. Auction days drew local buyers, but the pool of bidders was always limited to those who could be physically present. That meant less competition and often less revenue.
When Gulfport transitioned to an online platform, they discovered a new level of consistency and growth. By opening their auctions to a national audience, the city attracted more bidders, drove up competition, and increased returns on their surplus. Even better, staff no longer had to spend weeks planning and managing a live event. What once required staging, scheduling, and hours on the ground now happens with a few clicks. The result is a process that’s more efficient for staff and more lucrative for the city.
“The switch to GovDeals has been game-changing for our city! Auctions no longer take months to plan and coordinate; moving online has saved us time and resources,” says Rashida Bell, city clerk for Gulfport.
Meridian, MS – From Idle Assets to Revenue
The City of Meridian, Mississippi, recently reimagined its approach to surplus management and the results speak for themselves. By rethinking how they handled scrap materials, particularly a large batch of idle water meters, the city turned a common disposal challenge into a revenue opportunity.
Instead of letting the scrap sit unused, they sold it on an online auction platform and earned over $80,000. “Selling scrap has always been difficult, but with the help of the team at GovDeals, we’ve been able to see significant returns! “says Dee Lewis, storekeeper for the city.
Meridian’s success shows what’s possible when municipalities take a fresh look at their surplus strategy. What was once considered low-value surplus became a major source of revenue for the city. The transparency and competitive nature of the online marketplace helped Meridian maximize value from items they may have otherwise written off.
Madison County Schools – A Major Win from Outdated Equipment
School districts are no strangers to surplus challenges. Outdated IT equipment, for example, often stacks up in storage rooms, with few clear options for disposal. For Madison County Schools, sealed bids were the go-to method, but the results rarely matched the equipment’s worth.
“Being able to group our outdated technology equipment into large bulk lots to sell all at once has alleviated tons of work on our staff and made it easier for us to manage our rotating stock. We love how easy the process is”, says Roxie Williams with the district.
The broader bidder base allowed the district to capture the true value of its assets while also streamlining the process for staff. What was once a logistical challenge became an opportunity to reinvest in the district’s future.
Biloxi, MS – Finding New Revenue in Familiar Surplus
Like Gulfport, the City of Biloxi previously relied on traditional live auctions. While these events worked for a time, the buyer reach was limited. The city recognized that there was untapped potential in its surplus program.
By moving to an online auction platform, Biloxi found what they were looking for. The city has seen a steady increase in revenue while reducing the workload for staff. With online tools, what once required heavy planning now happens more efficiently and with better results.
‘We’re excited about the money we’ve earned so far through our surplus sales and look forward to our continued partnership with GovDeals,” says Katy Stallings with the city of Biloxi.
Hancock County Sheriff – Clearing out the Back Lot
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, a relatively new seller, has transformed its surplus vehicle sales by embracing an online marketplace. Since moving those sales onto
From retired law enforcement vehicles like Ford Crown Victorias and Chevrolet Tahoe’s to utility trucks and passenger SUVs, Hancock County has been able to clear out space in its lot by tapping into a nationwide buyer base that drives competitive bidding and maximizes returns.
Hancock County Sheriff highlights how modernizing surplus operations can have a lasting financial impact. “Our online sales have saved us countless staff hours because we no longer have to transport items to an off-site auction. The customer support has been outstanding, with quick responses and hands-on assistance that make the entire process seamless,” says Chief Deputy Jeremy Skinner.
Mississippi State University – Auctions from A to Z
For nearly 15 years, Mississippi State University has harnessed the power of online auctions to turn surplus into opportunity. Managing hundreds of different types of assets, the university needed a solution that simplified the process and they found it.
Listing everything in one convenient marketplace, MSU makes it easy for buyers to shop a wide range of items without the hassle of multiple platforms. From lab equipment to tractors and pickup trucks, buyers can find it all in one place. This streamlined approach saves time, maximizes choice, and delivers unbeatable convenience for both the university and its customers.
“Being able to list our surplus assets in one centralized place where our buyers can go and see what we have available has really been one of the keys to our success. It’s easy to list and for our buyers to find our stuff,” says Debra Raines with the Office of Procurement for the university.
Ocean Springs, MS - Hefty Profits on Heavy Equipment
By choosing an online platform Ocean Springs was able to list the items in place and stipulate that the winning buyer is responsible for the removal of the asset, eliminating the task for staff while earning revenue. Plus, with access to a network of vetted heavy equipment buyers, Ocean Springs heavy equipment sales attracted serious buyers that understood the value of the equipment.
“Selling our heavy equipment in place has been so helpful to us, it saves time and we’re able to sell a bunch of things at once; it's been great!” says Vicky Hupe.
The Bigger Picture
These stories highlight a growing trend: Mississippi agencies are rethinking the way they manage surplus. By moving online, they are simplifying internal processes and unlocking new streams of revenue.
Whether it’s a city turning scrap into six figures, a school district capturing over a million dollars in value, or municipalities stepping away from the limitations of traditional auctions, the impact is clear. Online surplus sales are no longer just an alternative; it’s the new standard. Learn more about selling your agency’s surplus online or become a seller today.