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June 15, 2016

Maximize your Municipal Revenue with an Online Auction

Have you ever wondered what to do with all the surplus you accumulate in your municipality? How about that wood chipper you can’t seem to budge? There may be times when you glance in despair at that ancient printer in the corner of the office or the filing cabinet in storage that hasn’t been used since Jimmy Carter was President.

Have you ever found yourself wondering what to do with all the extras piling up in your town or city? That wood chipper that won't move, or that old printer and computer screen gathering dust in the corner? There's a solution! 

Government agencies now have access to online municipal auction software tailor-made for their surplus and unused goods. It's not just for the usual heavy equipment and office supplies; this site tackles the big, the small and the quirky.
Municibid is the eBay for government agencies, offering a fair, competitive bidding process. And the best part? It's free for municipal agencies to use, with just an 8% buyer's fee from the winning bid.

The Story of Municibid

‍Municibid began in 2006 when Greg Berry, a former councilman from Pennsylvania, saw a problem with how government agencies were selling surplus items. Tired of the old-fashioned way of sealed bids, he wanted to make it easier and more fun. Working with the digital tools available to us, he started. 

Starting small and growing fast, Municibid now helps cities all across the country and even in Canada. Their online municipal auctions are exciting, making bidding a lot more interesting than before. Municibid boasts a team that knows the ins and outs of how the government works. Municibid's goal is to help agencies, schools, and utilities sell their extra stuff easily. They focus on being clear and straightforward, making the process simple for everyone, start to finish.

Why Municibid is Ideal for Municipalities

‍Municibid stands out as a great choice for municipalities for several reasons. The website is user-friendly, accessible on mobile devices, and promotes items effectively through targeted marketing campaigns—all at no cost to the seller. The platform utilizes technology to ensure teh users, their data and the platform is safe. The platform is secured using SSL Certification, PCI compliance, and around-the-clock monitoring. Another advantage is the option to decline bids at no extra charge. Compared to traditional methods like sealed bids or newspaper ads, Municibid offers a faster, cost-effective, and broader-reaching solution. Its engaging interface attracts a large audience, encouraging active participation from buyers and sellers alike. With clear communication on bid counts and deadlines, the municipal auction software creates transparency within the participating community, all while maximizing revenue potential at a national scale, free of charge for sellers.

‍What kind of products are popular on Municibid?

  • Municibid is a hotspot for a variety of popular items such as heavy equipment, IT gear, police and fire department gear, furniture, tools, and construction materials. People also flock to the site for automotive sales. 
  • You can now conveniently access retired municipal vehicles online at highly competitive prices. Sometimes, there are big-ticket items like a John Deere Wheel Loader that went for $165,000 in Madison County, Idaho. 
  • Police departments sell confiscated goods like electronics, jewelry, and sports memorabilia on Municibid. Bargains like a diamond pendant also make their way onto the site. Municibid's offerings range from DVDs and books to tractors and leaf blowers – you'll find just about anything here!

Incredible, did they really sell that?!

Every now and then, you come across items on Municibid that you can't believe would actually attract bids. But surprise, surprise - they do sell! Some items have fascinating backgrounds and stories that make them all the more intriguing.

Here’s some examples of the unexpected successes on Municibid’s municipal auction software in 2023: 

  • School buses and other school-themed equipment are commonplace at auctions. That’s why one of the most unique items listed on Municibid has been interactive driving simulators. They’re being sold out of Pennsylvania by the Unionville Chadds Ford School District.
  • In New Hampshire, a military vehicle was auctioned by the Merrimack County Maintenance. You don’t see this sort of transportation everyday, but this camouflage tactical vehicle received similar treatment to that of first responders.
  • Vehicles and equipment are commonplace within government surplus, but they aren’t the only things sold. The Department of Transportation in New Jersey auctioned off some residential land that encompasses approximately 8,264 square footage. 
  • Hennepin County in Minnesota even sold a 1960s Motel Monument Sign in early 2023 for only $220. 

Sell your extra items and enjoy the benefits!

If you want to sell your surplus municipal items on Municibid municipal auction software, head over to the seller's page on their website. At Town Web Design, we are big fans of Municibid's concept and appreciate their transparent approach, easy-to-use interface, and goals. Unlike other auction sites, Municibid specializes in the local government market with their expert staff, mirroring many of our own values. They have built a loyal customer base just like us. If you want your town's website to be as appealing, user-friendly, and focused as Municibid's, reach out to us, and we'll explore how we can assist you!