Top 10 Online Auction Websites

EBay is one of the oldest auction sites online, and it offers a huge array of auction items — everything from diamonds to used clothes to real estate. Buyers can bid or buy instantly, and sellers can use eBay to get rid of unwanted items. 

The company claims to be where the world goes to shop, sell and give. There doesn't seem to be anything you can't find at this bargain-hunters behemoth. Place your bids online on your computer or using the eBay auction app.

Sometimes too much of a good thing is tough to navigate. Follow these tips for searching eBay to find the product you are looking for. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try one of the other sites like eBay. More »

GoodWill is a nonprofit organization that operates retail stores to raise money for people with disabilities. Its online auction site, ShopGoodwill, is a collaborative effort from GoodWill stores all across the United States and provides an impressive variety of all sorts of products, from cameras to tools to sports equipment. More »

Instead of using cash bidding, Listia offers credits to users, and the items are all technically free. Listia users list something they don't want anymore, and then other Listia users bid on it using credits they earn from referring friends or selling their own merchandise. The user with the most credits wins the item. More »

UBid offers leftover inventory from brand names like Sony and Dell. Since the inventory is discounted, you can find a really good deal. UBid carries new, overstock, closeout and recertified products in more than 25 categories including electronics, collectibles, jewelry, and sports memorabilia among others. Travel deals are available in 10 countries. More »

GovDeals is the official portal to government auctions, which range from land to computers to cars. The site's categories include surplus and confiscated items from various government agencies. The rules and regulations vary depending on the participating agency, and you deal directly with the agency after you are awarded your bid. The deals are great, but be sure to inquire about packaging and shipping of an item before you place your bid because most sellers do not ship, pack or palletize. You may be responsible for picking it up or paying someone to transport it. More »

An amazing amount of goods is seized in the course of law enforcement, and the Property Room online auction site aims to make it all available via public police auctions. Not surprisingly, there are tons of vehicles on the site, but it also features electronics, jewelry, art, collectibles, and fashion. 

Law enforcement is required to auction seized, found and unclaimed personal property at public auction. The Property Room works with more than 3,000 law enforcement and municipal agencies, so the selection is vast and constantly changing.  More »

Don't let this somewhat bare-bones website fool you; the IRS Treasury Auctions site is a treasure trove of items that you won't find anywhere else. All items here are under the authority of the Internal Revenue Code, and the properties described were seized or acquired for nonpayment of internal revenue taxes and therefore sold at auction.

The auctions are a bit more complicated than you'll find at other auction sites, but the items tend to be much higher-ticket such as homes and land. Categories include good deals on anything from jewelry to art to commercial property.  More »

If you're looking for live auctions, AuctionZip is the place to go. These live auctions are events that users can view right within their web browser, and they can bid for items online at the same time as bidders on the auction floor. With live bidding, users can access auctions around the world and get in on all the action without any software to download or special tools to buy. The website lists auctions that are live or are upcoming soon. After you register to bid, you go straight to the auction, where you watch what is happening and bid in real time if you see something you like.

  More »

Ever wonder how you can get your hands on something the government doesn't want anymore? Municibid is your best bet. This is an auction website for government agencies, schools, authorities, and utilities to sell their surplus and forfeitures directly to the public. Auction items include cars, boats, furniture, computers, kitchen equipment, and much more.  More »

Webstore.com is an auction site that is supported by donations and advertisements, so costs are kept low, and there are no membership fees. Although not everything is sold at auction at this site, the site's online auctions are highly rated for rare and collectible merchandise and state-of-the-art electronics. Auction categories include cameras, art, music, sports memorabilia, real estate and more. More »