Government of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada
Skip to content Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

CAD > Help

Institutional links

Please Wait...

GCSurplus Help

Welcome to the new Crown Assets Distribution online closed bidding system, called GCSurplus, which allows you to view, bid on and buy federal government surplus goods on the Internet.

If you are a new user or new to on-line shopping, we know it can be a little overwhelming. We hope the following tips will help get you started and excited about bidding on federal government surplus.

If this is your first visit to GCSurplus, you may find it helpful to learn more about the following:

What You Should Know


  • When you buy an item on GCSurplus, you are buying from the Government of Canada.
  • Our goods come from over 90 government departments and Agencies. We receive a variety of attractive items through the Canadian Border Services Agency and through proceeds from crime.
  • The earth-friendly icon indicates that the item listed is being sold from the site where the asset was declared surplus to minimize the carbon footprint caused by transportation.
  • GCSurplus offers enhanced security and treats your privacy very seriously.
  • All notifications are done via e-mail. Be sure to keep your e-mail address current.
  • Eight Crown Assets Distribution Centres (CADCs) are located across Canada to serve you. If you wish to view an item, contact the regional representative listed in the item's detailed description page to schedule a visit.
  • The "Buyers Corner" section allows you to keep track of your current and past bids. It includes a detailed history of your bids through GCSurplus, and their final sale prices.
 

How To Register

Registration is the first step to bidding and buying online. It's easy and free.

  1. Click on the New Registration tab located in the left-hand navigation bar of the home page.
  2. Fill in the required fields, including your name and e-mail address.
  3. Choose a Password. You will use your e-mail address and password every time you login to GCSurplus.
  4. Select your language preference. (English or French)
  5. Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale to continue the registration process.
  6. Click on Send Registration located at the bottom of the form.
  7. Immediately check your e-mail account for your confirmation notice from GCSurplus.
  8. Follow the instructions to confirm your personal details and to complete the registration process.
  9. That's it! You are now ready to start bidding!
 

How To Bid

  1. Login using your email address and password. You can view items for sale without logging in, but you will need to log in to bid on an item.
     
    Don't forget to set your e-mail notification and buyer settings. You can do so by clicking on Edit Registration, then click on E-mail Notifications and Buyer Settings.
  2. Click on the What's For Sale tab located in the left navigation bar of the home page.
     
    If you're not sure what you are looking for or just want to browse all items, click the Search button on the What's for Sale page.
     
    OR
     
    If you're looking for a specific item, search the What's For Sale page using one or more fields: Keyword, Region, Commodities and Posting/Closing Date.
     
    OR
     
    Use the Advanced Search feature located at the top right hand corner of the What's For Sale page. This function will ask you to fill out one or more of the following fields to help narrow your search: What to include in the search, Sale Account number, Keyword, Regions and Commodities.
  3. Once you've completed your search, a list of items will be displayed. If you see an item you are interested in, click on the item.
  4. A Closed Bidding page will then be displayed, providing you with detailed information about the item you selected.
  5. Once you are logged in, you can enter your bid in the box located at the top of the Closed Bidding page. Make sure your bid is higher than the reserve bid or it will be rejected.
  6. Once you've placed your bid, click Submit Bid.
     
    Remember: If you've already registered but are not logged in, you will need to click "Please click here to login" before you can place a bid.
  7. Click on Confirm Bid. Your bid has now been received.
  8. Click on the Current Bids tab located in the left hand navigation bar of the home page and track your item until the bid closes.
     
    Changing your bid: You may change your bid at anytime between the posting date and the closing date. In order to change a bid already submitted, click on Current Bids. Find the item you want to modify and click on the item. You will then be able to indicate your new bid using the field located at the top of the page.
 

How to Purchase

  1. If you have the winning bid, GCSurplus will send you an e-mail instructing you to acknowledge your win.
  2. Login to GCSurplus using your e-mail and password.
  3. Click on the Award Notifications tab under Buyer's Corner and acknowledge your award.
  4. Once you've acknowledged your award, your invoice will be e-mailed to you shortly.
  5. Once you receive the e-mail, click on the attachment to open your GCSurplus invoice. You can now print the invoice for your records.
  6. Contact the CAD representative listed on the last page of the invoice to pay for your item(s).
 

Buyer's Corner

Your individual account allows you to track all your bidding activities and gives you access to your registration information.

Once you've logged into GCSurplus, you may view the following: Current Bids and Past Bids, My Registration, Award Notifications

Visit GCSurplus often to track items of interest.

Date Modified: 2013-05-17

Top of Page
Important Notices