Posted by David Sherman on Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 10:21PM :
In Reply to: Better than Ebay! posted by EdC on Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 9:07PM :
"Better than Ebay" isn't saying much in my opinion. Government Liquidation is the outfit that used to be Levy-Latham, which is the outfit that got a real sweet contract to sell all the military surplus that used to be sold at the local DRMO auctions, basically everything except large trucks and scrap. Supposedly, the government decided that a "private venture" could sell the surplues more efficiently than the government could. Apparently the government is paid a percent of the profits, however that might be calculated. Many of the DRMO employees are now working at Levy-Latham/Gov't Liqudation. I've bought quite a bit from the DRMO over the years but haven't bought anything from this outfit. I've heard plenty of stories of squirrely dealings but also have heard from people who are satisfied buying stuff from them. Maybe all the hype on their web site kind of rubs me the wrong way, or maybe it's that they break things into small lots and put a $30 minimum bid on each lot, or that they charge a 10% "buyer's premium", or that it seems inordinately hard to figure out what the sales prices were on past sales, or that they have a very short inspection period. It seems to me a lot like going to one of those well-publicised professional auctions where they try to tell you everything is the most wonderful thing ever and there's a big crowd and it all sells for way more than it's worth. Another thing to keep in mind nowadays is that to look at the stuff you have to go onto the base. I used to just be able to drive through the unmanned logistics center gate, but now I have to go around to the main gate, park, get a pass, drive back up to the DRMO, etc. Maybe I'll try to bid on something from these guys one of these months just to see how it is. If you try it, I'd be curious to hear your opinion. Maybe I'm just cynical. And no, they won't sell you a rocket launcher. If they sell you a gamma goat, they'll make you cut it up on the spot. If they sell you a plain old truck you have to swear to Battle Creek that you won't sell it to anybody on this week's official enemy country list.
|
Follow Ups:
This board is powered by the Mr. Fong Device from Cyberarmy.com |