ALLBIDS Blog

Some Highlights From the U.S. Embassy's Gov Auctions

Friday, 19 October 2018 | Mike Leano

Have we got a bargain for you: ALLBIDS is auctioning off several truckloads' worth of computer supplies, cargo boxes, power tools, furniture and numerous other items. The offerings are from a diplomatic residence, and there are plenty of rock-bottom deals here that you should definitely check out.

Don't worry - for your benefit, we've browsed through what's there and picked out some of the highlights, which include (but are not limited to) the following.

Note: The prices listed here may change as more people bid for the item/s.

Trade Quality Pro RDM-2001FNV 20mm Drill Press

A drill press or bench drill is a type of drill that's set on a fixed stand. We think this item is of particular interest because of its specifications:

• Power: 550W
• Chuck: 16mm
• Variable Speed: 220 - 1700 RPM
• Adjustable Table
• Spindle Guard
• Height: 1,610mm (5.28 feet)

Why? Because drill presses of this size and capability typically retail upwards of $450, depending on the brand. And right now (as of this writing, at least), its current bid is only $122. So if you're looking for a quality drill press, this one is a steal.

DeWalt DC390 165mm Circular Saw

Need a power tool for cutting various types of materials? Try this one: a circular saw with a max blade size of 165mm (or 6.49 inches). Interestingly enough, products of this size and calibre usually retail for at least $160, but can cost as much as $300 and beyond - and those are the bare units.

This one comes with its own battery and carrying case - which are usually sold separately - and can reach a maximum speed of 3900RPM. Plus, it's a DeWalt; it's one of the best tool brands out there. The item has a current bid of only $122.

Dell OptiPlex 980 Core i7 (870) 2.93GHz Computer

The OptiPlex 980 came out sometime in 2010, but still packs a punch even by today's standards. Have a look at what's under the hood:

• CPU: Core i7 (870) 2.93GHz
• RAM: 8GB RAM
• Hard Drive(s): No hard drive
• Hard Drive Interface: SATA hard drive(s)
• Power Supply: Uses standard power cable
• CD Drive: DVD-RW
• Network Card: Onboard gigabit network
• Sound Card: Onboard sound
• Video Card: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450
• Video Connection: VGA DisplayPort & DMS59 (adapter not included)
• License Sticker: Windows 7 Pro license sticker
• Operating System: OS isn't installed - install disc(s) not included

Admittedly, the video card could use an upgrade, but considering its current bid of $107, it's pretty hard to say no to the whole package. For now, at least.

Assorted Lot of Seven LCD Monitors - Samsung, HP & NEC

Consider this - any one of the LCD monitors listed below can retail for at least $50 (give or take a few dollars) brand new:

• HP L1910 19-inch LCD monitor x 3
• Samsung SyncMaster B1940 19-inch LCD monitor
• Samsung SyncMaster 943 19-inch LCD monitor
• Samsung SyncMaster S22B420 22-inch LCD monitor
• NEC MultiSync EA192M 19-inch LCD monitor

But in this offering, you can get all seven units at one go, and collectively has a current bid of only $1. Of course, these monitors are not brand new; and the 22-inch SyncMaster has a damaged power button. Still, all things considered, the lot is presently looking like a good deal.

HP Inkjet Toner Cartridges - Lot of 15

This package comes with the following:

• HP 11 black toner cartridge
• HP 11 cyan toner cartridge x 2
• HP 11 yellow toner cartridge x 3
• HP 11 magenta toner cartridge x 4
• HP 10 black toner cartridge x 5

As for prices, a genuine HP 11 black toner cartridge can cost around $70. The cyan toner retails for around $60 to $80+, while its yellow and magenta variants hover in the neighbourhood of $60+ each. That HP 10 black toner retails for $60+ to 80+.

But this 15-item lot? It has a current bid of $1. Even if the bid price ever goes as high as $200, you're getting all the items at a significantly lower total price.

Seven-Piece Outdoor Dining Set

Outdoor dining sets aren't cheap. If you check online, the seven-piece variants can sell somewhere between $260+ to $600 and even over $1,399, depending on the brand, material and retailer.

Looking for one with a charcoal metal frame? This particular gov auction might interest you:

Outdoor Dining Table

• Glass top
• Charcoal metal frame
• Wide mm: 1840
• Deep mm: 1080
• High mm: 720
• Condition: Used, general wear

Outdoor Dining Chairs

• Brown cushion
• Charcoal metal frame
• Wide mm: 650
• Deep mm: 680
• High mm: 930
• Condition: Used, general wear

Right now, this dining set has a current bid of $83. Not bad at all.

DeWalt Cordless Tools

This gov auction features:

• A DeWalt DC213-XE SDS 22mm rotary hammer drill
• A DeWalt DC385 reciprocating saw
• Two DeWalt DC9096 battery packs

It's notable because retailers sell DC213-XE SDS 22mm rotary hammer drills for upward of $300+, while DC385 reciprocating saws cost at least $150. As for DC9096 batteries, each can cost at least $40 online - and the lot comes with two. Conservatively speaking, that should add up to over $500.

Either way, you're getting a good bargain because it has a current bid of only $125.

Cisco Catalyst 3560G Series 48-Port Gigabit Managed Switch

This device is called a network switch; it connects computers, servers, printers, cameras and various other devices in a local area network. The WS-C3560G-48TS-E model specifically is no mere switch: it's a high-end managed switch with the following specifications:

• 48 Ethernet 10/100/1000 ports and 4 SFP-based Gigabit Ethernet ports
• 1 Rack Unit (RU) fixed configuration, multilayer switch
• Enterprise-class intelligent services delivered to the network edge
• Standard Multilayer Software Image (SMI) or Enhanced Image (EMI) installed
• Basic RIP and static routing, upgradable to full dynamic IP routing (SMI).
• Advanced IP routing (EMI).

In Oz, you can get one brand new for probably around $3,600 to $3,800, depending on the retailer. In this gov auction, it's currently going for only $26 so keep a close eye on it.

Drexel Heritage Wingback Armchair

Drexel Heritage is known for its quality furniture, and this wingback chair is no different. It's a regal-looking single seater with flared arms, removable cushion covers and cream/gold-patterned fabric.

Getting a bead on this specific model's price is rather tricky, but similar chairs normally go for around $150 and may go as high as $899, depending on the brand, material and store. Considering that the seat is a Drexel, we expect it to cost more than the cheapest variant out there.

So at a current bid of $126, this wingback armchair is looking pretty good.

HP LaserJet 4250 Black & White Laser Printer

The LaserJet 4250 is a rather dated printer model, but it's still great for churning out pages upon pages of documents. Consider this: more recent, high-end laser printers hit speeds of 33 to 36 pages per minute (ppm). The LaserJet 4250 can produce 45ppm.

Due to age, it's no longer clear how much the LaserJet 4250 costs on retail. Some sites sell it at $200+, while others oddly charge over $1,100.

But right now, at ALLBIDS, the device has a current bid of $61. If you need a high-speed printer, you better keep tabs on the item while it's still there.

When do the gov auctions end?

The U.S. Embassy auctions are scheduled to end on Wednesday, October 24th at varying times (depending on the auction). Once you find something you want, start bidding on it right away, and make sure you click "Watch" to stay on top of it.

ALLBIDS provides layers of protection on every auction, which means you can bid with confidence. If you have any questions about this auction or any other ALLBIDS sale, get in touch with us through chat, phone or email.