We do not take payment for items.  All payments must be made via Credit Card or Wire Transfer through Public Surplus.




*We strongly encourage bidders to inspect vehicles/equipment prior to the close of the auction. 

*We are not mechanics and do not inspect these vehicles to determine what is wrong with them.  

*We are not responsible for something you find after you take possession of the vehicle. 

*There are no test drives permitted during viewing

*Most of these vehicles have seen heavy use, bid accordingly.  




*Maintenance Records are normally not available (we will do the best we can to provide as much information as possible)

If vehicle is NOT located
 
at the McKinney Street location, customers MUST stop by the McKinney Street office first to fill out processing paperwork prior to pickup. NO EXCEPTIONS.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, MEANS JUST THAT.  DO NOT SHOW UP WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT, YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY.


WINNING BIDDERS



1.  Pick-ups 
MUST be scheduled during hours of operation.



2.  Non-operational vehicles must be towed.  No maintenance whatsoever will be allowed on City property other than installation of a new battery.

  

3.  Must have proper equipment to remove vehicle as quickly as possible.  If the equipment is insufficient, you will be turned away and rescheduled for another time.



4.  We do not provide temporary tags, recommend applying for a Vehicle Transit Permit from the Texas DOT.



5.  Vehicles will be titled ONLY to the WINNING BIDDER or BIDDER'S BUSINESS - NO EXCEPTIONS.




6. If someone other than the bidder is picking up a vehicle or piece of equipment, please email a letter of authorization to Brandon.Sorina@houstontx.gov. Email must include the third party's name, auction number, and title information.  For title information: include YOUR name or company name (as it will appear on the title) complete address, and phone number.  We WILL NOT put the title in another person's name - no exceptions.  Please include a copy of YOUR (winning bidder) driver's license.  We WILL NOT release anything until we receive this information. 

  

7.  Please do not email an authorization until you contact the office staff.  Also, please confirm that we've received the fax/email. 



All City markings and license plates will be removed from vehicles prior to release to the winning bidder.  
Radios and any other special equipment previously added may be removed from vehicle prior to transfer.  




The buyer is responsible to file all title transfers and registration documents with their local vehicle registration authority.  The City of Houston is not responsible to change the title information once the title is turned over to the bidder.




Payment and pick-up of vehicle/equipment must be completed within five (5) business days of the auction's close.  If you are paying with a wire transfer, please let us know because this may take several days to clear.    

Title will not be available at the time of delivery.  It may take up to two (2) weeks or more to receive the title.  Titles will be sent Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation if you live outside the greater Houston area. You must call to verify the mailing address.  If you live within the Houston area, you must come and pick up your title.  



Your bid is a decision to buy this item. Customers will not be allowed to view an item and then decide whether or not they will buy the vehicle. Ample time is provided to view items before the auction ends. Management reserves the right to block/ban customers who abandon property or refuse to pay for an item, or for any other reason in the best interests of the City.