UCSB Surplus Sales offers a dynamic and constantly changing inventory of surplus property sourced from departments across campus—including laboratories, offices, classrooms, residence halls, and recreational spaces. Items may include office furniture, electronics, custodial equipment, HVAC components, shelving units, and one-of-a-kind campus finds. In support of UCSB’s sustainability and resource reuse initiatives, each item is evaluated for resale potential, priced based on fair market value, and offered through in-person sales, online auctions, and special events.
Inventory is made available on a first-come, first-served basis or by best offer within the allotted time, depending on the sale format. All listings and prices are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed until full payment has been received and a sales receipt has been issued.
Item Status Guide
Stay informed about where an item stands in our resale process. Below are the common item statuses you may see listed:
- Pre-Inventory
Item is undergoing pricing research and not yet available. - Staged for Auction
Available to UCSB departments only before public release. - Listed – Public Surplus Auction
Item is live on PublicSurplus.com; bidding may be active. - Listed – LabX / Facebook Marketplace
Item is listed on alternative public resale platforms. - Open Sales – In Person
Item is available for purchase at in-person sales or special events. - Pending Sale / Pickup Scheduled
Item has been claimed. Payment or pickup is in progress. - Picked Up – Closed
Item has been sold, picked up, and removed from inventory. - No Sale – Repriced / Recycled
Item was not sold and will be reconsidered for future sale or recycling. - Transferred to UC Department
Item has been reallocated to a UCSB or other UC department.
Opportunities to View/Purchase
UCSB departments have first priority to claim eligible surplus items for continued use within the University. Items transferred for internal reuse support sustainability goals and help reduce procurement costs. Departments must submit an internal request through the DLS Service Portal to view or claim items.
High-value or specialized items may be made available to other UC campuses before public sale.
Once internal redistribution is complete, remaining inventory is made available to the public via:
- PublicSurplus.com: UC Santa Barbara’s third party online auction platform
- In-person sales: Held Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm at Building 507 or by appointment
- Special events: Periodically scheduled for large-volume clearance or themed sales
How to Buy
In-Person Purchases
- Browse our inventory during public hours or scheduled appointments.
- Prices are set based on item type, condition, and market value.
- Bulk discounts may be available—ask our team at the time of purchase.
Online Auctions via Public Surplus
- Visit PublicSurplus.com
- Browse available listings for UCSB
- Place bids and track auction close dates
- Winning bidders must follow pickup and payment guidelines listed on each auction
Request Item
Looking for something specific? While we can’t guarantee availability, you’re welcome to submit a request to be notified if an item matching your needs becomes available.
Please note:
- Submitting a request does not guarantee the item will be received or reserved.
- Our team will make an effort to contact you if a match is found, but notifications are subject to staff availability and volume.
- Items are still sold on a first-come, first-served or best-offer basis depending on the sale format
Pickup & Transportation
Buyers are responsible for all packing, lifting, loading, and transport of purchased items. UCSB does not offer shipping or delivery services. UCSB Departments may have certain delivery options available to them through Furniture Services, please see the For UCSB Departments page.
Pick-Up Requirements
- Bring a printed or digital copy of your Notice of Award, Paid Receipt, and Government Issued Photo ID
- For third-party pickups, you must have prior email authorization from the winning bidder sent to admin@dls.ucsb.edu and follow additional procedures outlined in the auction policy
Pickups are only available during designated hours listed in your auction or appointment confirmation. Please plan accordingly—no exceptions can be made for late pickups. Buyer must remove auction item(s) from the agency premises within ten (10) business days after the closing of the auction or items will be subject to relisting, reselling, and/or disposal. Other restrictions may apply.
Terms & Conditions
All sales through Surplus Sales are final. Items are sold “as is, where is” with no warranties, guarantees, or returns.
Applicable sales tax (7.75%) will be added at checkout, unless a valid resale certificate is provided at the time of purchase.
A Buyer’s Premium of 10% (minimum $1) may be added to auction totals per PublicSurplus.com terms. All tax questions on Public Surplus should be addressed with Public Surplus through their chat function.
We do not guarantee:
- Functionality or serviceability of items
- Availability of maintenance records (especially for vehicles)
- Accuracy of online inventory listings
All buyers are strongly encouraged to inspect items in person prior to purchase.