FlipDetroit runs its own surplus auction site for city property, and the metro's car culture and huge vehicle base keep IAA's Belleville branch and Copart's Woodhaven yard busy. DuMouchelles, a Detroit auction house for decades, handles fine estates and collections.
Every link below was checked in October 2026. FlipTheBid is not affiliated with these agencies or companies. Listings change, so confirm terms on each site.
Where to buy at auction in Detroit
Government surplus
- City of Detroit: surplus auctions: The City of Detroit's online surplus auction site. Check back when no auctions are active.
- MiBid (State of Michigan): State surplus auctions from across Michigan.
Related: Government surplus in our directory · How to Buy Government Surplus on GovDeals
Vehicle and salvage auctions
- IAA Detroit branch: Insurance Auto Auctions yard at 8251 Rawsonville Rd., Belleville. Salvage and repairable vehicles. Public buyers usually bid through a registered broker.
- Copart Detroit (via A Better Bid): Run lists for the Copart yard in Woodhaven. A Better Bid is a Copart broker that lets public buyers bid without a dealer license (broker fees apply).
Related: Vehicle and salvage auctions in our directory · How to Buy Cars at Public and Salvage Auctions
Storage unit auctions
- StorageTreasures: Detroit storage auctions: Online storage unit auctions from self-storage facilities in and around Detroit. Save a search to get alerts on new units.
Related: Storage unit auctions in our directory · How Storage Unit Auctions Work
Estate sales and local auction houses
- DuMouchelles: Detroit auction house for fine art, antiques, jewelry and estate collections.
- EstateSales.net: Detroit estate sales: Upcoming estate sales in the Detroit area, with photos, addresses and the company running each sale.
Related: Estate sales and local auction houses in our directory · How to Price and Resell on eBay
Michigan rules worth knowing
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Check with the agency before you rely on it.
- Sales tax and reselling. Michigan's sales tax is 6%, with no local sales taxes. If you buy to resell regularly, you generally need to register with the Michigan Department of Revenue. With a sales tax license, you can give qualifying sellers a Michigan exemption certificate (Form 3372) for items bought for resale. Government auctions may still charge tax unless you provide the paperwork they ask for.
- Vehicles: titles and taxes. Make sure you get a properly assigned title (or the documents the auction specifies). Michigan generally collects 6% tax when you title a vehicle through the Secretary of State. Title and register through the state motor vehicle agency. Salvage-branded vehicles need extra steps before they can be driven on the road again.
- Storage auctions. Facilities must follow the state's notice and advertising rules before a lien sale, and tenants can often pay and pull a unit right up to the sale.
- Buying across state lines. The selling state's tax and pickup rules usually apply at the time of sale.
More statewide sources are on our Michigan auctions page.
Haul it, store it, ship it
Some of these are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
- Pirate Ship: Free shipping-label software with discounted USPS and UPS rates. No subscription.
- uShip: Marketplace for shipping furniture, equipment and vehicles.
- Montway Auto Transport: Door-to-door car shipping quotes.
- Neighbor: Rent garages and spare space from locals, often cheaper than a storage unit. You can also list your own space.
- SpareFoot: Compare and reserve self-storage units near you.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the City of Detroit sell surplus online?
- Yes, on its own surplus auction site. Listings come in rounds, so check back.
- Where are the salvage auctions near Detroit?
- IAA's Detroit branch is in Belleville and Copart's Detroit yard is in Woodhaven.
- Are there estate auctions in Detroit?
- Yes. DuMouchelles handles fine estates, and EstateSales.net lists weekend sales across the metro.