How it works

How it works

The U.S. Embassies are selling surplus movable property (SMP) via a Web Based Electronic Auction. Each auction will be activated for a period of time clearly stating the start and end date. This information is available on the information panel of the web application. Usually, it will be active from Monday to Friday lasting two weeks. During this period, you can actively take part and submit your bid for the surplus property.

Maximum number of bids on one item is stated at each item. Increasing your bids is possible only in the local currency which is Swiss Franc. During the auction you should monitor your bids so you can react on all bids price development. Email for winners will consist of link to the auction application where you can review your items, after successful login.

We strongly recommend you read all the information published online regarding the condition of items being offered for sale before submitting bids, as lots are offered on an "as is and where is" basis and are nonrefundable once payment is made and cannot be returned once picked up.

Winners are required to make their pickup arrangements, we do NOT provide packaging and postal or courier services for sending items.

Once auction is closed please send payment confirmation and the following details to: Bernauction@state.gov

• Your full name
• The vehicle you are coming with, please include license plate, color, make and model of the car.
• Also, if someone is coming with you, please include their full name as well.
• If you are buying larger items please bring someone with to help you load and make sure the vehicle is large enough.

Important: All the items sold on auction are sold as is and the condition is unknown. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING VEHICLES:

The U.S. Embassy sells vehicles “as is”. While all known defects will be identified, no warranties are implied concerning operating conditions. Payment of any/all customs duties is the responsibility of the purchaser.  Bidders are also strongly encouraged to verify the exact registration process for vehicles purchased from a diplomatic mission.  Vehicles with "USA specs" may need specific inspection and modifications to be registered in Switzerland, the buyer bears all cost and responsibility for these procedures. The Embassy has no responsibility in assisting the buyer(s) with the registration of auctioned / sold vehicles.  No assistance can be given for exporting the car to another country. Buyer is responsible for exportation and all customs duties due.

How to pay for your items

Please click here to make the payment.

On the website:

1. Click on Continue.
2. Click Continue to the Form.
3. Fill out the required Payer Information.
4. In Bill of Collection Number under Payment information, please enter the Auction Identification number(s).
5. Enter Payment Info.
1. Payment is 1 CHF to 1 Dollar. If your winning bid is 100CHF, you pay 100 Dollars.
6. Review & submit.
7. Confirm.
8. Forward confirmation email to: Bernauction@state.gov

In the item "Amount" fill in the total amount in the local currency of your bid(s)

In the case you have bid and won more than one item you can pay the total amount due of all items in one payment, but all lot items must be identified in the field "Payment Description"  in lot numbers you're paying for.

It's important to note that once the payment is settled it will appear in our system after 2-3 working days. 

How to pick-up your items

Pick-up will take place at the U.S. Embassy in Bern.

• Pick up times are only possible from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday 

• All lots must be collected within 5 business days after notification, by email, of receipt of your payment.

Any items that are not picked up during the scheduled time frame will be disposed of, and there will be no possibility for their retrieval. In special cases or circumstances, you may arrange a different pick-up date and time by contacting the auction manager: Bernauction@state.gov

If items are not picked up in a timely manner they may be considered abandoned and disposed of.

Lot winners on the Embassy Bern Online-Auction can retrieve their goods at the below address during the designated times.

Location Address: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern, Switzerland.