# Pay and collect on time

Lesson 3 of [Buy government surplus at auction](https://auctionfinder.fyi/academy/buying-government-surplus-at-auction.md), 16 minutes.

Government sales and marketplaces have strict payment deadlines, and they do not store your purchase. Plan payment and collection before you bid. Payment deadlines The terms of each sale state its deadline. Examples (checked on 2026-10-21): - The GovDeals terms ask for payment in full within 5 busin…

The rest of this lesson is for learners enrolled in the course. [See how Buy government surplus at auction works](https://auctionfinder.fyi/academy/buying-government-surplus-at-auction.md).

Also on the [web page](https://auctionfinder.fyi/academy/buying-government-surplus-at-auction/pay-and-collect-on-time).

> Beware of auction fraud and shill bidding: never wire money or pay by gift card to a seller you cannot verify, and walk away when a price is run up by a bidder who never buys.