Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marketing and Redistribution?
Marketing and Redistribution (M&R) is a section within the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS). This section oversees the redistribution and sale of state surplus between state agencies, tax-supported entities, and the public. M&R is committed to the reduction of waste and the repurposing of products. When used state property is no longer needed, we give it “new life” by reselling rather than sending quality items to a landfill.
Marketing and Redistribution or State Surplus?
Our division is known by both Marketing and Redistribution (M&R) and State Surplus. For the most part, M&R is used internally and State Surplus is used more often externally.
What are your hours of operation?
The M&R business office is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM–4:00 PM.
The M&R warehouse is open for shopping and pick-ups at the following times:
- General Public – Wednesdays from 7:30 AM-3:00 PM
- Cities, Counties, School Districts, Non-Profits, State Departments, etc. – Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
- GovDeals Auction Pick-Ups – Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM-3:00 PM
How does this redistribution work?
Excess surplus commodities in serviceable condition are held a minimum of twenty days before being made available for sale to the general public. During this period of time, these commodities may only be sold to state Departments and tax-supported institutions.
After the twenty-day period, how can I purchase State Surplus commodities?
- Online auction at GovDeals.com – You can view without registering as a buyer. To place a bid, you must register.
- Public Retail Sales – Every Wednesday (excluding state holidays) at M&R from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
- On-site Sales – Throughout Arkansas wherever the property item is located.
What items are sold through the website?
Some examples are: vehicles, ATV 4-Wheelers, boats, canoes, outboard motors, tools/machinery, mowers, tractors, laboratory/medical equipment, office furniture, exercise and recreational equipment, video/audio equipment, televisions, and computers as well as servers and switches. To view our current inventory, visit GovDeals.com.
What items are sold on-site at the Young Road location?
Currently, all commodities available through M&R can be purchased on-site excluding items that are offered for sale via GovDeals.com or via the sealed bid process. For weekly preview photos, visit our Facebook page.
Are any items sold directly on location at the state entity?
Yes. Any item that is cost prohibitive to transport to M&R in Little Rock can be sold on-location at the state entity. This can include extremely large items which are difficult to transport and some computer equipment such as servers and routers.
Are vehicles available?
Yes, Marketing & Redistribution offers vehicles through GovDeals.com, Sealed Bids, and Live Auctions. Contact Marketing & Redistribution at 501-565-8645 for specific details.
Where can I purchase vehicles or computers sold through M&R?
All vehicles & computers are sold to the public on GovDeals.com. We do not sell either of these items on public sale day on Wednesdays.
Can Cities, Counties, School Districts, and Non-Profits buy from M&R?
Yes, public entities can purchase commodities on priority basis Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
How do State Departments, Institutions of Higher Education, Cities, Counties, and other tax-supported entities schedule the pick-up and delivery of state surplus?
A Surplus Disposal Form (SDF) must be completed to schedule the pick-up and delivery of state surplus items. This is a web-based form that is accessible by all Arkansas tax-supported entities at https://www.ark.org/eforms/index.php. After completed online by the Department, the SDF is submitted electronically to M&R. The SDF will be reviewed and the Department will be notified either by email or telephone of the date and time the delivery or pick-up will take place. Two copies of the SDF form must accompany the surplus item. One copy will be signed by a representative of M&R and kept by the Department and one will be kept by M&R. This signed document verifies that the property has been transferred to M&R. When you log on to the website, this will open an electronic e-form page. Enter your user name and password. Each Department person accessing and completing the SDF must have prior authorization through M&R.
If I work for a non-profit, can I purchase items for personal use?
If you are purchasing items for the use of your non-profit, you may shop Monday – Friday. If you are purchasing items for your personal use, you may shop on Wednesdays from 7:30 AM– 3:00 PM (Public Retail Day).
As a state employee, can I shop anytime?
If you are shopping for personal use, then you may shop on Wednesdays from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Public Retail Day). State employees are considered “public” when shopping for personal use. If you are shopping for state or office use, you may shop during any of our weekly business hours.
Why does my Department have to schedule M&R pickup/delivery so far in advance?
M&R has a limited number of staff and vehicles. We pick up from close to 450 places statewide, therefore we must schedule pick-ups/deliveries so that we can process the items. We encourage Departments to schedule as far in advance as possible for your own convenience, so that we can dedicate the necessary time and manpower.
Will M&R ship items purchased through GovDeals?
M&R does not ship any items. It is the buyers’ responsibility to arrange pick-up.
When can I pick up an item that I purchased on GovDeals?
M&R’s hours for GovDeals pickup are Monday – Friday from 7:30AM-3:00 PM. It is encouraged that you first call the M&R business office at (501) 565-8645 to discuss pick up times with our staff.
If I purchase on-location, can I come back to pick up the item?
M&R expects all items to be picked up the day of purchase. There are no refunds, and if the item gets damaged while awaiting pickup, the customer is solely responsible for the property.
How do I know that an item works?
M&R is not responsible for testing inventory. We allow the customer to test on site if we have the type of power that is needed (plugging in items, etc.) However, we do not provide gas/diesel for testing.
Will M&R employees load my purchases into my car?
We can assist the buyer in loading but it is the buyer’s overall responsibility to load their items. Additionally, the buyer must be the one to tie down the load if it is required. We do have forklifts available to assist with loading. Please speak to an M&R staff member if you are in need of assistance.
Can I return purchased items that I am not satisfied with to M&R for a refund?
M&R sells, for the most part, used property. All items are purchased “as is, where is” with no guarantees, warranties, or refunds.
What precautions has M&R taken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic?
We adhere to the current CDC and ADH guidelines. For more information on current standards, visit the CDC website. Our bathroom facilities are also temporarily closed to protect our staff and further reduce the spread of germs.
Can I preview items for sale before Public Retail Day?
We do not currently have a comprehensive list of current inventory available to the public, as inventory turns over very quickly. However, we post photos on our Facebook page every Tuesday, featuring some of our items for sale each week.
