what are the advantages of government auctions over other available auctions?

One of the main differences between government auctions and other auctions is where the items come from. Government auctions usually get their items from three sources. One source is Items that they have to many of or are replacing. A second source is items that they have seized. These items include police, and agencies such as I.R.S., D.E.A. etc. The third source of government auctions are unclaimed items. Mostly state governments, have possession of item that belong to residents and past residents. If the items go unclaimed they will be auctioned off.

Other auctions get their items from many many sources. They may get items from government surpluses or other auctions. Items may come from retail or manufacturer surpluses. Some auction houses may get their items from the current owner (eBay and some auto auctions). Items for auction may even come from estate sales, and storage units that went unclaimed. Basically anywhere there is a surplus of items or items that aren't somewhere that are sold the conventional way may be auctioned.

Another main difference between auctions is who may attend. Government auctions are usually open to the public. Some of the auctions may require you to register. A few others may only allow select individuals or organizations in. Non government auctions are usually open to the public. One of the biggest exceptions is auto auctions that are only open to those who hold a dealer license.

Just like many things over time auctions aren't the same value they once were. Since so many people attend auctions to find "bargains", there are that many more people driving up item prices. Items like houses were only put up for auction because they were distressed and wouldn't sell on the regular market. Now people auction their homes as a way to save on commission fees and time.

One more thing about auctions. No matter the source of the items most of the time you're stuck with it. So if you get that wonderful item at a great price and find out it doesn't work later that's your loss (with exceptions to eBay and others).