BEN’s Attic – Policies & Responsibilities

Eligibility & Access

• Open to all Penn faculty and staff with a valid PennKey.
• Users must provide their department’s Business Administrator when listing or purchasing items.
• No fees are charged for using BEN’s Attic.
• Surplus property is for departmental use only; personal purchases are not allowed.

Listings & Approval

• All listings are reviewed and approved by the program administrator.
• Items may be listed for up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted).
• Items can be listed at $0 for disposal.

Prohibited Items

• Computer-related equipment (contact your LSP).
• Hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials)
  • Must be handled through EHRS Waste Management in accordance with University policy.

Safety & Compliance

• Equipment must be cleaned, decontaminated, and free of hazard labels before listing.
• Items used with hazardous or radioactive materials require EHRS approval.
• Departments are responsible for compliance with all EHRS guidelines.

Ownership & Asset Transfers

• For tagged equipment, sellers must complete an Equipment Change Form .
• Motor vehicle transfers must be reported to the Office of Risk Management & Insurance .
• Penn retains ownership of vehicles; only asset transfers are required.

Seller Responsibilities

• Set appropriate pricing and ensure items are in working order.
• Provide accurate descriptions and photos.
• Clean and properly package items for transfer.
• All items are sold “as is” with no warranty (unless otherwise stated).

Buyer Responsibilities

• Arrange and cover transportation.
• Complete a budget journal transaction for payment.

Important Terms

• No technical or mechanical support is provided after sale.
• No shipping services are offered by the University.
• All sales are final—no refunds or adjustments.
• Payment is due within 10 days; items must be removed within 15 days.

Sponsored Research

• Follow OMB Circular A-110 guidelines for federally funded equipment.

Unclaimed Items

• After 90 days, departments are encouraged to:
• Donate items (e.g., Penn Volunteers in Public Service (VIPS))
• Sell externally via GovDeals (contact BensAttic@upenn.edu)