The scrap metal market is, admittedly, getting quite popular, for amateurs (Which I suspect you could be). Don’t worry! I was too, but I wrote down these 10 simple things quickly, saving you some embarrassing moments!
Know Thy Metals
The metal scrap information mill full of a variety of metals, of a variety of grades, and each type of “flavour”. It is your job being a scrap metal “artist” to understand the difference between red brass and yellow brass… (hint hint It’s the color!) but in addition much more subtle things like the real difference between 304 and 316 stainless. You will learn quickly by taking what you should a scrap yard. Ask questions, and also be curious! Scrap yard crew are the most effective people to ask, and may be more than prepared to help.
Collect All Scrap Metals
This was much more of a problem recently, but I can’t show you how often I have seen people avoid on appliances or things simply because they didn’t have enough non-ferrous metals inside them. For the love of that is sacred, do who you are a favor and grab anything that is metal! Steel is a peak prices. If you don’t collect steel and iron today, you’re a serious fool, and Mr. T takes pity on the soul.
Break Down Thine Junk
Ok, so now that you’ve got a truck filled with crap that the neighbors, businesses, etc have given you, what should you do. If you have been following trick #2, then you definately know that appliances weight too much and are mostly steel. But you would also are aware that many scrap metal appliances are extremely easy to take rip open, and you could make a few extra dollars in 5 minutes.
Befriend Thy Scrap Yard’s Crew
The friendlier you might be to the scrap yard, the friendlier they shall be to you. The crew likes to have some donuts, trade jokes, etc. If you don’t mind like a bit of a kiss-ass, it is possible to see yourself making 5% more about every scrap run just from your man on the weight table tipping things to your benefit!
Thou Shalt Not Steal Steel
If you don’t need swat teams charging in your home in the midst of the night, scaring your sons or daughters and handcuffing anyone with a wife, please, just don’t steal metal. It is honestly one of the most idiotic, low, scum-of-the-earth style of thing you’ll be able to do. So, to avoid wasting face for any scrapper whatever person made a living from exchanging scrap metals, please do not be that guy.
The Magnet Is Thy Friend
The difference between getting $50 for any load of steel, and $350 for just a load of metal, has a magnet handy. If you don’t keep a magnet upon you at all times, that you are not yet a real scrapper, IMHO. The magnet will allow you to sort metals from being ferrous and non-ferrous rapidly, and in many cases stop you from potential and very costly mistakes, ie buying copper coated steel wire as copper wire.
Fight For Thine Honor, (And For Thine Price!)
Don’t let scrap yards trick you. Some yard owners are ready to bullshit you until your ears go away. Don’t let them. Don’t be Disrespectful, I repeat DONT be disrespectful, but alternatively sit tight if you think that you are in the correct. If someplace wishes to pay you a value that is too low, plus an agreement can not be made, take your merchandise and leave. But, not be disrespectful. Take the high road, and you should always end up on top.
Hold Thyself To The Highest Standards Of the Land
To be described as a great scrapper, you must be described as a great businessman. You must be personable, professional, and polite. You should not seek to cheat anybody, ever. One bad encounter could make your business name worthless. So, for your own personal sake, be professional. This includes officially filing for any business over the state. It means your own business cards printed. It means developing a separate phone line for your online business calls. It means purchasing professional advertising! Do what you could to make a professional.
Know Thy Rights!
Selling Scrap metal isn’t illegal. Collecting Scrap metal from your trash just isn’t illegal in just about all places either! (BUT CHECK YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT’S LAWS. SOME CITY LAWS TICKET DUMPSTER DIVING, GO FIGURE!) dumpster diving is just not illegal! One in the easiest examples is recycling a scrap Microwave oven. Also, remember that you will need to pay taxes with your scrap metal income. This also goes together with being professional; and if you’re caught breaking that one, lord have mercy. Know the Scrap Metal Laws!
Check Thy Weights!
This tip may integrate close with #7, for the reason that it is that can help protect you from bad scrap yards. Before selling any quite a bit of metal to some scrap yard, check the weight on the metal is to use your own scale. If you find out later they stole 15% of the money, that you are going to be sorry!
