Guide to Making Money Selling Scrap Metal

The scrap metal
business is a fascinating venture. As scrap metal trucks move around town, any
person with a business mind would probably wonder how the business operates,
makes profit and the even the use of the scrap metal.

The value of scrap
metal is dependent on the on the weight and type of the metal. When making a
sale, a seller drives into the scrap metal yard and on to a large scale where
the weight is read and recorded. The seller then parks at the offloading bay.
The offloading can be done manually or mechanically, using an excavator. At
times, sellers opt for manual offloading especially when they supply the scrap
metal using their personal vehicle. A slight error when using the excavator can
cause severe damage to your car if the scrap metal falls on it. After the
offloading, the seller drives to the scale to record the vehicle`s weight. The
difference between the initial weight and the second weight gives the weight of
the scrap metal.
There are two fundamental
types of metals that scrap metal businesses deals with. They are ferrous and
non-ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals are all the metals without iron. They
include, aluminum, copper, lead nickel, tin titanium, zinc and some alloys such
as brass. They are rare and more expensive than the ferrous metals. Ferrous
metals contain iron of alloys of iron. They are the most common metals that the
business deals with and hence, are cheaper.
Selling and
Collection of Scrap Metal
“The prices of
scrap metals vary with the worldwide supply and demand of the product. The
changes in prices occur randomly and repetitively; thus, it may change by the
day,” said Mike Evens of A&R Metal Recycling Company. However, research
around shows that ferrous metals sell at an average rate of $10 per 100 pounds
of metal. The non-ferrous metals` prices vary with the metal element on sale.
Bare copper, common in power cords and copper pipes used plumbing sells at an
average rate of about 2.85 dollars per pound for weighed with the shield still
on. Aluminum goes for an average of 50 cents per pound. It is found in old
windows and patio furniture. The seller should extract aluminum only before
sale. Extraction includes removing the glass on an old window before taking it
to the scrap seller`s yard.
Additionally, some
home appliances have metal and thus can be sold as scrap metals. The prices
vary with the weight and age of the item on sale. Older appliances are heavier
and were made with more steel, therefore, will fetch more money on sale. For
items such as refrigerators and freezers, the compressor and Freon should be
removed before scrapping.
Besides selling
scrap, collection of the same is also a profitable venture. There are different
methods to source for scrap metals and even collecting them. The most effective
method is using a utility trailer fitted with a ramp to avoid damaging it when
carry the metals. You can source for the metal through the craigslist free
section where people post give-away for the metal. Alternatively, you can make
a recurring sourcing from different places such as apartments. Simply handout
business cards for people to call you whenever they have items to dispose. This
is a good option for those looking to venture into the business on a long term
basis.
The business
entails simple transactions since you are paid on supply of the product.
Moreover, you don`t need to remove the covers on the items; the buyers have
accounted for the rubber casings when evaluating. Any item that is metallic can
be sold. However, those with gas cylinders need to be emptied before sale.
Do you find it
hard to find scrap metal buyers near your location?
A & R Metal Recycling
Company is based in Houston, Texas. They are equipped to handle any large
amount of commercial scrap metal no matter the size. For
more information, visit their website at
http://www.armetalrecyclers.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *