While flipping through the forum .....

[divapickers]

As I was getting my daily fix here on the forum, I got to thinking.
Some of the newer members are asking for advise and places where they can get more scrap. My thoughts is everywhere. Hand out cards and fliers. We don't care if it's a mechanics shop or the grocery store or the guys gutting block buster that gives us scrap.
While on topic, others ask how can I make more money?
Hit the bricks and bang on doors. Place ads and answer emails promptly.
Don't limit yourself to just scrap.
We do it all.... I don't care what we're doing as long the truck is clearing $250 a day.

Today for example,
10 am
Arrived to pickup scrap after tenants vacate house after 3 years.
Hauled away fridge, washer, bar b q, 3 tanks 2 half full, 3 a/c window rattlers, and some small scrap.
Then they ask if we can do a dump run for them. Sure for $100. So we dump the scrap $95.00.
Get back to address at 11;30
load up the trailer for the dump on monday. Get the $100.

2 in the afternoon
Arrive on site to remove 6 man hottub. Charged $200 to remove it. Took me and my helper 1 1/2 hours to get it from back yard and into my truck.
Took it home and set it up in backyard, just needs a pump.
Pay my guy $75 for a job well done.

5 until 8 pm
Did curbside pickup and filled the truck up. 2 alum ford rims, a few bed frames, a/c unit, stainless pool ladder and alum cover roller, bar b q, all for scrap.
To keep
a much needed frog sandbox for Destiny, a cute leopard print kids sized loveseat and chair (thank God for our crewcab, it was stuffed), patio umbrella now have shade, and a Coleman cooler in great shape.
Resale
Dog kennel
2 working electric motors

All in all, had a stellar Sunday.
Don't limit yourself to just scrap.
Diversify your company and your phone will be ringing all year round.
My 2 cents
Scott and Betty

[Bear]

how many divas can you pick in a day ? lol

[Destructo_d]

I need to make up some business cards.. I am just worried about city coming after me for not having business license... I have a regular 8-5 job monday thru friday... glad my yard is open 9-1 on sat.... but I do keep an eye out on kijiji and CL for people wanting dump runs done and various free stuff.... If it is fixable or in working condition, I will attempt to sell it.

[Bear]

6 man hot tub, how many were still in it? lol ; )

[Bear]

I need to make up some business cards.. I am just worried about city coming after me for not having business license... I have a regular 8-5 job monday thru friday... glad my yard is open 9-1 on sat.... but I do keep an eye out on kijiji and CL for people wanting dump runs done and various free stuff.... If it is fixable or in working condition, I will attempt to sell it.

i've heard here locally is only $45 for a city license(maybe that's for county, haven't really asked) might need one for each county too.

[divapickers]

I sure could use 2 more Divas as long as they have a license and a strong back. Oh ya they need to be easy on the eyes also. We pull up it's like the coffee truck is here when Betty gets out. Sometimes she can really slow us down but she is the reason why we have long term accounts.
Everybody jumped out when it came time for us to take it away. Me and guy that weighs 180 lbs soaking wet moved that darn brute. I am sure he'll be busy the next time i get a call for another hottub.

[BohemianLush]

Good post Diva. I think some of the new members expect to be spoon fed. The failing economy contributes to more people looking for scrap. As a result of this you MUST think outside the box.

On a side note, but somewhat related...While perusing Craigslist I noticed the abundance of people that were posting in lost and found for keys, jewelry etc. This started me thinking that I should offer my metal detecting services (MD is one of my many hobbies) to these people for a set rate. I would be getting paid to do something that I enjoy anyway.

[rca987]

I sure could use 2 more Divas as long as they have a license and a strong back. Oh ya they need to be easy on the eyes also. We pull up it's like the coffee truck is here when Betty gets out. Sometimes she can really slow us down but she is the reason why we have long term accounts.
Everybody jumped out when it came time for us to take it away. Me and guy that weighs 180 lbs soaking wet moved that darn brute. I am sure he'll be busy the next time i get a call for another hottub.

Hottubs can be done fairly easily with 2 people. The hardest part I have found is getting the tub on its side, on some pvc rollers, on plywood.

2 pieces of ply, 5-6 rollers. Push the tub once on the rollers and keep moving the plywood and rollers forward. I've done this several times. 200 feet takes about 20 mins, on wet grass.

[rca987]

Also, I tend to bring alot of stuff into consignment/resale shops.
50% cut is not bad for stuff you get free, and don't have to spend the time searching and selling.

[BurlyGuys]

Arrive on site to remove 6 man hottub. Charged $200 to remove it. Took me and my helper 1 1/2 hours to get it from back yard and into my truck.

Just FYI, I charge $350 to remove a hot tub, and I get it. You will lose some, but since I advertise as specializing in hot tubs, and since the hot tub stores do NOT want to take them away, I did more than 40 hot tubs last year.

Also today I am sending my hot tub removal business cards (yes, I printed special ones just for hot tub removal!)
to every hot tub store within 40 miles. Should get some nice referrals from them.

[Bandit]

Just checked the Boston CL and a couple are free needing pump , deck , or simple to repair leaks ( LOL ) the rest are for sale around $ 200 with needing repairs.
Also one person moving and disposing them starting at $ 300
We are a proffesional hot tub moving company and are fully insured. We deliver for large companies such as New England Spas. We can relocate your spa to the next town or state! We also install concrete pads for hot tubs and sheds. Basic moves start at $300
I wonder if he checked his spelling on his proffesional business cards ?

[divapickers]

There's about 5 guys in the area that do it for $250 here.
RCA Love the idea with the pvc pipe and plywood.