Props to you full timers

I love scrapping. I love meeting new people, new opportunities and of course making money. I do this on a partime scale however. I had a hell of a day running all over the place, lifting, pulling, tugging sweating and even bleeding a little. But, I made out quite well. I give major props to you full time scrappers on here. I give you guys credit for being able to pay your bills, buy equipment, feed your family.... whether its 3 kids or a cat and keep a roof over your head all from scrapping. Im going to bed now.

Yeah, Thirsty, I have to agree with you. The guys who manage to eke out a living just by scrapping definitely don't have an easy life. It's hard work, and unless you're well capitalized you sure won't make much. If this computer gig ever goes belly up I'm going to have to find another; there's no way I could bring in the same money scrapping, although I'm sure some people could do even better! I sure do enjoy scrapping though, and I've learned a lot just reading here.

When I was a kid just out of college I worked in a automotive salvage yard for a year and a half because the job market sucked. Some of the best time of my life was spent working in that yard; I love junk, just always have. I've always daydreamed about buying a salvage yard...now I'm wondering if a scrap metals yard might not be a better choice.

I've been at it for 5 weeks or so, I don't know when i'm going to make any money though.
I spent 4 weeks straight picking things up, this week I've started scrapping everything,
time goes too quick, today I cleaned up about 20 tv boards I pulled up on the street, scrapped 2 pc's,
2 microwaves, 4 monitors, a stereo system, 6 speakers, a cuppucino machine, 3 telephones and 5 keyboards.
I'm writing everything down as I scrap, don't know why.

But yeah, haven't made a cent, i'm sure there is money there, once everything gets taken right down, and I can spend
some time cleaning up wire and stuff, but at this rate, I don't expect a payout until october at least.
no doubt once i'm into it there will always be a pile of something I can sell, but starting out, without the ability to scrap steel
for cash flow, ewaste needs a good 3 months of scrapping to get a sellable stock of it going.

I started 5 years ago parttime while working a fulltime job (even though it was more like working two fulltime jobs) I lost my job 2.5 years ago and wasn't able to find another one so just stated scrapping full time. Even though I always have alot of stuff to brake down it is still a strugle to make ends meet. I think I could do better if I could find someone that I could depend on to partner with and share the work load and the money, one person can only do so much per day and when you to take time to go to the yard or to pick up scrap it cuts into your work time.

Until very recently, I was a full time scrapper. To agree with you guys, you definitely won't get rich quick by scrapping. Although I do believe you can get rich scrapping, it just takes time and a good bit ( or maybe a great deal ) of luck. With enough networking, good contacts, marketing and other big words, you can make a decent living. However, hard work, sweat and blood must be part of the equation.

Have Fun !!!

Originally Posted by theelectronrecycler

Until very recently, I was a full time scrapper. To agree with you guys, you definitely won't get rich quick by scrapping. Although I do believe you can get rich scrapping, it just takes time and a good bit ( or maybe a great deal ) of luck. With enough networking, good contacts, marketing and other big words, you can make a decent living. However, hard work, sweat and blood must be part of the equation.

Have Fun !!!

I absolutely agree on the networking aspect of scrapping. I have had more pickups through word of mouth than anything so far. I believe in treating people with respect as well. I spend more time BS'ing with a customer than I do loading the scrap. Met a neighbor of a customer today who was in his 80's and sharp as a tack. He was in charge of purchasing any and every piece of equipment from logging equipment to staplers for a huge paper company, Sterling Paper. This guys had some great stories and gave me some good advice on sales. I think the advice he gave me for free today is worth more than any load I've ever brought to the yard. Stay strong scrappers!!!