Funny price tactics at local yard.. (over phone vs in person) ????

Just ran a small load to the local yard, just wanted to test them out, aswell as clearing some clutter from around my work station.

I had...

Elec motors (P.C Power supplies) 80kg ish
Alluminium (mix of cast extruded, domestic) 35kg ish
Copper in PVC (low grade data & ribbon cable) 22kg ish
Copper in PVC (high grade extension cord, and appliance cord) 34 kg ish



So I took samples of each in there last week, and was quoted as follows.
(I like to do this as I have been dudded before with yards low balling my gear when I get there for one 'BS' reason or another)


Elec motors (low grade) - $0.30 per kg
Alluminium mixed - $1.10 per kg
Copper PVC (low grade) - $1.25 per kg
Copper PVC (high grade)- $1.70 per kg

so I called them before I left home to confirm prices.

"its all changed mate" the guy said, then re-quoted me 0.05c to 0.10c per kg less on all the above.. Hmmm, not pleased.

So I front up there with the written quote from the first visit. He looks at it, says "i'll look after you mate" the proceeds to weigh it all and pay me more than the phone quote, AND more than the written quote?????????

So I end up with..

Elec motors (low grade) - $ 0.45c per kg (up from $0.30)
Alluminium mixed - $1.20 per kg (u[p from $1.10)
Copper PVC (low grade) - $1.40 per kg (up from $1.25)
Copper PVC (high grade) - $2.00 per kg (up from $1.70)


So I am a bit shocked at all this, all coming from the same guy!!!!

***and here is the kicker!! All my stuff was in heavy duty plastic crates that weigh about 4 lbs empty each, he says at the beginning he will have to deduct this weight at the end, but then says "nah mate, she's right I'm in a good mood today" PMSL!!!!!!!

After he pays me, I ask what the hell is going on..

he says that they will "ALWAYS" pay more when you bring it in, written quotes get a low rate, over the phone gets an even lower rate. He says its like reverse marketing... people ring up get a price, then get a nice surprise when they actually bring it in.

Sounds odd to me I said, how many people get the low ball quote and then just go else were?? He says as they are only a small family yard, they want repeat customers, not one off douche bags just price matching every yard in the city..


This info is probably of no use to any of you, I thought I would share it anyway

peace!

Adam.

I always see the exact opposite. The yard tries to high ball me and then we haggle down to a more reasonable price.

Originally Posted by High Voltage Processing

I always see the exact opposite. The yard tries to high ball me and then we haggle down to a more reasonable price.

+1 here....they high ball it....then try to down grade the items as if I am some new kid.

Originally Posted by miked

Perhaps I'm a bit slow but what does "PMSL" mean?? And their odd price quotes does make me wonder what is going on in their heads. But it could be you are both upside down, Mike.

yes mate, "Piss My Self Laughing" this site sensors quite a lot of words, so I reverted to abreviations.. And YEA we are upside down (according to you northern hemisphere guys

Originally Posted by wayne1956

One way of looking at it is that it is good PR for them. Most people expect lower prices when you get there, that seems to be the norm if there is a difference in price. But paying more is way out of the norm, so people are going to be talking about them a lot more. Much more word of mouth advertising.

True, they seem to have a good rep and healthy repeat business

Originally Posted by easyrecycle

+1 here....they high ball it....then try to down grade the items as if I am some new kid.

That had always been my experience, even the first time I went to this yard, but in last 12 mths it has changed hands, and is now a family owned (non corporate) yard, and you are always greated with a smile and a "g'day"

ha ha, thanks Mike!

I have spent some time in the US, Texas, N.C and Baltimore mainly. I usually 'thicken' up my accent when I arrive there, it trips people out!

LOL!

Originally Posted by Torker Man

That had always been my experience, even the first time I went to this yard, but in last 12 mths it has changed hands, and is now a family owned (non corporate) yard, and you are always greated with a smile and a "g'day"

The yard I go to is this way. It is corporate owned. The main company owns I think like 10 or so scrap yards all over MD, VA, and DC.

However, they greet you with hello, good day, etc too.

Like you, I like that a lot. Makes me feel welcome, and that they value me.

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

The yard I go to is this way. It is corporate owned. The main company owns I think like 10 or so scrap yards all over MD, VA, and DC.

However, they greet you with hello, good day, etc too.

Like you, I like that a lot. Makes me feel welcome, and that they value me.

Man, you hit the nail on the head George!! Nothing winds my clock more than putting in the hard yards, breaking stuff down, removing all the screws etc, so its better for the yard, then get treated like a scumbag


got it in one there mate