Price for computers per pound

I would do the lowest possibly...reason for it, is other than xboxes, depending on make and model of desktops and laptops, they will all weight differently.

Originally Posted by jmf346

I have an opportunity to buy 2 pallets of scrap towers, laptops, xboxes and hard drives from a buyer who will only sell per pound. He is local and I'm interested but still relatively new to Escrap. I am going to take a look at the load. Seller estimates 1700 lbs. I don't know age of computers, etc. Should I consider buying at 40 cents per pound????

Because I buy all (90%) my scrap I'm always a little hesitant when I make a large purchase. The more I risk, the more reward I want. I'll buy something for 10.00 just to take it apart. Sometimes it's the only way you will learn. I'll take a chance on a lot of electronics for 50.00. When you start exceeding that, I want to know what I'm buying, what it's worth, and what I will make. You are talking about at least 700.00+ (when you factor in gas/transportation). Not knowing specifically what you are buying is crazy. You are setting yourself up for a BIG LOSS. I see the loss, where is the big potential profit buying desktops for 10.00???

Take this example...

The avg computer weights about 25#. At .40# you are paying 10.00 a computer. When you factor in gas, you are LOSING money if they are complete computers (which they won't be).

Laptops believe it or not are a better deal. You will be only LOSING A LITTLE on each one. You pay .40#, they are worth .75#, (+.35#) - .50# shipping you are only losing .15#.

This is a real dog unless you know exactly what you are buying which is most likely why he is selling it by the pound. I've seen way too many people trying to justify a poor purchase with the idea that they will resell some of the stuff. The way to make money is to pay less than scrap so no matter what happens you don't lose.

Another example is that I purchased a Dictaphone for 7.00, I really had no idea what was in it. I took it apart and found 6# of pretty decent telecom boards. I then found this auction:

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...60&acctid=2310

And purchased 5 more for 11.00. I have no idea what Zetron equipment is and really don't care. I know off the Dictaphones I'll get 30# of decent telecom boards. Maybe I'll make some cash off the Zetron equipment but I'm in the black just off the Dictaphones. You have to buy smart or pass.


Run away....

The average seems to run around .22 to .30 a lb.

30 cents a pound is the max I would go period for whole units.

You should find out what the scrap yards are purchasing ewaste for in your area. If its anything like the rest of the country, most are paying between .08 -.15 per# for towers. If he is selling by the pound only, then he has probably sold to a local yard before and knows he is getting screwed and looking for a better deal. If you know your areas prices then you should be able to offer .20 # and he should go for it. If not ask him what he wants. If its over .30 then tell him thanks but no thanks. I know it sucks to walk away from a big lot but you will save yourself money in the long run. There is always another opportunity down the road.

Originally Posted by technologyrecycling

.08-.15 ??? I am in the 5 boroughs the cheapest price I have seen for tower buying is .22 and it goes as high as .35 .. I buy for .30, sometimes more to steal customers away from the scrap yards.


My value for most towers is .55-60 per lbs before costs.. I get paid for my plastic and have a very good number for my metals. You need to break a few computers down and see what it's value is to you per lbs. I know almost exactly what my per lbs value is on specific Dell computers due to their consistency. Everyone's value per lbs is different and it is completely dependent on your expenses and return on material.

I know for a fact that the high for towers within 25 miles of where I am is .25 per pound. Most are paying .08 to .15 and selling to the one buying at .25. The five boros are inundated with yards and competition is tight. I know since I lived there for 30 years and still have family there and some do scrap work. I would like to know who there is paying .35 per pound so I can send a few friends there that dont break down their stuff...or maybe I will send them to you if you can lock in .30 per pound for them.