ATTENTION:Any one paying more then $2.50 per scrap computer needs to read this

I read a thread the other day that stated some of you are paying $5 per for scrap computers. This got my attention since we pay only .12 per lb for mainframes and servers and are barely turning a profit. We once in a while will buy bulk computers and work stations from institutions such as schools and hospitals etc. The last load we bought were 800 Dell Omniplex 270s. I saved a few for my son and his friends to toy with so I dug one out for value analyses.

Here are the #.

Mother board SS @ 1.55 X 1.30 LBS $2.02

mem gold @ ,85 per oz $1.05

Finger cards @$3,75 per lbx $5.29 oz $1.27

Heat sink extruded @.50 per lb x 1/4 lb $ .12

Power supply w wire .27 per lbx2.80 $.76

Tin .05 per lb (that's a stretch for some) $.41

Wire if sold separately .53 per lb x 1/4 lb $.25

cpu $.25


sub total $6.13 If my math is correct.
- .60 (estimate) ship, fuel etc
TOTAL $5.53
if YOU CAN DO 50 OF THESE A DAY YOU CAN MAKE ABOUT $26. Just sayin.

I understand some of you sell parts, to those you will have to do a spread sheet and do your own math.

I have a couple of other Dells and HPs I will analyze in the next day or so and will add the report here.

EARLY HP FROM SAME BATCH UPGRADED:

TIN 11.10 LBS X .O5 .56

LG S MOTHER B + CD BOARD $3.51

POWER SUP W/WIRE $ .89

FINGER CARDS .5 OZ X $3.75 $1.17

WIRE (DIDNT WEIGH) .15

EXT ALU @ ,50 X 5.5 OZ .17

MEM GOLD (UPGRADE) 1 GB 2.19 OZ $2.19

CPU GR FIB @ $6.05 OZ 1.35 OZ .58

SUB TOTAL $6.67

-FUEL/SHIPPING 1.50

SCRAP VALUE $5.17

I just bought one off a dude with a 250 GB SATA in it and (2) DDR 2 1GB sticks.. for $3 bucks.
From some of the buyers on here I just made $13 on those two parts alone off of it.. not including what the MOBO, CPU, and rest of the 'puter will bring.

I also turned down 2 towers from a dude that set a deal with me to sell at $3.. I got there, he jacked them to $6 each and there were no HD's or RAM in either.. I walked

I don't see an hard drive on that list , do most of yours come incomplete ? I would imagine hospitals and schools may remove them prior to releasing them . Just curious as I didn't see it on the list .

I have been saying this for a while seemed no one wanted to listen...........I said for a small socket tower $5 was probably about what it was worth.......Oh well people live and learn!!!!!!

Thanks for putting the numbers out there. It is always good to see the numbers reworked.

I remember fondly when $5 was a good number. Now I can only go there if it is a really old computer. LS motherboard, several finger cards, multiple RAM, 20 pound carcass, etc.

I only go about 2 these days for purely scrap. Taking a look at every single computer in the pile can garnish a higher price.

Thanks for posting this oldude. I have figured the numbers myself also. But I am glad you are showing others what the math really is.

A few years ago the prices were much better and a bunch of people jumped on the gold fever bandwagon. Now, the reality is, you can only make good money if you buy low and work with large quantity's. I hope these numbers convince some people to drop out of taking my business.

The biggest issue I have come across is people wanting to much for their crap. I advertise that I "pay $ for old computers" This happens all the time, People will write me saying they have 2 or 3 computers How much? I tell them and I don't hear back from them. They don't realize that my $3 is better than what they would get anywhere else.

Originally Posted by shendog

Summary: If you are buying computers just for the scrap value, then either pay REALLY low or find another job. If you are looking to build a business, then you may need to pay more for the computers to get in the door (loss leader mentality). This will open worlds of opportunity for you with other equipment provided you are in a good market and not out in the middle of the Yukon or similar. The information regarding the breakdown is relatively good, but its only 1 part of a much larger equation. For those of you depending on a scrap computer to pay the bills, you need to get them cheap or free.

How goes it Shendog

I understand that. Im doing just fine without dealing with auctions. I just dont understand how he is winning auctions at $2 per unit or less. All auctions around me go to a minimum of $5 per unit before they end.

Region has a lot to do with auction pricing. Auctions here for big lots,5-20 pallets there is usually a minimum starting bid of $2500 and it goes up from there. These lots also have 50-250 crt monitors included. Most are near port citys and it states that buyermust remove with a 48 ft trailer or sea container, so you know whoever buys them they are going right onto a ship going over seas.

the money is not really in the scrap.........Sold two vintage cards yesterday for $120 total..........That could be considered better than scrap