Who else charges to pick up appliances?

I think people (non-scrappers) have an exaggerated idea of the value of an appliance when they call and expect me to pick them up for free. In Detroit, which is a widespread metropolitan area, I get calls from all over five counties. Since I run a crew, and I am paying them hourly, I often send them on appliance runs when the appliances in question are going to be in the same general vicinity as other runs they are doing. However, people are often startled that I charge, thinking the appliances are worth more money, and I have to educate each customer about the costs of doing business. If it ends up not being worthwhile for the two of us to do business, I am kind enough to let them know that if they put it to the curb SOMEONE will pick it up. However, I do not tell them that until AFTER I have determined if there is any way for me to make money. (Filthy capitalistic pig that I am!)

In Sarasota, where I am still figuring out the market, nobody travels more than five miles from their home for anything, and since I am usually out by myself I will gladly pick up appliances. But the don't call me from Tampa to go get them.



Is it different in different areas?

I pick up all appliances for free but I have regulations about free pickup.... It's just what it says free pickup....If I have to remove it from a cramped basement or any upstairs removal costs money.....Don't send hourly crew members on these free pickups....DO IT YOURSELF!!!

Yeah in Fl you will be beat out by the 50 other guys willing to get it for free.

Areas are very different. Around here There is a market for inside removal that involves stairs. In Chi we have 3,4, and ,5 story buildings without elevators. Otherwise people can just roll them out to the curb. Or, waive down a scrapper. In fact the illegals (90% of the scrappers around here) would probably do it for scrap price. Given you could communicate with them.

The link below takes you to my CL ad for free scrap removal. I try to provide a lot of information so that people know
what to expect. Still, all they read is FREE. They miss the line about a charge for removal from basements, and I do
explain to callers that it has to make sense for me to pick up their stuff.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/lbs/2875168799.html

burly guys thats a really good cl ad you got there even makes me wanna call you to pick up my scrap lol

I do free pick ups in my city, but charge $15.00 fee for dishwahers and $20.00 min. for tv's and monitors ea. or $1.00 per screen inch. I think im going to start charging a fee for refridges. Everytime i pick one up the customer says everyone elese wanted to charge them $25.00 - $100.00 for removal.

I don't hardly get calls even for free removal....How can you guys survive charging?

Mikeinreco, whats your population?

178,874 knoxville tn.....I got more calls when I was living in nashville lot bigger pop.....it's ok I have been doing well at auctions keeps me going LOL

The city picks up them for free once a month

Originally Posted by Russell

Areas are very different. Around here There is a market for inside removal that involves stairs. In Chi we have 3,4, and ,5 story buildings without elevators. Otherwise people can just roll them out to the curb. Or, waive down a scrapper. In fact the illegals (90% of the scrappers around here) would probably do it for scrap price. Given you could communicate with them.

That surprises me such a high rate of illegals in Chicago, I live 3 hours north and I never ever see a Illegal immigrant scrapper. I live in Madison, WI and haul away all appliances for free. If it's in the basement I tell them they have to give me a hand hauling it up or get it to ground level themselves. There's plenty of guy round here who'll haul up for free tho seems like.