Hello from VA

I am Courtney. I recently started scrapping, so I am still figuring out what works best. I have been collecting items from family/friends, curbside, the free section of craigslist and placing/responding to ads on CL. I’m pretty much getting anything that can be recycled or resold right now, but I prefer trips to the scrap yard over selling.

I started because we need to make more money to pay the bills. A lot of my neighbors are paying their rent with scrap, so I started doing some reading on the how-to’s. It made me realize how much money I pass on the side of the road just driving around with the kids, so now I don’t pass it by!

So far, it beats a part-time job. I don’t have to leave my kids at a sitter, they have fun helping me take things apart and it pays more than I would get elsewhere. I'm hoping to refine my methodology and be able to get a trailer soon.

Welcome. Lots of info here from people who know what they are doing.

At least consider apartment\business dumpsters, folks do throw away alot of stuff.

Best, Steve

Thank you for the advice! I have been casually checking out apartment dumpsters and have found some things. I'll have to come up with a route for checking out businesses also.

How do you approach people about picking up their yard sale leftovers? I brought it with a few people, but did not get a positive response. Just a CL ad?

Welcome to another newbie! Seems like we are pretty much right in the same boat. I too have been trying to get into the yard sale game, but it seems like around here, even if you catch them at the tail end of the their sale, they still want to make a buck off their stuff! (Ok, not that I blame them.) I'll definitely take a look into making up a card to hand out. Seems like a wise idea. Rather than trying to scramble around to several sales, you could just hit em up while you pass by and if they are feeling generous, they can call you! Genius!

(Sorry, I had way too much Monster and some Skittles to try and stay awake through class tonight, so now I'm hyper.)

I keep putting off making cards, but it sounds like it pays off in the long run.

My issue at the garage sales was the same, MammaMechanic. The card may be a softer sell for them. Maybe once they have it all packed back into their garage there will be second thoughts about keeping it!

I just had a lengthy debate about the cards with my boyfriend. He says that we'd look bad going up to a yard sale and handing out cards because the sellers might be disappointed that we aren't potential customers. I told him the cards are far more professional and less like "begging." We're not putting any pressure on them to make a snap decision. Once it's all said and done, they can make the decision whether they are willing to let the items go for free, and they can make the call. I spend less gas and time running around because I'm going to one place. And who knows, maybe they will keep that card and when they have other items, they might call again. Or pass it along to their friends and neighbors. That networking opportunity is lost if I just roll up while they're packing up their sale, looking for stuff.

Originally Posted by MommaMechanic

And who knows, maybe they will keep that card and when they have other items, they might call again. Or pass it along to their friends and neighbors. That networking opportunity is lost if I just roll up while they're packing up their sale, looking for stuff.

Really excellant point. Best, Steve

Talking to who ever is putting on the yard sale works also, if you don't get those cards before the weekend yard sales. Be prepared to answer some questions, etc. In my experience, folks love to chat, an will ask a few questions, tho they usually stop when I tell them I'll be recycling or some other use for it. Craft projects, recycle, etc. They love that stuff, especially the older folks.

Oh an welcome to both mamma's from a sandbar off the coast of NC.

Sirscrapalot - Keeper of the traveling cooler, an all that fun stuff.

I ended up with 500 cards off Vistaprint for a little over $13, and it was definitely worth it. Also right before I printed it, I put on the bottom that I will pick up tag sale leftovers. I've given them to a few people and they said once they have one they'll give me a call. I would look into it, it's a good investment, and like stated above, it looks alot more professional than just asking "can I have all of this stuff for free?". That way you are doing them a service of hauling off what they don't want, not them just giving it to you.

I ordered some cards odd Vista print. I'm excited to have something to give people when Italk to them. I picked up a few yard sale leftovers this past weekend. Not much in the way of metal, but a lady just gave me a bike for my son after I chatted with her (he has been begging for one). I think cards will only increase the response.

I seem to end up with a lot of items to try to resell. I was thinking about offering free delivery in exchange for metal recyclables. I just need to put some thought into how to word it.

Hey not all metal is good sometimes.

Resale usually means more then scrap value. Do it locally if your not a ebay, craigslist, amazon, etc type. Depending on where your at in Va you have many avenues to sell the stuff for better then scrap value.

Good job on getting some..it's a start. Even without cards be sure to leave your number, etc etc.

Sirscrapalot - It takes time for a snowball to become a avalanche. - me, or someone else..no idea.