Please tell me it picks up.

I've only been doing this for about a month and a half, but I really enjoy it and I'd really like it if it could be profitable for me. But, there's almost nothing around my area to scrap, and if there is someone else is taking it in. Because it seems like all of a sudden everyone now knows that their old metal has some value. I've come across more stuff recently, but I just gotta know.

Does it start to pick up more during the warmer months?

I never thought of that before I got on the site and that's what I do now. It works

I believe there are several factors, 1. winter usually thins out all but the searious scrapper, my brother in Omaha has been trying to get me to move back to Omaha, because of the 60 and 70 degree winter this year.

2. the economy, the gov says unemployment is 8.7, but the reality is it is closer to 20 or 25%. desperate people do desperate things.

3. those stupid unreality, reality shows on tv bringing attention to the "get rich, fast cash easy"
life of "pickers" " junk wars" et al.

and last but not least, this forum, I love it but it is a two edged sword, I know we have taught at least 3 lurkers here in this small town, and created compitition for me, much of what we discuss here has shown up on at least 3 of the craigs list ads here. it happens in every "easy money" endever Gold, Silver, Catolytic converters, junk cars, scrap, and finally electronic scrap.

that said: I have been preaching for months times are going to get harder for us, in several ways, from several different directions,

we know there is no such thing as easy money in this business, but to the uneducated public, "it is not what is true that counts but, what people believe to be true that counts" and with most of Americans being guided by reality tv shows, this is what you get.

Those who are searious about this business, just have to , cinch up the saddle, tighten their belts and refine their business plans, and methods.

it the economy gets better things will get better for us, if it dosent it wont matter, but what you learn here will make you an independent and important, factor in that future. just my .02.

example: yesterday I traded 20# bare #1 cu and $10 for a great working washer and dryer I badly needed. this may well be the future.

A way to be above the competition I've talked to a few customers they seem to rather have a person in a uniform show up at there house . and a company website goes a long way as well.With all the theft in this business. The only way to stay ahead is be professional and friendly.

I agree with old dude. You also have to be flexable in what you do. We just hired on 2 guys who will work on commission to test and resell our stock of newer computers. They have a computer background and are also out of work so it works out for everyone. We havealso been buying newer non working laptops for more than scrap value and reselling those as well. We have always been a "warehouse" style of operation but are going tomorrow to look at our first storefront for remarketing these items.

I'm having a little trouble finding people to buy from. I'm also pretty much broke. Waiting on that tax refund though! The thing is, there's stuff on CL all the time, but it's usually not enough of a haul for it to matter. I'm considering, once I get enough money to buy a 4x8 or 5x10 trailer and do some small furniture deliveries, or mow some lawns. And probably pick a day to go to one of those areas and try to pick up as much as I can. Just try to get lucky!

I'll leave this one for MDG.

Talk to everyone you know. Eventually word of mouth keeps rolling and rolling and rolling. It takes some time, but one day eventually you will get a call and they will say "so and so told me to call you".

as fuel prices rise, the practice of picking up one item across town, once or twice a day is gone.

Yeah, it's not exactly cheap to fill up my truck either. I'll just keep asking around for now. I guess I gotta learn a little more patience!

Originally Posted by Kris Kringle

Yeah Old Dude some may have to change Their business model and have to start charging for pick ups.

I do.

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Well while your being patient, just go to Walmart and in the office section you can buy a do-it-yourself kit for printing your own business cards. Their 3.69 for a 100 blank cards that you set up on your computer (using Avery's website) and print them as you need them. It's a very cheap way to start out. That way when your talking to people, hand them a card and they have something with your name and #. Can also pin them up on bulletin boards.

Bear with me guys; here is an example of what can be done. That was done entirely on our computer.

If you go to a website like Vistaprint, you can even have cards professionally printed for very cheap. (You can get them FREE if you don't mind Vistaprint's advertising on the back.)

If you seek it, it will come.

I got heavy into scrapping last summer when prices were high. Many here may remember a depressing rant from me around early december...I had nothing left, stressing about bills, etc. The scrap gods smiled upon me, and now I cant move through my garage. Give it time. There is ALWAYS scrap. Research here as much as you can, you will be surprised what you will learn. Never pass up the smallest item. Every little screw adds up.