Hello from Wisconsin! Seeking guidance!

Hello everyone!
Just started scrapping recently, also I'm very young. I have a lot of questions so bare with me. I have been breaking down metal/shadowing my girlfriends dad (who is a experienced scrapper) since the start of this year. Only downside is he does it part time and on his own time. I've caught on very fast and now I'm hooked but have never brought a load in myself only with him. In my area I really think I would have a good chance of making incredible profit if I started a metal recycling "business" /make business cards saying metal recycling including appliances (list), junk removal, etc. I have a lot of good connections I could give the cards due to friendships but I'm seeking some tips, guidance, and your experiences before I start. I am very serious about this and would love to hear some feedback! I'm hesitant on handing out the cards until I feel STABLE with what I'm doing because he is the one with the truck and trailer. He did say he would work with me but I don't feel he understands how into this I really am and I don't want to burden him with all the driving (saving up for my own truck). In this month alone I've had thousands of lbs of metal lined up for pickup but have backed out on telling him because I feel like a burden having him drive all over for me. Where should I go from here? What's a great cheaper starter truck? I have the will power, determination, and a lot of resources just need the guidance. Thank you all so much and god bless.

Thanks Mechanic688. I have my own personal broken down stash at home right now consisting of yellow brass, brass, copper, copper pipes from my friends dad (plumber), clean/dirty aluminum, electric motors, copper wires, stainless steel.

What are some other good promoting techniques that you have found most useful Mechanic688?

The best scrapping truck is the one that runs and is paid for. Average size of the loads, distance to the scrap yard, etc. will dictate the size of truck you will need.

Mechanic offered the best solution based on the limited information you provided. Not knowing if you are old enough to drive makes it hard to offer more ideas. One concern I would have is placing all your eggs in one basket, i.e. girl friends father. If you have other friends that own trucks and drive you might offer similar percentage deals to them. The more avenues to transport the metal, the more flexibility you will have in the deals you barter.

There are several other young scrappers on the forum that have experienced scrapping from your perspective. If they chime in they may have better insight. Good luck.

What other information should I add? I can re-edit my post. Thanks.

Originally Posted by drizzy26

What other information should I add? I can re-edit my post. Thanks.

How old are you and how close to driving age are you? Are you in a rural or urban area of Wisconsin? Are you looking for any scrap or specializing in ewaste, non ferrous, appliances, curbco, cleanouts, etc.? How far is it to the scrap yard?

I have seen scrappers in urban areas that have built trailers for their bikes and take in loads that way. Some individuals have rolloffs delivered to the site by the scrap yard. The strategies are endless.

Instead of editing your original post, just add to your thread. This will help you get privileges on the forum quicker.

Welcome. I agree, more info please.
I think that relying on the girlfriend's dad is going to limit what you can do. If he is only working it part time, then you will have to work on his schedule. It could work though. If you do most of the work and he provides the wheels, it could be a win-win for both of you. Let him know you are serious. Chances are he'll want the best for you and will be helpful.

welcome from iowa

I started scrapping at the age of 14. Now I did have a 16 year old neighbor I relied on. We would cruise around and pick up junk, I'd then process it and we'd split the money. Well eventualy My processing was not enough for a 50/50 split. He wanted gas money now also. Well needless to say I am still working with him to this day. Although I still envision myself braking off when He starts college next year. And remember you don't need a truck to scrap, Small Items can be transported in cars or vans or whatever you have.

hi, I am a young scraper too I'm from china, but now i'm in dallas.
and i think my problem is finding more low grade copper scrap from your country.
and my suggestion is, make your items as pure as possible. for example, full container of small motor.
then you can always get best price. ;P

Where in Wisconsin are you from?

Welcome. Read read read old threads.

Are you over 18? I thought yards wouldn't purchase from minors. So if that's a concern.... Also it's imperitive to get your own transportation. If it goes south with the old lady your sol. Another thing to consider is protecting your sources... If you hit pay dirt he could outbid you.(I'm not saying he will but I've seen it happen) I've seen several f-150 pickups for $1000 bucks. (Couple had the 300 6 too) get a cheap a$$ pile to start off with. Up grade when you can. If don't look like a crack head scrapper you will get even mor biz. Are rural or local? Mostly appliances or do you have access to bigger torching items? Whatch the freon thing. Dnr is hunting scrappers hardcore.... 10k fines to boot.
IAP

Don't rely too long on the GF's dad. Sounds like you have the moxy to make it happen on your own. And less potential downside long term. Get a cheap truck or full size van to start, preferably one with a HD trailer hitch, and work towards getting a trailer.

Welcome from Boston Mass. Congratulations on your desire to join your fellow metal recyclers. We are a proud and savvy bunch. Not only do we employ ourselves, we provide the communities we live in and the environment as a whole with a service most people don't appreciate or even know anything about.
So, with that said, follow your heart, secure a scrapper rig, any vehicle that will hold groceries can also hold curb scrap. You start small and work your way up. Don't take freon appliances, air conditioners, fridges, until you connect with a responsible party the properly evacuates the freon. Remember, a good scrapper also cares about his planet along with his earnings etc. I retired from a railroad several years ago, I was a freight train engineer so I always had scrapping in my blood. So now I scrap to give me some extra spending money. I go curb cruising several days per week and I fill up my rig every time I go out. Water heaters are heavy and they usually have some brass& copper fittings. Chuck them in a 5 gal. Bucket , actually, get many buckets and fill them with copper, brass, aluminum, cast iron, gold,...�� buckets help you stay organized. I'll post pictures at a later date.
Now lets talk rigs & tools. The snowmagedding we suffered here this past winter killed my longbed chevy p.u. so after a couple months of procrastinating I landed a very sweet 1 ton dump. A 1992 chev. 3500 dump. 4X4 with plow for very short money. I built up the sides with plywood and now I just push the dump button and say byby to my load. No labor. Tools: I have a old rr radio belt that I rigged up to carry the following., large wire cutters, small cutters, and cell phone, etc. The belt itself is high reflective safety red so it also protects me from distracted drivers while I'm crossing streets.
Also I fill a 5gal bucket with various wrecking tools and put it next to the pass side window for whenever I need it. Here's a good tip..cut all and any power cords from every single item you collect. They pile up fast, so store them and when you're bored or when prices are up or down, cut open your cords using a homemade wire stripper. Copper will pile up like crazy. #1 copper 220 per pound here. Yet very fluid so it changes often.
You're young and curious, thats awesome, so get to it. Get your own rig, p.u., dump, flatbed, landscape trailer, crappy old car, van....and help us save the planet. And make some cash. I make my own buss.cards with hardpaper and sharpie. People like homemade. Remember ues, reuse, recycle. Good luck.
Scrapper Al��