I think I pissed off the scale man.

**mrsamsonite** · 06-26-2012, 10:39 PM

I got a degree in Spanish and im glad I did. There are some yards that I wouldnt be able to do business with if I didnt know Spanish. It is a great thing to know especially in this industry.

When I bring stuff to a yard I try not to bring too many items. Im afraid that the guy at the scale might be in a hurry and skip a couple of items. Actually it has happened and I had to sort it all out and explain to them that I had 6 items and not 5 items that were listed on the ticket. Eventually they noticed what I was saying and they changed it but it wasnt easy to make them change it.

I also like to bring few items to the scale because if there has to be some negotiating with the price it is easier with just a couple of items but, if you are trying to get a better price on a lot of items the guy at the scale starts to get irritated.

**GeorgeB** · 06-27-2012, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by mrsamsonite

I got a degree in Spanish and im glad I did. There are some yards that I wouldnt be able to do business with if I didnt know Spanish. It is a great thing to know especially in this industry.

When I bring stuff to a yard I try not to bring too many items. Im afraid that the guy at the scale might be in a hurry and skip a couple of items. Actually it has happened and I had to sort it all out and explain to them that I had 6 items and not 5 items that were listed on the ticket. Eventually they noticed what I was saying and they changed it but it wasnt easy to make them change it.

I also like to bring few items to the scale because if there has to be some negotiating with the price it is easier with just a couple of items but, if you are trying to get a better price on a lot of items the guy at the scale starts to get irritated.

Unless you live in a very small area, there will always be more than 1 yard to go to. If they cock an attitude, ask them how badly they want your business, since there is an x amount of other yards that do want it.

**Koldes** · 06-27-2012, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

Unless you live in a very small area, there will always be more than 1 yard to go to. If they cock an attitude, ask them how badly they want your business, since there is an x amount of other yards that do want it.

Classic! I've learned this over the years working my office job. As a business, customers have said this to me so much at the slightest HINT of not being able to give them what they want. So, as a consumer, I always make sure to use this type of comment to my advantage if I feel someone's treating me poorly. As a customer speaking with a company that wants your business, you have almost all of the power.

**Mechanic688** · 06-27-2012, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by mrsamsonite

I got a degree in Spanish and im glad I did. There are some yards that I wouldnt be able to do business with if I didnt know Spanish. It is a great thing to know especially in this industry.

When I bring stuff to a yard I try not to bring too many items. Im afraid that the guy at the scale might be in a hurry and skip a couple of items. Actually it has happened and I had to sort it all out and explain to them that I had 6 items and not 5 items that were listed on the ticket. Eventually they noticed what I was saying and they changed it but it wasnt easy to make them change it.

I also like to bring few items to the scale because if there has to be some negotiating with the price it is easier with just a couple of items but, if you are trying to get a better price on a lot of items the guy at the scale starts to get irritated.

Last I checked this is the good ole USA and I think our primary language is still English, If they can't speak it I don't do business with them, Sorry about your luck.

**landmine** · 06-27-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Last I checked this is the good ole USA and I think our primary language is still English, If they can't speak it I don't do business with them, Sorry about your luck.

While i do agree, I dont think there is an Official language for the united states, it was voted on in congress/senate a few years ago, but they failed to pass it

**BurlyGuys** · 06-27-2012, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Last I checked this is the good ole USA and I think our primary language is still English, If they can't speak it I don't do business with them, Sorry about your luck.

While I echo your feelings, I don't believe i HAVE a scrap yard without communication issues near me.
That being said, press one for English, and press 2 for GTFO until you learn to speak English.

**Koldes** · 06-27-2012, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Last I checked this is the good ole USA and I think our primary language is still English

Not true.

It's American!

**mrsamsonite** · 06-29-2012, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Last I checked this is the good ole USA and I think our primary language is still English, If they can't speak it I don't do business with them, Sorry about your luck.

Although there is no official language in the USA I do think all should know how to speak English here. Most of the time Spanish speakers that I do business with know English, they just prefer to speak their native language.

I wasnt trying to say that others have to learn Spanish nor that we should be expected to accommodate for Spanish Speaker.

I would like to say though, it is to MY benefit that I know Spanish. I am able to do business with Spanish speakers which gives me access to more clients and other businesses. Its funny, most of the time I will speak Spanish over the phone with Hispanics and when i see them in person we speak in English. Maybe its because they see this big tall white dude and automatically want to speak English.

I lived in Chile for a year teaching English. I ship electronics over there from time to time (prices are about double there). If I didn't know Spanish I wouldn't be able to do international business. Who knows, maybe Ill start buying/selling e-waste from mexico some day.

About the guy at the scale, things just seem to go smoother when I just have only 3-4 items. Not a big deal really.

theelectronrecycler : about the negotiating, I usually do it at a yard where prices are really low. Just about every item I ask them to up the price, and they do. If your yard is already giving you the "going rate" then I wouldn't worry too much about negotiating. At the yards that pay well I just make sure to let them know that I took the time to break everything down, clean it up, and separate it. Many times they will give me a better rate when I tell them this.

**totalfish** · 06-29-2012, 04:09 PM

The immigration situation is the same in Australia. No Mexicans really, but lots of asians, indians and lebanese. However all the scrap yards in my area are run by white boyz. In the west many are owned by Lebs or Paki's and if you are not from where they are from, they will tell you to GTFO. It's Australia, and they won't do business with the Aussie's! What do you think of that? Imagine going to a Yard in say California and if you were not Mexican you can't sell there!!!