Looking for some wisdom

I have a co-worker from the past, who has a side job of trash hauling. He goes to clients places and picks up, and hauls away their trash for them. He only goes to the dump, he doesn't scrap unless he has a full load of steel or something big that pays quickly.

I am planning on calling him and offering him a deal. I will make a list of things I want, and have him set them aside for me to pick up. (he is only a few blocks away from my house.) All the "work" he would have to do for me, is set certain things aside instead of throwing them out with everything else.

I'm looking for some advice on what to say to him. What should I pay him? Does anyone here have this same situation going for them? Or something similar? How is it working out? Anything will help, I'm going to get ahold of him soon, And I will let you guys know how it works out for me. Thanks

Does he have to pay at the dump? Can he just drop by your place and toss it out somewhere?

yes he pays at the dump. I'd do whatever was easier for him. Dump it at my place or put it in a spot at his place for pickup. But I still feel like I should pay him something for taking the time to sort it out for me. I would be saving him a little bit lightening up his dump load though..

It sounds like you kind of know this person. Try to make out a deal with him and see if you could get at the trash first and reduce the load for him. That way he would not even have to handle or sort anything. Just make it perfectly clear that you have no intent of stealing his customer.

I would start off from the position where you will be saving him money, which is a positive for him. If you can find a way of doing it whereby it doesn't cost him any extra time or fuel then he might go for it. Where you are going to have problems is when he wants to go to the dump on the way home, as he would then have to separate the metal out from the pile and take it home with him. If he is going to do that he might as well make a pile of metal at his place and run it in himself once in a while.

On the other hand, if you offer him a fair split on the tickets, he might just take the easy money from you. After all, it's more than he is getting now, for not a lot more work.

Sounds like you may have a little business you two could do together. If you have a truck why not tell him that you can get the steel/scrap before he takes the trash. That way he doesn't have to deal with moving the heavier stuff when he gets there and work out a split with him.

I would say offer to tag along on any his jobs, and load up your metal on site, as well as help him clean up his stuff. That way you're providing a service to him as well as he to you.

He gets paid from his client, you get paid from the scrap yard.

He saves on dump fees.

Thanks guys. I don't really have the time to tag along or anything. Thats why I am hoping he will get it for me. I'm calling him today. we will see...

Update: I finally called the guy. I am now going to be getting all his e-waste. :) He normally stock piles it at his house to take somewhere else, because the dump wont take e-waste anymore. Now he is going to stock pile it at my house :), because I live close enough to him. Easy money, free delivery! wish I would have called him sooner..

Glad the call turned out good for you both. Make efforts to keep this guy happy. Remember he's basically bringing you free money. Do all you can to keep that relationship going. On the days he brings you large amounts throw him a few bones, offer to help somehow and always show great appreciation. I have a guy who refurbs computers and has a free and much more convenient way to get rid of his scrap but I honestly think he brings it to me because I show great appreciation and when he's around I let him just hangout and shoot the sh!t. I honestly think he enjoys bringing me his scrap. I know I really appreciate it and I express that every time he comes by. Im positive I've accumulated at least $500 worth of Escrap from this guy and he brings it to me. You gotta love a relationship like that.