Gathering Scrap 101

Now that my jackpot find is about to run out, I am venturing into the world to find scrap for the first time. Here is what I have discovered on my own, but I need all the tips and advice I can get...

1. Post ads (is there a trick to standing out from all the other scrap ads)
2. Patrol curbs (are certain days designated for larger items)
3. Certain businesses might have good scrap (any advice on which ones and what to ask for)
4. Auctions (are certain types of auctions more suited to this purpose)
5. What other things should be done?

I am starting this as a hobby, having only a car to work with. If I earn enough profit, I will buy a pickup truck or cargo van to haul larger items and graduate from hobby to part time business. I can envision eventually having a nice cargo van with recycling art painted on the side, and driving to various businesses for routine pick-ups, graduating from part time business to full time business... "The recycling truck is coming by today. Lets have everything around back for him to pick up."

At first, it seems like a good idea to focus on air conditioners and other "treasure chest" items that yield high profit for their size, especially since I am stuck with a car at first. Is there any advice concerning this thought, such as specific items or size restrictions?

check township websites for big trash day, usually once a month as for businesses I would say anywhere that fixes something but just know if that business has been there a while it will most likely have a scrap guy already just ask for what you are looking for. as for ads I would be clear and professional think of a catchy title or something so they will remember you and don't be afraid to ask. the more you put your name out there the more people are likely to know it

RVH first off welcome to smf first thing is first
"The recycling truck is coming by today. Lets have everything around back for him to pick up."

Is not will not nor will ever be a viable phrase

i am a full time scrapper my customers 1 want teh cash they don"t care what the scrap market is doing.
2 pile everything together "just get it out of here quietly preferably not seen by anyone don not get in employees ways
and 3 want it done on time everytime

as far as just a car you have a certain limitation to the acct"s you can grab

All the info is here! Read and have fun!

If its during the day or early evening always knock on the door and ask, before talking, yes even if its on the curb, ive only been turned away once, and leave them your card. Ether way, be the scrap metal guy not the trash picker guy..just my 2cents

Hermit, If you have the room then you might consider doing clean-outs or haul-off's from yard sales.
My partner and I did that 2 years ago and we took business cards and went around to yard sales and explained that we'd haul off anything that they did not want to put away or mess with till next year. The clothes we donated to a non profit, the nic-nacks and nicer stuff went into our yard sale (or you could split it with a consignment shop) and we got some scrap and electronics also.

With them having your card they might also call again whenever they have something to haul off 2 years later, mine do.

Closing school auctions are a good source of scrap just be sure not to overpay.