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I'm a small time scrapper and basically do it as a hobby. I'm interested in making it as much of a side business as I can. I don't have much problem finding scrap but I'm interested in seeing if there are any books that might address different aspects of the business, for example: economic conditions affecting scrap metal prices. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Yes. Many. Go on Youtube or Amazon's website and search "Scrap Metal Business". Just be cautious in choosing as there is a lot of junk out there. One book to avoid is "Scrap Catalytic Converter Buying and Selling". I left a review on Amazon for this so-called book. It was not positive.
Actually, I'd say you'll get as much or more right here. It can be tailored to your situation rather than generic information you need to adapt. Anything you don't understand or want to know, just ask. It may seem like a silly question, but if you're wondering, so is somebody else.
At it's base level, it goes like this: Find some metal. Take it to a scrap yard. They weigh it, classify it and unload it. You go to the office and get a slip showing what you sold and a check (or cash in some circumstances). You drive away with a smile on your face.
I would have to agree with Mick. I feel you will learn way more for free here than you would in a book. Also if you have a question about something in the book or not in the the book you can't ask it. On here yo can ask all the questions you want. There are many expierenced scrappers on here. Also you can become a member for $20 for even more scrap knowledge.
Also use the search feature for the forum. Type in a key word and check out the topics covered on that key word.
Thankyou both for your help. Generally what I do is find a small amount of scrap from my full time job. But I find a lot more in the forest preserves around the corner from where I live. Mostly cans but on occassion I'll find some wire and what I pull out of the dumpster at the apartment complex where I live. I don't have a truck so about once a week I take the load to the scrap yard which is about 10 miles from my house and there are a couple of forest preserves that I stop at on my way to the scrap yard. I spend almost no money in gas because everything I find is at locations I would otherwise be at anyway. I dedicate about 10-15 hrs a week to my hobby. I'd do more but I work alot at my full time job and I make $30-$60 a week for what I consider to be almost no work(free money). As I save more money I think I'll invest in a truck, but that would be taking my hobby to another level. Once again, thanks for your help.
Sounds like you are on your way. That is one thing I enjoy about being a scrapper. It can be a hobby or full time.