Do you just drive around looking for scrap or do you have clients you pick up scrap?

My grandfather was in this business his whole life. He had plumbing businesses, roofing and siding businesses, automotive body shops etc. that he'd stop at all of them about once a week. Then he'd take his truck back to his house and drop off the more expensive metal in his garage to store and make daily runs after that to get rid of all the iron.

Do you have clients you pick up from or sort of just drive around on garbage day?

I could of taken over his business when my grandfather passed away because I always worked for him on my Summers, but in my younger years I was such a stupid idiot that I thought I was above scrapping. Now I want to get back in the business.

I'm starting with my 99' CR-V, a home made website, and some business cards. I'm not ready to quit my day job just yet.

By the way, enjoy the eclipse everyone!

If you know or remember who your grandfather's clients were, it might be worthwhile to visit them and introduce yourself as so-and-so's grandson. I'm sure some the small old time contractor's would remember him and just might give you the business. Couldn't hurt to try.

I myself do this very part time. Those that are full time do have regular pickups. Curb shopping is too unreliable for me to bother with around here. If I happen to see something, I grab it. But otherwise, I tend to watch a lot of auctions. I have picked up from a couple low volume businesses when they have old computers, which isn't very often.

I'm strictly a part-timer, though there are many people here who operate full time. They will have some better insight. One thing I can tell you from my experience is that the more effort I make, the more opportunities I find (which is true with most any endeavor). Just telling friends, family, and random others about what I do has led to a number of nice (for me) scores. I couldn't live on what I make scrapping, but then again, if I hit it hard full time, I bet I could come close. I've placed the occasional CL ad, and have made a couple of random calls to computer shops, etc., and have made some decent spending money off of those. I know I could do much better by expanding my efforts, but like you, I have another job. Scrapping is 180 degrees from my "real" job, but I get far more satisfaction from scrapping ... anyway, start working all the angles as your time currently permits. You mentioned your Grandfather had clients, so as you can, try to make contacts and see where it leads. You've got an interesting backstory there to share as needed, so don't hesitate. Random efforts will give you random results (which is fine if you're just looking for the occasional beer, etc., money), but as noted, if I had the time and a bit more space, I could do much more than I am by concentrating and making a serious, consistent effort. One of the computer shops is now a regular stop for me. They don't always have a lot of stuff, but there's been a few hits there that I consider home runs. I wouldn't have had those without asking. Good luck and post back with results.

I have a few repeat customers that call me when they need service. I am always networking.
scrap isn't my only business but it's become a good source of income. I'm fortunate to have ample space for storage and work on it as time allows. to me it's better than money in the bank.

I am a retired professional that started scrapping as a full time hobby. I do not advertise except by word of mouth and do not look for scrap, yet have more than enough business to be full time and support my family. The reason for the business without a lot of effort, I am doing something others do not want to do and love it. The type of scrapping I do is dangerous sometimes.

Hippo and Swampy provided some excellent advice, if a person wants to transition from a day job to full time scrapping. To briefly answer your question, take small steps and try many strategies. When one is successful, jump for it. Continue to try other ideas and you will know when you are ready to expand.

Thank you everyone for the advice. It's nice to have this forum for some motivation.

Read the old treads. You will be amazed at the variety of our members experiences.

In answer to your question I did drive around in the beginning but found established customers to be far better. 73, Mike

This is a great post. I to am a hobby scrapper, mostly computers but am trying to find outlets for my Copper and Al. When I first started I was picking up everything I could find. I also called the only Computer shop in town. He said they had a company that pays them for there computer scrap. About 2 1/2 months latter I call again. This time he says he needs someone to get this stuff out of his shop because the company just stopped coming. I was there to answer his call. Now almost a year ago he wanted to recycle the stuff himself. So I told him where I ship it to (Ewasted) and how to do it. A month goes by and he calls me again saying he doesn't have time or space to recycle computers. He gave me all the stuff already taken apart and sorted for me. Keep hustling and ever when people already have an out for their scrap always contact them again after a while because you never know.

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Originally Posted by CapitalRecovery

This is a great post. I to am a hobby scrapper, mostly computers but am trying to find outlets for my Copper and Al. When I first started I was picking up everything I could find. I also called the only Computer shop in town. He said they had a company that pays them for there computer scrap. About 2 1/2 months latter I call again. This time he says he needs someone to get this stuff out of his shop because the company just stopped coming. I was there to answer his call. Now almost a year ago he wanted to recycle the stuff himself. So I told him where I ship it to (Ewasted) and how to do it. A month goes by and he calls me again saying he doesn't have time or space to recycle computers. He gave me all the stuff already taken apart and sorted for me. Keep hustling and ever when people already have an out for their scrap always contact them again after a while because you never know.

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This a great example of what I have talked about in many other threads. As scrappers or professional recyclers we provide a service. Often we should be getting paid for these services and not just receive the scrap for free.

Being professionals we need to approach businesses in a professional manner and sell our services as Capital Recovery has in this instance. 73, Mike