Scrap buying prices when picking up.

I just spoke to a local very professional outfit regarding what they pay if they pick up scrap from me. (I didn't bother informing them that I was doing research to know what I should pay customers!) They were very forthcoming.

I was told they pay on a sliding scale a percentage of what the load is worth, ranging from 20% to 80%. For under 500#, they were paying 20%, so 500# of shred, which would fetch $60.00 at my local yard paying $240.00 per ton, would be purchased at $12.00. Over 10,000# would pay $960, although if I took it in myself I would get $1200.

I found this information to be very useful in terms of offering payment when picking up metals. I don't know where the breakdowns are between the 2 and 8% payouts though.

Just as a rough estimate you can go up 10% for about every 1500 pounds. Or if you wanted it more granular and might make you more money go up 5% for every 750lbs.

We do the same thing with our corporate clients. The more pounds they bring me the more I pay. The reason for this is that I can keep my production lines moving with fewer change overs. This saves me money so its worth it to pay a little more.

for big businesses this sounds like a good idea but with smaller loads and dealing with everyday people pay them by the item its alot easier for them to understand thier not getting ripped off

You are right about that. This is why I don't open to the general public. Well that and meth heads.