Trying to collect escrap. Where's the best place to get it?

I am pounding my head against the wall trying to get people to sell me their unused,working and non-working electronics. I printed out cards and have been handing them out. I created a facebook page.I'm offering a buck apiece for old xboxes, PCs,laptops,cell phones, satellite/cable boxes-practically any electronics. I'm offering to pay and to haul them off for FREE! Still, no responses. I've collected some from a few friends who took pity on me,but outside of that, not a whole lot.What are the best sources of ewaste? I'm not beyond dumpster-diving,but I don't wanna get shot at or hauled off to jail....Any input would be appreciated. Please be kind. :)

Schools
Computer repair shops
Clean-out companies
Any company specializing in "clearing-house" operations (think: Amazon, 800-type companies)
Auctions

Keep at it - someday ypu'll wish for a break.

Do more reading in the electronics section. Net work with your family and friends, as always. You are not the only one doing this so many may have asked before you. Start small and build on success, do again what has worked for you.

Contact other scrapers in your area and ask them to sell you there computer finds. DO NOT over pay for what you buy. I still pay $3-$5 for computer towers. You NEED to have the experience of processing all those items so you will know the return for YOU. Be careful paying for everything before you know what you can make off of them. Prices change and if you read the old threads you will understand that from the examples in them.

Once you establish a price you pay to one of your suppliers it difficult to lower the price with out a reason other that you paid too much before. I learned this the hard way.

Also you run into people who try to convince you they know that "there's lots of gold in those computers". I have to work hard not to laugh at them when I hear them tell me that.

Again there are uncounted numbers of examples of where to find ewaste hidden in the old threads. Mike.

sponsor and host an electronic recycling event (you will need to get a rolloff or 2 and several pallets or gaylords)...I partner with a scrap metal recycler for the rolloffs...he bring and picks them up "free"...ie I basically get a lower rate than if I brought it in...but WHO THE HECK CARES...I don't have to touch it. Offer to work with one of the PTO's and give them anywhere from 25-50% of the money generated....then you just have to make some emailable flyers telling people what you take and what you don't take...email to the PTO list and print some out....call newspapers and get a free metion about it. One great way to make it work is to partner with the high school science or recycle club...you then have "labor" to help. Show the PTO how the monmey you will DONATE can be substantial.

The ones I do, we accept ewaste (even crt and tv's <32" because I can take what I want out of them and then take screw the cover back on and take to Best Buy or Goodwill for FREE recycling), metals and even paper now...my scrap yard contact does paper....doesn't pay alot BUT hell, EVERYONE has a ton of scrap paper...especially a SCHOOL....

Hope that helps! I am doing one on the 14th at my youngest sons school....

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Originally Posted by scalemomma

I am pounding my head against the wall trying to get people to sell me their unused,working and non-working electronics. I'm offering a buck apiece for old xboxes, PCs,laptops,cell phones, satellite/cable boxes-practically any electronics.

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At a "buck apiece" you are not really offering to buy much of anything.....

If your scrapping the cell phones an paying a buck to do it, your losing money. ;) If your going to pay for them at that price I hope you can fix the screens or have an outlet like ebay to move the boards, an other parts.

This is from my own experience, your results may vary..Haha! twice today I've changed up that saying!

Oh an I enjoy cell phones. Maybe I'll make a post someday on it. Don't expect it anytime soon, I think i've used up all my serious posts I had remaining for the rest of the year. ;)

Sirscrapalot -There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children. - Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013

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Originally Posted by Mick

Schools
Computer repair shops
Clean-out companies
Any company specializing in "clearing-house" operations (think: Amazon, 800-type companies)
Auctions

Keep at it - someday ypu'll wish for a break.

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Re the break thing: I doubt that!! LOLOL
Thanks for the input. I am so glad I found SMF! Nice to talk to those in the know....i've learned so much here, and am still learning.
Have a great Christmas! :)

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Originally Posted by Phantoms001

At a "buck apiece" you are not really offering to buy much of anything.....

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OK..so,help a sista out....what do you recommend? I mean, i'm new to this, so i'm trying to feel my way along. I figure I buy a PC for a dollar and get the fan boxes, hard drive, boards and processors. I know it's a crap shoot-some pcs have the basic stuff, some are loaded with memory boards,sound cards, etc. I'm open to suggestions and tips from seasoned pros-that's why i'm here. So,what do you think?

[If your scrapping the cell phones an paying a buck to do it, your losing money. If your going to pay for them at that price I hope you can fix the screens or have an outlet like ebay to move the boards, an other parts.]
Oh, okay. Thanks for the info. Haven't bought any phones as of yet,but how much would you buy them for? Maybe a quarter apiece or something like that-or would you even bother with them? If they're not worth the effort, forget it-unless I were to run across a huge load of them someplace.
As I said, i'm pretty new at this,and am just trying to make my way through all of the info out there. I'm already hooked up with a top-of-the-line buyer, now all I have to do is find some good sources for material.

Don't forget the smaller boards in printers, esp. if they have the card slots, they are a pain to open up tho. Usually 3 motors also.
I usually sell my phones whole. Also satellite receivers and LNB amps, GM car computers, key fob remotes, and the list goes on and on.

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Originally Posted by scalemomma

OK..so,help a sista out....what do you recommend? I mean, i'm new to this, so i'm trying to feel my way along. I figure I buy a PC for a dollar and get the fan boxes, hard drive, boards and processors. Ewasted is paying over two dollars per lb for the motherboards alone. I know it's a crap shoot-some pcs have the basic stuff, some are loaded with memory boards,sound cards, etc. I'm open to suggestions and tips from seasoned pros-that's why i'm here. So,what do you think?

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I think what he's getting at is $1 is pretty close to nothing. The same people that would give you their computer for free would take a dollar for it. Now, if you were paying $5, and someone had, say, 4 computers, then $20 is something more substantial. This, however, is pretty close to the scrap value of computers.

I suggest offering free ewaste pickups and just see what you get. Don't start paying until you know this stuff better. Don't obsess over getting computers and ewaste - it will get frustrating, and it takes a long time to start getting the flow of material going in that area. Spend your time on things that are easier to acquire, but keep putting the word out there that you take ewaste. It will grow in time.

I think the hardest thing in this game is patience, it takes TIME to build a good reputation and network by word of mouth, have patience. If you can hang in there when someone asks their friend if they know somebody who wants their old ______ and the friend says "yeah I know a guy (or girl)" you want to be that contact, just keep at it!

On the cell phone questions...I find cell phones very worth it, but I'm also in a position where I can get them on a regularly basis. What to pay depends on what you intend to do with them. Some fix them up( so they pay more per phone) for resale, some sell'm straight as parts, some break it down to board, an sell them to buyers on here.

I can't help you on what to pay if I don't know what your doing with them. A buck each is to much if your just scrapping them. Look at the buyer prices find out what they are paying per lb, an go from there. Depending on age of phone, etc it takes only a few to make a pound of the older ones, an more then a few with the newer styles. I will say when I buy phones unless they are something I know goes fast, I assume all I'll make is scrap value, an that will be my bottom line when it comes to buying.

Do some research on phones here in the archives, an decide what you want to do with them. There are many options when it comes to phones, just like computers. Scrap it, get the cash an run, or invest a little time in knowing how to fix the newer models(Screeens/boards) for resale. I can tell you I'm quite happy with both results, I do both.

Good luck, an on the other stuff..you'll just have to dig through past threads as the where to find items threads have been asked many times, an lots of good answers in those old posts.

Sirscrapalot - YPMV - Your profits may vary

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Originally Posted by ryanw

I think what he's getting at is $1 is pretty close to nothing. The same people that would give you their computer for free would take a dollar for it. Now, if you were paying $5, and someone had, say, 4 computers, then $20 is something more substantial. This, however, is pretty close to the scrap value of computers.

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You would be far better offering free pickup and take any piece of junk people would give you, pushing recycling rather instead of landfill, than offer $1.00. By offering 1.00 you are showing a complete disconnect. It's almost an insulting gesture, either offer a competitive price or take items for free. Because you are just starting you really need to take some things apart and know exactly what they are worth.

In the stock market there is an old saying, "Bulls make money, Bears make money, and Pigs get slaughtered". http://wiki.fool.com/Bulls_make_mone...et_slaughtered

By offering 1.00 for something that is worth 8-10.00 you are being excessively greedy and will not generate any volume. If we could buy bunches of computers for 1.00 we would all be rich.

I pay $2/lb for cell phones with or without battery...........At that price even if they have the battery there is still profit leftover........No one that I know of is buying phones by the lb here so sometimes I get a lot and other times none

that's not a bad rate. a $1 per is mike, all I'm pointing out. ;) An that's only if your doing it for scrap value. I'd pay $1 all day for smart phones that can be repaired...;)

Sirscrapalot - Reach out an touch someone, preferably using a ten foot pole, you never know what they could have! - A germaphobe somewhere

I do take smart phones on consignment and sell on ebay............one customer would just bring me a tub of them and I would sort them and re-sell the best ones and pay him scrap for the rest..........

I push the "recycling" aspect as I live in a large retirement community and there are ALOT of older individuals around here with a closet or drawer of old electronics they have no idea what to do with.. Alot of them express they are happy to find someone that wants their "Junk" and can give them their space back and "save the kids the trouble of cleaning it out when there gone.." :) JMHO

Thought I would say this too...offer $1 for each item is basically like offering $0... people will not magically say they will bring it to you for $1..in fact they probably wont because it's ONLY WORTH $1from what your ad is saying to them...not worth their time.

You have to pvrase it in a way that is BENEFITS them...taking it off your hands for free instead of $10 at the dump, great way to rwcycle, keeps the really bad stuff lime lead out of the water system, we can take care of the stuff that has just been sitti g there and you dont k ow what to do with it...or in my case...benefits the school and we are not asking for $$$, just your junk.

You have to frame it that it is in their way and really is junk and thet you are doing then a service by taking care of it.

Webuy has a good point. You gotta sell yourself to them, an your service to get it free. Or heck even cheap. Heh. I dislike sales, but it's part of the game. Yep they sure can take it to the dump themselves, but they gotta pay gas to do it, unload it themselves, etc etc. Gotta love the lazy factor. An yes..I play the lazy card on people, cause you can tell the folks who don't want to do the work. Mr. 9 to 5 banker isn't going to get his hands dirty taking a water heater to the yard. Lest not the typical one. Same with the Cubicle warriors. Most don't want to deal with it, an will gladly pay or give it to you free if you sell it right.

Being personable will help you in the selling your service area. If you don't like chatting folks up, work out a pay sheet. :) A little personality can get you a whole lotta stuff.

An I still stand by $1 per phone, not lb..is a bad thing. Unless your getting stuff for resale. Your results may vary.

Sirscrapalot - Enthusiasm moves the world. - Arthur Balfour

Sirscrap is right... $1 per phone is aboutwhat tou get retail per pound on most phones for sscrap.ie not your goal to break even. I buy used smart phones...and I have paid $200 for a cracked screen iphone that functions fine...only because i can unlock it and flip it (at that time) for $300ish on ebay aftwr the unlock. I pay for NO phone that 8s not for resale...I take care of those asa courtesy...I make about $1 on scrap for phone and a bit on battery. Way too many of those running around to pay for them....UNLESS a business has a bunch...then I might offer .10-.25 each for non smart...but not unless last resort. Ie If I get $4/lb I might pay $1/lb so I make $2-2.50/ lb after expenses.

Everyone is into escrap now its hard to buy now

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Originally Posted by miked

Do more reading in the electronics section. Net work with your family and friends, as always. You are not the only one doing this so many may have asked before you. Start small and build on success, do again what has worked for you.

Contact other scrapers in your area and ask them to sell you there computer finds. DO NOT over pay for what you buy. I still pay $3-$5 for computer towers. You NEED to have the experience of processing all those items so you will know the return for YOU. Be careful paying for everything before you know what you can make off of them. Prices change and if you read the old threads you will understand that from the examples in them.

Once you establish a price you pay to one of your suppliers it difficult to lower the price with out a reason other that you paid too much before. I learned this the hard way.
Thanks for the wisdom, Mike..much appreciated. LOL Yeah,the "Lots of gold" comment always makes me laugh too-THAT much I do know.
I am so thankful for this forum!!. Have a great day!

Also you run into people who try to convince you they know that "there's lots of gold in those computers". I have to work hard not to laugh at them when I hear them tell me that.

Again there are uncounted numbers of examples of where to find ewaste hidden in the old threads. Mike.

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Thanks for the wisdom, Mike..much appreciated. LOL Yeah,the "Lots of gold" comment always makes me laugh too-THAT much I do know.
I am so thankful for this forum!!. Have a great day!

You might try trash picking the computer repairs shops. There's one in my town that will throw stuff in the trash before they will sell it to me - just not worth his time I guess - but often it is worth my time to see what he's chucking. Got about thirteen mother boards on one trip and a pound of ram and fingerboards each on another (Wear heavy gloves just in case - that's my suggestion).

Another repair shop in my small town gives me his stuff - but it was many, many months before I heard from him and then I got a car full. He does clean outs about twice a year.

Also - and you might want to talk to some kind of professional about how to do this - but if you have a charity you like - like a food pantry or an animal shelter- you could maybe give a portion of what you get to the charity and you could use that to give people a reason to give you their stuff. It would be a win-win - you get scrap they get to help a cause they care about.

In this small town it is tough to make a living on e-scrap but if I lived in a larger community near a university, I would target students and the areas in which they live.

You can also maybe make more selling laptops for parts on Ebay than scraping them. Other people on here know more about that.

I finally got a 9 to 5 but I'm still always on the lookout for e junk. Best of luck to you.

Reading this i feel the need to chime in to the OP im going to paint you a picture when it comes to buying ewaste from the public at least in my experience vs free removal

My adds usually state "why pay (insert company name) haul your stuff to the landfill when i will come to your door or location of choice and remove free of charge"

responses to this ad are usually quite plentiful and it makes people feel like they are getting a good deal ('i dont have to do the work to get rid of it and they dont even charge me" I often get asked how i make any money doing it like this :cool: the few times i tested posts offering to pay "iso your unwanted and broken computers (up to 5 for towers and up to 10 for laptops) it caused some problems imo.

Problem #1 when you offer to haul somethign off for free you are instilling in the person that it does not have much of a value and the work verse profit is no anythign they want to get into. By offering to buy it you have informed them that there is a value to it and it will turn Joe Schmoe down the street into your competition!

Problem #2 at the very least everyone will feel that their item is worth your maximum price

Problem #3 Most people become greedy quite fast so you are offering up to 5 or 10 and even when you offer your max price they expect to get more because they "know" you must be making a good amount of money on it and they feel they are entitled to most of if not all the profit the item can produce

Problem #4 because of problem #3 you will end up declining several deals offered to you which will in turn give people a bad taste and they will tell their friend "good for nothing would not pay me for my stuff like they said they would"

that was the long so here is the short

offering discounted or free disposal will make it look like you are doing them a favor and in my case has gotten me more stuff "hey while your hear what would you charge to take XXXXXXXXX away to". But once you confirm there is a value you may end up losing out on alot of stuff Its better to offer free removal and then pay them a lil bit after the fact this will get you a great referance "hey ya know that guy that came offers free disposal well he came by and picked up all the stuff and even gave me a few bucks for some of it

And yes being personable is the best i have several repeat customers because i am polite i actually had one seek me out on facebook asking where was the "nice guy that takes time to talk to you went i have a working dryer and 2 working ac's i want him to haul off"

i pay what i pay take it or leave it

also have offered to buy one item then leave with a whole truckloads of discounted or free items

I found offering to pay for single computers was a waste of time. I think I got 3 or 4? I only buy boards and also only offer to pay if theres 5 or more at once. I offer free removal for single computers, monitors, printers... you get the idea.

People expect 50 bucks for a broken computer. Lots of wasted time an emails.

Wondering on how scalemomma is making out. X 10 on getting your name out there and having patience. I started by plastering ads in the local Facebook "for free" and "yard sale" pages, even got booted off of one. I had been getting calls sporadically until today... it's freaking NEW YEAR'S EVE and I've had 5 calls today for e-scrap pick ups and even a few bed frames. Just went to get a cup of coffee and one of the guys I work with stopped me in the hall, he's cleaning out his garage and getting rid of all of the electronics that are just sitting around. Towers, printers (yup I take them), monitors, keyboards, even 2 still new in the wrapper mother boards, a few years old but should be fine for Linux boxes if I can find RAM and CPUs for them.

Bottom line, keep plugging away and get your name out however you can. I don't expect a avalanche every day but everybody that's called me has asked if they can pass my name along to their friends. I'm gonna have to find some place to store these CRTs until the recycler comes back to town, I'll have a couple of pickup loads for them LOL.

Good luck!

Rabid

I'm new but learning quick, Dumpsters, side of the road are good places to start, but people seem to be afraid of just throwing out electronics...especially computers. I've found the best places are peoples homes. My family has old computers from the 80's, I just went around asking them if they had old Computers, Printers, Scanners, Hard Drives, CD/DVD Roms, Floppy Disk Drives, and even Ink Cartridges. You would be surprised at the amount I came up with, Right now I'm researching each computer components to see if anyone wants them whole before I tare them down for scrap metal. Good Luck

The only things I can suggest are.

'Swap a computer for 1lb dry cat food' advertisement.
Most computer people are cat people and having a 'quirk' in your ad may make the difference.
I can put up with being hungry, but I can't put up with a hungry cat......

Real estate agents, seem to go thru computers pretty quickly.

'On the spot hard drive wiping'. Probably actually involves using a screwgun, torx driver and hammer.....

The best investment you can make is right in front of you. Read the old threads they can make you rich, and life a lot easier for you.