Printable View
Was just cruising through the Scrap Room with my new membership :D:cool::D and I decided it is time to start talking to my local computer repair stores. It got me thinking about how does everyone buy their ewaste. Do you just guesstimate how much you think, or do you pay by weight? I realize it is a lot easier to buy whole computers, but if they have parts I am not sure how to go about it.
its really up to you, your overhead and greed portion lol time and so forth dictate how much to buy for and each item varies from whole desktops to the tiniest of screws. so start by figuring in your costs and what your able to sell stuff for and average it out to get a good buy point on those single and whole items
I'm not so concerned with the actual dollar amount, but as to how to get to that dollar amount. Like do you say it takes 12 finger cards to a pound per say. And then say to your self the guy has roughly 300 finger cards, so 300/12 is 25 pounds at 3.75 a pound is $95.75. So I offer the guy 35 bucks or something like that. Its not like I want to bring a scale in and weight everything hes got! LOL. But this is all theoretical because I haven't even talked to the guy yet.
Personally, I pay per piece. What I'll do is look at a bunch of an item (RAM, Finger Cards,...) and then will figure out what I basically want to pay per pound. Then I divide that out by how many are in a pound, and round down to the nearest "neat number", and you have a price per item. It's much easier for me to count than to scale. On some pieces, you'll lose a little, but if you do the math correctly, you'll be where you want to be on 90-95% of the pieces.
I have a set of 500 lb scales that I got for $50, and a kitchen scale that weighs items up to 8 lbs. I have a price list that I and my customers are happy with. Some things I am cutting it close on and others I do really well on. The best is to see if you can get the stuff for free, most places wont do that even if they are throwing it in the dumpster. Computers, I buy by the piece, start with a price that you can make money on and deduct for missing items. Laptops I have a per piece price as long as the motherboard is there, if no mobo it goes in the pile of stuff I don't buy but they still want gone.
Maybe that is what I will do. Get down start crunching numbers and pull an average number of items per pound. Then figure out what each piece is worth. That why I can put it all down and have a neat little price list I can flash around.
That's just how I did it. When I had price lists in hand, it made it much easier to talk to the store owners. The only trouble is varying weights for things like finger cards. Some places I go have had me switch to by the pound and I bring my own scales. It's not too bad really when they have everything in Rubbermaid totes. I just bought 124 lbs of motherboards that way today.
Other places like a by the piece pricing, so I have it both ways. Desktop hard drives are easy to count and they like to see the 50 cents each stack up. (fortunately, my 50 cents per pound works out almost exactly the same).
Then there are the best places for me. They start off selling what they can, then get overworked, need space, tired of sorting, and just call me to get rid of this junk today. Nice. I do haul off everything they want to get rid of, not just the best stuff. That keeps them happy.
Beware of the arrogance of some of these guys. I stopped in to my first repair shop today. I introduced myself and told the guy I was just getting started. His response was that he just couldn't give me the stuff and asked what I was willing to pay. I told him I would pay $1 to $3 per tower depending on its age.
He chuffed at me. Then I had to listen to him spew all his knowledge and experience for the next 10 minutes.
He said he was refining all his scrap for about 5 years until the prices of metals went down. He said he had a pole barn with about 30 ton of eWaste and had worked through about half of it. I asked if he would be more interested in selling by weight. He said maybe, but you'd have to take all 15 ton. Then asked me if I had a floor scale, if I was certified, yada yada yada. Again basically just imparting his vast knowledge and telling me how I will never make a go of it.
WTF is wrong with some of these people? He knows he is sitting on a mountain of, in his mind, unprofitable electronics. Yet he has no desire to pass it along at a fair price.
I think part of the problem is that I'm a woman, and I was able to go toe to toe with him on facts. Sheessh!
They are IT PEOPLE like some DR.s, pawn brokers and scrap yard owners , many have a God complex.
As far as buying some prefer price by the lb., some by the piece it's up to you to figure what turns the crank with each customer.
We have sold 5 million dollar working 4 year old, never used mainframes for $1800 but then we only paid .12 per lb for them so it depends on who and why. If your going to tackle the e waste business spend your nights studying old e waste threads Kardashians butt will still be there when you have learned your craft. Unfortunately elitism and chauvinism is still alive in the world Too many people believe every thing they read on the internet, If the guy/gal was a refiner he wouldn,t bother to even talk to you. just my .02
Welcome from the West Florida republic.
Well went into the store today. I talked with the guy told him that I was interested in old, obsolete or his broken parts. He said he had a guy that comes around every few weeks. He said lately he has not been getting as much because the prices took a hit. I chatted for a while, then handed him a business card and told him thanks for his time and that I would see him around. I'm going to come back in the next week or so with a price list. I think I will put per piece and per pound on there for now. He told me that his guy recently went from per piece to per pound. I was kind of nervous my first time going in asking someone for scrap. I was kind of afraid that I was going to be pushed to the side because of my age.
I started buying by the piece recently. It's easier for people to understand the price list that way.
Don't let the tech guys get you down. Having a good head for logic based things is one kind of intelligence. Social skills are a completely different kind of intelligence. It's not all that often that a person you run across is well versed in both.
< ----- banging his head against the wall.
Tried to talk with an old friend that's a really good automotive mechanic this afternoon. There's some work that i need done that's out of my range as a shade tree mechanic. Completely hopeless .... i might as well have been talking to the wall for all the good it would have done. :(
Good for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by JnJunk
That's what I was thinking, but I feel like it would be a hit or miss with things like mobos and finger cards where the size can alter the price very quickly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrappah
One thing that I did when I first made contact with the repair shops that I deal with was to make sure that I was dressed like a professional. Don't get me wrong I don't dress up for anyone, unless my wife makes me, but when it comes to something that some shops have never dealt with, you have to sell yourself. Ok, yeah you want to pay them for what they are throwing away, but you will have to sell you and convince them that they want to work with you. The first time I met with my best client, I put on a really nice button down solid colored shirt, my best non stained or torn jeans, and my work boots. I may have looked like a hodge podge of apparel, and my wife asked me before I left the house, why are you dressing up to go talk about scrap metal, I said that this was an interview and that I had to sell me, if I look professional then I have a better chance of getting their scrap. It either worked or they just wanted to get rid of the stuff but I have been working with them for over two years now.
I averaged.Quote:
Originally Posted by JnJunk
For example: I took 10 lbs of random mixed finger cards and figured the average number of cards per pound.
Same thing with the mobos. It was an average mix of large & small socket.
You don't have to get too fussy with it. Just figure in a reasonable margin of profit for yourself and then check it from time to time to make sure it's still running true. I'm just a (very)small timer so it's not the end of the world if it doesn't work out. No big loss.
The nice thing was that it made it a lot faster & easier to do the pay outs. It eats up a lot of time when you have to weigh & itemize everything.
The fewer the line items you have .... the easier it is for the buyer and the seller.
Is there anyway you could shoot me a couple numbers for stuff like ram cd drives and hard drives. I just cleared out my stock and I am kind of guesstimating on the prices for them
Determining the pay price is really something you should do for yourself. This is just a work in progress for me and i could be wrong on the numbers. I don't want to screw you up too.
If you comb through the archives there's a thread somewhere on the average # of ram sticks per pound. If you look through the buyer's threads there's info on what they're paying for HDD's.
There's probably also a thread on cd drives and what they yield as scrap. From what i've read you would do better if you were set up to test & re-sell on ebay.
Yea I know what you mean. And of course resell is usually going to mean more profit. I am trying to just get some numbers down to get me in the door. Meanwhile I'm trying to work a deal with my local yard to buy their computers. But of course the Managers boss is "On Vacation". We will see about that.
I put together a full price sheet and a "half sheet" that just had the better more important stuff on it. Depending on the place/person I was talking with, that's when I would pick which sheet to hand them. The half sheets just gave them the idea that I was serious and not just spitting in the wind. When/if we got down to talking serious numbers then would come out the full sheet.
We had one member here that when asked prices, would look them up here on their phone in front of the customer and wonder why they never heard from them again. Gee, I wonder,,,
Here's an idea of what I was talking about but remember to adjust for today's prices.
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...8/Untitled.jpg
Thanks Mechanic Ill have to look into that. I'm still trying to pull together my rough numbers. I understand somewhat Ewaste as scrap, but as resale is still way above my head.
Figure it as scrap but if you get some resale then there is your "gravy" on the taters.Quote:
Originally Posted by JnJunk
Just a follow up >> Mr Arrogance called me at 7:30am. Fortunately I was already awake. Who calls someone that early?
Anyway, he wants me to come to his shop today with some cash, gloves and my minivan. I'm still skeptical of what kind of $$ he is going to want. I'm going to a storage auction first (my main biz) so i might not even have any $$ left when I get there but I'll keep you all posted.
I think reality set in for him that he is hoarding too much stuff. That and I found out he is planning to move to SC by the end of year. Hmmm, I may just be better off waiting until he's really desperate ;)
"MR. Arrogance"........I LOVE IT!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by HipoGear
I think you did well. This is really the sales part of the business you are getting into. It sounds like you left the door open to the possibility of doing business with him. He is a jerk with material. Is there really 15 tons?? Doubtful but you never know. Stop by from time to time and make certain you leave a business card so he knows you are really in business. Don't fret over what you need to offer on 15 tons of material, make him tell you what he wants per pd/ton.
Here is a sales technique you need to learn now. Its the one who speaks first looses. Few people can stand up to silence. So if you say to him "I need to confirm what you have before going further. What is the price you would accept on your material?" Then stand there and wait. This technique is very difficult for some. Some get very uncomfortable quickly filling the empty space giving the client an easy way to defer the question back to you.
You can practice this technique on those who you love, children, husband, wife, parents, you get what I mean.
When making a sale call practice the following:
My name is _________
My company's name is ________
We recycle computers and other similar material(make up your own explanation of your business)
The reason I am here today is _______(I used to use "to determine if we should be doing business) This is the most important point to make. It shows respect for the person you are talking and their time. You get right to the point with out doing any of the sneaky salesman tricks.
I have a few clients that I deal with now so my pricing is simple S.W.A.G. (scientific wild a$$ guess) because of my experience.
The next thing I will pass onto you is its difficult to reduce prices. Many of the members who have doing this for a while will have experienced the trouble of lower prices with long term clients. I started this business getting $4+/lb for small and large motherboards. Now I get $1.55/lb for mobo and instead of $0.12/lb for shred now I get $0.06/lb. I just had to tell one of my long time clients that I was again cutting the price and he was not happy.
Like every thing else experience and hard work will get you where you want to be. Let us know if the 15 tons ever shows up as being real. Best of luck Mike
Thanks Mike. That is excellent advice for anyone concerning negotiating. I have heard that before and have only tried it a couple of times.
I will do as you say and see how it goes.
Arrogance in this business- Yep.. Mouthfulls!
Around here.. $ talks. Period!
Had a guy ask me what I'd pay for something.. Told him "I weigh and pay"
I bring a scale. Do I look like a weirdo? Maybe.. but I invested in a nice scale that is dead on the weights when I ship.. so If I buy 14.25 lbs at the buyer.. that is what I get at the seller.
A lot of people are impressed with the scale.. they know I mean business and a stack of cash to pay on the spot doesn't hurt your case either! I have landed numerous clients just on the fact they don't get jerked around for weeks or months trying to get paid. One of my biggest regulars used to sell to a guy that didn't have the cash to buy the stuff- he would ship it off or turn it where he does and then cut them a check 3 weeks later!! They were getting tired of that game but felt stuck that they had no alternative until I send a "cold call" email!
JnJ,
First...stop thinking your being so young is a weakness. Folks dig younger people who show the desire to get out there an work/earn a buck/etc. You may not get taken seriously at first, but then show your knowledge. If your confident in your sale's pitch, an yourself, you'll have no issues hitting these places or cold calling as the term goes I believe. Show any doubt in yourself, or your product which in this case is one an the same, an you've lost. This is coming from plenty of years doing the selling thing in many different environments. I did well cause I was confident in myself an my products. It's even easier now as I am my own product. So..yea, think positive an keep working hard an you'll see the results you want.
Second..Far as resale. As I mentioned in a post the other day to my fellow Cooler Pullers. Folks need to stop trying to buy based on resale. Buy at scrap price an as Mech said I believe...the rest is gravy. Don't over complicate this stuff, it's not rocket science my friends. The name of the game has never changed..it's still an always will be..Buy low, sell high. Scrap, stocks, whatever..it all boils down to that simple line.
Focus on resale down the road or once you have the time to research things an find out if their worth your time to try an resell. Nobody can answer that one but you.
On price lists, prices, help with such.. - This may come out harsh an I don't mean it to be..but you have all the info you need for making a price list right here at your fingertips. Nobody should have to send you numbers to get you started. It's as simple as looking at buyers here an their price lists an figuring out what works for you. There is plenty of info easily found to help you in this area. You want do this as a business an be a pro then, you gotta do the not so fun work like..researching your prices, making it work in your budget, etc etc.
All that said..well done for getting out there an doing an not just talking about doing it. I think you handled it well for your first cold call. I think you'll do fine on future ones.
Some tips for others not just JnJ -
1. Build relationships. If they say no, don't stop going. Keep going in. Stop by an check in, say hello, buy something(if your the type that would from that kind of store). Basically stay in touch. You never know their current buyer could screw up, quit, etc.
2. Don't take no for an answer. Them saying no, just gives you a reason to analyze how your approaching places an the ability to make changes as you need to. Keep trying. The best way to handle sales of any kind is to not be afraid of rejection.
3. Dress right. Doesn't mean a suit an tie, but even a Polo an a clean pair of jeans is better then some of the attire I see folks show up in for work, at the yard, etc. Khaki an a nice collared shirt or even a nice t shirt with your logo on it will work. Be clean an don't look like some tweeker who's wanted for stalking an molesting ducks.
4. Be confident in yourself an your service. It's one an the same in this game. If you can't sell yourself, you might be in trouble.
5. Do what you say your going to do. Don't bs your client/customer. People who don't do as they say don't get called back for future jobs.
6. Be honest, be respectful.
7. Leave your work site/whatever cleaner then when you got there, or as clean as it was before you started. Pick your **** up!
Your welcome for the novel.
An seriously..good job getting out there JnJ. Keep doing it an soon we'll be reading a thread on you landing one.
Sirscrapalot - Oops. - Words nobody wants to hear a bomb squad tech say.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...e.jpg1_195.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...e.jpg1_197.jpg
Junk you made the biggest step just approaching the shop and getting the experience , kind of like asking that pretty girl out . Sometimes it's intimidating but after a few rejections and a few sealed deals you will know what to do and what to say . Good luck you have been given some solid advice in this thread . I hope you continued success !
Well said!Quote:
Originally Posted by sledge
I also buy by weight, at least with most of my larger more serious clients. I also invested in a nice portable scale, and many times clients are impressed by that. Since I buy by weight and sell by weight, there is no guessing. For some smaller clients that have a bunch of unsorted material, I quote one lot price for everything. I have enough experience to see in minute or so what to offer. In the end it all depends on what the client wants.
Always having enough cash in the pocket is also important. I take at least 2-3 times what I think I will need. Last time I was told by one of my clients that they have about 400 lbs of motherboards, turned out that it was closer to 800 lbs, plus they had about 80 lbs of RAM and a few other items. I didn’t have enough cash to get the RAM, had to go back the next day, fortunately they were OK with that.
I came across an IT guy like many that we speak of. I told him I would match competition in town on all scrap prices and he wanted higher prices.
Example: RAM, local price $8/lb. I said $9, nope, um (I wanted to see how high this clown wanted to go)... Um, how about $11, not even close, oh ok...how about $17...he said nice try...try $25/lb. oh, um how much you got, 7lbs and your son mentioned you used a can of air to dust them off. Let me go out to my car and get you a check...be right back...
He even took power supply apart to vacuum dust out to get better pricing. Don't forgot your white gloves to appease Mr. Arrogance!
People are morons. Someone I deal with referred me to another shop. I started spiting prices. This was after it was stated hs old buyer "disappeared"! Well I explained the down turn of the market, etc. Ok start reciting prices over the phone. I said 50c lb for hard drives. Um, sir, these domt even have boards. Ok, well I really don't want them. But I can still buy them for 10c lb for dirty aluminum,. Just started opening my mouth to say large and small price, bam, I got a call, I got to go, click click, Hello??? WTF, where you go? O I was pissed. I had a half a mind to drive over there and deal with him face to face, because I don't like morons or stupid people. Amd dont like to be hung up on. But I just said to hell with it I figure in 6 months when prices sink farther, he will call back. I dont even really make money on scrap. I go, hoping there is one board I can resell. Or one piece like a dead laptop. A lot of people buy dead boards on ebay to fix them, thats where the money is. I renumber walking in a place years ago and I bought a tub of laptop boards for 4.00 lb when prices were high. Turned around and sold each one for 20 a shot with free ship for parts or repaor. Almost 4 grand in a week or less....that's what I look for. I hate scrap, BUT I LOVE RESALE! I love my sale BUZZER on pc, the cash register ringing sound effect. My buddy was picking on me when I was grooving to youtube and watching the proverbial bean counter going up. I was like wtf man, this is better than the stock market. Its like pennies falling from heaven and I haven't left my chair. Peace my brothers, hope my rant helped.
Hey Mechanic, do you pick up for those prices or is that delivered to you? I to am having to finally start paying for e-waste and am trying to get a grasp on how to pay.
Mechanic688, Would you happen to have a sample of the "full list" you would provide customers?
I will definitely be scheduling a few visits with computer repair shops and would love to have an idea for whole unit prices!
I haven't updated it in awhile, I'll try to later tonite and post it here..Quote:
Originally Posted by DFM92
Dwaggs; It depends on the situation and if I'm doing the calling on them. Not too many come to me as I don't have a storefront.
Well not quite a store but, went to the scrap yard and offered the guy 15 cents a pound for mostly complete computers. He said he had no buyer for them so I figured what the heck. Shut Down! He said he got more for them before. I'm no genius but when shred was at 11 cents and gold at 1700 I would think he would get more too
I also buy from a scrap yard and since the huge drop in shred and ewaste prices I had to cut what I pay. When I talked to my yard owner he was not surprised and was open to me buying what he had on hand. This could change if someone else offers more but I am a long term buyer and can wait them out.
You can go back with a new offer or just go back and see if he changed his mind or counters your offer. Good luck, Mike
Is 15 cents in the ball park for you Mike, i felt like that was a fair number but maybe im low.
I have now gone from a per piece price (3, 4, 5, a unit) to .15 a lb also. One reason was people pulling the ram and cpu/heatsink and I was still paying the full price cause the cover was all screwed down and no sign of molesting. Now if they remove items, then they have removed weight so I'll be paying less. .15 would be the max I'd pay right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by JnJunk
Alright I know as it as been mentioned before that we do not like to discuss prices so much but I just did some calculating and on average I receive about 43 cents per disk drive. I put it down on my price list as 25 cents per unit.
Now I don't know about you but If I was a computer store owner and some guy offered me 25 cents a drive I'd tell him to kick rocks
Quote:
Originally Posted by JnJunk
Not necessarily. Consider the situation of a shop owner. You only have a limited amount of useable space, so space is money. Now you have this huge pile of old parts that are absolutely worthless for anything only you are not allowed to toss them in the trash. You need to find a place to get rid of them so you look to find someplace to drop them when, lo and behold, someone comes in and offers you $20 for the whole pile. Easy decision I would say...
"Hey honey, don't worry about supper tonight, I am bringing home a pizza..."
:cool: