Made this one because admin deleted the other one(and for good reason too). I'd like to thank everyone who's pushed me into the right direction with their suggestions and ideas and hope to post more about the bins soon.
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Made this one because admin deleted the other one(and for good reason too). I'd like to thank everyone who's pushed me into the right direction with their suggestions and ideas and hope to post more about the bins soon.
Time to turn dreams into reality
Gonna take some work but not completely unrealistic by any means.
start with 1 box at one location..then... grow it
I use barrels and have had great results.... now at 15 locations, started right where you are:)
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...e.jpg1_236.jpg
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Let's say you get the funding . $5k in your lap . How will you ensure that is multiplied 5 fold to fund the operation you really want ? How long in time will this take ? Just curious as to what plans you have to ensure your not asking for another 5k after storage and containers at aquired .
Old thread is open again. All cleaned and spit-shined for you.
Appreciate that.Quote:
Originally Posted by parrothead
$5k will give a years lease and provide the storage/tools I require. I'd have a year to get everything in order and start profit making. Once funding is 100%, I'll get right on it. When I set a deadline for myself or something else, it's either sink or swim. There is no paddling. I believe I can do it. If at the end of the year I'm no further off then as I am now, I'll quit scrapping for good and find something else to do. It's do or die time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Metalbestos
The main thing is to have determination and plans. Over the last 4 years, my business has changed so much that I don't know if myself four years ago would recognize most of it.
Get out there, and try things. Will all your ideas work out? Nope. But, you pick up the pieces of the failures and go on- it'll all make sense after you get going....
I know everyone's tired of hearing about it but it looks like I'll be building these bins out of 2x4s, presswood, and a pallet. I built 3d renders of each material based on a bin thats 48x48x72" and the wooden one was the cheapest. $50 vs $1k for the plastic and about as much for the steel one. Just waiting to hear back from some folks about wither parking lots are considered public domain and if so, if I can place collection bins there. I'm giddy something's starting to stick. Thanks Matador for the idea ^.-
I've always liked wood. If I can't find a bed for my old Dodge, I'll make the whole thing out of wood!
If you use a good pallet, the other advantage is that you can move the bins easier. For now, just throw the stuff into your HHR. When you get larger, buy an enclosed trailer and a pallet jack. When the bin is full, wheel it into the trailer , strap it down, and unload an empty one. It's much easier to do that than to unload on-site. Grab and go!
As for parking lots, the best answer I can give you is that it depends on the lot. Out here, the city owns a few parking lots, and some are owned by whoever owns the building that is there. You may be able to find out what is what if your county has a program that lets you see tax records (You can in Wyoming, I'm not sure about other states).
I'll have to look into that about the tax thing and yeah - I was planning on doing that eventually as the hhr doesn't yet have a hitch on it(it's not my hhr - not yet anyhow). I'm told if I ask nicely Wal-Mart will give up a pallet or two. I know Rite Aid doesn't care what happens to em.Quote:
Originally Posted by matador
Got a call this morning from a guy out in Mexico that he had some weights he wanted to get rid of so I drove out to see what they were and they turned out to be automotive wheel weights! Looks like their the older lead ones but there's a couple that look like the newer coated steel ones(they didn't cost me anything so not complaining). In total there's 28lbs but at $0.40/lb, I'll hold on to em a bit longer and see if I can get some more before taking them in.
Someone please key me in on whatS going on? Why was your thread closed and why are people making jokes about a kickstarter? Sorry I missed this but im really curious. Also how do you plan on moving pallet bins - they will weigh upwards of 400lbs if you use plywood and 2x4's
Personally, I'd use a pallet jack to move them. Weight will depend on height. I made a rack for a truck, and I can remove the entire rack without dissassembly without any assistance. I doubt an unloaded bin would be 400#- I think two people could move one easily, and one person could probably drag it.
Yeah in the end the bin's going to be somewhere around 30x30x60". It'll be skinny but tall(thing has to fit in the hhr).Quote:
Originally Posted by matador
I'd rather not discuss why my other thread was closed but I'm being made fun of everytime I bring up Kickstarter because they don't have anything else better to do, and after thinking about things further, the bins are going to be 30x30x60" so I can fit em in the hhr. They'll be tall but skinny and weight won't be an issue(I use to lift tool crates out of vans that were about the same size by myself). I do eventually want to make bigger bins so they can hold more, but i'd need either a flatbed truck or a trailer(and since the hhr isn't mine and not paid for, I'm opting for the flatbed truck).Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinThaScrapper
Where do you plan on putting these bins? And are they for public or for businesses to drop items in.
I'll be putting them in shopping center parking lots and they'll be for whoever wants to use them. I'm waitin to hear back from Cicero Code Enforcement to see if there's anything in addition I'll need to do besides ask the owner of the parking lot permission to place them.Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinThaScrapper
We had one member quite a while back that started out with blue plastic barrels (free) for the businesses in the back room. Hinged a flap over a rectangular hole cut into the lid. Spray painted their logo on the side and he'd go around every set # of days and empty. That was his start out "bins" for business or retail stores you may make a deal with. Learn to walk before you run,,,
Yea... 2x4's and plywood painted sounds like it will look very ugly, and I wouldn't want it in my parking lot. Also how will you prevent the items from being stolen.
I'd have to agree, unfortunately it's what I have at the moment(both plastic and steel bins would cost over $1,000 to build/buy). I origionaly wanted to build the bin out of steel because it's what I technically have access to but it was argued that steel would weigh too much so then I priced plastic and that turned out to be over $1,000 to build so then wood was suggested so that's what I was going to go with. I'll admit even if I built the bins out of steel, they wouldn't be 100% theft free as bolt-cutters cut locks and torches/cut-off wheels cut metal, and if you have a big enough vehicle they can be towed. I even had the idea of building the shell out of aluminum and rivit/screw it to a wooden frame but that's just as vulnerable. The area that I want to place these bins in doesn't have a high theft rate but it's better to be safe then sorry.Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinThaScrapper
I was thinking of something like that or some sort of cart inside the bin to collect the electronics - would have to be square because of the size of computer cases.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mechanic688
For an inexpensive frame for a bin, look at IBC totes. Used ones sell for around $40 here. You can make panels out of whatever you want, or cut the top off the plastic container inside.
Anyone ever do business with EZCycle? I'm going to try and see if I can get a couple of their bins since their set up specifically for EWaste(and their only 4hrs west of me across the line). It's been made painfully clear that the only way I'm going to get any kind of bin system going is to either go out and buy them, rent them, or partner up as building them will either look really crappy or be too heavy, or too big, or too something.
I feel like they won't be giving or selling you any of their bins. Also it would be just as easy to outsource their bins to your location with there men and make more money then to you. Why not try and get something like this going and START SMALL like many people have said. Start with pallet boxes and then get some fabricated when you can afford a flatbed and forklift and the metal. Start small think big.
Let me tell you right now nobody is going to tow off your steel bin... They may take the contents but they aren't going to go out of their way to take the whole bin or cut a side off to get a few hundred worth of stuff. Like has been stated put in well lit areas and put cheap cameras.
I have that fealing also but thought i'd give it a shot anyhow. Worse they can do is ignore me or say no. I regards to where to start - I was only going to start with one bin. I'm fairly limited in what I can do. Yes I have a vehicle, but there isn't alot of square footage. The hhr isn't mine but I have alot of say on what happens with it. I can't mount a hitch until the thing gets paid off first. You and others may see it as excuses but those are my limitations. I can fit a box 60x29x29 in the back and then I'm out of any cargo space which is what I was going to do at first but cost of material will be a problem now that prices are down and gas is up. I'd prefer to make the thing out of CPVC because it's heat resistant, light, and won't fade in the sun plus they look halfway descent.Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinThaScrapper
No you're right - the plan was to place bins around town and let the public put their electronics in them so I could break them down and send steel where it goes an electronics to the members here on the board. Mind you I've not mentioned SMF anywhere in my plans or to anyone in case something happens.Quote:
Originally Posted by ChildhoodDream
I had a feeling I was over analyzing things(as usual). I do have that intention of only putting them where there's light and installing a camera. I was also going to install a gps tracker in case the unit does go for a walk.Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinThaScrapper
I'm still waiting to hear from town code enforcement in wither or not there's anything extra I need to do besides contacting the parking lot owner to ask for placement because to the best of my knowledge, code enforcement only has a stipulation(not here but in other counties and states) when it comes to clothing donation bins. I've also contacted USAgain to see if they'd share their process for placement and haven't heard anything back from them also.
An again..why haven't you spoken with your local SBA office?
You know, business people who help other small business people, with their company ideas, funding..etc.
This will likely get over looked again, but whatever.
SBA has been helping smalls businesses for many years, from Business plans to Funding, to mentoring an teaching about business...Kickstart has been around for what..4 years?
I'd rather go with old school financing then hoping somebody on the internet just wants to throw their hard earned money at my idea. That's just me tho.
Sirscrapalot - In one ear, an out the other. Boggles the mind I tell you..BOGGLES!
Sometimes my mind boggles.
It's so deep my mind actually boggles.
- Cyndi Lauper
To piggy back my last post...
https://www.sba.gov/
For those looking start their own business, no matter the field, you should check into the above. Lots of good useful info to first time folks, an even experienced folks. You can read the site to see what all they can help with, etc. I found it all quite useful when I started my first business.
YMMV.
Sirscrapalot - Providing water, now who will drink it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot
My local SBA office told me I was on my own because I didn't meet their qualifications because I have bad credit, no steady income, and a long list of other excuses not to grant me a business loan so my only two choices are either A: Attempt to get some kind of loan or B: Save up to get the parts I need individually and play the waiting game.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot
See, now you have stopped people from asking why your not going for traditional lending. :)
Your welcome.
An sorry it didn't work for you. My experience has been stellar with them, regardless. Then again I wasn't going it looking for cash. Just the brain power. An ability to pick said brains.
I'll now turn you back to Bins, Kickstarter, bacon, or whatever.
Sirscrapalot - Having a sale on flame proof clothing, inquire within.
Could I suggest day labor..........Good way to save money and stay busy
Ok so let me get this straight:
You don't know if you can put bins down
You don't have an area with permission to put bins down
You don't have resources to move a bin
You don't have resources to construct a bin that's structurally sound and looks up to par
Instead of looking for funding why not scrap normally for a while and put away a little money each week for your business plan. Talk around and hypothetically get permission to place your bins whence your ready and have the money.
I also don't feel a bin that is that size is going to be any use to you. Due to the size its going to be overlooked, and like you said EASILY stolen or broken into because of how small it is. You would be better off just spending your money on flyers and picking up loads the same size of the bin. If you do enough marketing or host events where people can come drop there stuff you'd be better off. Now if you had resources (which you may in the future) to get this done such as a truck, trailer, pallet jack or forklift, the correct size boxes, places to put them, security on them, then you may have a shot.
I'm not leaning towards u quitting on your idea, just not rushing into it.
Best of luck.
I can't help but agree with the young (and very profitable) entrepreneur/successful businessman.Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinThaScrapper
I can't help but think that your best option is to abandon bins and hit the phones. I made one phone call Monday and because of it I am picking up a load of computers tomorrow at $1.50/tower. Its not perfect but all I have to do is show up on time and hand over the small amount of cash.
I want to do bins too. But I'm not doing bins until I own my own trailer and pallet jack (or skidloader if all goes to plan). The key is not to get in over your head. You have to crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run. You have a license, you have a vehicle to use (though its not the perfect scrap vehicle it does move small stuff around), and you clearly have the time since you're unemployed. Call the computer shops around town and see what they do with their fried components/customer drop offs. The worst they can say is "we scrap them ourselves" or "we already have someone that picks them up for us".
Instead of spending money on bins and cameras, spend your money on business cards and a dedicated business phone line. A phone is a powerful tool when it comes to networking/marketing your services.
I saw you mention not too long ago that you responded to a CL ad for 28lb of lead. Dude that's $12. If you have the time and gas to go pick up $12 across town you have the time and money to poke your head into the local businesses around town and tell them you're willing to get dirty if it means theres money in your pocket and there's more room in their shop.
We all want to dream big, but dreams are dreams and actions are reality. You need to act on getting cash flow in your favor. Paying off the hhr so you can get a ranger/s10. Then trading the ranger/s10 for a full size truck (or whatever you want to do the job). Paying off the hhr is not going to happen running across town for a coffee can full of wheel weights. Its going to happen by making phone calls and answering your phone when it rings. If the score is worth it then rent a uhaul/throw an ad up on CL that says you'll give someone $50 to borrow their truck for an afternoon. Do whatever it takes to show people who have scrap that you can be their scrap guy.
I don't mean to be hard on you but your ideas seem scatterbrained. Do what you can with the resources you have. Save your money to invest in bigger and more practical resources which in turn will give you more work.
You say you don't have a job and want to get into scrap...how do you pay your bills/stay on top of payments on the hhr?
Oh yeah don't get me wrong, going to bins was one of several ideas in this thing I call a brain. If the hhr was mine fully and outright, I'd have a hitch installed and build me a trailer.
So what are your other ideas?Quote:
Originally Posted by logansryche
So far I've seen "I need $25,000 from strangers on the internet to own a collection faculty in a dying mall" and "I need $5,000 from strangers on the internet to build collection bins I can't haul in my current situation"
Keep spitballing man. You're bound to come up with something good soon. In the meantime I suggest you let people around town know that you have time, a vehicle, and a strong back you want to put to work. People like people who want to work, not who like to talk about work. Show them you can be their scrap guy. Show up on time. Make as many trips as you need to until they smile and say thank you. If you leave them with a smile they will call back.
I wish you the best of luck but want to be very clear that this game is about doing, not talking.
You could use hinges to collapse the bins for transport if needed. It wouldn't be watertight, but hinges and one-way security bolts would get the job done.
HHR's must be smaller than I thought- I can fit a pallet in the back of my Audi wagon. Seriously, I've hauled a pallet back there.
I'd start small. Build one or two bins, get them set up, and see how it goes.
If you build them, they will come. ;)
From what I understand the cargo space is just a tad bigger then the PT Cruiser. Trust me, if I could shove a pallet back there I would.Quote:
Originally Posted by matador
Wow, they are smaller then! Or, my Audi is more like a Country Squire than I thought???
There is always a way to do it!
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos...ob-teamcar.jpg
Seriously, I'd save up some money and rent a U-Haul to drop these off. The $29 is well worth it. Try to set up as many drop off points as you can, so you can shove them all in the back of the box truck and only have to rent for one day.
Was thinking about it