My 1st day as a scrapper-How'd I do?

Up at 4 am, on the road at 6. w00t!

I went to 10 apt. complexes all on same road in one town. I met maintenance and management at a few who agreed to let me know when they have appliances. One apt complex has 6 evictions this week and will call me when scraps come up.

Stop at auto repair complex and 1 fellow said he'd save his stuff for me. Many places I popped in already have regular scrappers coming, which I expected.

On my journey I found:
1 Frig, several vacuums, bikes, strollers, ac fans, a sink w/brass fittings and lamps…took to scrap yard and rec’d 101.12

From craigslist ad posted this morning, 5 responses…today picked up home gym-have on consignment at sports store and will receive 124.99- 2 tvs-dropped at Good Will-charged $20 removal, pu’d bed rails/frame, heater which is still on truck. Have appt to pick up washer/dryer in the am.

Stopped at random TV repair shop and made a good contact with repair man who will buy flat panels w/broken screens, tvs working and not working in need of repair, old radios, musical instruments and amps. I sold clarinet found in dumpster for $20.

I turned down 1 craigslist call for trash haul, was too far away for the price and they could find someone cheaper closer to their area.

Found a thrift store that holds monthly sale, everything you can fit in bag for $3 a bag. They had silver/brass on shelves but overpriced IMO, so I didn't purchase.

Total made 1st scrapping day was 266.11 less gas (still have 3/4 tank) and still have bike on truck found on way home, bed rails/frame, heater and other items scheduled for pick up tomorrow.

5-6 hours out.

How do y'all think I did?

I have soooooooooooo much to learn.

I'd say you did real good. So, now what's the plan for tomorrow?

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Originally Posted by Mick

I'd say you did real good. So, now what's the plan for tomorrow?

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Thanks Mick. My bf has been scrapping 4 yrs and today was really for me to get out and see how I could do (and kinda a battle to see who could do more and he kicked my butt).

My goal is to do the office/business side. Tomorrow I will meet with him and go over ideas I have, learn what he will pick up free and what he will pay for and start working on flyers, cold calls, work on a schedule to go out in person to apt complexes and the following: there are a gazillion automotive/collision, golf cart sales/repair, storage places, thrifts stores, tv repair places, lots of remodeling and construction, computer sales and repair, etc. to drum up new business for his routes. I have a lot of ideas but not sure they are good or not until I discuss with him or find info relating here. (I love this site!)

One idea, I think I read about here somewhere, is doing recycling drives at schools, I will start a plan on paper for that tomorrow.

Another idea, golf cart batteries :) I live near a town that is golf cart heaven. 99 miles of golf cart paths...more golf carts than cars! Just need to find out their worth and if worth to pay for them or not.

I am seriously a newbie at this. So for you experienced scrappers I hope I don't sound too stupid! Been working at my home business for years as a Virtual Assistant and think my skills can help build his business which is why I wanted to spend a few days in the 'field' a little to learn that side of it.

Yes you sure did do real good. Are you sure this was your first day? lol, Im sitting here trying to figure out how to post a new thread to let yall know what i came across.

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Originally Posted by Ptscrapper

Yes you sure did do real good. Are you sure this was your first day? lol, Im sitting here trying to figure out how to post a new thread to let yall know what i came across.

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Top left of screen POST NEW THREAD on the main forum page you want to start new thread in...where the threads are listed in area you want to post.

Yes, 1st day. But I have spent weeks on my off time researching here and www to learn about this business....I didn't go to scrap yard alone because it was my first time there and also you have to have a card to get paid, so my honey helped with that part.

Wish I had an outgoing gf like you. I am socially retarded so it's hard to get out there and drum up business.

Maybe you can hire her to do your cold calling in your neck of the wood idaho :) As far as your first day goes I think you just caught the bug. Have fun I know I am and im fairly new to this stuff too.

ixcelr84scraps: I like your screen name, and judging from your original post, it matches you quite well.

Sounds like you had quite a busy, productive, profiting day.

Nice job! hope you make a killing.

Day 2...wooohoooo.

Today I did same route again. First few places a bust. Last apts I stopped found large metal something (lol), was told by maintenance where I dryer was hiding under steps, checking last dumpster found a few small things (lamps, wire, etc) and a tenant came out and asked if we could take another dryer. OF COURSE! When went to back of bldg to load she asked if we could take an old metal/wood picnic table...OF COURSE...then grabbed a broken sat. dish from neighbor of hers and pulled sleeper sofa frame apt. Those things are heavy!!!! Truck/trailer full (more on this in a second) Took pics...off to the scrap yard:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0030.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0029.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0028.jpg

Before leaving the scrap yard my android beeped at me....6 new emails from freecycle, 4 were 1 guy with all kindsa stuff. I answered and prayed. He called me back! Went right over and picked up 4 dishwashers, 4 lawnmowers, brass fans, sink, heater, misc scrap metal, and offered to take rest to dumpter (only a few things) and got a new ceiling fan for bf's moms porch (kissin' butt). Leaving on trailer until tomorrow. A pic:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0032.jpg
Time for tacos, was hungry ;)

While sitting at Taco Bell..the tele rings...craigslist ad put this morning in WANTED--Want to buy old OEM catalytic convertors $40 and up..WALA..Infinity owner with 2, picking up before weekend.

Total made on 1st load was $110. plus sold a dryer to appliance store bf hooked me up with for $30.

Second load still on trailer.

Copper fell again, dangit.

I was really having a good time until I met up with Mike...I wish I had taken a pic! I don't know why I didn't...was too busy telling him about my day I guess. Anywho, I thought my truck n trailer were full....OMG...I don't know how he got all he did in his...it was like 4 times stacked taller than what I had fit. I need to learn how to pack truck and trailer.

Tomorrow...staying home. Going to work on flyers and cold calls. Getting up at 430 is for the birds. BF wants hot dinner tomorrow night..take out last 2 days.

Very nice, very nice indeed.....off to a good start you be

Just a tip on loading up ^ we use those 3" yellow ratchet straps. Kinda long for a pickup but you can sure pull things down sooo tight that you will bow the sides of the truck if you don't watch. Once you get the load ratcheted down with those straps it won't come loose.
Your also dealing with a short bed truck, 6' which cuts down on loading capacity. We notice a big difference between the short bed and the 8 footer we have now.
BTW; good job, should hire you for an extra employee,,,LOL

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Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Just a tip on loading up ^ we use those 3" yellow ratchet straps. Kinda long for a pickup but you can sure pull things down sooo tight that you will bow the sides of the truck if you don't watch. Once you get the load ratcheted down with those straps it won't come loose.

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Yes, Yes to Mechanic688 you listen.....A safe load is a happy load

Geez I need a scrapper woman here lol

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Originally Posted by ixcelr84scraps

Day 2...wooohoooo.

Today I did same route again. First few places a bust. Last apts I stopped found large metal something (lol), was told by maintenance where I dryer was hiding under steps, checking last dumpster found a few small things (lamps, wire, etc) and a tenant came out and asked if we could take another dryer. OF COURSE! When went to back of bldg to load she asked if we could take an old metal/wood picnic table...OF COURSE...then grabbed a broken sat. dish from neighbor of hers and pulled sleeper sofa frame apt. Those things are heavy!!!! Truck/trailer full (more on this in a second) Took pics...off to the scrap yard:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0030.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0029.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0028.jpg

Before leaving the scrap yard my android beeped at me....6 new emails from freecycle, 4 were 1 guy with all kindsa stuff. I answered and prayed. He called me back! Went right over and picked up 4 dishwashers, 4 lawnmowers, brass fans, sink, heater, misc scrap metal, and offered to take rest to dumpter (only a few things) and got a new ceiling fan for bf's moms porch (kissin' butt). Leaving on trailer until tomorrow. A pic:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...g/IMAG0032.jpg
Time for tacos, was hungry ;)

While sitting at Taco Bell..the tele rings...craigslist ad put this morning in WANTED--Want to buy old OEM catalytic convertors $40 and up..WALA..Infinity owner with 2, picking up before weekend.

Total made on 1st load was $110. plus sold a dryer to appliance store bf hooked me up with for $30.

Second load still on trailer.

Copper fell again, dangit.

I was really having a good time until I met up with Mike...I wish I had taken a pic! I don't know why I didn't...was too busy telling him about my day I guess. Anywho, I thought my truck n trailer were full....OMG...I don't know how he got all he did in his...it was like 4 times stacked taller than what I had fit. I need to learn how to pack truck and trailer.

Tomorrow...staying home. Going to work on flyers and cold calls. Getting up at 430 is for the birds. BF wants hot dinner tomorrow night..take out last 2 days.

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If you and your bf were closer, I could help you learn the tricks of packing a trailer. One of the few things that my ex partner taught me to do real well to maximize space.

The better you pack, the more you can haul.

One piece of advice I can give, is anything really big and has room to shove small things in, do it.

If you get some where, and you need to move things around, do so, to where you can still open it up and toss smaller things into it, etc.

The other thing I see about the truck, unless it's vital, lose the toolbox. Your missing almost 2 foot of bed space with it in there, and dealing with a shortbed also. Use the back seat area in place of the toolbox.

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Originally Posted by ixcelr84scraps

I live near a town that is golf cart heaven. 99 miles of golf cart paths

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Wait a minute, you list your location as Southeast and there's only one place around here with golf cart paths throughout the whole city...that would be Peachtree City, GA. Am I right? I live over in Sharpsburg, not too far from you. I work in PTC so I'm familiar with the golf carts. I work off of Huddleston Road (golf cart shop central).

Most of the time, working appliances will get you a lot more on Craigslist than selling to some appliance shop. The average washer or dryer is about $50-$75 on CL

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Originally Posted by Scrap man

Most of the time, working appliances will get you a lot more on Craigslist than selling to some appliance shop. The average washer or dryer is about $50-$75 on CL

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Most I am picking up need repair. Right now it's faster for me to just get rid of working ones, if they even work as told, don't want to take home to test. I don't have time to store and wait for PU. Load/empty/reload. If we keep going as well as we have been we will get space and maybe take even more things then we have been able to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeorgeB

If you and your bf were closer, I could help you learn the tricks of packing a trailer. One of the few things that my ex partner taught me to do real well to maximize space.

The better you pack, the more you can haul.

One piece of advice I can give, is anything really big and has room to shove small things in, do it.

If you get some where, and you need to move things around, do so, to where you can still open it up and toss smaller things into it, etc.

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BF didn't show me how to load...his loads are packed in (I think he did that on purpose because I am competitive and he know he would beat me out there knowing he could get alot more on his loads) ...I am only doing this for a few days to understand what it's like 'out there'. I will be doing the scheduling, contacts, helping build business when I have down time from my own business. I wish you were closer too so you could teach me and I could beat him this week, haha. Tips are good tho...if I get business picked up I may be out otr more. It's nice getting out from behind this computer once in a while.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ixcelr84scraps

BF didn't show me how to load...his loads are packed in (I think he did that on purpose because I am competitive and he know he would beat me out there knowing he could get alot more on his loads) ...I am only doing this for a few days to understand what it's like 'out there'. I will be doing the scheduling, contacts, helping build business when I have down time from my own business. I wish you were closer too so you could teach me and I could beat him this week, haha. Tips are good tho...if I get business picked up I may be out otr more. It's nice getting out from behind this computer once in a while.

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I am in VA, so yea, GA is a bit of a drive lol.

I am surprised he didn't teach you though, so you can get a LOT more when you are doing runs on your own etc.

Like I said though, anything bigger then other stuff and has any kind of holes, slots, nooks and crannies, just fill it as much as possible.

Also, like I said, whether you do dumpster diving, or even going from home to home or business to business, you will sometimes need to rearrange, but doing it correctly maximizes room.

I will admit, that it does not work all the time, but depending on what you get, it will.

Thanks George for tips. I think he didn't tell me because it's kinda like a game for us, he knows he's in for competition, he sees how I work my own business at home and is scared I will outscrap him, LMAO! I won't be scrapping all the time as mentioned. Just prowling out in the field for a few days to understand his work and can be more productive helping him on the business side in the office.

Remember my intro post? I work as a VA (I loved your Godsend comment!) I hope my clients would be upset if I went to scrapping F/T...but you never know...I am having fun!

i respect your drive. you will do just fine

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Originally Posted by ixcelr84scraps

Remember my intro post? I work as a VA (I loved your Godsend comment!) I hope my clients would be upset if I went to scrapping F/T...but you never know...I am having fun!

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Yes, I do. I have already put you on my list. I am working on building my recycling business up more and more, to where I can hire 1 or 2 guys to do all the pickups, etc and so I can get back on my investment company. When that happens, I am sure I will be emailing you. Gotta love VA's in real estate businesses. They make life so much easier!

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Originally Posted by GeorgeB

I am working on building my recycling business up more and more, to where I can hire 1 or 2 guys to do all the pickups, etc and so I can get back on my investment company.

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Wow, for someone that can't afford to wait 30 days to get paid on clean-outs, things must be looking up. Workers comp, liability insurance, local and federal FUTA, FICA are just a few of the costs involved with employees and we haven't even got to the costs of your guys doing what you hired them to do.

You must live in PTC?

ha workers comp you mean that 8.5 percent of every dollar youre employees make that you have to pay to the state. Dont forget the state and city taxes to. Employees suck do it till u absolutely have to hire an employee nothing like running out of work and still having to pay for people to stand around. Good luck on your endeavors though and remember getting up early is for winners not birds. The early bird always always gets the worm. When someone sets out a washer the first person to pick it up gets the money for it not the next scrapper and competion is stiff. I love heading about women going hard for it keep the stories coming hard work always pays off.

I know it's basics, but if you have to load several things at once always put the biggest items on first. It's easy to fit little things around the big things, but it's a pain moving big things to squeeze between little things.

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Originally Posted by ixcelr84scraps

Up at 4 am, on the road at 6. w00t!

I went to 10 apt. complexes all on same road in one town. I met maintenance and management at a few who agreed to let me know when they have appliances. One apt complex has 6 evictions this week and will call me when scraps come up.

Stop at auto repair complex and 1 fellow said he'd save his stuff for me. Many places I popped in already have regular scrappers coming, which I expected.

On my journey I found:
1 Frig, several vacuums, bikes, strollers, ac fans, a sink w/brass fittings and lamps…took to scrap yard and rec’d 101.12

From craigslist ad posted this morning, 5 responses…today picked up home gym-have on consignment at sports store and will receive 124.99- 2 tvs-dropped at Good Will-charged $20 removal, pu’d bed rails/frame, heater which is still on truck. Have appt to pick up washer/dryer in the am.

Stopped at random TV repair shop and made a good contact with repair man who will buy flat panels w/broken screens, tvs working and not working in need of repair, old radios, musical instruments and amps. I sold clarinet found in dumpster for $20.

I turned down 1 craigslist call for trash haul, was too far away for the price and they could find someone cheaper closer to their area.

Found a thrift store that holds monthly sale, everything you can fit in bag for $3 a bag. They had silver/brass on shelves but overpriced IMO, so I didn't purchase.

Total made 1st scrapping day was 266.11 less gas (still have 3/4 tank) and still have bike on truck found on way home, bed rails/frame, heater and other items scheduled for pick up tomorrow.

5-6 hours out.

How do y'all think I did?

I have soooooooooooo much to learn.

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Are you single?? Ha ha ha!! just kidding! Very impressive!! You will have no problems making it as a scrapper. You have drive, and determination!

Ha ha ha and your a girl!! Didn't see that LOL!! Just making funny!!

What a Rockin' start!!! Do not forget to set aside some $$ for truck maintenance/repair, that is an employee in a sense. I used to take 20% off the gross into a truck fund. That amount allowed for some "build up" so when I needed an engine or clutch or tires I had the cash and could keep up with accounts. No truck,no money. loose the tool box and think about protecting the rear glass with a headache rack ( you can scrounge some expanded metal at the yard and just screw a section directly into the sheet metal of the cab). Take good care of yourself with proper lifting techniques/hydration,and nutrition..fast food will make you sick. I have meet some very successful lady scrappers.

it's a back from the dead thread! update!

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. I have been MIA from the forum because I have been to darn busy to post! I need to get back to spending time here however; I always learn a ton while here.

I see UPDATE in the above post. Here's an update:

I now own As Needed Recovery & Recycling. Business is BOOOOOMING. See below post I made in this forum a few minutes ago in response to another thread: (too lazy to explain it all again).

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Here's what I did...I too have learned in doing this in a few short months the 'trash runs' bring too much competition. (ETA on regular trash days)

My newest 'thing', I have made postcards and put them on mailboxes (outside, not inside)...this postcard is just like a business card, 2 sided also. Lists all the stuff I am interested in, phone # and .....NIGHT OF WEEK (not trash night) I will be coming thru the area for pick up. Front of my postcard states "Don't pay the big companies to haul your scrap! We will pick up and recycle FREE!" It's working. Also rec'd a few calls for items needed removed from out back, etc. That is only 1 of many new things I am trying.

Many of those that are crawling the streets at night are not doing what I am. Most are looking for $$ for quick fix, IMO. I am professional, my ads look nice, have cards, postcards, flyers, business license, permit to scrap, office phone, authorization forms to cover my butt when picking up an AC Unit (the cost of all this was minimal, did all the work myself). I have apt runs set up for every day of the week in 3 counties. I don't have to dumpter dive or jump the fence in the middle of the night....I have the gate codes because I work directly with the maintenance men. I have about 10-15 complexes calling for cleanouts, pick ups of appliances, all of this accomplished in just a few months.

I love your 'tude tackle, "never stop trying to improve". There is a lot of ops out there for those who want to do this like a real business. That's just my opinion ;-)

OH, PS...the only things I pay for is Cars, cats, and have agreements with a few auto repair shops to buy barrels when full. Everything else I am getting 100% free.

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Next week I have 4-5 pages of lists I will be calling, List #1 Plumbers, List #2 HVAC Companies, List #3 Fencing Companies. I will be trying to set up agreements to pick up on location for all 3 when jobs being done.

Welcome back, glad things are going so well.

Oh, and I forgot this part (so much is going on!) I have been looking into businessess shutting down. There are 27 or so Foodlions closing in my surrounding area and I spoke with Corporate today who took all my information and then I sent them 4 offers/bids.
1st- Total Abandonment: I will remove and dispose of everything FREE. They must provide Rollback for trash.

2nd- Remove and dispose of all shelving and displays leaving all electrically attached equipment in place. We tear down and dispose all- FREE, they provide rollback.

3rd- Removal of all shelving and displays, stacking on pallets for shipping. We provide labor, they provide pallets, rollback $****.** (can't give away all my secrets, but it's NOT cheap)

4th - Entire Store disassembled and prepared for shipping or storage. We provide labor, they provide pallets, rollback $**,***,** ;-)

This is my first time hitting commercials and my response was very positive so far. FoodLion told me about an Auction Company they work with and gave me contact info and told me they hire peeps like me a lot.

Also have an appt next week with Blockbuster shutting down locally. Why should they pay someone to haul all the metal shelving etc away? I'll take it for FREE. I will also give the options as I did FoodLion.

Welcome back ......do you sleep ?

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Originally Posted by Dumpster-Dee

Welcome back ......do you sleep ?

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2-4 hours right now. Getting things running takes effort. Hopefully, someday, I will be drinking a Hurricane sitting on the beach in December while txting my Personal Assistant reminding him/her not to forget to get all the employees their Christmas Bonus on time ;-) We'll see. If this doesn't work I am just on to the next idea. So far, scrappin' is doin' me good.

Thanks for the WB, nice to see ya DD!

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Originally Posted by ixcelr84scraps

This is my first time hitting commercials and my response was very positive so far. FoodLion told me about an Auction Company they work with and gave me contact info and told me they hire peeps like me a lot.

Also have an appt next week with Blockbuster shutting down locally. Why should they pay someone to haul all the metal shelving etc away? I'll take it for FREE. I will also give the options as I did FoodLion.

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Happy to see things going well for you. Was wondering the other day, where you been at...guess that definitely explains it.

Will have to look into that myself. I have done a few store cleanouts, but my only involvement so far, has been just to remove anything metal related.