More money for more volume

I wouldnt expect a better price until you get a business account. Every yard is different.

I used the same yard for 10+ years. Bringing in 100+ pounds copper and brass as we filled them. Usually 2 to 3 months intervals, always in a company truck. Treating like anybody else, might as well been mixed steel. Three years ago started scraping and recycling contents of dumpsters from managed properties. First we broke things down maybe 10 or less categories. Place I been going to for years, now getting what I always took, but even more copper and brass. He's also getting CRV cans, plastic, glass, aluminum, steel and we are bringing it about every two week now. After six months of his $h*t, I went shopping for new yard, I tried three different yards in a row, two of three gave me a better price (first time they ever saw me). Manager of one approached me first time, asked about brass and copper, asked if I was a commercial operation. We exchanged cards, did not get prefered rate, he did give me advice. Call him before I come in next time, divided my copper in to at least two grades and same for brass. Told me about aluminum grades and steel and said he would waiver any 30 day holds today. I used this yard for the next four months, went to get paid at cashier window, lady asked if I could come around back to office. They had forms wanted me to sign for a commercial account, estimated minimum loads, grading and who else might be bringing loads for company. My point is shop around, if you are doing the volume for a commercial rate, a good yard well notice you. I kept trying to learn more prior to commercial accounts, made a better effort to distinguish myself and company. Even though this new yard has treated me good, I looked for others and still do. I now have established a second commercial account, this yard pays me better for Aluminum and a little more for insulated wire. The manager of first account noticed after two months, we were not bring him aluminum. He called me, asked what's happening with your aluminum. I was honest with him, told rates, grades and who the buying yard was. He said he would look at my aluminum history and call me back. He did, less than a hour, our weights were good and increasing, but he could not beat new rates. I told him it's about sorting grades, new buyer needs it broken into 5 and even 7 grades, paying me at 3 or 4 rates. He was only doing 3 at 3 rates, he was honest, that's what his buyer needed. I plan to give this guy the bulk of my stuff, I like everything about how they operate, most important he gives service! The second yard gets my aluminum and sometimes the insulated wire. The two yards are pennies apart except with aluminum, they are nickels and dimes apart. Study how your yards work that makes a difference too. The second yard has prioritized aluminum, buying and selling a far greater volume than anybody around me. They have dedicated more than half of facility to handle just aluminum, didn't notice that for first couple of sales. Now it's obvious why he can pay more. Once your able to do the volume and frequency they will notice you. That alone still may not get you a commercial account, you have to also demonstrate a commitment to be around for awhile and present (grade) your materiel. Licenses and Professional presents are big thing too! At the very least have a business card if your seeking commercial account. That first yard is never going to see me again, 10 years he could have told me about grades of copper and brass. I was always happy with that money, now know how much I should have been getting. His greed is his loss now!