How can a newbie keep from getting ripped off from scrapyards?

....So a newbie doesnt get ripped off.


Just found that dirty or corroded copper is considered the same as number 2 copper that's contaminated with paint/solder. What a gyp! And here I have been cutting off soldered links from my pipe for years!

I have always been a bit paranoid about getting ripped off. Seems any marketplace has those little tricks set in place to rip off, trick or mislead customers.



I recently just cashed in a small amount of my scrap metal & just dont know if I got a square deal. I am just not as knowledgeable & there is an absolute TON of info out there it becomes an incredibly daunting task. I dont work in the industry... just scrap to kill time & put a little money in the bank.

I have been saving up scrap (copper, brass, aluminum) for years & due to the possibility i may die soon i want to cash it in. Better to have it in cash form so my relatives can get it instead of scrap metal form that my landlord may take if i die.

Like I said... I dont know if I got a square deal in my recent transaction... what do you think?

I cashed in 48 pounds of solder contaminated copper in two cardboard boxes that were about the size of a an average paper grocery bag, got deducted 2lbs for Tare, ...so 46lbs at $2.65 a pound & got $121.90

I cashed in a small amount of lead that I was wanting to get rid of anyway so i dont care if I got a fair deal on it. I think i came out a little ahead on a large copper & aluminum radiator (I didnt want to tear down).... it was 19lbs for $1.10 a pound & got $20.90 for it. I think I forgot to take off the steel ends of it.

Got $147.90 for all of it. (I live in Missouri)

I get really hung up on IF I am getting a fair deal when I go to scrap yards. The Employees are generally grumpy & have a "if you dont like it... get the **** out" or "dont bother me with stupid questions" attitude when I try & ask questions about metal grades & what they consider what metal is what grade. I am rushed thru by workers who cant even speak english & they are weighing & figuring up what grade what metal is & printing out my slip. This may be my paranoia talking but I just get the impression that I am being hurredly pushed thru so I wont have time to make sure I am not being ripped off.

Sorry, about the rant. I just have worked hard for years to amass my brass & copper stockpile & want to make sure I get the best price and not get ripped off when i finally cash it all in.

So... what should newbies know in order to not get ripped off?

edit: and while I am at it... why am I constantly getting logged off? I got logged off while typing out this post. Frustrating.

Sorry, about the rant. I just have worked hard for years to amass my brass & copper stockpile & want to make sure I get the best price and not get ripped off when i finally cash it all in.
So... what should newbies know in order to not get ripped off?
edit: and while I am at it... why am I constantly getting logged off? I got logged off while typing out this post. Frustrating.

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Iron Mike Enterprises | Metro Detroit Scrap Metal Services and Prices
There's a couple of places you can double-check the prices, and what you got sounds pretty close on price, every yard will have different prices. As far as the logging off, when your signing in check the little box right under where you type in your sign-in name, it says "remember me". That should do it. If not fill out a support ticket and someone will try to help you.

A newbie should act like he is an oldie then a newbie wont look like a rookie!

The way that I have learned is by asking questions...Asking the same questions over and over again to see if the answers change. The only thing that a newb can do to expand their knowledge base is to learn...for yourself. Look at the learning process as a scientific experiment...."where can I go to get the best prices?" Then go, sell, ask, and learn. If you get treated unfairly...this is not a setback, it is just information. Most people LOVE to share what they know with you...it is a selfish reaction. Personally I love it when someone asks me a question that I CAN answer!!! If someone will not answer a question that I ask them, then I can surmise one of two reasons...They honestly do not know, or they do not want to tell me.

Stick with the people who will share "correct" information with you...they have nothing to hide.

It is all a learning experience..."Do the thing...THEN you will have the POWER!"

Gratitude, graciousness, kindness, hospitality, etc... all go a long way in doing any business easier. Relationships of any type, personal or business, take time to foster and grow. There are certainly things you can do along the way. (I love the donut idea) But as was said there are some people who are just Jerks. Were that the case I would not do business with them period. I am quick to tell people why I will or will not do business with them. My partner was sitting here reading this also. He said you have to think about the guy he was dealing with also. He is probably not the owner. He is working and running around trying to do his job and some guy interrupts him without even bringing a donut or cup of coffee. WTF
But all things aside. Business is no different than any other facet of your life. You can be a part of the solution or a part of the problem.