Success stories

[VERYOLDGUY]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this. Need encouragement I know that sounds pathetic, but where did you start and where are you now?
I need to know if this will all be worth it at some point.

[KzScrapper]

I know you have posted before that there is a lot of competition in your area so I would suggest finding a way to set yourself apart from the other scrappers. Good Craigslist adds, superior service, professionalism and building a list of repeat customers, both commercial and residential, will help build your business.

Know what your costs (overhead) are and what you want to make hourly to pay your personal bills.

Most of the time I can make what my goal is by picking metal up for the price of my overhead. I will also pay for metal if I can sell it for a decent profit...after all isn't that how many businesses work? They buy something to resell for profit.

2-3 years ago I started buying things to sell, recycling metal was filler income and a way to get rid of metal that came as a byproduct of the "lots" I bought. At some point the two switched roles and now I resell for filler income or because it's too nice to scrap.

[VERYOLDGUY]

I know you have posted before that there is a lot of competition in your area so I would suggest finding a way to set yourself apart from the other scrappers. Good Craigslist adds, superior service, professionalism and building a list of repeat customers, both commercial and residential, will help build your business.

Know what your costs (overhead) are and what you want to make hourly to pay your personal bills.

Most of the time I can make what my goal is by picking metal up for the price of my overhead. I will also pay for metal if I can sell it for a decent profit...after all isn't that how many businesses work? They buy something to resell for profit.

2-3 years ago I started buying things to sell, recycling metal was filler income and a way to get rid of metal that came as a byproduct of the "lots" I bought. At some point the two switched roles and now I resell for filler income or because it's too nice to scrap.

You know the thing is.
Worked for the same company for 30 years.
Insurance not good.
Got skin cancer.
Owe tons of med bills.
Decided that will keep working for now, but have the contacts to make really good money.
Most of what my company does is made from steel or iron. I deal direct with the manufacturers.
With a few emails could have the foundries.
Got to build up to the point of handling the volume.
A little while after everything hit the fan I had an opportunity to provide 20 tons a month steel.
Had no way of doing this.
If I can pull off what I am trying to do I hope to out pace Marsha Sherlin in a few years.

[parrothead]

It takes a bit to start getting repeat and referral, but it will come. Treat people right, and they will come back to you and spread the word.