Motivating Yourself to Scrap Better

Like any job, scrapping can be slow and difficult at times. Keeping your eyes set on the reward is what is important. Knowing that a slow day out on the streets, a drop in prices, can quickly be followed by a great large job lead or a quick jump in the market.

Don't Throw In The Magnet

Recently there was a large drop in the scrap metal market due to a drop in demand in construction for new materials. The metal prices saw a large hit within both the non-ferrous and ferrous markets. This got us thinking about some things to keep you motivated while you continue to make money, even when it doesn't seem like you can. Here are some ideas and steps you can take to make the most of the situation and continue to make money scrapping.

Reinvest in Yourself - Now that you have learned how to set money aside from your scrap jobs, a lull in action is a great opportunity to look into purchasing some new equipment for your scrapping jobs. You may want to spend some extra time shopping around for the best deal on that new hand truck you are looking at or investing in a sawzall to make cleaning aluminum a much easier job. To make any business better you have to put money into your project to continue to grow and expand.

Finish Up Those Projects - Now that you have some time to spare it would be a good opportunity to take time to finish up painting the new contact info on the side of your truck or building the handmade wire stripper you have wanted. Perhaps the truck could use a good tune-up to continue to work well for you and those large jobs you have been hauling lately.

Finding More Scrap - Finding new places to get scrap is always a good way to continue to grow and work harder. A few times a month it could be useful if you connect with local businesses who may be renovating, local neighborhoods that could have construction going on, and much more. Be sure to have a business card on you to give your information out easily to new potential customers and partners.

Do Scrap Work - While scrap prices are lower, it could be a great time to separate all of those wires you have and spend some time stripping them. If you don't want to cash in right away and you want to hold onto your scrap, stripping the wire and taking apart other materials like computers can make you more money once the prices jump again.

Organization is Key - Making more money recycling your scrap metal starts with organization in your garage, shed, truck, or anywhere else you may keep your scrap. Having bins and containers ready to separate your copper, aluminum, steel, wire, e-waste, and more is important to make sure you are getting the best prices for your scrap metal.

*BONUS*
Be Ready - The next big job might only be a phone call away, so make ure you are always ready to answer it.

For more great tips and inspirations to help you scrap better, be sure to check the iScrap App on Facebook for daily posts for metal prices, descriptions, safety tips, weekly market updates, and more.

What Not To Do...While Scrapping

While you are recycling your scrap metal with the local yards, you want to be sure you are following the right ways of doing things according to your yard and the local authorities. Many people associate crooks and thieves with the scrap industry, so this is your opportunity to rise above the critics and show why scrapping is an important job and occupied by respectable people.

Don't Ever Do These Things While Scrapping

• Overload Your Truck - We've all seen the pictures (even we post some) of scrap trucks that are overloaded with material or appliances. Probably not the best decision when scrapping for a number of reasons; the heavy weight is not good for your car, the objects can fall off and injure others while in transit, objects can fall when you or scrap yard is unloading it, and you can get a ticket.

• Scrapping is a very hands on job whether it is your full-time job or just part of your regular job. With large objects, sharp materials, and rusty nails, a pile of scrap can be dangerous trap for injuries and other safety failures. Taking the time to load trucks correctly and have the right safety equipment can be the difference between a good day's work and a violation ticket from the local authorities. Here are good tips that can help while loading you truck.

• Don't Steal, EVER - The scrap industry is probably most well known for the amount of theft that is publicized throughout the news and media. However the majority of those that are scrapping are honest and reliable customers to scrap yards so be sure to continue the trend and karma will return the favor. Be sure to protect yourself and your own scrap load from hopeful thieves in your area.
• Stealing metal can seem like a good idea for some quick cash but getting caught is a long process that will be on your record forever. Why not just take the time and ask people in your area if they have any junk to be picked up. You can earn more business and earn trust with the local community and make a better name for scrappers.

• Trying to Cheat the Scrap Yard - Many people try to cheat the scrapping system like anything else. There are people that post things online that describe how you can go about cheating the scrap yards with weight, mixed loads, and other things. Don't join the crowd and try to get a "one up" on the scrap yards in your area.
• You work too hard and so do others to put a bad name out there for yourself or other scrappers. Why not learn the right ways and useful tips you can use to make more money from your scrap metal? By using honest methods and easier methods you can make more money without being sneaky with your scrap yards.

Do yourself and the rest of the scrap industry a favor and don't be a "knucklehead". Think safety first, be honest with yourself, and your scrap yard. Doing things the right way, may not always be the easiest way, but they are the best way. Finding your local scrap yard on the iScrap App can help you make the most of you scrapping travels.

Saving Profits from Scrapping

One of the most important things to scrappers is making money. The more knowledge and resources you have for scrapping, the more money you can make. Knowing when to strip copper wire loads or how to take apart computers are all useful steps to making more money.

What happens after you make the extra money?

After scrappers make money scrapping, often times they will just pocket it or pay bills with it. Getting smart with your scrap profits can help your family and your wallet in the long run. If you create a plan to divide your earnings to go towards certain savings, you can start making even more money from scrapping. Here are some examples of projects you can start saving for with your scrapping money, that can make you even more money.

- New Tools: Scrappers are always relying on their tools and making their scrapping easier. Some of the necessary tools to get work done can be expensive, like a sawzall below. The price range for power tools like that can be anywhere from $100 to $500. Instead of overwhelming yourself with the price, you can begin with putting a percentage of you scrap load earning every visit to the yard. If you average $100 trip every to the yard every two weeks and put away 20% of your earnings towards a new tool every time you can have a new tool within 4 months!

- Equipment: Tools are important to finish some scrap jobs, where the equipment to get the job in the first place is important too. Some examples of needed equipment are; hitch trailer, handtruck, winch, chains, ropes, etc. Hauling larger loads require larger equipment, so by placing part of your earnings from every scrap trip aside, you can begin to afford better equipment to make more money on big jobs.

- Marketing: If you do scrap pick ups in your area, it won't mean anything if people don't know about your service. By using our marketing suggestions, you can get your name out there. Some marketing items may cost money, like business cards, t-shirts, hand outs, and more. Place part of you scrapping profits aside and place them in a jar or bucket labeled "Marketing", and you will begin to collect a good amount to spend for these necessary materials.

By beginning to figure out what new projects or products you are looking to spend money on, set your goals and begin to set aside your scrap earnings to help pay for those things. If you stick to the plan, you will be surprised how much money you will be able to save in a short amount of time.