For sellers
Hire a scrap agent to sell your scrap
Selling scrap yourself means describing it accurately, photographing it, choosing how to sell it, answering buyers and coordinating collection. If that is not how you want to spend your time, or you are not confident doing it, an agent can take on some or all of it.
When hiring a seller's agent tends to help
- You have several lots or a mixed load that needs sorting into clear descriptions.
- You sell scrap regularly but do not want to manage listings each time.
- You are remote from the material or from buyers.
- You are unsure how to grade or describe what you have.
What the agent can do
Tasks you can hand over
| Task | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Describe the material | Identify type and grade, estimate quantity honestly and note condition and contamination. See scrap material categories |
| Photograph and document | Take clear photos and note location and access |
| Create listings | Publish the listing on ScrapTrade on your behalf |
| Answer buyers | Respond to questions and offers for you |
| Coordinate collection | Help arrange timing and access with the buyer |
Want someone to handle your listings? Tell us what you are selling.
Request a scrap agentWhat you still do
Your part of the job
- Confirm ownershipOnly material you own or are entitled to sell should be listed. Make sure your agent knows this.
- Give access and detailsAllow the agent to see the material and answer their questions.
- Decide your termsKnow the price and conditions you want, and tell your agent.
- Check what is publishedLook at the listing and agree with the agent whether you see it before it goes live.
- Check the resultLook at what has been published and the offers received.
Is it worth it?
A simple rule for deciding
Hire an agent when what they save you, in time and in avoided mistakes, plausibly exceeds the commission. Estimate how many hours the work would take you, what those hours are worth and what the commission would be on your sale. If the commission would be a large share of a small lot, consider doing it yourself. You can also start with one lot to see how it goes. No agent can promise a price, so judge the work, not the promise.
Cautions
What to watch for
Be careful if an agent
- Asks you to pay them outside the platform
- Promises a particular price or a quick sale
- Wants payment sent to them instead of through the deal
- Will not explain clearly what they will do
- Is also working for the buyer and has not told you
Frequently asked questions
Can a scrap agent sell my scrap for me?
An agent can create your listings and handle the deal for you, within the scope of your hiring agreement. The decision to sell is yours.
How do I pay a seller's agent?
The agent's commission is deducted from your proceeds when payment settles, at the percentage you set before confirming the hiring agreement. The buyer's price is unchanged.
Do I need to be sure I own the material?
Yes. Only list material you own or are entitled to sell, and make sure your agent knows.
Can I set a minimum price?
You decide the price you want. Agree with your agent how offers will be handled before you confirm the hiring agreement.
Can the agent promise me a price?
No. No agent can promise a price. Be wary of anyone who does.
More about hiring a scrap agent
Want someone to handle your scrap listings or deals?
Tell us what you need and we will get back to you about next steps.
Related reading: Hire an agent to buy scrap · Agent fees and commission · Scrap agent vs scrap broker