If you need a particular scrap material, you can post what you want to buy and let sellers come to you. ScrapTrade's request for quote (RFQ) marketplace is where those requirements are listed, and you can post one in two steps. This guide goes through each field, how to choose the delivery term, what makes a request easy to answer, and how an agent or broker can use requests. It describes the form as published. We do not know how many requests are open at any time or how fast sellers respond. We have a commercial interest in the scrap trade.
When a request helps
- You buy a material regularly and want sellers to find you.
- You need a grade or quantity that is not listed on the marketplace.
- You want several sellers to compete for your order.
- You hire an agent to source material, and a request gives them something to work from.
You can see what others have posted on the RFQ marketplace. Check it directly: it may be empty or full when you look.
The form, field by field
The post a requirement page has two steps: details, then pricing. You can save a draft.
Category. Choose the material category. Know your grade names first. See scrap material categories and Scrap Metal Types and Grades.
Title. Make it specific: material, grade and quantity. "Copper wire, bare bright, 5 tonnes" is easier to answer than "Need metal".
Description. Say what a seller needs to know: grade, minimum quantity, acceptable contamination, packing and any certificates or inspection you require. The more precise you are, the fewer irrelevant replies.
Location. Where the material should go. You can use your location.
Incoterm. The form offers four delivery terms:
| Term | What it means on the form |
|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | The buyer picks up from the seller's location |
| FOB (Free On Board) | The seller delivers to the port of loading |
| CIF (Cost Insurance Freight) | The seller covers cost, insurance and freight to the port of destination |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | The seller delivers to the buyer's address and clears import and duties |
Choose the term that matches who you want to carry freight, insurance and risk. For a fuller explanation, see Incoterms in Scrap Deals. Check import rules in your country before you choose DDP or any term where import clearance is involved. We could not verify import rules for any country.
Photos. You can add up to 10 reference photos, up to 10 MB each. The form says requests with reference photos get a faster, more accurate response from sellers. Use photos of the grade you want.
Pricing (step two). Set what the form asks for. Know what the material is worth first with the live prices, and see How to Price a Scrap Lot Before You List It for how to read a benchmark.
What makes a request easy to answer
- A clear grade name and quantity.
- A realistic delivery term.
- Photos.
- A stated inspection or document requirement.
- A response window you can honour.
After you post
Sellers can bid. Compare offers on the same basis: grade, quantity, delivery term and timing, not only price. Verify before you pay. See How to Verify Scrap Before You Buy or Sell. ScrapTrade says payment is held in escrow from confirmation until pickup or delivery is confirmed. See Trust and Safety.
How agents and brokers use requests
An agent hired by a buyer can post and manage a request and check the offers, and is paid a commission added on top of the purchase price. See How to Become a Scrap Agent: Step by Step. A broker can read requests to see what buyers want and decide what to source. A request does not guarantee that material exists to fill it.
Where to go next
- ScrapTrade home
- Marketplace
- RFQ marketplace
- Post a requirement
- Live scrap prices and calculator
- Create a free account
Read How to Make Money on ScrapTrade: 5 Routes for the other routes. If you buy from Australia, Buying Scrap From Australia: A Buyer's Guide has the export map. scrap.trade describes itself as a global marketplace, and we cannot confirm availability in every country or that your country's law allows a given deal.
What we could not verify
- How many requests are open or how quickly sellers respond.
- Import rules in your country.
- How requests are matched or ranked.
Frequently asked questions
What is an RFQ on ScrapTrade?
A request for quote: a buyer describes what they want and sellers bid on it.
Which delivery terms can I choose?
EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP, as on the form.
How many photos can I add?
Up to 10, each up to 10 MB.
Can I save a request and finish it later?
Yes, the form offers a save-as-draft option.
Sources
- ScrapTrade, Post a requirement and RFQ marketplace, as read in October 2026.
This describes ScrapTrade's published form and is general information, not trading, shipping or legal advice. ScrapTrade operates a scrap marketplace and has a commercial interest in the scrap trade.