The Do’s & Don’ts of Online Scrap Trading
Maximize your profits and stay safe with these essential industry best practices.
THE DO’S
Sort & Clean Your Material
Separation is key. Always separate ferrous from non-ferrous metals. Remove plastic, wood, and glass attachments. Clean copper wire gets a much higher price than insulated wire.
Use Clear, High-Res Photos
When listing online, take photos in good lighting. Show the material from multiple angles. Include a reference object (like a coin or ruler) to show scale/thickness.
Verify Your Buyer/Seller
Check the user’s profile for the “Verified Trader” badge. Read reviews from previous transactions. On platforms like Scrap Trade Online, verification adds a layer of trust.
Use Traceable Payment Methods
EFT or Cheque only. Cash-for-scrap is banned in many regions (including Australia & UK) to prevent theft. Always use the platform’s secure escrow service to protect your funds.
Know Your ISRI Codes
Use standard ISRI specifications (e.g., “Honey” for yellow brass scrap) in your descriptions. This ensures the buyer knows exactly what quality they are bidding on.
THE DON’TS
Don’t Hide Contaminants
Never hide iron inside copper bundles or dirt inside steel loads. This is considered fraud. You will be blacklisted, fined, and potentially banned from the platform.
Don’t Trade Off-Platform
Scammers often ask to move conversations to WhatsApp or email to avoid fees. Do not do this. If you trade off-platform, you lose all payment protection and dispute resolution support.
Don’t Guess Weights
Don’t “eyeball” your tonnage. Use a certified weighbridge ticket for large loads or a calibrated digital scale for smaller, high-value non-ferrous items.
Don’t Ship Hazardous Materials
Batteries, sealed tanks, and radioactive materials require special handling. Never include these in a general scrap load without explicit declaration and safety protocols.
Don’t Ignore Market Fluctuations
Scrap prices change daily based on the LME (London Metal Exchange). Don’t rely on last month’s prices. Check the daily rate before agreeing to a deal.
💡 Expert Insight: The Value of “Upgrading”
Many new traders lose money by selling everything as “mixed scrap.” Spending 1 hour stripping insulation off copper wire or removing steel screws from aluminum frames can often double the value of your load. Labor = Profit.
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