What deductions should you allow for when you estimate value?
Short answer: Allow for dirt and moisture, attachments such as steel on aluminium or plastic on copper, any mixed material the buyer will downgrade and a margin for the buyer's costs, which together can reasonably take ten to thirty percent off a headline estimate depending on how clean and well-sorted the load is, so being conservative gives you an estimate you can rely on.
Estimate done? See current prices and offers.
List Free →Dirt and attachments
Anything that is not the metal you are selling reduces the payable weight.
Downgrading
Mixed or contaminated metal is priced at a lower grade.
Buyer’s margin
Buyers pay less than the prices quoted in the news, to cover costs and risk.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade offers state their deductions, so you can see how an estimate compares.
An estimate makes you a harder person to underpay. ScrapTrade shows current prices and connects you with verified buyers, transparent weighing and escrow-protected payments.
List or Find Scrap on ScrapTrade →Practical answers on estimating the value of a scrap load from weight, metal type and realistic deductions.