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Reading Price Lists

Why can the price differ between delivering scrap yourself and having it collected?

Short answer: A delivered price usually reflects material arriving at the buyer's site at your cost, while a collected price has transport costs built in, so the headline number for collection is often lower but may leave you better off once you count your own fuel, vehicle, time and the effort of loading, particularly for heavy or bulky loads.

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What the difference reflects

The buyer’s transport cost for collection has to come from somewhere, so collected prices are commonly lower than delivered ones for the same material.

Counting your own costs

Fuel, vehicle wear, your time and any helper or hire costs can easily outweigh a higher delivered price, especially for a long drive or a heavy load.

Where each makes sense

Small, valuable loads often suit self-delivery, while heavy or bulky loads often suit collection, so compare the net result, not the headline.

How ScrapTrade Fits In

ScrapTrade buyers can offer pickup, letting you compare delivered and collected offers on your actual load.

Reading a price list well is half the job. ScrapTrade shows current market prices and connects you with verified buyers, transparent weighing and escrow-protected payments.

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