Scrap coop (was Re: What's an RX01)

From: Mike Ford <mikeford_at_socal.rr.com>
Date: Fri Oct 29 13:45:35 1999

>No... I mean I _can't_ get it out. I would have to bid for *all* scrap from
>a plant the size of 22 football fields. They are a large company with a

Maybe some of us should consider forming some kind of scrap co-op. Find a
couple somewhat centrally located storage points to divide stuff up at,
then go ahead and bid on a few bigger lots.

As a suggestion we could form up into three layers, active (ones who do the
work), passive (ones who have a financial interest, but just want get
stuff, not do stuff), and interested (ones that get first crack at what the
first two groups pass over).

Most of what I see in the scrap business is that it is divided into three
channels, wholesale to stores in the area of working and sometimes
nonworking newer equipment, specialty items that go to people like us, and
the rest to metal scrappers. Not a terribly complexe business model,
dependant mostly on good contacts and low rent.

BTW I am aware of the obvious lunacy factor here, but I think it is still
appealing if some of the details could be sorted out amongst individuals.
The only items I think the co-op would need to own would be a palletjack,
some basic test stuff, and some shelving. Lots of the scrappers always rent
the trucks etc. I don't even see the need for any kind of long term
commitment if we could form some sort of casual group so people could opt
in or out on a job by job basis.

Someone, anyone, could find a "deal", one person would need to step up to
act as the point contact, with other people opting in for either a labor or
cash stake in the given deal (or both), and if interest is sufficient we
move forward with a bid.

The notion of some sort of collective storage area has some obvious appeal
as well, but I suspect that would depend a LOT on costs per sq ft etc.

My whacky thought of the week. I promise not to think for 7 days to rest my
brain.
Received on Fri Oct 29 1999 - 13:45:35 BST