How to Become a Junk Dealer

Determine what your specialty will be within the junk industry. Must junk dealers create their businesses based on standard salvage operations involving vehicles and other large items. However, there are several other areas you can focus on that do not require owning and maintaining a salvage yard. Other types of junk commonly salvaged include old electronics, books, cardboard, paper, plastic, wood and various metals.

Educate yourself extensively on the particulars of your chosen area of the junk business. You will need to know what different items typically sell for, how their prices can fluctuate based on the commodities market, when those items are typically in high or low demand and the best avenues for buying and selling your particular type of junk.

Draft a business plan for your junk dealing business. Set specific goals as to how you will make your business profitable and how future profits will be invested back into the business. You may wish to meet with a certified public accountant to help perfect your business plan.

Build a vast inventory of junk by locating and purchasing the types of junk you wish to deal in. Common ideas include monitoring curbside alerts on Craigslist, driving around your neighborhood on garbage day, identifying dumpsters where materials may be tossed out and attending local garage sales, flea markets and auctions. You may also wish to consider creating and distributing fliers offering to pick up and haul electronics or other refuse from local businesses and residences.

Build your customer base by keeping a detailed inventory of your junk catalog online, or by advertising your business in local newspapers and other media. Most salvage dealers keep a listing of their goods online, so they can reach customers outside their normal circles and sell goods to a wide range of people. You may want to consider selling your materials in a retail space, or selling them online through a service such as eBay.