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Junkyards vs. Scrap Yards: Understanding the Differences and How to Cash In on Your Junk Car



scrap yard

Are you aware that junkyards and scrap yards aren't the same? Let’s explore how these two differ. At Scrap App, we collaborate with scrap yards, junkyards, auto buyers, and auction houses to ensure you get the best deal for your vehicle.


What is the role of a junkyard?

A junkyard, often referred to as a salvage yard, purchases vehicles that are beyond repair, non-operational, or simply unwanted. Once acquired, the junkyard removes any salvageable parts for resale or allows customers to visit and remove parts themselves.


You can often find even high-cost parts at a lower price in a junkyard compared to an auto parts store or mechanic. After all usable parts are removed, the remaining vehicle is crushed. Junkyards then sell these crushed vehicles in bulk to scrap yards.

In essence, the purpose of a junkyard is to acquire, store, and sell reusable metal and parts to customers.


What is the role of a scrap yard?

Scrap yards buy cars in any condition because their primary goal is to crush them. Crushing vehicles saves space, making it easier to transport compressed metal cubes compared to whole cars. Scrap yards may need to store this metal until market conditions are favorable for selling it in bulk to recyclers. Storing compressed metal is far more space-efficient than storing entire vehicles.


Therefore, the primary function of a scrap yard is to acquire, store, and sell scrap metal in bulk to recycling facilities.


What’s the deal with scrap metal prices?

Timing is crucial when it comes to selling scrap metal. You may have noticed that metal prices fluctuate, largely due to changes in market demand. For example, according to Fortune.com, steel prices surged by over 200% at their peak in 2021, driven by government efforts to stimulate the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. While such dramatic spikes are rare, scrap yards profit by buying metal when prices are low and selling when they’re high. This strategy often requires storing large quantities of scrap metal until the market is favorable for selling to recyclers.


Why choose Scrap App to get cash for your junk vehicle?

The offer you receive for junking your car is usually based on its weight and the amount of metal it contains. Non-operational vehicles may require towing, which some places might charge you for. Scrap App offers a hassle-free way to junk your car without the need for haggling, negotiating, or worrying about towing. We provide fair market value for junk cars and pay you on the spot.


How to use Scrap App to Sell your Junk Car

Tell us the make, model, and year of your car as well as the condition and if you have the title.

Receive an offer for your vehicle.

Let us know when a good time to pick it up (for free) is.

Take the payment from us upon pickup.

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