Is Your Scrap Yard Ripping You Off? 7 Warning Signs to Watch For
"Went to sell copper today and the yard accused me of stealing it (I didn't), took my ID, and then offered me way below market price. Is this normal? How do I know if I'm getting ripped off?"
Taking your ID is legal and required by most state laws. But accusing you without cause and offering below-market prices are red flags. A fair yard pays 85–92% of COMEX spot for Bare Bright copper. Check the spot price before you go. If they're offering less than 80%, or downgrading your clean copper without explanation, walk away.
Most scrap yards are legitimate businesses — but some use tactics that cost sellers real money. Knowing the warning signs and how to verify fair pricing protects you every time you sell. Here's what to watch for.
Check the COMEX Price First
Before you go to any yard, check the current COMEX copper spot price. It's publicly available at kitco.com or the CME Group website. A fair yard pays 85–92% of spot for Bare Bright copper. If spot is $4.50/lb, you should get $3.82–$4.14/lb. If they're offering $3.00, that's a 33% discount — walk away.
7 Warning Signs of a Dishonest Yard
1. Downgrading your copper without showing you the contamination. 2. Refusing to show you the scale reading. 3. Offering a flat price per load instead of per pound. 4. Pressuring you to sell quickly. 5. Prices that are 20%+ below the posted rate for your grade. 6. Refusing to separate your metals before weighing. 7. Changing the price after you've already unloaded.
Your Rights as a Seller
You have the right to see the scale reading. You have the right to refuse the sale at any point before payment. You have the right to take your material to a different yard. You are NOT required to sell once you've driven to a yard. If a yard is acting in bad faith, document it and report it to your state's Department of Agriculture (which typically regulates scales) or the Better Business Bureau.
How to Get a Fair Price Every Time
Get quotes from multiple buyers before you commit. For loads over 200 lbs, call ahead and get a price quote over the phone. Use the ScrapMetalBuyers.com calculator to get an independent estimate before you sell. For commercial quantities, work with a buyer who comes to you — you control the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should scrap yards pay for Bare Bright copper?
A fair yard pays 85–92% of the COMEX spot price for Bare Bright copper. Check the spot price at kitco.com before you go.
Can a scrap yard take my ID?
Yes. Most states require yards to record seller ID for copper and other regulated metals due to theft laws. This is legal and normal.
What should I do if a yard lowballs me?
Refuse the sale, take your material back, and go to a different buyer. You are never obligated to sell once you've arrived at a yard.
How do I get a fair price for my scrap?
Check the COMEX spot price, get multiple quotes, and use our free calculator at scrapmetalbuyers.com/calculator. For commercial quantities, call (754) 310-2984 for a direct quote.