It’s a sad thing to see good used items go to waste. But, material things, all ran out of value in some way. Most of the time, these items end up in recycling centres, landfills, or junkyards.
Junkyards, just like any recycling centres are a great place to find good deals on old, broken items. But is it really worth it to buy junk at a junkyard? We will share our thoughts with you, but the final decision will be yours at the end of this article.
Is it Worth Taking Advantage of Junkyard Junk?
Buying junk at a junkyard can help us save a lot of money. Who else in the world doesn’t want to save money? But it’s not always certain whether the junk you find at the junkyard is truly worth purchasing. That is why we have compiled a list of things you should be aware of before making a decision.
Prepare yourself for the unexpected
We’re all aware that what we see in movies and TV shows isn’t always what it appears to be in real life. As with the junkyard items, we must be prepared for the unexpected. They won’t end up in junkyards if they’re functional, to begin with.
Most discarded items may appear to be in good condition on the outside. But once we use them, problems are likely to arise sooner rather than later.
Brand new vs junk
New and used items both have compelling selling points and drawbacks. To make sure you are getting the best deal, you need to shop around and compare prices. Consider visiting multiple junkyards if you live in an area where there are multiple junkyards so you can negotiate the best deal.
Make it a point not to accept the first offer that comes your way because you might be able to get a better deal elsewhere. Look around for a few options but don’t go too far. Trying to get the best deal may cost some of your profit since mileage and time are costly.
Self or full-service
There are two options when going to a junkyard: full-service or self-service. There are advantages and disadvantages to these various types of services. See the following pros and cons with self-service and full-service:
Self-Service Pros
- The yard is yours to explore without anyone following you around
- Extra expenses are avoided because there are no overhead costs involved, such as cleaning, warranty on items, and staff
- Wide range of junk items to choose from
Self-Service Cons
- You must be knowledgeable about the items you are looking for
- You must bring your own tools or hire a professional to inspect the item
- You’ll have a difficult time locating the specific item you need
These are just a few of the many advantages and disadvantages of self-service junkyards. If you have a friend who has had a similar experience, ask them about it so you know what to expect.
Full-Service Pros
- One of the primary benefits of a full-service junkyard is that you will be given the correct item or directed to where you can find it
- The staff will do all of the legwork and search for the specific part you require
- They will clean the items for you
- Guarantees what they sell, even if it’s a used item
Full-Service Cons
Although you will be treated with the appropriate level of customer service, you will be required to pay an additional fee.
Bottomline
Consider the following factors mentioned above when deciding whether or not to buy junk from a junkyard. Just keep in mind, each item, whether new or used, has advantages and disadvantages.
You should also think about how much time you have available. Does the time and cost of purchasing a brand new item outweigh the time and cost of purchasing a used item from a junkyard? Additionally, these include the knowledge and tools you need to extract the parts or items you need from the junkyard.
If shopping at a junkyard saves you enough time and money, then, it may be worthwhile to buy junk from a junkyard. Otherwise, you should simply purchase a brand-new item.
