ScrapTrader

About this idea

Our software solution is poised to revolutionize the recycled material industry by offering a comprehensive, user-friendly trading platform that caters to both buyers and sellers. Unlike existing software systems, which predominantly prioritize backend functions such as inventory management and financial records, our platform is engineered from the ground up to seamlessly integrate customer-facing applications into the existing ecosystem. Our vision centers on providing users with a frictionless experience for locating product information and executing transactions. We understand that the current industry landscape lacks this critical user-centric approach, creating numerous inefficiencies in workflow and business processes. Furthermore, our software aims to empower recycling businesses by enabling them to capture a more comprehensive perspective of sales and commerce data. This enhanced data analytics capability will result in more informed interactions and improved customer engagement. Our team has a combined 30 years experience in the scrap metal recycling industry and we plan on continuing to leverage our existing relationships to bring organization and efficiency to the metal sales process. Our focus initially is on nonferrous metals (everything other than iron/steel) because all of the different types of recycled metals in this space significantly adds to the chaos. The opportunity in front of us is very significant as over $20 Billion of nonferrous metal was recycled in the United States last year and another $10 Billion was exported throughout the world. Providing a significant amount of sales to be organized. ScrapTrader started as a conversation amongst neighbors in a backyard and has been an awesome journey that has seen lots of growth along the way. We will do everything we can to turn this idea into an actual business while enjoying every step of the process!

Impact

Scrap metal recyclers are the OGs of the circular economy. Metal recycling has been around for thousands of years and over this time, industry professionals have gotten incredibly efficient at collecting, sorting and processing scrap metal. So much so that aluminum cans are used, recycled and put back on store shelves in 60 days. Unfortunately the front office business processes have not improved at the same rate as the metal recycling itself as the buying and selling of this recycled aluminum remains unorganized & borderline chaotic. ScrapTrader wants to change that and we think we are off to a good start as using our platform increases efficiency in the recycled metal sales process by over 75%. Optimizing logistics will not only reduce mistakes and delight customers, it will save time and money for an industry that is vital to sustainability.

What I'll do with $5,000

The scrap metal recycling industry is a very tight knit group where relationships are very important. Every year the industry has a national convention that draws over 6,000 recyclers from around the world. Last year the event was held in Nashville, TN and we drove down to try and make as many connections as we could. While we were able to talk with many individuals in the industry, not having the budget for admission into the exhibit hall definitely hindered our networking capabilities. We are planning on heading out to Las Vegas, NV in April for this year's event, but with admission being almost $2,500, we will not be able to get into the exhibit hall again this year. The $5,000 will allow two of our team members to talk, connect and meet with thousands of potential ScrapTrader users at the largest recycled materials industry event in the world. See link below for event details. https://isri2024.org/

About this idea

Impact

What I'll do with $5,000

Links

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