A Beginner's Guide to Buying Surplus Steel in Bulk

If you’re the type of surplus steel buyer who seeks out what you need one piece at a time, you could really be missing out on some big savings: time savings, trouble savings, and money savings.

Buying surplus steel in bulk can be a little intimidating for someone who’s only purchased a piece here and there, but we’re here to tell you that, with a little bit of planning, buying in bulk can be just as easy as dropping by for that one piece of angle steel you needed.

To start buying surplus steel in bulk for your future projects, here’s what you want to know.

Buying Surplus Steel in Bulk Takes Some Planning

How many times during your latest project did you discover the need for material you didn’t already have on hand? With some planning, you could have all the products you need on hand before the project begins.

By spending a little time with your project plans to determine what kind of steel you need, how many items, which pieces may be of odd shapes or sizes, and what value-added services you’ll need to use your steel right away, you can work with a surplus steel supplier to order everything you need at once. This includes any steel that needs to be cut or punched before you use it.

With all your numbers, sizes, and product types ordered in advance, your daily trips to a surplus steel supplier will no longer be needed.

Buying Surplus Steel in Bulk Requires Communication

Keep in mind when buying steel in bulk that you’ll need to be very clear about your needs when you contact a supplier. You know the sizes and shapes you’ll need, so make sure your sales representative gets this information early in the conversation. Let them know if any value-added services are needed when you place your order so that your steel can be ready when you pick it up or have it delivered.

By communicating regularly with your sales representative, you can even gain access to steel that may not be in stock when you place your order. If your supplier doesn’t have it on hand, they’ll have the time they need to track it down and procure it for you in time for pick up or delivery.

Buying Surplus Steel in Bulk Is Possible for Any Industry

No matter your industry, you can likely buy in bulk from a surplus steel supplier. Again, this is when planning and communication with a sales representative are important, because you’ll need to know sizes, gauges, steel types, shapes, and any other information that will help your supplier provide the steel you need.

Several industries find buying surplus steel in bulk easier than ordering one or two pieces at a time, including ranching, manufacturing, construction, welding and fabrication, marine supply and ship building, and transportation.

Buying Surplus Steel in Bulk Saves Money

You already know that you can save up to 40% by choosing surplus steel, but did you know you could save even more by purchasing in bulk? Texas Iron and Metal often charges less per pound the more you order, which means you could see huge savings in the long run.

By purchasing surplus steel in bulk, you can also take advantage of free shipping or delivery. That would certainly save you a lot of time and money when you didn’t have to drive yourself to the warehouse several times a week to find what you need.

If you’re ready to make your first bulk surplus steel order, reach out today. We’ll help you through the whole process from planning to delivery.