There was a time when the word, “Salvage” evoked mental images of sunken treasures and underwater wreckage. But now, the concept of salvage has expanded to include almost every single item, piece of machinery, textile, or product you can imagine. While this development results in an endless amount of possible products for salvage sales it does leave those in charge of selling with some difficulties in finding a new purpose for old salvage.
Thinking Outside the Box
There is almost no limit to the items you can salvage. As long as the item in question isn’t dangerous and has some value to potential buyers, there is no reason not to position it as a saleable good. The real trick to selling it is in learning to think outside the box in order to find the perfect sales positioning for each piece of salvage you have.
Here are a few tips to help you expand your knowledge base and further the likelihood that you can sell your client’s salvage:
1. Be curious: Curiosity often leads to knowledge because it causes you to ask questions. So be curious about every industry, every machine and every production process there is. Ask questions when you are in the company of people who know things about individual industries and make sure to keep mental notes on your discoveries.
2. Arrange for tours: Whenever possible get tours of factories, production plants, warehouses and any other buildings with equipment and goods.
3. Read books: There are no end to the number of books you can buy on mechanical engineering and repair. These books can help you learn about how to build and repair many of the machines that companies need in order to produce goods. Once you understand the mechanics of these machines you can better find uses for the salvage you see.
So remember, be open minded, curious and learn as much as you can about everything—because you never know what you can repurpose your next lot of salvage as.
