Working as an agent
Become a scrap agent in Australia
If you are good at describing material, creating listings and handling deals, you can offer that as a service. A scrap agent works for the sellers and buyers who hire them, creating listings or running deals on their behalf, and earns the commission set when they are hired.
What the work involves
- Describing and photographing material accurately.
- Creating listings on ScrapTrade for clients.
- Responding to buyers and negotiating on your client's behalf.
- Helping sellers and buyers coordinate collection.
- Reporting to each client and keeping records.
How you earn
You earn the commission the hirer sets
A seller or buyer hires you and sets your commission percentage at hiring, from a 5% default that they can change before confirming. Once the hiring agreement is confirmed, the rate is locked. When the deal settles you receive the agreed commission through ScrapTrade, and you can see the calculation and payment status. See agent fees and commission for examples. There is no guaranteed income, and your results depend on finding clients and doing good work.
Interested in working as an agent? Register on ScrapTrade and talk to the team.
Register on ScrapTradeWhat helps
Skills and habits that matter
Material knowledge
You can identify and describe the metals and grades you work with.
Accuracy
Listings that match reality earn repeat clients.
Clear communication
Clients want to know what is happening without chasing.
Honesty about conflicts
You tell clients who else you work for.
Organisation
You keep records and meet the deadlines you agree.
Rules you work under
Compliance still applies
Remember
- Only list material your client owns or may sell
- Describe material accurately and avoid promising a price or a buyer
- Keep deals and payment on ScrapTrade
- Check what licences, registrations or tax rules apply to you where you work
- Stop and ask before handling hazardous or regulated material
Whether acting as an agent needs any licence or registration depends on where you are and what you do. Ask your regulator or a qualified adviser, and speak to the ScrapTrade team.
Agent or broker?
Pick the role that matches how you want to work
If you want to work for clients who hire you, become an agent. If you would rather source scrap from others and resell it as a seller, with a margin you arrange privately, see the broker page and scrap agent versus scrap broker.
In Australia
Setting up in Australia
Most people working as an agent in Australia will need to think about an ABN to be paid. Whether you need any licence or registration depends on your state or territory and what you do, so ask your state regulator. Speak to a registered tax agent about GST and income tax before you start.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a scrap agent?
Speak to the ScrapTrade team about working as an agent. Any requirements are confirmed when you get in touch.
How do scrap agents earn?
A hirer sets the commission percentage when hiring, with a default of 5%. When the deal settles, the agent receives the agreed commission through the platform.
Is income guaranteed?
No. Your results depend on finding clients and doing good work.
Do I need a licence?
It depends on where you are and what you do. Ask your regulator or a qualified adviser.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
An agent works for sellers or buyers who hire them and earns a commission set at hiring. A broker sources scrap from an original seller and resells it as a seller, with a margin arranged privately.
More about hiring a scrap agent
Want someone to handle your scrap listings or deals?
Tell us what you need and we will get back to you about next steps.
Related reading: Hire a scrap agent · How hiring an agent works · Hire an agent to sell your scrap