Two roles
Scrap agent versus scrap broker
The names are close and the roles are different. An agent is hired by a seller or buyer, and the commission is set and settled through ScrapTrade. A broker is a seller who sources scrap from someone else and resells it, and the broker's margin is arranged privately.
| Scrap agent | Scrap broker | |
|---|---|---|
| Who appoints them | A seller or a buyer, through a hiring agreement | Nobody; the broker operates independently |
| What they do | Help sell or buy scrap, or manage a transaction, for their client | Source scrap from an original seller and list it for sale |
| How they are paid | A commission percentage agreed at hiring, locked once confirmed | A margin or commission agreed privately with the original seller |
| Does ScrapTrade calculate it? | Yes, and it appears in the payment breakdown | No. ScrapTrade does not calculate, deduct or distribute it |
| Default rate | 5%, editable before confirmation | Not applicable |
| On the platform | Works for a seller or buyer who remains the party to the deal | Operates as a seller, with a broker classification and a reference to the original seller |
| Platform fees | Apply to the deal as usual | Standard platform fees apply to broker transactions |
A broker example
How a broker's margin works
Illustrative: a broker resells material sourced for A$800
| Original seller's agreed price | A$800 |
| Broker's listed selling price | A$1,000 |
| Potential gross margin before expenses | A$200 |
ScrapTrade does not calculate this margin or pass any part of it to the original seller. The broker deals with the original seller under their own agreement. Platform charges are extra. Example only.
Which one applies to you?
Match the role to what you want
You want help with your own scrap
Hire a scrap agent if you want help selling or buying. See hire a scrap agent.
You source scrap from others and resell it
Operate as a scrap broker. See the broker page.
You want to work for sellers and buyers
Become a scrap agent. See become a scrap agent.
Not sure which applies to you? Describe your situation and we will point you the right way.
Request a scrap agentResponsibilities
What each role is responsible for
A broker is responsible for the authenticity of the listing and for meeting the seller's obligations on the platform, because to the platform the broker is the seller. An agent works for a seller or buyer who remains the party to the deal, under the hiring agreement the two of them confirmed.
In Australia
Agents and brokers across states
Both roles operate under the state and territory rules that apply to the scrap trade where the material is located. Hiring an agent or buying from a broker does not change those rules. If the material and the parties are in different states, check each state's requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a scrap agent and a scrap broker?
A scrap agent is hired by a seller or buyer and is paid a commission set at hiring and settled through ScrapTrade. A scrap broker sources scrap from an original seller and resells it as a seller on the platform, with a margin arranged privately outside it.
Who pays a scrap agent, and who pays a scrap broker?
The seller or buyer who hires an agent pays the agent's commission. A broker earns a margin arranged privately with the original seller, which ScrapTrade does not manage.
Does ScrapTrade calculate a broker's margin?
No. ScrapTrade does not calculate, deduct or distribute a broker's margin. Standard platform fees apply to broker transactions.
Which should I choose?
Choose an agent if you want help with your own selling or buying. Operate as a broker if you source scrap from others and resell it.
Can I be both?
Possibly, but tell everyone which role you are acting in on each deal to avoid conflicts of interest.
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: How to choose a scrap agent · Hiring agreement checklist · Become a scrap agent