How to Get Phones for a Cell Phone Recycle Business

Reycling cell phones can be profitable.

Recycling cell phones can be a profitable business that's easy to start and has minimal overhead costs. All you need is a reliable source of phones. This isn't difficult if you get a little creative and make it known where people can turn in their old cell phones.

Things You'll Need

• Drop boxes Fliers Business phone number

Instructions

1. Place drop boxes in local businesses, office buildings and community centers. If a business owner or building owner is hesitant to allow a drop box, offer an incentive, such as a flat fee for each phone collected from that box. Make sure the boxes are brightly decorated and clearly marked for cell-phone recycling. Pick up the phones deposited on a regular basis, and check the boxes to make sure they are in good condition. Don't allow the boxes to become dirty or damaged, or property owners may want them removed.

2. Advertise everywhere. Publicize drop-box locations and the importance of recycling cell phones. Advertise in the newspaper and online and distribute fliers. Don't forget local college campuses, large office buildings and business centers. Places like this often have a newsletter in which you can advertise.

3. Offer incentives such as a flat fee per cell phone or a raffle entry for each phone turned in. These can be great motivators. If you offer payment, make sure you are still making a profit after all your other costs, such as advertising, drop boxes, fuel and shipping. Encourage college and high school students to collect phones from family and friends to earn some extra cash. If you decide to conduct a raffle or similar incentive, check your state laws first. Negotiate the prize with local business owners. They may offer free or discounted prizes in exchange for the publicity you generate. Advertise the raffle well so many people will have a chance.

4. Conduct a fundraiser with local charity groups. This works especially well with high school and college clubs. Offer the club the opportunity to make some money by collecting old cell phones. Pay a rate that is fair but still leaves you with a profit. Set either a specific date range for the fundraiser or offer an ongoing partnership with the group, paying them to bring cell phones to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your friends and family know about your business. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

• Be honest about why you are collecting the cell phones. Let people know that it is a for-profit business, but it also benefits everyone by keeping cell phones out of landfills.

Resources

• Cell-phone recycler