For most people today a vehicle is an absolute necessity. It would be unimaginable to try and get around without a vehicle. Who is going to cart your kids back and forth to their activities? How are you going to get to work and run errands? Sure, there is public transportation available, but vehicles give you the freedom that you need to travel anywhere that you see relevant. Unfortunately, just like everything else in life cars and their components do not last forever.
That being said, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use this very fact and turn it into a benefit. For instance, due to the fact that cars and their components do not last forever, people are always on the lookout for used car parts like batteries. Not only that, but the components within your used batteries can even bring in a few extra dollars.
Recycling plants are also willing to pay a fair price so that they can take the parts within them and salvage them. Some companies even buy batteries to rebuild them from the ground up, where they can later then be sold for a hefty profit. If you have enough old used batteries sitting around, this is a venture that you could undertake to help supplement your income.
Who Buys Used Car Batteries?
As you just learned, you can take those old auto batteries and turn them into cold, hard cash. It doesn’t even matter if the battery is dead or you are just looking to replace your old one for preventative measures, there are a number of reputable locations that will pay you good money for these batteries. Just keep in mind that there are some vendors that will pay a flat-rate price, while there are some out there that will give you top dollar.
Also, keep in mind that the current condition of the battery can also factor into the amount of money that you receive. A fully working battery is likely to fetch more money than one that won’t hold a charge. If you are contemplating where to sell old batteries for cash, you should consider the following locations.
1. The Auto Parts Store
It probably doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you can trade off your old car batteries at auto parts stores. This is probably one of the most obvious choices, but that doesn’t mean the choice will be entirely straightforward. Depending on where you are located there will likely be a variety of vendors to choose from, but more than likely there is at least one big-name auto parts store located near you. This could be a Napa, AutoZone, O’Reilly, or an Advanced Auto Parts. These auto parts stores have just about migrated into every little throughout America and they are usually willing to pay anywhere from five to twelve dollars for your used batteries.
However, there are some stores that will only issue store credit. Of course, this won’t be a bad thing if you are trading that old battery in at the same time you are buying a new one. A few extra dollars towards that new purchase never hurts. Just keep in mind that this is just one of the many options available to you. There are tons other and they might even prove to be more lucrative.
2. Scrap Yards
Did you know that there are places that specifically cater to individuals looking to sell their used car batteries? If your local auto parts store isn’t willing to take those old batteries off your hands for a fair price fear not because there are plenty of salvage yards that will be more than happy to take them. Keep in mind that most of these places not only take used batteries, but they take used appliances and metal as well. If you have a bunch of junk just sitting around be sure to take it in at one time to earn the most money.
Selling in much is extremely important when you are selling items to places like this because they are usually willing to give more for bulk trade-ins. Whether you are looking to get rid of a battery, a sack of batteries, or old appliances, your venture will be much more profitable when you sell in bulk. Scarp yards are usually interested in the core of the battery. The core is so important because it is made of metal and can be recycled for other uses.
Depending on where you are located the going rate of used batteries at scrap yards can vary. That being said, the going rate for a battery core is usually right around 33 cents per pound. Since a battery core weighs in at about 21 pounds, you stand at making a profit of seven dollars when selling your used batteries to scrap yards. If you are located in an area where there are several scrap yards to choose from, you will want to make sure that you give each a quick call beforehand. Compare the prices of each scrap yard and see which is willing to offer the biggest bang for your buck.
3. Repair Shops
Not everyone can afford to buy a new battery these days. In fact, some new batteries can go as high as a hundred dollars or more and this is why people are always willing to buy them used. Auto repair shops are mostly willing to buy batteries that can be serviced and used effectively for other purposes. Selling your batteries in this manner is not only effective, but it can be rewarding because you know that your battery will more than likely go to help for less fortunate individuals. That being said, auto repair shops are usually stricter and will subject your battery to a number of tests before accepting it. However, they will usually pay you more for your trade-in. This is just something to consider before you decide how to sell old/used car batteries for cash.
4. Host A Yard Sale
It is a fact that most people are able to sell items that they thought were not salable by having a yard sale. If you have a few items, such as old car batteries, that you are looking to get rid of a yard sale is the solution.
To ensure a profitable yard sale, you will need to advertise it in advance. Place ads in local newspapers, put up signs by the main road and distribute flyers. This is the best form of advertising for local yard sales.
5. Facebook Marketplace
If you are not familiar with Facebook Marketplace, you are missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. This platform allows average people to advertise their used and new items. The great benefit of utilizing the Facebook Marketplace is each post is guaranteed to reach a wide audience. Of course, your goal will be to attract local individuals who are interested in buying used car batteries.
Potential buyers will contact you through private messages. Once you make a deal, you will have to set up a safe meeting location. Most people who utilize Facebook Marketplace agree to meet up at a Walmart, Home Depot or some other type of reputable business.
6. Local Business Bulletin Boards
Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot have bulletin boards to allow locals to advertise their services and products. In these forums, local businesses and people who want to buy used car batteries as well as other things often appear to search. Just post ads for your old car batteries at as many of these bulletin boards you can access.
7. Try Craigslist
Are you having a difficult time finding someone who is interested in taking your used batteries? Well, there is a really good chance that there are people who would help recycle your battery and they probably live within close vicinity to you. With that being said, you should turn your attention to the Internet. All you have to do is check out websites like Craigslist.
This will give you the opportunity to reach out to local people in your area. In return, there is a really good chance that you’ll find a few people who will help recycle. In fact, you might even find Craigslist posts from companies that are looking for old car batteries. This will help you eliminate the guesswork from the equation right from the get-go.
Just remember that you might not get the best price from these sources. Therefore, those that are aiming to get the maximum amount of money should hold off and look elsewhere.
8. Check Yellow Pages
Ultimately, there are plenty of companies that can actually utilize used car batteries. There is a really good chance that a few businesses in your area will buy them. You just need to put in the work to find the businesses that will. To do that, you should head to Yellow Pages. Try searching for companies that offer cash for used batteries. If you cannot find anything of the sort, you can always check local mechanics.
Garages will often offer services like this. For instance, they’ll usually recycle used tires, oil, and batteries. In fact, a lot of these companies will actually pay $7 for each battery that you bring them. To get more money, you should look for other sources. Still, this is a good option for those looking for convenience.
9. eBay
eBay is another good option. It isn’t the perfect solution for several reasons though. This website is filled with scammers who are going to try to rip you off. Therefore, you have to know exactly how much your battery is worth upfront. Otherwise, you’re going to end up losing out. At the same time, you have to be extremely careful about the shipping. Be sure to weigh the battery in advance. This is the best way to ensure that you do not end up paying out of pocket for shipping.
If you want to avoid the headache, you can always sell it as a pickup only item. Either way, you should always try your luck on this website. There is a good chance that you’ll find someone out there who is interested in buying your old battery.
10. Try Mobile Apps
Before going any further, you should think about putting your smartphone to work for you. There are certain mobile apps that can actually help you sell your battery. For instance, you’ll definitely want to check out the iScrap App. There are plenty of similar apps out there as well. This app will give you the ability to quickly and easily discover scrap yards in your area. After that, you just need to visit the scrap yard and sell your battery.
This is a very good solution to the problem for several reasons. For starters, it’ll give you the ability to pinpoint the scrap yards that are closest to you. In return, you’ll be able to contact these companies and compare prices. This can help you get the very best price for your battery. It is definitely a good idea to use these mobile apps to your advantage.
11. United Battery
There are actually companies that offer cash rewards for used car batteries. United Battery is one such company. While you might not receive top dollar, this is still a good solution to the problem. After all, United Battery is a very reputable company. You can pretty much guarantee that they’re going to take your battery and treat you right every step of the way. The amount that you’ll receive will depend on the battery that you have and current market prices.
12. Car Battery Recycling For Cash
The best way to ensure top dollar for old car batteries is price comparison. Conduct a quick search to find the recycling companies in your area that pay cash for old car batteries. Choose a few companies from the list and call each one of them. This is necessary to find out how much these companies pay. Once you obtain this information, you will need to do a price comparison.
If you want to get the highest profit for your old car batteries, you will have to sell them to the recycling company that pays the most. However, if you must also factor in travel expenses and time. Once you do this, it will not be that difficult to determine which company will offer you the best deal.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of locations where you can sell your car batteries and as long as people are using vehicles to get from one place to another they are going to need used batteries. Manufacturers oftentimes like to take advantage of these old batteries to help keep costs as low as possible and you should always be willing to turn this to your advantage, as the world can be an expensive place. Knowing the market and where to sell your batteries will help you get the very best rates possible.