J.J. Feregrino, President of We Buy Key Fobs, shares insights on how auto recyclers can profit from recycling unwanted key fobs and contribute to environmental sustainability.
In 2011, J.J. Feregrino, then working at a car dealership that was pioneering online vehicle sales, noticed a recurring issue. Customers were often disappointed to receive only one key fob with their used vehicle purchase. This observation sparked an idea. Later, discovering a box of discarded key fobs destined for the trash, J.J. saw an opportunity where others saw waste. His boss agreed to let him take them, unaware this would be the start of a thriving venture centered around used key fobs.
Driven by his online sales experience, J.J. decided to test the market for these discarded devices. He believed there must be a demand for used key fobs, perhaps for reprogramming or reuse. More importantly, recycling key fobs seemed a far better alternative than contributing to landfill pollution. Listing them on eBay, he quickly sold out, validating his hunch about the potential of Recycle Key Fobs.
This initial success led J.J. to expand his efforts. He placed ads on Craigslist to buy old car keys, and his side project rapidly evolved into a full-time business. To date, We Buy Key Fobs has recycled over 1.5 million key fobs, preventing them from becoming environmental waste and providing a valuable service.
The business naturally segmented into two brands: We Buy Key Fobs, focusing on purchasing, and a sister brand handling sales. Auto recyclers quickly emerged as key suppliers due to their consistent access to end-of-life vehicles and the associated key fobs.
A pile of used car key fobs collected from auto recycling, showcasing the potential for recycling and reuse.
Recognizing this, J.J. sought to educate more auto recyclers about the straightforward benefits of selling recyclable key fobs. For an industry already focused on maximizing vehicle component recycling, the concept of including key fobs was a natural fit. The primary challenge wasn’t collection, as recyclers were already adept at salvaging valuable materials. Instead, it was demonstrating that the small effort of collecting and selling key fobs was worthwhile.
While the profit from key fobs might seem minor compared to larger auto parts, J.J. emphasizes the minimal effort required. Collecting key fobs involves simply tossing them into a container during the vehicle dismantling process. This negligible time investment, combined with the inherent satisfaction of maximizing vehicle part reuse, makes key fob recycling an appealing prospect for auto recyclers.
Furthermore, the selling process is streamlined. For recyclers in Canada and the US, selling key fobs is as easy as boxing them up and shipping them to We Buy Key Fobs. The company even offers free shipping, eliminating any logistical hurdles or costs for the recycler.
J.J. concludes by highlighting the significant collective impact of these small devices. Recycling key fobs offers a simple yet effective way for auto recyclers to generate additional revenue while actively contributing to environmental protection. By choosing to recycle key fobs, auto recyclers can turn what was once considered waste into a valuable resource.
To discover more about how your auto recycling business can benefit, visit www.webuykeyfobs.com.
