How to sell catalytic converters safely and get the best price
A practical guide to selling used catalytic converters: identify and price them first, keep them complete, what to bring, how quotes and inspection work, and how you are paid.
· Catalytic Price
- Price every unit by its code before you sell; never sell unidentified units by the kilo.
- Keep units complete and unopened: cutting or emptying them destroys value.
- A quote holds its prices for 48 hours and is confirmed at inspection.
- Bring identification; buying points must record who sold what, and only lawfully owned units are bought.
1. Identify and price first
Find the code on each unit, search it, and compare the photos. Members see the price per piece straight away. Pricing by reference is how you avoid the oldest trick in the trade: a flat price “per cat” or “per kilo” that pays the same for an empty unit and a rich one.
2. Keep them complete
Do not cut, open or empty a converter, and keep any loose ceramic pieces. The price assumes a complete, original unit; an opened one is re-priced, and loose ceramic is paid by weight and content. Keep DPFs and catalysts that came out as one piece together.
3. Build a quote
Add each converter to your quote with its quantity and send it. You receive a written quote with every line priced, valid for 48 hours, so the price you saw is the price you bring your units to. Choose drop-off at our buying point or collection where it is offered.
4. Inspection
At the buying point every unit is checked against its reference, in front of you: code, photos, completeness and weight. Units that match are paid at the quoted price. A unit that is different, damaged or a replacement part gets a new price, and you can accept it or take the unit back.
5. What to bring
- Identification. Buyers of second-hand metal must record who sold what; in South Africa this is required by law.
- Proof of where the units came from, for larger lots: a workshop invoice, a scrapyard record or a vehicle registration.
- Company details if you sell as a business.
We do not buy units that are suspected to be stolen, and we report them. Catalytic converters are a common target for theft; a seller who can show where a unit came from protects everyone.
6. Payment
By bank transfer or as agreed at the buying point, with a written invoice listing each unit and its price.
Getting the best price
- Sell by reference, not by the kilo.
- Watch the metal markets: the same units are worth more when rhodium and palladium are up.
- Do not accept a “sight-unseen” price for a mixed lot; price each unit.
- Use photo identification for anything without a readable code.
Ready? See how selling works and our buying point.
Questions & answers
How long is a quote valid?
For 48 hours from the moment it is sent, subject to inspection of the units.
Can I sell without an account?
You can browse the catalogue without one, but a free account is needed to see prices and send a quote.
Do you buy loose ceramic?
Yes, by weight and content. Keep every piece, including dust, in a sealed bag.