How Selling Your Wire Works

Step 1: Send photos that identify each reel or coil

Start with the Get an Offer form, or call (951) 403-5738. Send the wire type, size, estimated footage, packaging and Arizona location. For a mixed lot, give each reel a simple identifier so its photos match the inventory.

For example, Southwire's SIMpull THHN/THWN-2 copper specification describes a 600-volt product. Record the markings on your actual wire rather than assuming every similar-looking reel has that rating. Our reel tag and print-line guide explains what to look for.

On partial reels, distinguish remaining footage from the original tag quantity. If you are uncertain, use the footage estimation guide and tell us how you reached the estimate.

Step 2: We review the material for reuse

We buy unused surplus electrical wire and cable suitable for installation, including copper and aluminum on full reels, partial reels, boxed coils and usable cut lengths. The wire and cable categories we buy help you identify mixed inventory.

The review considers type and listing, size, conductor metal, brand, manufacture date, readable markings and condition. Footage per reel matters, as does the number of matching reels. Full reels are generally stronger candidates than short cut lengths. Current product demand and the copper and aluminum markets also affect the offer.

Show sun exposure, water exposure or damaged packaging clearly. Do not hide a problem under a new label or count separate pieces as one continuous length.

Step 3: Review the written offer before agreeing

We review the lot and send a written offer. Submitting the form is a request for review, not a binding offer or a pickup booking.

Compare the written description with what you intend to sell. Check that the included reels, estimated footage and disclosed condition match your inventory. Keep material reserved for another job out of the sale description.

Before agreeing, ask about anything unclear:

• Which reels and coils are included, and which are excluded?
• How will remaining footage be checked?
• What happens if the pickup inspection finds a difference?
• What payment method and timing are being agreed to?

Keep the written terms with the inventory and photos. The person releasing the wire should have the same lot description you reviewed.

Step 4: Confirm ownership and authority to sell

We verify the seller and proof of ownership before buying. Examples include an invoice, purchase order, job closeout paperwork or a letter on company letterhead. We also need the name and ID of the person releasing the material.

Company-owned wire needs someone with authority to sell it, such as the owner, project manager, purchasing department or investment recovery contact. Possession of a reel does not establish that authority. Our ownership verification guide covers the documents to prepare.

For a Chandler semiconductor closeout, a campus name such as Intel's Ocotillo identifies the project location, not who owns the remaining reels. Keep contractor-owned surplus separate from customer-owned material and establish who can approve the sale.

Step 5: Arrange pickup and prepare the agreed lot

We pick up anywhere in Arizona. We send a truck. Before pickup, explain site access, gate requirements and any restrictions on releasing material. Identify the person who will meet the truck. Do not assume particular loading equipment is included; discuss loading arrangements before scheduling.

Keep the agreed reels together with their labels visible. Do not cut wire or remove original packaging just to make the lot easier to photograph. Report any inventory change before pickup.

Protect the material while it waits. Southwire's handling guidance calls for sealed cable ends to keep moisture out. Leave existing seals intact, especially on medium-voltage cable, and disclose missing seals or known water exposure.

At pickup, we check the material against the written terms. If quantity, identity or condition differs, resolve the difference in writing before completing the sale. The Arizona pickup page covers preparation in more detail.

Step 6: Confirm payment terms before the truck arrives

Payment method and timing are confirmed in writing before pickup. If your company needs a company check or ACH, ask while reviewing the offer. Give the correct company or seller name for the payment arrangement.

Do not assume payment occurs when photos are submitted or when the truck arrives. Review the agreed timing with the person handling your accounts. See payment and paperwork for ownership and payment preparation.

Timing depends on the lot and written arrangements

Discuss review and pickup timing for your lot rather than assuming a turnaround time. If you have a job closeout deadline, state it with the first submission and ask whether the proposed arrangements meet it.

Readable photos, a reel-by-reel inventory and ownership documents help avoid follow-up questions. Approval of company-owned material may need to happen before pickup can be arranged. Do not treat a requested date as confirmed until arrangements are agreed. Keep review, ownership approval, pickup and the written payment timing separate when planning the closeout.

If the lot does not qualify

We do not buy wire pulled out of service, burned or damaged wire, material chopped into short pieces, or material you cannot show you own.

Missing information is different from unsuitable material. If identity, footage or ownership is unclear, provide the missing photos or documents for review. For a mixed lot, identify the unused, undamaged material separately from anything outside our buying criteria.

There is no universal minimum quantity. Send type, size, footage, packaging and location rather than assuming a small lot cannot be considered. A review request does not promise acceptance. The wire seller FAQ addresses other questions about partial reels and qualifying material.