Gold Aluminum
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Gold from Electronic, Telecommunication & Computer Scrap Part 3
Thursday, August 14, 2009
Gold from Electronic, Telecommunication & Computer Scrap Part 3
RecyclingSecrets.com
by Michael Meuser
This is the 3rd in an ongoing series of articles about my experience in the electronic salvage, recycling and gold recovery business. At first, I was going to write this up as an ebook and sell it, but I decided – given the tough economic times we all face – to give it away in installments. New installments, resources, how-to articles and news can be found at www.RecyclingSecrets.com.
In the last post I talked about looking at the material and bringing back some samples so I could begin to develop a market for the salvage – note that selling for reuse almost always brings in more revenue than recycling for the metal value.
In this post I’ll talk a bit about getting equipment and marketing.
Once I saw the material, I knew that I needed a real truck. I had brought back quite a few large batteries. Each 2 volt cell weighed approximately 500 pounds and was about a foot square and 2 feet tall. I lived in a rural area where a lot of folks ran alternative energy systems so I put an ad in the local free advertising paper looking to sell the batteries or trade for a large flatbed truck.
I got a response almost immediately. A fellow had a nice old GMC 5 ton flatbed. It didn’t run well, but he was willing to trade it for a set of batteries. Recall that I bid so low on the batteries that I hoped that i wouldn’t get them – well, I’m sure glad I did – they turned out to be a “goldmine.” It took about $200 to get the truck running well and I thought, “now I’m in business.”
I thought I could rent a forklift in Nevada and along with the truck, haul all the stuff back to California. NOT! Turned out the only forklift was a giant weighing 14,000 pounds and was 150 miles away. It took me 5 hours to haul it all the way to the station and 7 hours to get it back once I was loaded. Not good.
So… my next task was to get a forklift. That first load with the a5 ton truck was almost entirely batteries – 10 sets in all. I found an alternative energy dealer who would buy them for $500 per set so I made the deal and headed to a forklift dealer with cash in hand. I bought a very nice forklift that weighed about 5,000 pounds trailer and all. Good thing to was that it was guaranteed for a year and had a 75% buy back policy. My cost was $4,000.
Now I had a forklift and a market for at least some of the batteries – I had about 200 sets altogether.
I still didn’t really have a market for much of the rest of the equipment. There was copper cable and wire of all sizes and some hundreds of feet in length, large radio bays made of extruded aluminum, racks, racks, and more racks, generators, alternators, rectifiers and a lot of gold plated connectors and attenuators.
I stripped down several of the radio bays, taking out all the gold bearing stuff and headed to the bay area. I was dissapointed with the price for “unclean” aluminum, but one dealer told me that an overseas buyer might be interested. Within days I had several dealers calling me and wanting to see the material. It turned out that I was offered $10,000 per load of racks, one load per station. I hesitated and it paid off. I told him I’d have to think about it and get other bids. He asked what it would take to decide right now and I said “$10,000 up front in addition to the $10,000 for each station would do it.” He bit and I walked away with $10,000 cash.
By now I realized that I could not haul enough fast enough even with my 5 ton truck so I ran another ad looking for a semi to lease with or without driver (I had a commercial license so I could drive it if need be) and yard space. Within a week I had found a fellow with 40 foot flatbed rigs, himself and son as drivers and a 5 acre yard that I could use fully if I’d give him the job to haul everything from the stations. He charged me $500 per load flat and it took 2 loads per station. I didn’t even have to be there to unload. He kept all the overseas material separate and was paid by the overseas buyer to load it into shipping containers. The rest was arranged in neat rows and stacks waiting for me.
I should back up a bit. The 5 ton truck turned out to be very useful. It was my work truck. With it I could pull the forklift and move things around and load up my drivers plus I could use it to distribute the large ex-agricultural bins I purchased as containers for the smaller salvaged items.
Of course, I kept all the gold bearing stuff and didn’t ship it.
More to come. New articles will be listed at www.RecyclingSecrets.com (news, tools, and resources are also available here) and also at www.recyclingsecrets.blogspot.com.
About the Author
I got into the recycling and salvage business in the early 80s. The housing boom and recession at that time and loss of a job made me look for a new way to support my family. I found a small pamphlet titled, surplus and salvage and began applying the principles that I found within. My salvage work ranged from autos and trucks, building materials, metals to electronics and gold. A year ago or so I began to write an ebook about the electronic salvage and gold recovery experience. I was going to sell the book, but writing an entire book proved daunting so I’ve started to write it in short articles that I give away free. I know that these are hard times and I don’t want to burden you with any more expense. I hope that my experience will prove to be encouraging and useful to you.
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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3x 3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.89 |
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5% 100W 11 Ohm Resistance Gold Tone Aluminum Clad Resistor $13.10 |
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Gold Multi-Touch Watch Band for iPod Nano 6 6th Aluminum Cover Case $0.99 |
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NEW ALUMINUM GOLD EAGLE FINIAL ORNAMENT TOP FLAGPOLE FOR 16 ‘ 20 , 25 , or 30 ‘ $14.95 |
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10 NEW FUJI GOLD FRAME ALUMINUM OXIDE ROD TIPS, TUBE SIZE 6.5, RING SIZE 8 $5.00 |
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300 Count Complete Poker Set With Gold Aluminum Hard Case – Rare! Mint! $15.00 |
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VINTAGE 60’s ARTCRAFT 12K GOLD FILLED ALUMINUM CAT EYE GLASS FRAME EYEGLASSES $8.00 |
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10 NEW FUJI GOLD FRAME ALUMINUM OXIDE ROD TIPS, TUBE SIZE 7.5, RING SIZE 8 $5.00 |
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Gold Aluminum Watch Band Wrist Cover Case For iPod Nano 6 6G 6th $0.99 |
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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Dull Gold Plated Aluminum Chain Link Finding Jewelry Making wl031(2ft) $0.99 |
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GOLD HTC Wildfire S A510e G13 Hard Aluminum Metal Case $2.94 |
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Gold New Metal Aluminum Luxury Hard Skin Rubberized Case Cover For iPhone 4G 4S $0.01 |
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Wholesale lots of 100pieces gold tone aluminum rings $0.99 |
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XMODS ALUMINUM EVO CHASSIS GOLD $39.99 |
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3x 3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.89 |
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Vintage Gold Aluminum Ice Trays $1.99 |
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3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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Iman Hot Pink Aluminum Clutch W/Zipper Closure and Gold Handle $16.99 |
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3x 3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.90 |
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BUSINESS DIGITAL CARD HOLDER PURE GOLD ALUMINUM MULTIFUNCTION 5 SD/TF CASES $5.99 |
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JDM EK SI EK9 EM Gold Aluminum Rear Lower Control Arm Arms LCA + Rear Camber Kit $107.99 |
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3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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Schrade 4×4 Linerlock with Gold Aluminum Handles SQ447 $11.99 |
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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MARC JACOBS BROWN ALUMINUM ROSE GOLD CHRONOGRAPH FASHION WATCH * MBM3521 $193.21 |
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ALUMASKIN iPhone Abee style 4 & 4S GOLD Aluminum Protective Case –MADE IN USA!! $29.99 |
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ALUMASKIN i Pod Abee style GOLD Aluminum Protective Case — MADE IN USA!! $29.99 |
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ALUMASKIN i Touch Abee style GOLD Aluminum Protective Case — MADE IN USA!! $29.99 |
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Plating Aluminum Bumper Hard Frame Case For All Apple iPhone 4 4G 4S Gold K2 $0.99 |
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D90 NEW GOLD ALUMINUM CASTING FLY FISHING REEL BF1000A $0.99 |
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VINTAGE sgnd. ARTHUR ARMOUR WORLD MAP ALUMINUM WASTE BASKET PAIL Gold Fnsh NR $150.00 |
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Custom Motorcycle Hand Grips Rubber&Aluminum For 7/8″ Handlebar 4091 Gold $0.99 |
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Gold Plated Triangle Aluminum Chain Link Finding Jewelry Making wl034(2ft) $0.99 |
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Minoura Aluminum Tire Lever Set: 3-Pack; Blue/Gold/Pink $7.62 |
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GOLD Iphone 4 4S Hard Aluminum Metal Cover Case Etui Coque OR $2.94 |
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Bun Warmer Serving Oven Mirro Aluminum Vintage Retro Harvest Gold Color $9.99 |
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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Fancy Gold Plated Twist Aluminum Chain Link Jewelry Finding wl036(2ft) $0.99 |
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Lees Tackle RA5003GL-Lee’s Clamp-On Rod Holder – Gold Aluminum – Vertical Mount $121.77 |
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Lees Tackle RA5204GL-Lee’s Clamp-On Rod Holder – Gold Aluminum – Horizontal Moun $121.77 |
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Lees Tackle RA5002GL-Lee’s Clamp-On Rod Holder – Gold Aluminum – Vertical Mount $121.77 |
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HONDA PRELUDE/ACCORD F22/F22A1 SOHC ENGINE ADJUSTABLE ALUMINUM GOLD CAM GEAR $27.98 |
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1PCS Metal Bumper Aluminum Case For Samsung Galaxy SII S2 i9100 (1/9 Colors) $12.69 |
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Gold Luxury Brushed Metal Aluminum Skin Rubberized Case Cover For iPhone 4G 4S $0.01 |
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1PCS Watch Band For iPod Nano 6 6th 6G Aluminum Wrist Watch Cover Case 1/7 Color $12.89 |
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3x 3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.89 |
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Fancy Aluminum Link Chain Gold Tone Findings ac027(2ft) $0.99 |
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Fly Fishing CNC Anodized Aluminum Fly Reel 3/4W Gold (Extra Spool) $47.15 |
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3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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Free shipping 80pcs Gold color aluminum beads Loose beads interval 6×4mm B21 $0.99 |
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3x 3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.90 |
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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Bright Light Gold Plated Aluminum Double Chain Link Jewelry Finding wl039(2ft) $0.99 |
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VINTAGE CLUB ALUMINUM 12″ SKILLET PAN WITH LID HARVEST GOLD YELLOW $60.00 |
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35 Aluminum Bracelet Thin Bangle multicolor – Purple Green Red Blue Gold Pink $0.01 |
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3x 3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.90 |
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Gold Luxury Aluminum Metal Durable Bumper Hard Case Cover for iphone 4G 4S +Film $16.95 |
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Luxury GOLD Brushed Metal Aluminum/Chrome Case OPEN SIDE for Iphone 4 & 4S $0.99 |
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6 feet Gold Pl/ Aluminum Curb Link Chain ac053 $0.99 |
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Aluminum Diamond Bling Metal Bumper Hard Case For Apple iPhone 4 4G 4S Gold K5 $0.99 |
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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Gold Tone D Shaped Aluminum Alloy Carabiner Hook Holder $4.55 |
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Wholesale jewelry lots 100pcs Top Aluminum alloy Gold&Silver Rings Freeshipping $0.99 |
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Gold Bling Cool Luxury X-5 Aluminum Transformers Metal Case for iPhone 4 4S 4GS $12.30 |
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Gold Aluminum Protective Case Cover for Playstation PS Vita PSV PSVITA Great $4.95 |
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3x 3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.90 |
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15 pcs Red RCA plug Male with aluminum housing and Gold copper plug w/7mm Hole $19.90 |
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Gold Tone Aluminum Carabiner Hook Buckle for Camping $3.75 |
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3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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3x 3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.89 |
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3x 3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.89 |
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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3W E27 LED Warm Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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37mm long ALUMINUM cone tube jewelry metal decorative Bead gold color 25 pcs $9.00 |
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3x 3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.90 |
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3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Energy Saving Lamp 85V-260V CE $0.98 |
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3x 3W E27 LED White Light Aluminum Gold Shell Bulb Lamp 85V-260V CE 300lumen $9.89 |
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Luxury Steel Aluminum Chrome Hard Back Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4S 4 4G Gold $0.01 |
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GOLD Reflective Metal Aluminum Hard Back Case For Samsung Galaxy S2 S 2 II i9100 $3.15 |
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New Gold Anodize 6061 Aluminum Divot Tool & Club Holder $10.95 |
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Clod Buster Juggernaut Aluminum Gold Shocks Dampner Set Hop-Up Options 53369 NIB $150.00 |
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Aluminum Metal Pencil Pen Touch Pen Fr iPhone 4 4S 4G iPod Touch 4th Screen gold $2.85 |
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6pcs Red RCA plug Male with aluminum housing and Gold copper plug w/7mm Hole $7.90 |
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Gray&Gold New Watch Band For iPod Nano 6 6th 6G Aluminum Wrist Watch Cover Case $0.99 |
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Gold Metal Brushed Aluminum back case cover for Samsung Galaxy NOTE i9220 $9.99 |
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New Protable Mini Gold Aluminum Pill Box Case Bottle Holder Container Keychain H $0.85 |
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DKNY Ladies Analog Watch Gold-Tone Aluminum Bracelet $83.29 |
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UNIVERSAL GOLD ALUMINUM REAR TOW HOOK TOWING 1G 2G 4G63 $21.99 |
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ALUMINUM CLEAVE METAL CASE For APPLE iphone 4 4S Transformers +LCD FILM Gold $9.88 |
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Luxury Bling Star Aluminum Gold Edge Hard Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4 4G+Bonus $7.98 |
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Luxury Bling Star Aluminum Gold Edge Hard Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4 4G+Bonus $7.98 |
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Luxury Bling Star Aluminum Gold Edge Hard Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4 4G+Bonus $7.98 |
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Luxury Bling Star Aluminum Gold Edge Hard Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4 4G+Bonus $7.98 |
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Luxury Bling Star Aluminum Gold Edge Hard Case Cover For Apple iPhone 4 4G+Bonus $0.99 |
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Gold Metal Brushed Aluminum back case cover for Samsung Galaxy Nexus Prime i9250 $7.99 |
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Great Northern Popcorn Original Stainless Steel Stove Top 6-1/2-Quart Popcorn Popper $27.99 The Stainless Steel Stove Top Popper by Great Northern Popcorn was designed by popcorn scientists to make popping popcorn on the stove a breeze. Now one person can continually pop pan after pan of delicious popcorn without the investment of expensive and bulky popcorn poppers. Only one word truly describes the Spinner Stovetop Popper – Awesome! The Stainless Steel Stovetop Popper’s innovative des… |
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Nordic Ware Original Platinum Collection Bundt Pan $25.00 This classic tube-cake bundt pan is round with vertical flutings alternating between sharp/narrow and rounded/wide. Detail remains intact thanks to the pan’s heavy, cast-aluminum sturdiness, which promotes even baking. Try butter bundt cake with caramel and chocolate sauce (recipe included), and the pan’s capacity to create fine crusts is enticingly demonstrated. The mold holds 12 cups of batter, … |
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Fox Run Silver Foil Mini Baking Cups, 48 Cups $2.43 Silver foil are elegant at holiday time or anytime, these mini-size cups are ideal for baking party cupcakes or muffins or for holding candies and other treats. They have grease-resistant liners, so their outsides remain bright…. |
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Boy with the Aluminum Stilts $0.99 … |
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Aluminum $1.99 … |
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Kosmic Krome: Aluminum, Bronze, Copper, Gold, and Mirror Reflective Effects (House of Kolor) … |
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BlueMagic 400 Metal Polish Cream – 7 oz. $4.59 Blue Magic 200G 7oz. Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream Canadian – Blue Magic 400CN…. |