Case Study: Successfully Selling 135 Pairs of Used PZ-27 Sheet Piling in Two Weeks with Eiffel Trading

Client Background:

A construction company reached out to Eiffel Trading in 2021 with an urgent need to sell 135 pairs of used PZ-27 sheet piling at varying lengths from 35’-55’ which equated to just north of 500,000lbs of steel. They were in a time crunch, with a deadline of only two weeks to sell the material. These used sheet piles were part of a larger project decommissioning, and the company needed to quickly liquidate the material to recover costs to finalize their project’s demobilization. The client was seeking a reliable, experienced broker and steel buyer who could help them sell sheet pile efficiently while helping them maximize the value of their used assets.

Challenge:

The challenge was multifaceted. First, the client had a strict two-week timeline to sell the 135 pairs of used PZ-27 sheet piling that had a wide range of lengths. With limited market exposure and no existing buyers lined up, they needed a broker with a robust network and the ability to sell the material quickly. Secondly, if the material didn’t sell they would be forced to either scrap the material for a fraction of the used market value or double-handle the material and send it to a storage yard.

Given the urgency of the sale, the client turned to Eiffel Trading, a trusted leader in the used sheet pile market with a history of successful transactions. The goal was to sell 135 pairs of PZ-27 sheet piling in a short window, while ensuring the client maximized their return on the material.

Solution: Eiffel Trading’s Expertise in Selling Sheet Pile

Eiffel Trading’s first step was to evaluate the material and determine a competitive pricing strategy. The team used their extensive network and market knowledge to identify potential buyers for the used sheet piling. To help meet the two-week timeline, Eiffel Trading took a dual approach: brokering part of the material at market rates and purchasing the remaining material outright.

Eiffel Trading successfully brokered 65 pairs of PZ-27 sheet piling, netting the contractor a market rate of $0.55 per pound which translated into roughly $160,000. This approach allowed the client to start recouping funds immediately, and the transaction was completed quickly due to Eiffel Trading’s marketplace and database filled with buyers. The remaining 70 pairs of sheet piling, while still valuable, required a different approach.

To ensure the client met their goal of selling all 135 pairs within the two-week deadline, Eiffel Trading purchased the balance of the material at a rate of $0.30 per pound which translated into roughly $70,000.00. This strategy helped to close the gap, guaranteeing that the client met their timeline while also securing the necessary inventory to fulfill the entire order.

Results: Meeting the Client’s Timeline and Maximizing Value

Within the two-week timeframe, Eiffel Trading successfully sold 135 pairs of used PZ-27 sheet piling. The client received fair market value for the 65 pairs sold at the brokered price of $0.55 per pound, while Eiffel Trading purchased the remaining material at $0.30 per pound to close the deal. This dual approach ensured that the client achieved their goal of selling all the material quickly and efficiently.

The client was able to quickly liquidate the sheet piling, recovering costs and get off of the easement in time. While also increasing their scrap budget line item from an anticipated recovery cost of $40,000 to over $230,000 thanks to Eiffel Trading.

Conclusion:

This case study illustrates how Eiffel Trading’s ability to broker and purchase used sheet piling can help clients sell material quickly, even under tight deadlines. By leveraging their marketplace, knowledge and strong buyer relationships, Eiffel Trading was able to help the client meet their timeline and maximize the return on their used PZ-27 sheet piling.

In 2020, Eiffel Trading went from solely brokering steel to a hybrid model of broker/buying the material to help customers achieve tight timelines and limit any unnecessary handling of steel beams, pipe, h-pile, sheet pile, access trestle and road plates. With a Broker and Purchase option, Eiffel Trading works to help your project maximize the value of your used assets and limits unnecessary handling or storing of materials. If you’re looking to sell sheet pile or other steel construction materials, Eiffel Trading’s team of experts is ready to help you achieve the best results for your project.