Paying for Black Locust

I have a deal in the works for me to cut some fresh green black locust, but the guy wants cash for it. Just wondering what you would pay for a half cord PU load of rounds FHC? I'd have to pick it up and possibly cut it myself, which I prefer in both cases. 4o minute ride one way for me. Meeting with the guy later this week.

I would normally never pay for firewood, but not having access to much BL and having customers that pay a premium I'm close to doing such. Calling T.Jeff Veal jrider and EODDiver

 

You have to take the trees down?
If that's the case I'm paying zero.

 

Maybe $50 per PU load, if you would be selling it after you split it and it dries.

 

Not 100% sure. The guy had cut one up and its random length!

 

Thats what I was going to offer.

 

I damm sure wouldn’t go any higher.
Not knowing the whole story and situation…. But is it a case of him needing some trees removed and too much of a tight ash to pay to have it done. Or they are already knocked down and he wants you to pay to clean up the mess because it’s more work than he thought.
Plus a 40 minute drive for you!?!? That seems like a long way for you!, especially without a trailer. Even out here in the great wide open of God’s country with relatively few trees that is a bit further than I’ll usually go, and if I’m going more than 10-15 minutes I’m dragging a trailer.
I got limited experience with BL, but if it’s very big in diameter them rounds is gonna be heavy
If you’re on the fence about committing to this endeavor and looking for encouragement, I’m not your guy. But I’m definitely interested in the results of your meeting with him.
I know you will keep us thoroughly updated as always

 

The guy was going to cut them down himself and buck. the face cord of BL he listed on FBM was random length which we all hate. I chatted with him this morning on the phone and asked the tree sizes. He replied later with three at 16" so with the cut wood close to two cords for the taking. Ill keep you posted.

 

Exactly! Taking not buying, and doing the work for him

 

Give him $20/load so he feels like he won...that is, if you feel like dealing with random lengths...

 

I was going to say$20 as well. It’s not like you are running dry on wood.

 

I'd pay zero.

40 minute ride and you clear his yard , wear your azz-less chaps since you are getting screwed.
Plenty of closer scores like the one behind the quickie-mart that is still there and 5 minutes from home.

Like you told Karen on our last outing you do not pay for wood , stick to your guns.

 

40 minutes one way would be a deal breaker for me. You are looking to sell and make money. You have to include all of your time which includes travel, processing, and loading again to deliver. Add that all up and divide by the cost of what you would sell it for. Now see what kind of margins you have left after you include gas in the truck, chainsaw, oil, wear and tear. Only you can decide if it makes financial sense to pay and if so how much. For me, it may be something I would have done many years ago but now I'm not overly interested in going to pick up wood especially if I have to pay for it.

 

I can't help but wonder if there is more to the story that we haven't heard. I have commented several times about all the good, easy access scrounges in CT. I can't imagine why anyone would drive 40 minutes to pay for wood.

 

Id guess he's just jonesing for some BL and he'll scratch that itch one way or the other.

 

I would guess it is sort of like the thrill of the hunt.

Maybe someone would drive hours just to get that big buck or go miles off-shore for the big fish. If it was something like that for me ; then maybe but to turn around and sell it off just seems like a lot.
As mentioned, when you add in fuel cost, your time and labor , wear and tear on equipment plus the cost of the wood the end result doesn't turn a big enough prophet from what I figure. Could be wrong though.

 

If you’re going to receiving the kinds of funds that EODDiver is receiving for similar quantities then it would definitely be worth your time & effort, imo.


Otherwise it would be a no deal for me.

 

I wouldn’t do it without trailer or U-Haul truck
I understand wanting to keep good customers happy
Which is why I think your even considering it…

 

Here's the insider scoop: Brad has been scrounging an obscene amount of locust for the past 5 years, and has built up a clientele that now have grown accustomed to and expect it. He's almost depleted the vast stocks of BL in his area, and needs to get resourceful to obtain more. I can get him more for free, but he'll have to drive a bit. Still better than driving AND paying though. Long term though, he may have to learn to live within his locust means as there's only so much prime stuff available to cut at any given time The mania is real...

 

Sounds like a supply and demand problem...low supply demands higher prices... Nashville prices ought to slow things down a lil!