This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
In Coralville, IA, Petersen Iron & Metal draws mixed feedback, scoring 56/100. Many reviewers cite poor pricing transparency—low payouts, weights not shown, scant receipts, and occasionally being turned away. Some report rude phone interactions. A few also note they don’t sell metal to the public. On the upside, several praise respectful, friendly staff, quick service, and a standout, professional office team, with some calling prices fair. Yard organization, inventory variety, and ease of finding parts are unclear from recent comments. Expect fast service; compare prices before you go.
Like other reviewers here, my experience was abysmal and for whatever it is worth, it appears there is intent at this scrapyard by some individuals to purposefully mislead and underpay. I was not asked for an ID and was paid in cash, I was kindly refused a receipt, and I believe (although I have no receipt to prove it to myself let alone you) I was paid about 60% of what I should have been. Muscatine Metals is, like other reviewers have said, a far better option for your valuable non-ferrous metals. Anything ferrous can be brought to Muscatine metals but preferably should be brought to yards in Cedar Rapids like Alter Metals.
DO NOT GO HERE!! THEY RIP YOU OFF !! I TOOK LESS SCRAP OF THE SAME THINGS TO MUSCATINE METALS AND GOT MORE MONEY FOR IT AND I ACTUALLY WAS ABLE TO WATCH THEM WEIGH IT UNLIKE AT THIS PLACE WHERE THEY DON'T WANT TO WORK AND ARE LAZY! NO MATTER HOW MUCH SCRAP YOU TAKE THEY SHOULD WANT IT AND NOT TELL YOU TO NOT COME BACK WITHOUT BRINGING MORE! THEY MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GET TO WATCH THEM WEIGH IT AND THEY WEIGH IT RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU AT MUSCATINE METALS!!
Definitely a rip off place. You are much better off going to Muscatine Metals!! Don't go here where they don't give you your weight in everything and just throw you some ridiculous low amount. Go where they give you your weight and weigh it in front of you at Muscatine Metals.
Don't bother bringing 1 5/8" coax cable here. They apparently don't make money from buying copper?? 1st time I've ever been turned away from a scrap yard. Didn't even want the steel I had. Must have really wanted to start his weekend.
Prices are always well below market, called about #1 bare bright copper,it is at 2.95 avr. Price Midwest as of two days before I called ...they said they'd give me 1.60lb .... Not surprised same thing as always with them
I've been working with Peterson Iron for a couple months now. Ray (the General Manager) and Candie (the Office Administrator) have both been very pleasant to work with. My primary contact has been Candie. We've had numerous phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
Candie has consistently been courteous, professional, prompt, and an excellent communicator. Her willingness to go above and beyond, her ability to clearly and effectively communicate what their needs are, her ability to learn quickly, and her exceptional skills resulted in me charging them much less than what we'd originally agreed on.
In addition to having my own positive interactions with Candie, I was able to observe how she interacts with customers. I've had decades of business experience, in numerous offices, and Candie is probably one of the best office managers I've ever seen. I'd highly recommend her, and I'd highly recommend Petersen Iron & Metal. They know their industry and really care about doing their best for their customers.
I plan to work with them in the future for all the recycling needs of my own business as well as those I work with.
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