Introduction

At RAS Cats, we make selling your catalytic converters easy and profitable. When you sell on assay, we test the material inside your converters to find precisely how much precious metal they contain. This method helps you get the most money for your catalytic converters. With our proven process and technology, RAS Cats ensures you get accurate payments while keeping the process simple.

What is Selling by Assay?

Selling by assay means testing the material inside your catalytic converters—not the converters themselves. This helps us determine exactly how much platinum, palladium, and rhodium your materials contain. Unlike selling by piece, where converters are valued by averages of samples, selling on assay ensures you’re paid for the real contained value of your catalytic converter shipment.

Why Sell by Assay?

Get Paid for What’s Inside: You’re paid based on the actual metal content, not assay averages.

Lock in Market Prices: Secure metal prices when you send your shipment, so you don’t lose money if prices drop.

Reliable Results: Advanced testing ensures accurate and detailed reports.

How Does It Work?

Step 1: Hedge Your Metal Prices

Before shipping your converters, we lock in metal prices based on the metals markets. This protects you from price changes while your shipment is being processed.

Step 2: Process Your Shipment

When your converters arrive at RAS Cats, we:

1. Count and Verify: Each converter is counted and recorded to ensure accuracy.
2. Decan the Material: The valuable material is carefully removed from the converter shells.
3. Mill the Material: The material is crushed into a fine powder to create a sample for testing.

Step 3: Test and Pay

XRF Testing: We start with a quick, non-destructive test that provides an estimate of the metal content. You’ll receive up to 85% of your estimated payment within days.

ICP Testing: This lab test gives a detailed breakdown of the metals in your shipment. The final results will be ready in about two weeks.

Step 4: Final Payment

After testing, you’ll get the remaining payment along with a report showing the exact value of the metals in your shipment.

Why Choose RAS Cats?

RAS Cats makes selling by assay simple and rewarding. Here’s why suppliers choose us:

1. Decades of Expertise: With over 50 years of experience, we know how to get you the best value for your converters.
2. Advanced Technology: Our lab uses top tools to provide accurate and fast results.
3. Better Deals: Our high-volume contracts with smelters let us get you better rates than you could on your own.
4. Transparent Process: From counting your converters to sending your final payment, we make every step easy to follow.
5. Process Tracking: With our Cattrakker system, you can monitor your shipment as it moves through each processing stage.

Is Selling by Assay Right for You?

Selling by assay is a great choice if you want to get the most money for your materials and are okay with waiting a bit longer for lab testing. If you need faster payments and an easier process, take a look at our By Piece Guide or compare both options with our By Piece vs. Assay Guide to find the best fit for your business.

Tips for Maximizing Your Returns

Handle Materials Properly:

• Store converters in a dry, secure place to prevent contamination or damage.

Maintain Accurate Documentation:

• Keep detailed records of the converters being sent, including counts and identifying information.

Stay Informed:

• Monitor market trends for Pt, Pd, and Rh to choose optimal times for hedging.
• Utilize RAS-provided resources, like educational guides and live support, to improve your understanding.

Leverage RAS Tools:

• Use our Cattrakker system to track your materials at every stage of processing.
• Ask about our VIN-to-Cat technology to increase your converter volume.

Communicate with RAS:

• Our team is here to answer questions, provide updates, and guide you through each step. The more we work together, the better we can optimize your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum quantity required for the Assay Program?

• The program requires a minimum of 150 converters or 300 pounds of material.

How long does the assay process take?

• Final settlements are typically issued within 15–30 days after RAS receives your material.

Can I visit your facility to observe the process?

• Absolutely! We encourage partners to visit our Rhode Island facility to see our operations firsthand.

How does hedging work?

• Hedging allows you to lock in current market prices for Pt, Pd, and Rh, protecting against price drops. Our trading desk handles this for you.

What if I need quick cash?

• Upon receiving your material, we often offer advances of up to 85% of the estimated value.

How do you ensure accuracy in testing?

• We use advanced ICP and XRF technologies and adhere to strict quality control protocols. Independent lab verification is also available for added confidence.

What charges should I expect?

• Standard fees include treatment charges, outbound freight, and optional third-party lab verification costs. All charges are clearly outlined in your contract.