A slow economy combined with the highest gold value in thirty years has paved the way for a rampant industry of individuals and entities offering to pay “top dollar” for your gold. Your BBB Serving Denver/Boulder warns of many reasons why these buyers can often be unscrupulous.
In the Denver market, large half-page and full-page ads are found in our newspapers constantly. These ads are covered with profuse claims to make sellers fast cash and to pay more than competitors. When claims like, “we pay more than anyone else” and “we pay four times the amount of our competitors” are being used in every buyer’s ad, the claims obviously cannot be trusted. Furthermore, these buyers travel all over the country holding conventions at hotels and have no stationary place of business which makes them difficult or impossible to contact if there’s a problem.
Your BBB offers more advice and insight if you are interested in selling your jewelry:
· For an appraisal try to go to someone locally whom you know and trust. Get the BBB Reliability Report first by visiting www.denver.bbb.org or call (303) 758-2100. Look to see if others have reported issues with the particular jeweler or jewelry store. Your BBB suggests obtaining two or three appraisals to compare prices, prior to any sale.
· Check out any online companies with your BBB too, and use a search engine to see what other consumers are saying about their experiences with the companies.
· Your jewelry may be stamped “14-Karat,” but that does not mean it is gold. Some necklaces can have catches stamped as such, but the number alone means little.
· If gold is worth $930 per ounce, you aren't going to be paid $930 for every ounce of gold you have.
o Ask what you will be paid (if an online company, make sure you ask for specifics and give details on items you’ll be sending).
o The ounce quote is for pure gold only.
o 14-Karat gold is composed of just 58.5 percent gold. Ask how much the company’s going rate is for each ounce of each karat you are sending.
o The lower the karat, the less the gold content.
· Don't let anyone steal your diamonds from gold pieces. Single gold stud earrings might be worth $5 or $10, yet diamonds in the earrings can be saved. Some are too small, and the labor to remove them might exceed their value, but engagement ring diamonds, for example, should be given a value separate from the gold.
· Gold pieces with less color, or fewer stones, are worth more. A jeweler must break the stones out before the item goes to the refinery.
· Make sure your items are insured when being shipped, so if they are lost you can recover the value.
o Obtain appraisals prior to mailing items, so if they are lost you have proof of their value.
o Check the company’s policy as to what they will reimburse if they lose your product. Many limit their liability.
o Make a list of the items included in the package, keep a copy for yourself, and put a copy in the envelope.
o Take a picture of the items you are sending, including any identifying marks.
· Ask about the company’s guarantee if you are not satisfied with the price offered.
o Can you get your product back, if you return the check (many companies melt down the items in 10 – 14 days)?
o If you send the check back, mail it certified and stamped, “return receipt requested,” so you have proof when it arrived at the company.
· If the company says they are bonded and insured, request that this be verified in writing.
# # # #
About BBB
The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability ReportsTM on businesses and BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.denver.bbb.org for more information.
