Make sure you meet the gold standard

Date published: 27 July 2010

Trading standards officers are urging consumers to shop around when selling their scrap gold.

They accept that heavy TV advertising may encourage people to make money by selling their broken jewellery.

However, they advise caution, saying that companies who operate a postal gold buying service often have many terms and conditions which can make it difficult to reject an unsatisfactory offer.

A survey was carried out in Bury by trading standards and police officers, who found that the prices offered for the same gold necklace varied by more than £75.

Angela Lomax, trading standards unit manager, said: “Bury shoppers should do their research before deciding whose price to accept. They are advised to shop around, don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer and don’t be afraid to haggle.”

The police and trading standards have also been advising traders to check the ID of people selling them gold. After looking at the records kept by gold buyers, it became apparent that Peter Rabbit has been using Bury town centre to sell his unwanted gold!
Ms Lomax added: “While amusing, the serious side to this may mean that stolen jewellery disappears without a trace.”