If you’ve got old gold items — jewellery, coins, bullion or scrap — and you’re wondering “who buys scrap gold near me?”, you’re in the right place. There are trusted buyers across Australia who will purchase your gold, and with the right approach you can get a fair price, turn your gold into cash, and do so with confidence. Here’s a full breakdown of how to find, evaluate and sell your scrap gold near your location.
Why Sell Your Scrap Gold
Selling scrap gold isn’t just about cashing in — it makes sense from several angles:
- Many people have unused or broken gold jewellery, coins or bars that just lie in drawers.
- Gold retains value and scrap gold can fetch near-market rates when sold to a reputable buyer.
- Recycling gold means less mining, fewer environmental impacts and less waste.
- Turning gold into cash can free up funds for other uses or investments.
Who Are the Buyers?
Here are the types of businesses you’ll find buying scrap gold:
- Jewellery & bullion dealers: These stores buy gold jewellery, bars and coins. For example, one Sydney-based buyer offers immediate cash for “old, broken or unwanted gold jewellery, coins and bars” with live spot prices displayed. cashforgoldaustralia.com.au+3sellgold.com.au+3timeandgold.com.au+3
- Precious metal refiners: These buyers purchase gold in bulk, refine it and reuse the metal. For example, the “Gold Exchange Company” purchases “any form of scrap gold … from retail jewellers, manufacturing jewellers … gold miners and prospectors.” goldexchange.com.au
- Pawn shops or cash-for-gold stores: Some businesses specialise in buying gold on the spot and paying cash or bank transfer. A Brisbane example calls itself “Cash Your Gold – the best gold buyer in Brisbane” offering instant cash. Cash Your Gold
- Online mail-in services: Some companies let you send your gold by secure post, then evaluate and pay you once received. For example, “Gold Buyers Online” lists how to order a mail-in pack. Gold Buyers
How to Find a Nearby Buyer
When searching for “who buys scrap gold near me”, here are good steps:
- Search by location – Use terms like “gold buyers [your city]”, “scrap gold buyer [your suburb]”.
- Check their reputation – Look for businesses that display live spot rates, clearly list what they buy, show transparent process. For example, one Melbourne business advertises live rates and no hidden fee’s. melbournegoldcompany.com.au
- Ask about what they buy – Some only buy jewellery, others buy coins, bullion or industrial scrap.
- Bring details – Purity (karat), weight, condition. More value can come from higher-karat gold (e.g., 22K or 24K vs 9K).
- Compare rates – Don’t accept the first offer. Trusted buyers will show how they arrive at the value.
- Payment method – Make sure you’re comfortable with the payment terms (cash, bank transfer) and that the business is licensed.
- Documentation – A legitimate buyer should give you a clear receipt and record the transaction according to local laws (theft, second-hand goods regulations).
What to Expect: Dealing with Buyer Offers
When you go to sell:
- The buyer will test the gold (for example with an XRF machine or acid test) to determine karat/purity. Some shops list rates by karat. timeandgold.com.au
- The buyer may weigh your items, show you the calculation.
- They should quote a rate per gram or per amount of gold.
- Payment may be immediate or within a short timeframe.
- Some buyers might deduct processing/refining costs (less common if they are upfront). Beware hidden fees.
- You might be asked ID if the amount is large, especially under second-hand dealer laws.
Red Flags & How to Protect Yourself
Be cautious of:
- Buyers who don’t show how they calculated the rate.
- Abnormally low rates compared to market spot price of gold.
- Pressure to accept immediately without evaluation.
- No receipt or documentation of sale.
- Buyers not licensed or with bad reviews / complaints.
Pro-tips:
- Research current spot price of gold (so you know approximate value).
- Ask for a breakdown: “we pay $X per gram for 22K gold today”.
- Get more than one quote if you can.
- Read reviews of the buyer.
- Make sure you retain any parts or packaging (especially for bullion/coins) as authenticity may matter.
Sell Scrap Gold Safely Online
If you prefer an online option, there are reputable services where you can mail your gold for sale. These follow a similar process of testing, quoting and payment:
- Pack securely and send via registered mail.
- The company receives, tests, quotes.
- If you accept, payment is made; if not, your item is returned (check return cost).
- For example: “Gold Buyers Online” mail-in service. Gold Buyers
Why Sell Through a Marketplace Like ScrapTrade
While many local dealers work well, using an online verified marketplace like ScrapTrade (the platform you referenced) offers additional advantages:
- Wider network of verified buyers (so you can compare offers).
- Transparent process and live pricing tools.
- Secure payment and escrow options reduce risk.
- Listings that might match buyers with gold scrap of varying types.
- Convenient from your location — list items and get offers without visiting multiple stores.
