Gold has real value—but that doesn’t mean everyone offering to buy it deserves your trust. Many people make quick choices when they decide to sell gold jewellery, and those rushed moves often lead to underpayment or deals they later regret. Some shops pay fairly. Some do not. The difference isn’t always easy to spot.
Melbourne has dozens of places ready to buy gold, but not all of them offer the same pricing, service, or honesty. That’s why it helps to slow down, check a few facts, and ask the right questions.
A little effort before the sale will help you keep more money in your hand—and avoid that uneasy feeling of being shortchanged.
Start With Places That Do One Thing Well
Shops that only focus on gold buying usually offer stronger payouts than those that sell a mix of electronics, tools, and second-hand goods.
If a business works only with precious metals, they likely have better pricing tools, faster testing systems, and deeper knowledge of how to sort quality jewellery from scrap.
Many of the best gold buyers in Melbourne specialise in gold and nothing else. Their staff know exactly what each karat level means and won’t waste your time guessing.
Stick with the ones that focus on gold full-time—not as a side hustle.
You Want Experts, Not Guessers
Selling to someone who knows their field means fewer mistakes, better offers, and a smoother experience from beginning to end.
An expert buyer doesn’t need to fumble with cheap tools or give vague answers when you ask about pricing, karat testing, or daily gold rates. They’ll test your gold while you watch and explain their process without confusion.
Avoid places where staff seem unsure about what they’re doing or stall when you ask for specifics. Expertise shows in how fast they work and how clearly they communicate.
Make Sure They Pay You for Every Gram
A real gold buyer won’t round down or skip over pieces during a transaction. They’ll weigh every item, calculate based on karat, and break the payment down clearly.
You’re not just looking for a good total price—you’re looking for someone who values every single gram of gold you bring in, no matter how small or broken.
Shops that skip over small chains or say, “this isn’t worth anything” without testing it are not offering a fair deal.
If you want to sell gold jewellery and get full value, every detail matters.
Location Shouldn’t Decide the Sale
Just because a shop is near your house doesn’t mean it’s the best one. Some of the highest-paying gold buyers aren’t in the busiest areas—and that’s fine.
It’s worth driving an extra ten or fifteen minutes to reach someone who consistently pays more and explains their pricing without games.
Some of the most trusted gold buyers in Melbourne aren’t on major shopping strips, but they still serve dozens of walk-ins every day because word spreads fast when people feel respected.
Ask About Fees
Some buyers charge melt fees or handling costs, which can quietly eat into your payment without you even noticing.
Ask upfront if there are deductions, processing charges, or anything else that might lower the final number. And ask again when they show you the quote, just to be sure.
If the price seems lower than expected, don’t be afraid to pause and request a full breakdown of the offer.
No one should make you feel rushed by asking simple, clear questions.
Trust Comes From What They Show You
Any buyer worth dealing with will test your gold in plain view and explain what they’re doing. If they step into a back room or hide the scale from sight, that’s a bad sign.
Transparency isn’t just polite—it’s necessary. The weight should be shown clearly. The karat test should happen right there. The math should be easy to follow.
If they don’t show their work, they probably don’t want you to see it.
Don’t Sell Everything the Same Way
Gold isn’t just gold. Some jewellery has value beyond its metal weight—especially if it has a designer stamp, gemstones, or vintage appeal.
You might get a higher price selling certain items to jewellery resellers or antique stores rather than melting them down at a metal buyer.
Think about each piece before lumping everything together. Break it into two piles—scrap and potential resale. Treat them differently.
Be Clear About How and When You’ll Be Paid
Before handing anything over, ask how long it takes to get paid. Will it be cash on the spot, a direct bank transfer, or a cheque that clears in a few days?
Different shops handle payment differently. Some offer instant cash but only up to a certain limit. Some need ID before releasing large amounts. Some may delay funds without warning. Don’t assume anything. Always ask.
Choose the Buyer Who Talks Straight
Clear language matters. A great buyer won’t try to confuse you with technical talk or fast explanations. They’ll keep things simple and honest.
You don’t need perfect knowledge of gold to sell it well—you just need someone who doesn’t talk in circles.
Clarity is a sign of confidence. Good buyers know their numbers and don’t mind sharing them.
Paperwork Isn’t Optional
Every legitimate sale should come with documentation that lists what you sold, how much it weighed, what karat it tested at, and how much you were paid.
If someone says, “we don’t do receipts,” you should immediately walk out the door. That’s not a business you want to deal with—no matter how friendly they seem.
Your record protects you. Keep it.
Reputation Tells the Real Story
Check how long the store has been operating. Look at online reviews from real people. Search business listings to see if they’ve changed names or locations too often.
Good gold buyers in Melbourne don’t need fancy ads to build trust—they build it slowly through honest deals and returning customers who know they’ll be treated well. Reputation is earned. Use it as your guide.
Selling gold isn’t just about weight or karats—it’s about trust, fairness, and choosing someone who does the work honestly in front of you.
Don’t settle for the place closest to home or the one that advertises the most. Look for experience, clear answers, no pressure, and full transparency before you ever agree to a price. If you had to sell gold jewellery right now, choose someone who shows the scale, shares the math, explains the process, and never makes me guess what’s going on. It’s not about luck. It’s about picking right.