If you have old valuables that you’re looking to sell, you can’t just walk in to any old shop. It’s important to get the best rate possible, to be treated with courtesy and discreetness, and to know at all times that you’re getting a fair price. 

How do you identify the high quality stores from the unreliable ones that won’t give you the comfort and assurance you need whenever selling something valuable? There are a few signs, so read on to learn what they are.

1. Neighbourhood Staple

If a business has been in operation in the same location for decades, it’s a good sign that they’re reliable and trustworthy. It’s hard to remain in business in this industry if you don’t build up a foundation of trust and repeat-customers. 



Check to see for how long the shop has been open, and judge them accordingly. If you find that the business has been passed down from one generation to the next, that’s also a good indicator of reliability. Online reviews can only tell you so much: see if and how the neighbourhood itself has supported the store, by determining how long it has been in business.

2. Narrow Specialization

Not all gold buyers give you the best rates, and many fail to provide transparency about market rates. It’s important not go to a shop that has too broad a range of things they will buy. Make sure that the reputable store you go to specializes in valuables, rather than a store that buys anything at all.

For example, you can go to a reputable gold buyer and instantly turn your Rolex into hard cash because they are experienced in buying valuables besides gold. This may include silver, diamonds, high-end watches, and even designer hand bags. 

Stores that have a narrower specialization are more likely to have real expertise because they don’t deal in as many things. You don’t want to place your trust in a store that buys anything off the street when selling particularly valuable items. 

3. Committed to Transparency

Every gold buyer tells you that they’re giving you good rates, but what do they do to prove that they’re serious? Expect a real gold buyer to credibly demonstrate what the market rate for buying gold is: they should be able to prove what the rates are, and give you a price accordingly.

If a seller can’t do that, they aren’t to be trusted. Ideally you want to find a Canadian-owned, family-run business that’s inclined to treat you with respect and discreetness. Never deal with any business that recoils from requests about what the market rates really are, or seems distrustful when explaining to you how their rates are in line with fair market prices.

Your old valuables may not be as meaningful to you now — after all, you’re willing to part with them. But they’re still valuable, so be careful about who you decide to sell them to. Remember these three tips, and you’ll get the best return and have an enjoyable selling experience.