Avoid Gold Selling Scams

• Individuals should be careful about where they sell their gold. The Better Business Bureau has reported that thousands of people across the country have filed ripoff reports about companies who scammed them or didn't pay a fair market price for their gold.
  It's important to sell gold only to certified, reputable professionals. One of the best resources for finding a reputable gold dealer is through the Professional Numismatics Guild, a nonprofit organization composed of the world's top experts on coins and precious metals. These professionals are properly trained and able to give people fair and credible prices for their jewelry or coins.
  
  

Determining the Value of Gold

• There are a couple ways that vendors determine the value of gold: weight and rarity. Gold is normally valued according to the number of ounces it weighs, with each ounce worth a set amount. Secondly, the more unique and rare a coin the more value it has.
  
  

Getting Gold Appraised

• Someone with a particularly valuable piece of gold can get it appraised by a professional before turning it in for a profit. Most respectable jewelers recommend getting at least three estimates before selling the gold.
  
  

Gold-Selling Alternatives

• Gold parties are also gaining popularity. Precious-metal dealers and amateurs throw parties and encourage people to bring their gold in exchange for cash. In addition, gold vending machines are another fairly new way for people to buy and sell gold. A German inventor named Thomas Geissler created the machines with the intent to sell gold coins and bars to the masses.
  
  

Conclusion

• According to Business Week magazine, analysts and consumers believe gold will continue to rise in price, which is why many are tempted to hold on to their merchandise these days. If you do decide to sell, you have many options available.
  Gold is one of the few precious metals that will probably continue to gain value for centuries to come. But it's important that people realize that once they sell their gold there is usually no way to get it back, as the gold is typically melted down. In addition, those with sentimental pieces should think twice before selling their gold.