Frequently Asked Questions
Get instant answers to the most common questions about our services, valuation process, and everything you need to know about selling your precious items to National Gold UK.
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Valuation Service
Everything you need to know about our free professional valuation service and how it works.
Is the valuation really completely free?
Absolutely! Our professional valuation service is completely free with no hidden costs, fees, or charges whatsoever. We use the same advanced XRF testing technology and expert assessment methods that professional valuers charge hundreds of pounds for, but we provide this service at no cost to you. We even cover all postage costs including free, fully insured return postage if you decide not to sell your items to us. There are no catches, no small print, and no obligations—it's genuinely free because we believe everyone deserves to know the true value of their precious items.
How long does the valuation process take?
Our efficient valuation process typically takes 24-48 hours from the moment we receive your items. However, during busy periods or for particularly complex items requiring additional specialist assessment, this may extend to 72 hours. We'll always keep you informed of any delays and contact you immediately once your valuation is complete. For urgent valuations, we offer a priority service—just mention this when you send your items and we'll aim to complete your assessment within 24 hours during business days.
What items can you value and assess?
We can professionally assess and value a comprehensive range of items including all precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium), fine jewellery, vintage and antique pieces, luxury watches, coins and bullion, dental gold, industrial precious metals, gemstones and diamonds, collectibles, electronics containing precious metals, and much more. Our expert team has over 20 years of combined experience across diverse categories. If you're unsure whether we can help with a particular item, just give us a call—we're always happy to discuss your specific requirements and provide guidance.
How accurate are your valuations?
Our valuations are among the most accurate in the industry, guaranteed to 99.9% precision for precious metal content analysis. We achieve this through our advanced XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) technology, which provides non-destructive elemental analysis, combined with Trading Standards approved calibrated scales and traditional testing methods. Every valuation undergoes our dual-expert verification process where two independent specialists review the assessment to ensure accuracy and competitiveness. This comprehensive approach means you can have complete confidence in our valuations and offers.
Do you provide detailed valuation reports?
Yes! When we complete your valuation, we provide a comprehensive report detailing the purity, weight, current market prices, and individual assessment for each item. This includes photographs of your items, detailed descriptions, our testing methodology, and a clear breakdown of how we arrived at our valuation. This professional documentation is particularly valuable for insurance purposes, estate planning, or personal records. The report is yours to keep regardless of whether you choose to sell your items to us, providing you with valuable documentation of your assets.
Can you value items for insurance purposes?
While our primary service focuses on purchase valuations (what we would pay for your items), we can provide detailed assessment information that may be useful for insurance discussions. However, for formal insurance valuations, we recommend consulting with a certified insurance appraiser as their valuations typically reflect replacement costs rather than current market values. Our comprehensive reports include all the technical details about your items' composition, quality, and characteristics that insurance professionals find valuable when determining coverage levels.
Process & Security
Your peace of mind is our priority. Learn about our secure processes and comprehensive insurance coverage.
How do I know my items are safe and secure?
Your items are protected by comprehensive insurance coverage from the moment they leave your possession until they're safely returned to you or payment is made. We provide full tracking information so you can monitor your package's journey. Our secure facility uses advanced security systems including 24/7 monitoring, restricted access controls, and fireproof safes. All items are photographed upon arrival and stored individually in secure compartments. We're fully licensed and regulated, with over £1 million in professional indemnity insurance, giving you complete peace of mind throughout the entire process.
What if I don't accept your offer?
There's absolutely no obligation to accept our offer—that's our guarantee to you. If you decide not to sell your items to us for any reason, we'll return them to you via free, fully insured special delivery postage at no cost whatsoever. Your items will be carefully repackaged in secure, protective materials and sent back using the same high-level insurance coverage they enjoyed on their journey to us. Many customers use our service simply to understand their items' value, and we're perfectly happy to provide this service whether you sell to us or not.
How should I package my items for sending?
We provide detailed packaging guidelines with our free valuation pack, but here are the essentials: wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or soft cloth, place smaller items in separate small bags or containers to prevent scratching, use a sturdy box with adequate padding around all sides, and avoid using newspaper as it can stain precious metals. Include our completed forms and ensure the package is well-sealed. We recommend using our pre-paid special delivery service for maximum security and tracking. If you're unsure about packaging, our customer service team can provide personalized guidance.
What happens during the testing process?
Our comprehensive testing process begins with careful unpacking and photographic documentation of each item. We then use advanced XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) technology to analyze the exact elemental composition without any damage to your items. This is followed by precision weighing using Trading Standards approved scales, visual inspection by our experts, and verification of any hallmarks or manufacturer stamps. All data is entered into our specialized software system, which calculates values based on current market prices. Finally, a second expert independently reviews all findings to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
Can I track my package and valuation progress?
Absolutely! We provide full tracking information when you send your items to us using our special delivery service. You'll receive tracking details via email and SMS updates on your package's progress. Once your items arrive, we send a confirmation email with an estimated completion time for your valuation. We maintain communication throughout the process, and you can always call us for updates on your valuation's progress. We believe transparency and communication are essential for building trust and ensuring your complete peace of mind.
Are you properly licensed and regulated?
Yes, we are fully licensed and regulated as precious metal dealers. We hold all necessary licenses for purchasing precious metals, comply with all UK trading standards, maintain comprehensive professional indemnity insurance, and follow strict data protection protocols. We're registered with relevant industry bodies and undergo regular compliance audits. Our business practices are transparent and ethical, and we maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. All our certifications and licenses are available for public inspection, demonstrating our commitment to operating with complete legitimacy and professionalism.
Pricing & Payment
Transparent pricing, competitive offers, and flexible payment options to suit your needs.
How do you determine the price you offer?
Our pricing is based on several key factors: the current live market prices for precious metals (updated throughout the day), the exact purity and weight of your items as determined by our XRF testing, the condition and any additional value from craftsmanship or collectible status, and our competitive margin structure. We aim to offer prices that are among the highest in the industry while maintaining a sustainable business model. Our dual-expert verification process ensures that you receive the most competitive offer possible, and we're always transparent about how we calculate our offers.
What payment methods do you offer?
We offer flexible payment options to suit your preferences: bank transfer (BACS) which typically clears within 24 hours on business days, cheque payment sent via special delivery (usually clears within 3-5 business days), or for larger transactions, we can arrange same-day bank transfers or even cash collection in certain circumstances. All payments are fully tracked and documented, and we provide complete payment confirmations for your records. We're happy to discuss which payment method works best for your specific situation.
Do you offer competitive prices compared to other buyers?
We pride ourselves on offering some of the most competitive prices in the UK precious metals market. Our efficient operation, direct industry relationships, and high-volume processing allow us to offer better prices than many competitors. We regularly monitor market rates and competitor pricing to ensure our offers remain highly competitive. Many customers tell us they've received significantly higher offers from us than from other buyers they've approached. We're so confident in our pricing that we encourage customers to compare our offers with others in the market.
Are there any deductions or hidden fees?
No, there are absolutely no hidden fees, deductions, or charges of any kind. The price we quote is the exact amount you'll receive. We don't charge for testing, valuation, handling, administration, or any other services that some companies deduct from your payment. Our quoted price is transparent and final—what we say is what you get. This straightforward approach is part of our commitment to honest, transparent business practices that have earned us thousands of satisfied customers over the years.
How quickly will I receive payment?
Once you accept our offer, we process payments immediately. Bank transfers (BACS) typically arrive in your account within 24 hours on business days, while cheque payments are sent via special delivery the same day and usually clear within 3-5 business days. For urgent payments, we can arrange faster transfer methods where necessary. We understand that you may need your money quickly, so we've streamlined our payment processes to be as fast as possible while maintaining security and accuracy. You'll receive confirmation and tracking information for all payments.
Do prices change after you've made an offer?
Our offers are valid for 7 days from the date we contact you, giving you plenty of time to consider your decision without pressure. During this period, your price is guaranteed regardless of market fluctuations. If you need more time to decide, we're happy to discuss extending the offer validity or providing an updated quote based on current market conditions. We believe in giving our customers adequate time to make informed decisions, and we'll never pressure you to accept an offer quickly. Transparency and fairness are fundamental to how we do business.
General Support
Additional information about our services, company background, and how to get in touch with our expert team.
How long have you been in business?
National Gold UK has been serving customers across Britain for over 20 years, making us one of the most established and trusted precious metal buyers in the country. Our extensive experience spans economic ups and downs, market changes, and evolving customer needs. This longevity demonstrates our commitment to sustainable, ethical business practices and customer satisfaction. Over the years, we've helped thousands of customers realize the value of their precious items, building a reputation based on trust, transparency, and fair dealing that continues to grow through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Do you have physical locations I can visit?
Currently, we operate as a specialized postal service to keep our overheads low and pass those savings on to you in the form of higher prices for your items. This model allows us to offer more competitive rates than traditional high-street buyers who have expensive retail premises to maintain. However, for high-value collections or customers who prefer face-to-face service, we can arrange secure appointments at our processing facility or, in exceptional circumstances, send a representative to meet you. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements and we'll find a solution that works for you.
What makes you different from other precious metal buyers?
Several factors set us apart: our advanced XRF testing technology provides unmatched accuracy, our dual-expert verification ensures competitive pricing, we offer genuinely free services with no hidden costs, our comprehensive insurance covers your items throughout the entire process, we provide detailed valuation reports you can keep, and our customer service is exceptional with real people answering your calls. Most importantly, we've built our reputation over 20 years through honest dealing and customer satisfaction rather than aggressive marketing. Our customers often tell us they wish they'd found us first.
How can I contact you if I have questions?
We're here to help! You can reach our expert customer service team by calling 0333 358 2020 during business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm), emailing us with your questions, or using the contact form on our website. Our knowledgeable staff can answer questions about the valuation process, help with packaging advice, provide guidance on what items we accept, or assist with any other queries you might have. We pride ourselves on providing personalized, helpful service and we're always happy to chat through your requirements without any pressure or obligation.
Do you offer advice for first-time sellers?
Absolutely! We understand that selling precious items can feel daunting, especially if it's your first time. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We can help you identify what items might be valuable, provide packaging advice, explain our testing methods, and answer any concerns you might have. We've helped thousands of first-time sellers over the years and we're patient, understanding, and never pushy. Many customers tell us they felt completely comfortable and informed throughout their experience with us. Remember, there's never any obligation to sell, so you can explore your options risk-free.
What if I have a complaint or concern?
While we strive for perfection in every interaction, we understand that sometimes things don't go as expected. If you have any concerns or complaints, please contact us immediately so we can address the issue promptly and fairly. We have a comprehensive complaints procedure designed to resolve any problems quickly and satisfactorily. Most issues can be resolved with a simple phone call, but we also have formal procedures in place for more complex situations. Customer satisfaction is paramount to us, and we'll go above and beyond to ensure you're completely happy with our service. We also welcome feedback on how we can improve our services.
Still Have Questions?
Our expert team is here to help with any additional questions you might have. Get in touch and discover why thousands of customers choose National Gold UK.
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm • Expert advice • No obligation