How to Sell Gold by Post in the UK

Get a Quote Online

Visit the dealer's website or call them to describe what you want to sell. Provide as much detail as possible — the type of item (ring, chain, coin, bar), the weight in grams, and the purity (carat or fineness). Most dealers have an online form or calculator that gives an instant estimate.

If you are not sure about the purity, look for hallmarks. UK gold jewellery is stamped with 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), or 916 (22ct). Coins and bars typically state their weight and fineness on the face. Our hallmarks guide can help you identify markings.

Lock In Your Price

Gold prices move throughout the day. Most reputable dealers offer a price lock guarantee — they fix the price at the moment you accept the quote, typically for 1-2 working days, giving you time to post your items without worrying about price drops.

Confirm the locked price in writing (email is fine) along with the expiry date and what happens if your parcel arrives after the lock expires. Good dealers will re-quote at the current price if the lock lapses, still giving you the option to accept or decline.

Package Your Items

If the dealer offers a free postal pack, use it — these are specifically designed for secure gold transit and come with pre-paid, insured postage. If you are packaging yourself:

• •Wrap each item individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap
• •Place in a padded envelope or small, sturdy box
• •Ensure nothing can move or rattle inside the package
• •Use plain outer packaging — never indicate the contents are gold or valuable
• •Include a note inside with your name, reference number, and contact details

Before sealing: photograph every item you are sending, ideally next to the packaging and your reference number. This serves as your proof of what was sent in case of any disputes.

Post via Royal Mail Special Delivery

Take your parcel to a Post Office counter and send it via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm. This is the only Royal Mail service that provides insurance for valuable items — standard Signed For and regular post do not cover gold if it goes missing.

Special Delivery includes insurance up to £2,500 per parcel at no extra charge. Keep your proof of posting receipt and tracking number. You can track delivery in real time on the Royal Mail website.

Dealer Receives, Tests, and Confirms

When your parcel arrives, the dealer opens and processes it — typically under CCTV for transparency. Each item is weighed and tested using an XRF analyser (the most accurate non-destructive method) or acid testing to confirm the exact weight and purity.

The dealer then contacts you with the final offer. If the items match your description, the offer should match the locked price. If there are differences (e.g. the gold is a lower carat than expected), you will receive an adjusted offer which you are free to accept or decline.

Accept Offer and Receive Same-Day Payment

If you accept the offer, payment is made by bank transfer — typically the same working day. Most dealers process payments within hours of you confirming acceptance by phone or email.

If you reject the offer, reputable dealers will return your items free of charge via insured post. This no-obligation policy is standard with established dealers — if a company charges for returns or pressures you to accept, consider that a red flag.