When Gold Outruns Crypto: What That Means for Second‑Hand Sellers

Mark Kurkdjian
Dec 27, 2025
3 min read

Private demand is reshaping the market for precious metals, and if we focus on the second‑hand world you work in, that shift matters. In Vancouver, offers usually move most on condition, completeness, and how easy it is to test. A recent industry story noted that individuals are favouring gold over Bitcoin, and that change in buyer preference affects pricing, liquidity and the types of items that move quickly. This post explains practical steps to price, accept and sell gold and related items so you keep turnover steady and margins realistic.

Quick checklist

Test karat and weight before making an offer
Inspect for hallmarks and provenance paperwork
Price using current scrap and retail spreads you track daily
Offer clear, honest buy and sell terms to build repeat customers

Why private demand matters for pawn and resale

When private individuals buy more gold than speculative assets, two things happen in your market: retail demand for finished pieces and bullion can rise, and small sellers become more willing to part with items for cash. That combination increases foot traffic and inventory flow. For you, that means you can be choosier about condition or provenance if you want to sell at better margins, but you must also be ready to turn over bullion pieces quickly because the window of demand can be short.

Practical testing and authentication you can do now

A fast, reliable workflow separates quick buys from risky ones. Start with visual hallmark checks, then do non‑destructive electronic karat testing on questionable pieces, and only use acid tests if the owner agrees and the piece is damaged anyway. For bullion and coins, weight and dimensions compared to reference charts will catch many counterfeits. Keep a small magnifier, an accurate scale, and test solutions within reach. When in doubt, take a clear photo and set it aside for a second opinion before committing cash.

Pricing: balancing scrap vs retail and the gold premium

You must watch both the spot price and the local premium people are willing to pay for branded pieces or collectible items. Scrap pricing is straightforward: kilo and gram math against the live spot plus your margin. Retail and estate pieces require estimating resale value — condition, designer name, and demand drive that. Build a simple spreadsheet with columns for karat, weight, spot value, expected resale range, and target margin. That habit turns guesswork into repeatable decisions.

You meet a seller who brings a scratched bracelet and says they need cash now. You check hallmarks, weigh the piece, and offer a fair scrap price while explaining the difference between scrap value and the higher retail price if you were to refurbish and sell it. The seller accepts the cash and leaves satisfied.

Handling sentimental items and mixed metal pieces

Not every item is bought solely for gold content. Sentimental pieces, odd alloys, and items with stones need extra care. If the stones are real and valuable, factor that into your offer. For mixed metals, disassemble only with consent and clearly note the changes in condition on the receipt. Keep a simple consent clause on your counter check paperwork so sellers understand when you will separate components for sale.

Marketing and turning gold interest into repeat customers

With private buyers showing stronger interest in gold, highlight certified bullion, graded coins and well-serviced jewellery in your displays. Offer a short‑term layaway or buyback program to people interested in selling later. Clear signage about testing, grading and transparent pricing builds trust and encourages referrals. Track which items move fastest and source more of those types when possible.

Risk management and security basics

Higher private demand can draw more traffic but also raises risk. Keep bullion and high-value pieces in a secured safe overnight, limit visible stock on the counter, and log all transactions with IDs and item descriptions. Insurance and an inventory audit routine reduce losses and help you price with confidence.