Based on checking the website Postgoldforcash.com, this review concludes that while the service appears professionally presented and highlights several aspects of trustworthiness, the underlying transaction of selling gold for cash online without immediate, in-person exchange and clear, upfront pricing mechanisms can be problematic from an ethical standpoint, particularly concerning concepts like gharar excessive uncertainty and riba interest/usury if implicit financial mechanisms are involved, which are crucial considerations in Islamic finance. This platform operates under a model where the customer sends their gold first, and then receives an offer, which introduces a significant level of uncertainty.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Service Model: Send gold, receive offer, then accept or decline.
- Transparency: Detailed process explanation provided, but final pricing is offered after items are sent.
- Trust Indicators: Mentions trading since 2009, 273,000+ customers, Trustpilot reviews, BBC’s The One Show feature, partnership with WH Smiths, UK company registration 07970890, VAT registration 1352048842, CCTV surveillance for valuation, insurance against theft/loss.
- Pricing Mechanism: Claims “best online price guaranteed” but actual offer is made post-receipt and valuation of items. Does not pay lower rate for unhallmarked gold.
- Payment Speed: Promises cash within 24 hours of offer acceptance, and 48 hours for cash receipt.
- Return Policy: Free return of items if offer is not accepted.
- Charitable Donations: Donated over £10,000 in 2024 and pledges £1 to charity for every new customer in 2025.
- Concerns: The inherent uncertainty of valuation after sending valuable items, and the potential for a seller to feel pressured to accept an offer once their gold is no longer in their possession. The “prize draw” also introduces an element of chance, which can be problematic.
While Postgoldforcash.com presents itself as a legitimate and secure service for selling gold, the fundamental nature of the transaction—sending a valuable commodity without a pre-agreed, fixed price and relying on a remote valuation process—introduces an element of significant uncertainty gharar. This is a crucial area of concern, as transactions with excessive gharar are generally discouraged in Islamic finance because they can lead to disputes and unfair outcomes. Furthermore, the “best online price guaranteed” claim is difficult to verify without a clear, public pricing structure or a real-time comparison tool directly on their site that reflects live market prices before sending. The prize draw, while charitable donations are mentioned, also involves an element of chance, which, when linked to a commercial transaction, requires careful scrutiny. It is always recommended to prioritize transactions where the price is transparent and agreed upon upfront, and possession of goods is exchanged simultaneously, or under clear, well-defined terms that eliminate ambiguity. For the Muslim community, transacting in a way that aligns with principles of fairness and transparency is paramount.
Here are ethical alternatives for managing or repurposing valuable items, focusing on charitable giving and sustainable practices:
- Local Community Centers: Many local community centers accept donations of items for various purposes, including reselling to fund programs or directly distributing to those in need. This aligns with charitable giving.
- Clothing Donation Bins: While not directly for gold, this highlights the broader concept of donating valuable items e.g., textiles, household goods that can be reused or recycled, providing tangible benefits to the community or environment.
- Thrift Stores for Charity: Organizations like Goodwill or Salvation Army accept a wide range of donations, which are then sold to support their charitable missions. This is a straightforward way to give.
- Artisanal Crafting Workshops: Instead of selling, consider repurposing items like old jewelry into new crafts or functional art through workshops. This promotes creativity and sustainable use of resources.
- Recycling Centers for Metals: For items that cannot be donated or repurposed, responsible recycling services for precious metals ensure that the materials are utilized sustainably and ethically, often without the transactional uncertainty of selling.
- Reputable Auction Houses for Antiques: For truly valuable or antique items, using a reputable auction house can provide a more transparent valuation process, though it still involves a degree of market uncertainty. The key is to choose one with a clear, established reputation and a physical presence.
- Community Bartering Systems: In some communities, bartering systems allow for the exchange of goods or services without currency. This promotes community spirit and can be a way to exchange items directly with known individuals.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Postgoldforcash.com Review & First Look
Upon a thorough examination of Postgoldforcash.com, the initial impression is one of a professionally designed and seemingly trustworthy platform.
The website prominently displays trust signals such as Trustpilot ratings, mentions of partnerships with established retailers like WH Smiths, and features on major media outlets like BBC’s The One Show.
These elements are strategically placed to reassure potential customers.
However, a deeper dive reveals aspects that warrant scrutiny, especially when evaluated against principles of ethical transactions, particularly as understood in Islamic finance.
Initial Website Impressions
The homepage is clean, easy to navigate, and directs users clearly towards ordering a “free gold selling pack.” The use of a countdown timer for a £500 prize draw aims to create a sense of urgency, which is a common marketing tactic. Verdantbytes.com Review
The site also highlights its customer base “Over 273,000 happy customers” and emphasizes security with phrases like “100% safe and secure.” While these are positive indicators for a general audience, the core business model of selling gold by mail without an upfront, fixed price requires careful consideration.
The website dedicates a significant section to addressing common concerns about trust, which suggests they are aware of the inherent hesitation customers might have in sending valuable items.
Transparency of Operations
Postgoldforcash.com provides a step-by-step breakdown of their process: ordering a pack, sending gold, valuation under CCTV, and receiving an offer.
This level of detail is commendable for helping users understand what happens to their items.
They also state that items will be returned free of charge if the offer is not accepted, which mitigates some risk. Tallmenshoes.com Review
However, the crucial element missing is a transparent, real-time pricing model.
While they claim to offer the “best online price guaranteed,” the actual price is determined after they receive and assess the gold.
This creates an information asymmetry, where the seller is at a disadvantage, lacking immediate knowledge of the precise value their items will command.
Postgoldforcash.com Process & Concerns
The process laid out by Postgoldforcash.com is designed for convenience, allowing individuals to sell their gold from home. However, the sequence of events introduces several points of concern, particularly related to the concepts of gharar uncertainty and qabd possession in ethical transactions.
The Gold Selling Process Explained
- Order a Free Pack: Users request a pre-paid Special Delivery Envelope to send their gold. This initial step is straightforward and free.
- Send Your Gold: Customers send their items via Royal Mail using the provided secure envelope. The website emphasizes security, mentioning CCTV surveillance during valuation.
- Valuation and Offer: Upon receipt, items are assessed by valuers under CCTV, checked against the customer’s itemized list, and weighed using approved scales. An offer is then made.
- Accept or Decline: If the customer accepts the offer, payment is processed within 24 hours. If they decline, the gold is returned free of charge.
This process, while detailed, places the onus of valuation entirely on the buyer after they have taken possession of the seller’s goods. Xirena.com Review
The Concept of Gharar Uncertainty
Gharar refers to excessive uncertainty or ambiguity in a contract that could lead to dispute or injustice. In the context of selling gold to Postgoldforcash.com, a significant gharar exists because:
- No Pre-determined Price: The price is not agreed upon before the item changes hands. The seller sends the gold without knowing the exact monetary return they will receive. This is akin to selling something sight-unseen for an unknown price, which is generally discouraged in ethical trade.
- Information Asymmetry: The buyer Postgoldforcash.com possesses the expertise and equipment for accurate valuation, while the seller often lacks this, especially for unhallmarked or scrap gold. The seller is relying entirely on the buyer’s assessment.
- Potential for Pressure: Once the gold is sent, the seller might feel pressured to accept an offer, even if it’s lower than anticipated, to avoid the hassle and delay of having it returned.
The Principle of Qabd Possession
In many ethical transaction frameworks, qabd possession or control over the subject matter of the contract is crucial. Ideally, the exchange of goods and payment should be simultaneous, or at least the price should be fixed before the goods are handed over. Sending gold without a determined price means the qabd of the gold occurs before the qabd of the payment and before the price is agreed upon, introducing a disconnect that increases risk for the seller.
Concerns Regarding “Best Price Guaranteed”
The claim of a “best online price guaranteed” is a strong marketing statement, but its enforceability and transparency are questionable. Without a publicly accessible, real-time comparison with competitors or a clear methodology for how this “best price” is determined before the gold is sent, it’s difficult for a customer to verify. This guarantee relies heavily on the customer’s trust in Postgoldforcash.com’s internal valuation rather than external, verifiable market data at the point of decision.
Postgoldforcash.com Trust & Security Measures
Postgoldforcash.com makes concerted efforts to build trust and assure customers of the security of their operations.
This is critical for a business model that requires customers to mail valuable items. Trippodo.com Review
Establishing Credibility
The website cites several indicators of trustworthiness:
- Longevity: “Postgoldforcash.com has been trading since 2009.” This suggests a long-standing presence in the market.
- Customer Volume: “Over 273,000 happy customers.” A large customer base can imply reliability and satisfaction.
- Partnerships: “Gold buying partner of WH Smiths since 2010.” Association with a well-known retail chain lends significant credibility.
- Media Features: “Featured in BBC’s The One Show.” National media exposure can enhance public perception of legitimacy.
- Comparison Site Ratings: Mentions being rated as the “best online deal” by goldpricechecker.com, compareandrecycle.co.uk, and sellgoldcomparison.co.uk. These external endorsements, if verifiable, add weight.
Security Protocols
The website details several security measures to protect customer items:
- Royal Mail Special Delivery: This is a tracked and insured service, providing a layer of protection during transit.
- CCTV Surveillance: “Your items will be handled and assessed by our highly trained valuers under constant CCTV surveillance for your security.” This implies accountability and a deterrent against misconduct during the valuation process.
- Insurance: “We are insured against theft or loss.” This provides financial recourse in unfortunate events.
- UK Company Registration: “Postgoldforcash.com is a trading division of 2 Kings Ltd: a UK company registered with Companies House registration number 07970890.” This signifies legal registration and oversight within the UK.
- VAT Registration: “We are also VAT registered through HMRC and our VAT number is 1352048842.” Another indicator of formal business operation.
- Director Background: The site mentions “Directors with excellent track records” and offers direct email contact for concerns, aiming to show a commitment to resolving issues at the highest level.
While these measures are robust and designed to instill confidence, they primarily address the physical security and legal standing of the business. They do not, however, fully mitigate the gharar uncertainty inherent in the pricing model itself, where the final offer is made after the gold is in their possession.
Postgoldforcash.com Charitable Initiatives
One notable aspect highlighted on the Postgoldforcash.com website is their commitment to charitable giving.
This is a positive differentiator, as it indicates a degree of social responsibility from the company. Vine-of-the-soul.com Review
Donations Made
The website states: “We donated over £10,000 to charity in 2024 and will continue to donate £1 to charity for every new customer in 2025.”
- Transparency: Providing a specific figure for donations in 2024 £10,000 adds a level of transparency to their charitable claims.
- Commitment: The pledge to donate £1 for every new customer in 2025 demonstrates an ongoing commitment to supporting charitable causes, integrating philanthropy into their business model.
Ethical Implications of Charitable Giving
From an ethical perspective, including charitable donations as part of a business operation is highly commendable. It aligns with principles of social responsibility and giving back to the community. For a Muslim consumer, businesses that engage in sadaqah charity are often viewed favorably, as it reflects a conscious effort to benefit society.
However, it’s important to consider that while charitable initiatives are positive, they do not inherently negate other ethical concerns related to the core transaction. For instance, if the primary business model itself contains elements of excessive gharar uncertainty or other non-compliant practices, the charitable giving, while good in itself, does not purify the fundamental contractual concerns. It adds a layer of positive social impact but doesn’t change the nature of the transaction’s inherent risks for the seller.
Postgoldforcash.com Pricing & Valuation Process
The pricing and valuation process at Postgoldforcash.com is central to their service, yet it’s also where the most significant ethical concerns arise due to the lack of upfront transparency.
Claim of “Best Online Price Guaranteed”
Postgoldforcash.com prominently advertises: “We guarantee to offer the best online price for your gold, platinum, jewellery, silver or palladium”. Veganichair.com Review
- Marketing Efficacy: This is a strong selling point designed to attract customers who are looking for the maximum return on their precious metals.
- Verification Challenge: The challenge for the customer lies in independently verifying this claim. Without a clear, dynamic pricing chart tied to live market rates that they can compare before sending their gold, the “guarantee” is based entirely on trust in Postgoldforcash.com’s internal valuation process. This creates an information asymmetry where the company holds all the critical pricing data until after the customer’s valuable item is in their possession.
Valuation Methodology
The website provides some insight into how items are valued:
- Expert Valuers: “Your items will be handled and assessed by our highly trained valuers.”
- CCTV Surveillance: Valuation takes place “under constant CCTV surveillance for your security.” This is a security measure, not a pricing transparency measure.
- Itemized List Check: Contents are “checked against the ‘Itemised List’ you filled in.” This ensures all sent items are accounted for.
- Metal Separation and Testing: “The valuers will separate different metals and grades of metals, acid testing where necessary.” This is standard practice for accurate metal assessment.
- Accurate Weighing: “Weigh your gold using highly accurate electronic scales as approved by HM Weights and Measures Act 1985.” This ensures accurate weight measurements, crucial for valuation.
- No Lower Rate for Unhallmarked Gold: “Unlike many of our competitors, we do NOT pay a lower rate for unhallmarked gold.” This is a positive point for sellers with items lacking official hallmarks.
The “Offer” System and Its Implications
The core of their pricing process is that “You will then be contacted with an offer.”
- Post-Possession Offer: This means the offer is made after the gold has been received, inspected, and valued by Postgoldforcash.com. This places the seller in a less powerful negotiation position. Once the gold is out of their hands, they might feel a psychological pressure to accept the offer, even if it’s not what they hoped for, to avoid the process of having it returned.
- Transparency Gap: There is no mechanism described for the customer to understand how the offer was derived e.g., current spot price minus a percentage, specific karat weight valuation or to easily challenge it with external data.
- Ethical Concerns Gharar: This “send first, get offer later” model introduces significant gharar uncertainty into the transaction. In ethical financial dealings, especially in Islamic finance, the price and terms of exchange should ideally be known and agreed upon by both parties before the exchange of goods or services takes place, minimizing ambiguity and potential for dispute. While the free return policy mitigates some financial risk, it doesn’t remove the gharar from the initial part of the transaction where the item is sent without a firm price.
Ethical Alternatives for Gold and Precious Metals
Given the ethical considerations surrounding the “send first, get offer later” model, especially concerning gharar uncertainty in transactions, it’s important to explore alternatives that prioritize transparency, direct exchange, and ethical conduct.
1. Direct Sales to Reputable Local Jewelers or Pawn Shops
- Description: Selling gold directly to established brick-and-mortar jewelers or pawn shops in your local area.
- Key Features: Immediate in-person valuation, negotiation, and payment. You can see your gold weighed and tested.
- Pros:
- Transparency: Price is negotiated and agreed upon upfront before possession changes hands. You receive an offer and can accept or decline on the spot.
- Immediacy: Instant cash payment upon agreement.
- Reduced Risk: No mailing of valuable items involved.
- Personal Interaction: Ability to ask questions and build rapport.
- Cons:
- May require visiting multiple locations to get the best price.
- Prices might be lower than online buyers due to overheads.
- Requires physical travel.
2. Certified Precious Metal Dealers with Published Buy-Back Rates
- Description: Dealers specializing in buying and selling investment-grade gold and silver, often with clear, published buy-back rates e.g., percentage below spot price.
- Key Features: Focus on purity and weight, often less on sentimental value. May have online portals for current rates if coupled with in-person or very strict, pre-arranged terms.
- High Transparency: Often publish their buy/sell spreads or formulas.
- Fair Pricing: Typically offer competitive prices based on market spot rates.
- Professional Assessment: Expertise in assaying and weighing.
- May require larger quantities or specific forms of gold e.g., bars, coins rather than scrap jewelry.
- Fewer physical locations compared to jewelers.
3. Consignment with a Reputable Auction House for high-value or unique items
- Description: For antique, rare, or uniquely valuable gold items, selling through an auction house where items are appraised and then put up for public bidding.
- Key Features: Expert appraisal, global reach for bidders, potential for higher returns if the item is desirable.
- Professional Appraisal: Items are thoroughly evaluated by experts.
- Market-Driven Price: Price is determined by competitive bidding, potentially fetching higher value.
- Transparency in Process: Clear terms of sale and commission.
- Not Immediate: Can take weeks or months for the auction process.
- Commission Fees: Auction houses charge a percentage of the sale price.
- No Guaranteed Price: Item might not meet reserve price or sell for less than anticipated.
4. Refining Services for large quantities of scrap gold
- Description: For businesses or individuals with significant quantities of scrap or industrial gold, sending it to a refinery that will melt it down and pay based on the assayed pure gold content.
- Key Features: Direct processing, payment based on actual purity and weight, often for bulk.
- Accurate Valuation: Payment based on precise assay results.
- High Volume Efficiency: Suited for large quantities of material.
- Generally not suitable for small individual amounts of jewelry.
- Requires trust in the refinery’s assay process.
5. Ethical Jewelry Resale Platforms for wearable jewelry
- Description: Platforms focusing on buying and selling pre-owned jewelry, often with a curated selection or consignment model. These platforms often value the craftsmanship and design as much as the metal content.
- Key Features: Focus on quality pre-owned pieces, often with authentication services.
- Potentially Higher Value: If the jewelry has design or brand value beyond its melt weight, these platforms might offer more.
- Sustainable Choice: Promotes reuse and extends the life of valuable items.
- Might be selective in what they accept.
- Can involve consignment periods before payment.
6. Peer-to-Peer Sales with Due Diligence
- Description: Selling gold directly to another individual, often through online marketplaces or local classifieds, with careful arrangements for secure, in-person exchange and verification.
- Key Features: Direct negotiation, cutting out intermediaries.
- Potentially Higher Return: No intermediary fees.
- Direct Control: You set the price and terms.
- High Risk: Requires extreme caution regarding security, payment verification, and personal safety.
- Due Diligence: Need to ensure the buyer is legitimate and the transaction is secure.
- Not advisable for most individuals without proper precautions.
7. Repurposing or Donation
- Description: Instead of selling, consider melting down old gold to create new jewelry e.g., wedding rings, custom pieces or donating items to a reputable charity that can sell them for fundraising.
- Key Features: Preservation of value, sentimental repurposing, charitable contribution.
- Sentimental Value: Keeps the gold within the family or gives it a new purpose.
- Charitable Impact: Directly supports a cause.
- Avoids Transactional Concerns: Eliminates the complexities of selling.
- No direct financial return to the individual.
- Custom work can be costly.
When choosing an alternative, prioritize methods that offer upfront pricing, direct negotiation, and immediate exchange or clearly defined terms to minimize gharar and ensure fair, ethical transactions.
FAQ
What is Postgoldforcash.com?
Postgoldforcash.com is an online service based in the UK that allows individuals to sell their unwanted gold, silver, platinum, and palladium items by mail. Bluonenergy.org Review
Customers send their items, receive an offer after valuation, and can choose to accept payment or have their items returned.
How does Postgoldforcash.com work?
The process involves three main steps: customers request a free gold selling pack, send their gold using the provided special delivery envelope, and then receive an offer based on the company’s valuation.
If the offer is accepted, payment is processed within 24 hours. otherwise, items are returned for free.
Is Postgoldforcash.com a legitimate company?
Yes, Postgoldforcash.com appears to be a legitimate UK-registered company, operating as a trading division of 2 Kings Ltd registration number 07970890 and VAT registered 1352048842. They highlight partnerships with WH Smiths and features on BBC’s The One Show as indicators of legitimacy.
What are the ethical concerns with Postgoldforcash.com?
The primary ethical concern, especially from an Islamic finance perspective, is the element of gharar excessive uncertainty. The seller sends valuable items without a pre-agreed, fixed price, relying entirely on the buyer’s post-receipt valuation. This lack of upfront price agreement introduces ambiguity that can lead to disputes or perceived unfairness. Tassomai.com Review
Does Postgoldforcash.com offer the “best price guaranteed”?
Postgoldforcash.com claims to offer the “best online price guaranteed.” However, this guarantee is based on their internal valuation after receiving the gold, rather than a publicly verifiable real-time comparison or a pre-agreed price.
This makes it difficult for customers to independently verify the claim before sending their items.
What security measures does Postgoldforcash.com use?
They use Royal Mail Special Delivery for secure transit, conduct valuations under constant CCTV surveillance, and are insured against theft or loss.
They also emphasize their long trading history and positive Trustpilot reviews as security indicators.
What types of gold does Postgoldforcash.com buy?
Postgoldforcash.com buys various types of gold, including scrap gold, broken items, unhallmarked gold, and items in poor condition, as they are melted down for their precious metal content. They also buy platinum, silver, and palladium. Renticy.com Review
How long does it take to get paid by Postgoldforcash.com?
If you accept their offer, Postgoldforcash.com aims to process payment within 24 hours.
They state that customers could get cash within 48 hours of accepting the offer.
Can I get my gold back if I don’t like the offer?
Yes, Postgoldforcash.com states that if you decide not to accept their offer, your items will be returned to you at their cost, ensuring you are not out of pocket for the return shipping.
What is the £500 prize draw mentioned on the website?
Postgoldforcash.com offers customers who request a free pack entry into a £500 prize draw.
While this is a marketing incentive, prize draws linked to commercial transactions should be reviewed for elements of chance or gambling depending on local regulations and ethical frameworks. Geekstudio.us Review
Does Postgoldforcash.com support charity?
Yes, Postgoldforcash.com mentions donating over £10,000 to charity in 2024 and pledging to donate £1 to charity for every new customer in 2025. This indicates a commitment to social responsibility.
How does Postgoldforcash.com handle unhallmarked gold?
Unlike some competitors, Postgoldforcash.com states that they do not pay a lower rate for unhallmarked gold.
Their expert valuers will assess and value it appropriately after receiving it.
What if my home scales don’t agree with their weight?
Postgoldforcash.com advises not to worry about inaccurate home scales.
Their valuers use highly accurate electronic scales approved by HM Weights and Measures Act 1985. They can notify you of the exact weight when making their offer. Propstep.com Review
What happens when Postgoldforcash.com receives my gold?
Upon arrival, your package is identified by a unique customer reference number, opened under CCTV surveillance, and its contents checked against your itemized list.
Items are separated, tested, weighed, and then an offer is made.
What are some alternatives to selling gold by mail?
Ethical alternatives include selling directly to reputable local jewelers or pawn shops, certified precious metal dealers with published buy-back rates, or, for high-value items, using a reputable auction house. Repurposing or donating gold are also options.
Is Postgoldforcash.com a good option for selling gold?
While Postgoldforcash.com offers a convenient service with apparent security measures, the “send first, get offer later” model introduces significant uncertainty.
For those prioritizing upfront transparency and immediate exchange, direct in-person sales or dealers with clear pricing models might be preferred. Yourhomesolutions.com Review
How can I contact Postgoldforcash.com with concerns?
The website provides an email address, info@postgoldforcash.com, and states that one of their Directors will look into any problems or concerns.
What information should I include when sending my gold?
The website mentions filling in an “Itemised List” with what you know about your items.
This helps their valuers cross-reference the contents upon receipt.
Does the condition of my gold items matter to Postgoldforcash.com?
No, the condition of your items, including if they are broken or in poor condition, does not matter.
Postgoldforcash.com buys items to melt them down for their precious metal content. Availablecar.com Review
Are there any fees for using Postgoldforcash.com’s service?
The initial gold selling pack and the return of your gold if you decline the offer are free.
Any other potential fees would be implicitly deducted from the offer price, as is common in such buy-back services.
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