Allow me to admit that I have always been a little mystified by the appeal of the whole party-planning industry. When I was growing up it used to be tupperware parties - every few weeks some new pastel coloured, air-tight containers would emerge in the cupboard or in my school bag. Every previously acceptable receptacle gradually replaced by a plastic version with matching lid; glasses became 'beakers' and cereal bowls now had a lid, the purpose of which still escapes me to this day.
In later years I realised that obviously these parties are little more than an excuse for a girls-night-out, the ladies congregate with bottles of wine and sour cream dips, shooting the breeze whilst the sales rep pedals their snake oil. If you've ever wondered where the decorative candle holders, plastic rotary cheese graters and acrid scented candles come from - in my experience they generally show up a week or so after one of these soirees. The key to the success of these parties is the unwritten obligation of the attendees to buy something to show support for the party hostess.
As you'd expect the recent Gold Party trend seems designed to capitalise on this participation obligation. The party guests turn up with their collection of unwanted and broken scraps of gold jewellery, make a start on the plonk and crudites as the gold buyer's rep informs everyone that the price of gold is at an all time high, and there has never been a better time to dispose of the bits and pieces gathering dust in their jewellery boxes. The jewellery is then scientifically tested, weighed and the offer is made. There's no escaping with a scented candle or cactus polishing mitt from this party - it's a take it or leave it kind of deal.
The incentives to entice your friends to part with their jewellery are high, a cursory glance at the websites of these gold selling party people reveals that a typical party organiser walks away with a hefty 10% commission for their part which apparently averages 250-300.
The main problem I see with gold buyers adopting the party plan idea is quite simply that there are many places that you can sell your scrap gold jewellery, with gold prices readily available too. It may all seem like fun on the night, but later realising you got 160 for 280 worth of jewellery is not really the same as regretting spending 20 on a hand-carved indonesian hardwood back scratcher, and your mood is unlikely to be improved when you discover the party organisers windfall.
If you are invited to attend a gold party, make sure you know approximately what your jewellery is worth before you attend. Remember there is absolutely no point in cashing in on the record high price of gold today if you only actually receive 2006/7 prices. At the very least you will be able to make an informed decision, if you are offered closer to 80% of your perceived value, you may consider that acceptable (after all the buyer does need to make some profit). If you are not comfortable valuing the gold yourself, take it along to a local jeweller or pawn broker beforehand. The old adage about always getting three quotes may save you money and possibly a friendship. - 32532
In later years I realised that obviously these parties are little more than an excuse for a girls-night-out, the ladies congregate with bottles of wine and sour cream dips, shooting the breeze whilst the sales rep pedals their snake oil. If you've ever wondered where the decorative candle holders, plastic rotary cheese graters and acrid scented candles come from - in my experience they generally show up a week or so after one of these soirees. The key to the success of these parties is the unwritten obligation of the attendees to buy something to show support for the party hostess.
As you'd expect the recent Gold Party trend seems designed to capitalise on this participation obligation. The party guests turn up with their collection of unwanted and broken scraps of gold jewellery, make a start on the plonk and crudites as the gold buyer's rep informs everyone that the price of gold is at an all time high, and there has never been a better time to dispose of the bits and pieces gathering dust in their jewellery boxes. The jewellery is then scientifically tested, weighed and the offer is made. There's no escaping with a scented candle or cactus polishing mitt from this party - it's a take it or leave it kind of deal.
The incentives to entice your friends to part with their jewellery are high, a cursory glance at the websites of these gold selling party people reveals that a typical party organiser walks away with a hefty 10% commission for their part which apparently averages 250-300.
The main problem I see with gold buyers adopting the party plan idea is quite simply that there are many places that you can sell your scrap gold jewellery, with gold prices readily available too. It may all seem like fun on the night, but later realising you got 160 for 280 worth of jewellery is not really the same as regretting spending 20 on a hand-carved indonesian hardwood back scratcher, and your mood is unlikely to be improved when you discover the party organisers windfall.
If you are invited to attend a gold party, make sure you know approximately what your jewellery is worth before you attend. Remember there is absolutely no point in cashing in on the record high price of gold today if you only actually receive 2006/7 prices. At the very least you will be able to make an informed decision, if you are offered closer to 80% of your perceived value, you may consider that acceptable (after all the buyer does need to make some profit). If you are not comfortable valuing the gold yourself, take it along to a local jeweller or pawn broker beforehand. The old adage about always getting three quotes may save you money and possibly a friendship. - 32532
About the Author:
Brian Aitchson offers Unbiased Advice and commentary on his website regarding all aspects of how to Sell Gold including advice on how to Sell Silver
