Know what you are selling.

Weight, purity, deductions and an honest comparison.

Paystreak editorial research · Revised 3 November 2026
Desk research and teaching exercises. No first-hand site inspection is claimed.

Original cut-print illustration of a notebook, compass and pencil
Original Paystreak teaching illustration. Diagrams are schematic, not navigation maps.

Separate a find from a price

A visible flake, damp concentrate and refined bullion are different sale items. Dryness, contamination, purity and the buyer’s assessment affect the payable amount. Do not value a vial by appearance or assume every yellow particle is gold.

Ask for a written quote

Ask how the buyer determines weight and purity, which reference price and currency they use, the quote’s validity period and every fee or deduction. Confirm whether an assay is destructive and how rejected material is returned before handing anything over.

Compare the net amount

Record quoted gross value, testing cost, refining charge, postage, insurance and final payout. Compare like with like on the same date. A higher headline rate may produce a smaller net payment once deductions are included. Do not send valuable material without understanding custody and loss terms.

Keep the evidence

Retain lawful origin records, sample labels, weights, receipts and correspondence. Tax treatment depends on the activity and circumstances; use current IRD guidance or a qualified adviser for your situation. This page has no buyer partnership or promise of a particular price.

Try this before the next step.

Ask two buyers the same five questions: weighing, purity, price basis, all deductions and payout timing. Compare written net quotes before deciding.

Sources & checks

These sources support the factual background. Exercises and buying checklists are Paystreak editorial suggestions, not reported recoveries, product tests or personal financial advice. Check live rules and notices before acting.

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