Put every offer on the same calculation
A useful comparison starts before the buyer names a cash figure. Ask each buyer which CAD market reference they used, when it was captured, what eligible weight they accepted and what purity was actually verified. Only then can two offers be compared on the same metal basis.
A higher percentage slogan is not enough. Two buyers can quote different percentages while using different weights, purity assumptions, stone deductions or reference times. Record each input in writing, then compare the final payable amount and the explanation behind it.
- Reference price, currency and timestamp.
- Verified or assumed purity and eligible weight.
- Treatment of stones, clasps, solder, plated parts or non-metal components.
- A receipt that identifies what was transferred and the amount paid.
Work through a higher-percentage offer
Consider a hypothetical 15.6 g eligible alloy item assessed at nominal 14K: 15.6 × 14/24 = 9.10 g of fine gold. Use an invented CAD reference of C$120 per fine gram, giving C$1,092 of metal value. Every number is illustrative—not a current price, expected Vancouver payout or Meridian quote.
Buyer A proposes 90% of the same metal reference with no separate fee: C$982.80 net. Buyer B proposes 94%, then deducts C$50: C$1,026.48 − C$50 = C$976.48 net. The larger advertised percentage leaves the seller C$6.32 worse off. After the stated fee, Buyer B’s effective payout is about 89.42% of the common reference.
This does not establish which business is preferable. Different timing, verification conditions or payment risk could change the decision. It simply shows why the net amount belongs beside the percentage and why both quotes need the same denominator.
| Measure | Buyer A | Buyer B |
|---|---|---|
| Headline payout | 90% | 94% |
| Before separate fee | C$982.80 | C$1,026.48 |
| Separate fee | C$0 | C$50 |
| Net payable | C$982.80 | C$976.48 |
| Effective payout | 90% | ≈ 89.42% |
Check the weight and what was excluded
Ask to see the weighing result and unit. Write down gross weight, any excluded components and the eligible alloy weight used in the offer. If an amount has already been converted to fine-gold weight, do not multiply it by purity a second time. Separate jewellery, bullion and potentially collectible items instead of accepting a single unexplained lot weight.
Measurement Canada’s seller guidance says to look for a scale inspection sticker and request the most recent inspection certificate. That is a check on the measurement process—not an endorsement of a buyer, proof of purity or a guarantee of value. Ask for clarification if the displayed weight and the written calculation do not reconcile.
A testing process should be explainable
Hallmarks, magnets, acid, density, conductivity and XRF answer different questions. A credible buyer can explain which method is being used, what it can establish and when an item needs more review. The value of a recognized coin, sealed bar or wearable jewellery piece can depend on facts beyond raw melt.
Do not alter a coin, remove a stone or break sealed bullion packaging simply to speed up a first conversation. Ask whether a product may carry resale value, collectible value or a testing exception before it is treated as mixed scrap.
Check the transaction, not just the price
A good cash number does not repair a weak handoff. Before parting with metal, establish the legal business identity, the testing location, the payment method, the receipt and what happens if a final assessment differs from a preliminary discussion. Physical precious metals are compact, valuable and difficult to unwind after custody changes.
Ask when a preliminary indication becomes a final offer, how long it remains valid, and when payment is actually available to you. If the metal must leave your sight or remain overnight, clarify the custody receipt, responsibility for loss, return arrangements and any charges before agreeing. Do not assume a verbal assurance is the same as a written term.
- Who is the legal counterparty, and where does verification occur?
- Which tests are proposed, and can any alter the item?
- Are all fees included in the net payable amount?
- What happens if you decline the final offer?
- What document records the item, accepted price and payment?
Use the worksheet without sharing your offers
Enter the net payable amount for each buyer in Meridian’s offer comparison worksheet. Keep a separate note of any conditional fees or different terms; the worksheet compares arithmetic and cannot verify a business. Use the same timestamp, weight and purity for a meaningful comparison, and revisit it if the metal reference changes materially before a final quote.
The inputs stay in your browser tab. Meridian counts limited interactions in aggregate, not the offer amounts, dealer identities or personal details. The tools and guides are available across BC, with a Lower Mainland focus. To discuss your own items, contact Meridian directly. This guide compares the evaluation process; it is not a buyer ranking or a purchase offer.
Sources & further reading.
Meridian guides are educational. They are not legal, tax or investment advice, and they do not create an offer to buy or sell gold or silver.