Leader Letter

This letter from Llyr appeared in today's Leader:

I am concerned that there are a number of people who are rushing into taking instant cash from firms advertising, on television, what they claim are good prices for gold items.

These tempting offers might be far from the best available when people need cash. Rather than rush headlong into selling gold jewellery and other items, perhaps to make ends meet at a difficult time, shop around first. It may be that a local jeweller can offer better prices for gold.

These are difficult economic times and people may be lured by one of the many television advertisements being broadcast at the moment, sometimes featuring well-known personalities. But there ARE other options. Some of these companies advertising on television are effectively taking advantage of people needing extra cash, or struggling in the aftermath of Christmas expenses.

Which? report which found that gold buying services advertised on television often do not provide good value for money and recommended that they should be avoided. ‘Which? sent three pieces of brand new gold jewellery to four gold buyers that advertise on television, three independent jewellers and three pawnbrokers. The television gold buyer gave the lowest quotes consistently.

Research carried out by Which? showed that on average they paid far less than the prices offered by high street retailers, and in some cases the difference is startling. The message is clear - it's worth looking nearer to home for a better deal.

Yours faithfully

Llyr Huws Gruffydd
Plaid Cymru candidate for Clwyd West