FAQs

 

What is Mother Lode?

We’re a small and very independent gold trader located south of Sydney, New South Wales. We help people across Australia and internationally offload their gold and occasional gems in exchange for cash.


Why should I deal with you over other gold traders?

 

We provide a fast, fair exchange at internationally benchmarked prices. And because you’re dealing direct, there are no intermediaries skimming a profit off your gold. As gold obsessives, keen fossickers and born adventurers, we understand your dreams of that one-in-a-million find and we’re proud to help you fund your next adventure.


Can I trust you?

 

A business like ours can’t survive without trust. It’s the glue that holds the whole shebang together. And because we’re here for the long haul, we’re hard core about winning your trust and keeping it through thick and thin. The only way to do that is through honest, fair and transparent dealings, each and every time we trade. You’ll be happy to know we have a rad track record so far. Our customers love us to the back of beyond because we’re ethical and we don’t mess around. Why not join them? Read customer testimonials


What gold do you buy?

We buy all kinds of gold – everything from gold nuggets, fine gold, jewellery, coins and medallions to gold bars, bullion, ingots and scrap gold. Sometimes we also buy gems. Want to know if we’ll buy it? Contact us.


How do I get my gold to you?

 

Mail your gold to our secure mailing address: PO Box 368 Thirroul NSW 2515 AUSTRALIA. If you prefer to deliver it in person, contact us to set up an appointment. We accept in-person deliveries in and around the Sydney / Illawarra area only.


How can I make sure my gold arrives safely?

The best way to get your gold to us safely is in person or via Express Post Platinum – available at participating Australian post offices. It delivers next business day between all capital cities (except Darwin and in Perth CBD only) and some major centres. If you’re shipping your gold from outside Australia, choose a reputable international courier service, such as DHL or Fedex.

 

How do you pay for my gold?

 

If you accept our bid, we transfer your cash the next business day. The money goes straight into your bank account or is sent to you by Express Money Order (Australia only). If you like, we can even meet up and pay you in person.


How do Express Money Orders work?

Express Money Orders are pretty nifty. If you’re in Australia, you can pick up your money from a post office you nominate. Your money will arrive one hour after Mother Lode deposits it. Simply show up at your chosen post office and present your identification to pick up your cash. You have the option of walking away with cash in hand or having the post office deposit the funds into your bank account.


I want my money deposited into a bank account outside Australia (offshore) – how does that work?

No problem. Let us know your full banking details and we’ll process your payment. The funds will take longer to arrive, depending on your bank. And because banks like to dip into money they transfer internationally, you will likely be charged bank fees.


What do you mean by full banking details?

The details will vary according to your bank and country. Please triple check them. Then check them again. You’ll kick yourself if your money doesn’t show because you gave us inaccurate transaction details.

  • Australian accounts you will need your account name, BSB and account number.

  • British accounts, you will need an account number and sort code.

  • European accounts you’ll need an IBAN.

  • US accounts you’ll need an account number and a routing number for international wires.


I requested an offshore transfer and I received less than my Mother Lode bid – why?

International banking fees apply. If you don’t receive funds in the full amount of your Mother Lode bid, you’ve probably been charged wire transfer or international transaction fees by your bank. You may also net less cash than expected if your bank’s foreign exchange rates are below market. To figure it out, check your transaction statement – or give your bank a call.


When will I get my money for my gold?

It depends on how you want to be paid. With an Express Money Order, you can pick up your cash at your chosen post office in an hour. With an Australian interbank transfer, allow two working days for your funds to be processed and presto, there’s your cash in your account. In person it can be done on the spot.


What’s the process?

It’s pretty simple. First you send us your gold – or bring it to us. (Please let us know in advance if you’re bringing large sums so we can get extra security and your cash ready.) We weigh your gold and test it to establish its purity. Then we figure out how much it’s worth and give you a formal bid, which is valid for 24 hours. If you accept our bid before it expires, we transfer the cash to your bank account the next business day using your chosen payment method: either electronic funds transfer (EFT) or Express Money Order. Too easy. If we trade in person it’s cash on the day.


How long does it take to sell my gold?

Same day if in person and in cash. We’re committed to getting you your money as fast as possible. That said, turnaround depends on things like shipping times and bank processing, which we can’t control. At our end, we work to a next-business-day rule. When we receive your gold, we email you a bid by the next business day. When you accept your bid, we initiate your payment by the next business day – sooner if we can. To be safe, for Australian interbank transfers allow at least two days once price is agreed and your gold received for the money to land in your bank account. For international interbank transfers, allow at least five days. For Express Money Orders, you can pick up your money within an hour.


How do you know what my gold is worth?

The value of gold items can vary widely depending on purity and weight. To give you a fair price, we assess your item/s carefully using industry-standard tools.


How much do you pay?

The price estimate we provide for your gold is based on the current gold spot price by weight.


Can you tell me how much my gold is worth sight unseen?

We’ll have a go, but until we’ve analysed your gold we can’t give you a firm offer for it. If you’d like a rough idea of your gold’s value before sending it to us, simply request an estimate using our contact form. If you want to go ahead based on our estimate, you will need to send us your gold for assessment. Within 24 hours of receiving your gold, we’ll email you a formal bid. Your bid is current for 24 hours.


Why does my bid expire in 24 hours?

 

Mother Lode bids are based on the current spot price to give you the very best deal. The spot price of gold changes every minute of every day. Any bid you don’t act on before it expires will need to be updated to reflect the current spot price.


My bid expired but I do want to sell – what do I do?

No worries. Just call or email to let us know and we’ll issue a revised bid. Provided we still have your gold we can initiate your cash transfer on acceptance.


Why has the value of my gold changed since my last bid?

Gold is an internationally traded commodity whose price depends on global markets. When these prices change, the value of your gold changes. Your bid is based on the current market value of your gold.


I don’t want to go ahead with my Mother Lode bid – how do I get my gold back?

If you don’t accept our bid for your gold, no hard feelings. We’ll mail your gold back to you on the next business day. Expect your gold to arrive within three days within Australia. Internationally it can take up to six business days. Alternatively, if you specified in-person delivery in our agreement, please contact us to make arrangements to get your gold back.


What shipping service do you use to send my gold back?

To Australian destinations, we use Express Post Platinum, which provides next business day delivery between all capital cities (except Darwin and in Perth CBD only) and some major centres. If you ask, we can take out Australia Post’s Extra Cover insurance to the bid value of your gold so you have complete peace of mind (additional fees will apply). To global destinations, we use Australia Post International Express, which takes two to four business days between major metro areas. You can track your shipment online. Either way, you’ll need to sign on delivery to prove you received your gold safe and sound.


I like to know who I’m dealing with – can we meet?

We hear you. Email us to schedule a face-to-face meeting or a phone chat, no questions asked – we always respect your need for privacy.

What’s your gold worth?