Platinum Trader

Platinum Trader: buying and refining scrap platinum group metals

Platinum Trader is a trading style of Global Refining Limited, a company registered in the United Kingdom under company number 13199769. The business presents itself as a specialist buyer of platinum, gold, palladium and silver materials, with a client base described as both UK and international. Its stated focus is the recycling of precious metals from difficult or challenging materials, returning them to sectors such as heating, aviation, semiconductor and jewellery.

The company describes itself as the UK's leading independent refining company and as the number one buyer of platinum, gold, palladium and silver materials. It also states that it will not be beaten on price. These are the company's own claims rather than independently verified facts.

Materials accepted and sectors served

Platinum Trader says it can extract platinum, gold and palladium from any format. The materials it lists include platinum flakes, gold flakes, thermocouple wire, platinum wire, platinum dust, platinum crucibles, general laboratory waste, potassium gold cyanide, sweeps and jewellery. It also identifies itself as a specialist buyer of platinum thermocouple wire and platinum crucibles.

On the business side, the company offers refining and recycling services to companies operating in heating, aviation, semiconductor and jewellery. It presents these services as a way to turn unwanted material into an additional income stream and as a more sustainable alternative to extracting new metal.

How the selling process works

The process is organised in three steps. First, the seller completes a form on the website to request a free, insured and trackable selling pack. Second, the material is sent using a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope, which the company describes as insured and trackable, from any post office. Third, the company states that payment is made within 24 hours of receiving the material, or the items are returned at no cost if the seller is not happy with the offer.

According to the FAQ, once the material arrives it goes through a strict valuation process. An offer is given within 24 hours of receipt, and if accepted, the money is in the seller's bank within 24 hours. If the offer is rejected, the material is returned at no cost. The company also offers a free valuation before sending anything, with a response within a few hours.

Pricing and valuation criteria

Platinum Trader states that its prices are based on the London spot prices of precious metals. The percentage it pays depends on the volume of material sent. The company also offers free valuations upon receipt of the material.

Roadshow events and in-person service

In addition to the postal service, Platinum Trader attends roadshow events where customers can meet the company in person. The website invites users to see the company at one of these events near them, although no specific dates or locations are listed in the available material.

Company background and guarantees

Global Refining Limited, the parent company, describes itself as having many years of experience in valuing and recycling precious metals. Platinum Trader emphasises a high number of repeat customers and a policy of keeping clients informed throughout the refining process. It offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee: if the seller is not happy with the offer, there is no obligation to sell and the items are returned free of charge.

The company also highlights an ethical approach, aiming to recycle precious metals back into business sectors and reduce the demand for newly mined materials, which it describes as difficult to obtain and often requiring expensive and energy-intensive production.