How to price platinum scrap clearly and consistently.
Platinum lots are often smaller and mixed with jewelry or industrial parts, so the desk needs a simple routine: verify the metal, weigh it accurately, convert to fine platinum, and apply the payout rule.
This guide helps buyers avoid confusion between platinum, white gold, and other white metals so the quote can be explained without hesitation.
Common purities
Common confusion
Best record
1Verify the metal and purity mark
The first step is making sure the item is actually platinum. A white-looking piece is not automatically platinum, and a quick check saves your desk from bad assumptions.
Use the hallmark, a test result, or both. For platinum, the common buying presets are .950, .900, and .999.
- Do not confuse platinum with white gold.
- Use a test when the stamp is unclear.
- Keep the purity rule consistent for every staff member.
2Weigh the item carefully
Platinum quotes are usually made on small lot sizes, so accuracy matters. Use the same scale and unit every time and avoid rounding until the final step.
If you buy by gram, stay in grams for the entire quote and convert only once if needed.
- Small weight errors have a bigger impact on thin margins.
- Troy ounces and grams both work if the staff stays consistent.
- Record the unit along with the final offer.
3Convert to fine platinum weight
Multiply the gross weight by the purity fraction to reach fine platinum weight. That keeps the math comparable to silver and gold and makes the offer easier to explain later.
When a lot contains mixed metals or attachments, keep the quote conservative and document the assumption.
- Fine platinum weight = gross weight x purity.
- Mixed lots should be noted in the record.
- Use a consistent purity table across all platinum quotes.
4Apply live spot and your payout rule
Use the live platinum spot, then apply your payout percentage or tier. The desk should show the whole chain so the seller can follow the logic.
If you subtract fees or handling costs, make that visible in the same record so the final offer is not a black box.
- Live spot should be the same feed for every quote.
- Fees should not be hidden in the payout percentage.
- Track the offer in the receipt or saved history.
5Save the quote trail
A saved platinum quote should capture the purity, weight, offer, and photo if the device supports it. That is enough to replay the quote later.
The record is also useful when platinum is mixed into a larger jewelry sale and you need to separate the logic from the rest of the deal.
- Keep the purity and weight in the record.
- Attach a photo if the item is unusual or mixed.
- Use searchable history for repeat customers.
Common mistakes
Assuming every white metal piece is platinum.
Rounding the weight before the final quote step.
Mixing platinum math with white gold math.
Saving the offer without the note that explains the purity used.
Why this guide helps
Search engines reward pages that answer a specific buyer question with enough detail to be useful on their own. This guide gives that query a clear destination.
The app still handles the live quote. The guide shows the logic behind the number so the counter staff and the seller can both follow the math.
If you need the active desk workflow, open the app. If you need the explanation or the training material, keep reading the guides.
How do I avoid confusing platinum and white gold?
Can I store platinum quotes with photos?
Is platinum priced differently from silver and gold?
Related pages and next steps
Use the guide to understand the math, then open the app to make the live quote.