Now this is the post that will
make Jewelers mad. But the truth is, most trade-ins are
NOT worth their weight in Gold. Here's why...
Trade-In Policies
Most Jewelers have trade-in policies that keep you from getting a really great deal.
For example, most policies state that you cannot use a trade-in towards a piece of Jewelry that's on sale. That sucks! It's usually either one discount, or the other, BUT NOT BOTH!
So say for example, you have a trade-in worth $1000. You want to trade it towards a piece of merchandise that's retailed at $2000. (Most policies force you to buy twice as much as the trade-in is worth.)
The Jeweler comes back to you after talking it over with their "BOSS", and says "He'll give your FULL trade-in price towards that ring! You'll only pay the difference which is $1000!" Sound good? Not really!
No Sale Price?
Because then you notice that there's a tag in the showcase that says, "Diamond Engagement Ring Sale Now 30% Off!". Hey wait a minute...
That means that without a trade-in you can actually buy that ring for $1400. And with your trade-in you can get it for $1000. So even though they are offering you FULL trade-in value towards your Jewelry, it's really only a difference of $400!
So are you really getting your FULL trade-in value? NO!
And that's only one example of a sale featuring 30% off. Normally Jewelers boast big huge savings of up to 50% off! So at 50% off that $2000 piece of merchandise, YOU GAIN NOTHING!
In fact, you lose!
Because you just gave them your $1000 trade-in towards a ring that you could have gotten for the same price anyway. That's not cool!
Christmas time, Holidays, Bridal Season, Jewelers usually offer up to 50% off. Some Jewelers even mark their pieces up, just so they CAN advertise huge savings and sales. So trade-in or not, you're still getting about the same deal.
And here's another big eye opener...
Beware of the Jewelers that actually do allow you to use BOTH your trade-in and a sale price at the same time! Proceed with caution on those deals. Because normally it means a couple things...