cash for gold websites

how reliable are cash for gold websites?

i really need some quick money, i know i wouldnt get lots! but just enough to tide me over, and was thinking of selling some old earrings/etc on a cash for gold website (cash4gold.com, funnily enough)
i was just wondering how reliable these websites really are, i have read all the t&cs but would like confirmation from someone who had used this site or any others, and if there are any better websites than this one that i may use
thanks for your answers

The BBC'S 'One Show' did a feature on this, this week.
link to 'One Show' site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theoneshow/2010/01/how-much-is-your-gold-worth-he.shtml

(Link to show at bottom).

"...the Office of Fair Trading announced that following complaints it will now be looking at the industry amid concerns consumer protection laws are being breached."

The outcome as I remember was that walking into a high street jewellers gave you a better quote.
Things that were valued at £80 were in some cases only offered as little as £17 by some of these firms that advertise on line, in the press or on TV.

'Cash For Gold', came nearly bottom in their consumer survey, so please read the link!

Some immediately upped their offer when the consumer rejected their first offer.
A few made it difficult to get your gold back if you rejected all their offers, sometimes having to repeatedly chase them up, and waiting weeks even months before they posted it back.
Best bet would be to pop into two or three high street jewellers or similar places, and compare. You will probably get a higher price and get your money instantly, when you return to the one you prefer.

There is no law as yet preventing them from valuing your gold as little as they want, it is up to you whether you accept their offer. Seems they are partly relying on some of us needing to make quick cash, during the recession, coupled with our lack of knowledge.

2006 American Buffalo 50 NGC MS 70 9999 Fine One Ounce 1 oz Gold MS70 Coin $1,640.00 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 53m

2013 American Gold Eagle 1 4 oz 10 PCGS MS70 First Strike $472.00 Time Remaining: 26d 22h 49m Buy It Now for only: $472.00

1 oz gold coin Canadian Maple Leaf $1,520.00 Time Remaining: 1h 21m

Gold Canadian Maple Leaf Coin 1 Oz 2013 $1,500.00 Time Remaining: 3h 11m

1975 KRUGERRAND 1 OZ FINE GOLD COIN ONE FULL OUNCE GOLD 999 $1,500.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 27m

1999 China Panda 100 One Hundred Yuan 1oz One Ounce 999 Gold Coin SEALED $1,902.00 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 16m