Core Insights - Several well-known gold retailers have announced price increases, generally exceeding 10%, with Chow Tai Fook and Lao Miao Gold being the most notable [2][6] - The price hikes have led to a surge in sales for these brands, but there have been numerous reports of order cancellations and non-fulfillment, particularly for Lao Miao Gold [2][3] - Consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication and accountability from retailers regarding order issues, which could negatively impact brand reputation [5][6] Price Increases - Chow Tai Fook plans to raise retail prices of most gold products by 12% to 18% by the end of October due to rising gold costs [6][8] - Lao Miao Gold increased its gold price to 1290 yuan per gram on October 17, a daily increase of 42 yuan, surpassing competitors like Chow Sang Sang and Lao Feng Xiang [6][8] - The price adjustments have been criticized as opportunistic, with some products seeing price increases of over 35% [8] Consumer Complaints - Many consumers have reported issues with order fulfillment, particularly with Lao Miao Gold, where orders were placed but not shipped, leading to refunds without reasonable compensation [5][6] - The complaints extend to other brands such as Gu Fu Jiang Jewelry and Cai Bai, indicating a broader issue within the industry regarding order management and customer service [5][6] - The National Consumer Association reported a 20.57% increase in jewelry complaints in 2024, highlighting issues with online gold purchases and pricing disputes [8] Pricing Practices - The practice of "one-price" gold jewelry has come under scrutiny, with industry experts noting that price adjustments during gold price surges can be rapid and often unnoticed by consumers [6][8] - Retailers like Chow Tai Fook claim to monitor gold price fluctuations closely and adjust prices accordingly to meet market demands [8] - Legal advice for consumers facing disputes includes negotiating with retailers and seeking intervention from e-commerce platforms if necessary [8]