Gold Dealers

Overview

Throughout history, gold, silver, and other widely recognized precious metals have always carried significant economic value and been synonymous with wealth and financial security.

They are widely seen as a solid investment choice that has a special place as alternative assets, especially in times of political or economic uncertainty.
Many financial experts and investment advisers recommend to include them in any well-diversified portfolio.

The major online bullion dealers offer a variety of services including precious metal purchase, storage (through buy-and-store programs) and brokerage.
Companies that sell physical bullion offer gold bars, coins, and rounds of different types, sizes, shapes, purity, and minting brands.

Some of the precious metal products that can be bought on the internet include:

• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Palladium
• Rhodium
• Iridium
• Ruthenium
• Copper

Consumer Tips: How to Order Safely and Avoid Gold Buying Scams Online

Just like any other field that involves high-value financial products, the precious metals market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters or companies that offer below standard service.

As more collectors and investors buy bullion online rather than in the traditional local coin shops, due to the lower costs (even after shipping and insurance costs) and the greater selection – it’s essential to know of the risks.

Scammers use a variety of illegal, unethical or other dishonest ways to take advantage of both novice and expert buyers who wish to purchase gold and silver online and con them out of their money.
They often use two influential psychological factors that drive the precious metals markets: fear and greed.

Some online fraudsters take the client’s money (which is paid upfront) and quickly disappear, delivering nothing in return.
Others will send fake coins or questionable goods without a proper stamp of authenticity that shows the item’s weight, quality, and manufacturer.

Certain merchants will deceitfully promise “risk-free” investment opportunities, charge hidden fees or create a false sense of urgency to push the intended victim into immediate action, without leaving time for thinking of the repercussions or consulting with unbiased professionals.

Some websites will aggressively push “collectible coins” and try to force uninformed customers to purchase “rare” or numismatic coins instead of regular bullion, by using bogus claims about their actual present or future value.

Unscrupulous companies in this industry offer inferior customer service, practice misleading or unfair policies or use bait-and-switch tactics that lead to an extremely negative experience.
Taking these steps will help you find credible and reliable gold sellers and complete your purchase in a safe, secure and satisfactory way:

Prefer Transparent Sellers

To avoid unpleasant surprises, give preference to websites that display product prices clearly, along with all associated shipping and insurance costs.

Start with a Small Quantity

Due to the associated risks, inexperienced buyers, or even seasoned ones that purchase from a given seller for the first time, may wish to act with caution and start by acquiring small quantities.

This allows clients to become more comfortable and confident with the supplier and evaluate the quality of the bullion product they are investing in before spending much larger amounts.

Investigate the Gold Dealer’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
In addition, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the company is not even listed with the BBB, this is a very bad sign.
On the other hand, if the bullion trading site is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when shopping on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.