Gold makes a great investment, but what do you know about buying and selling gold. While it may sound simple, there are actually many things you should know before you get started. Keep reading so that you can learn more about gold as an investment and how it can strengthen your portfolio.
When you sell gold, deal with a reliable buyer. You are able to find out more about their reputations with the local BBB and through online reviews. If you are being offered good customer service and an honest price for the gold, then you are dealing with a reputable buyer. Research helps protect you and your investment.
When buying gold through a private sale, always test to make sure that the gold is real. There are many pieces of jewelry that are gold plated. In order to make sure you are buying the real deal, invest in a gold testing kit. They are not expensive and can save you from buying fools gold.
Know that all gold investment come with risks. If you’re buying gold bullion coins to invest in, take time to learn about the coins before you buy them. Buyers who are uninformed tend to make hasty purchases, which they often overpay for. Like other investments, you don’t have guarantees. No one can predict that gold prices will stay the same or that they will remain popular later on.
Know you’re going to have to show your ID when you sell gold. By law, people are required to present their identification when they sell gold. That is done in order to deter thieves and other criminals. Therefore, don’t be embarrassed if they ask for your ID, and even snap a photograph of you.
When searching for jewelry, you will probably want to know how many karats a particular piece has. The hallmark on a piece of jewelry will provide you with this information. For instance, say you purchase a ring that is 14 karat gold, the hallmark will say “14k”. The hallmark can be found on the inside of each piece.
If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Be leery of people who are selling their gold for way below the going rate. Chances are probably good that it is gold plated or brass. Even if it is stamped, it is always best to have it tested before you buy it.
Regardless of where you are selling your gold, you will be asked for your driver’s license or some other form of identification. Make sure you have it on you when you go to make the transaction. If you are preparing to sell and you don’t get asked for your ID, that should raise a big red flag.
Before selling any of your gold, check to see what the current sales price is. This will help ensure that you are getting the amount of money you deserve. There are many reputable sites available online that will help you on coming up with a fair price for your gold.
Watch out for “pop-up” buyers. These individuals travel from place to place, putting out advertisements that lure in sellers with the promise of a big payout. In many cases, these buyers then leave town without paying the sellers what they are owed. Always do your research on anyone you are planning to sell to.
Look into any company you are considering via the Better Business Bureau. If there have been complaints lodged against the company, then it’s best for you to just move on to another buyer or seller. The BBB is an excellent first line of defense to weed out the worst companies out there.
Go into your gold selling knowing the current price of gold. This is a commodity that has a fluctuating price. Every day it’s something new. If you aren’t in the know, you could be taken advantage of by a less than reputable gold buying company. Remember, knowledge is the real power here. Go into any negotiation ready with it.
Sort your gold by how many karats it is. When you get into the weighing process during the sale, the vendor may try and trick you by weighing everything together at the lowest karat weight. You will end up losing money. Separate and weigh your gold so you know the true value before selling.
Know going into any gold buyer that you won’t get the current daily rate for the price of your gold. There are all sorts of fees that come into play that will affect your final return. The goal is to find a company that gives you the best deal out there. Do a little shopping before settling.
Do not assume because there is no stamp that a piece of gold is not real. There are many solid gold pieces out there that are not stamped at all. Try testing the gold in question with a magnet and if it does not stick, you probably have solid gold.
You must understand what is meant by a karat when you are buying or selling gold. Gold is a relatively soft metal so it is normally mixed with other metals to improve durability. A karat is the measure of how much of your metal is gold. Twenty-four karat is almost pure gold while ten karat is about half gold.
Now that you are more familiar with the different strategies for buying and selling gold, you can dive into the market. Gold is a wonderful recession-proof investment, and you want it to work for you. Remember all the tips you’ve read so that you can come out on top in the market.
