For millennia, gold has played a central part in the world’s economy. Only within the last century did most nations go off the gold standard. Millions of people still invest in gold as part of their financial portfolios. If you are interested in investing in gold, keep reading for some great advice.
When you sell gold, you should obtain a type of estimated value from multiple sources. There are many buyers who purchase gold, but prices vary from one professional to the next. Therefore, it is wise to get several offers to ensure the best price.
If you have a nice gold piece, consider selling it privately rather than through a gold purchasing agency or jewelry store. Many companies that are in business to buy gold will only buy it to melt and sell, meaning they will pay only for the weight of the gold. An individual who likes your piece might be willing to pay a higher price tag, because they are likely to keep and enjoy the piece.
Look into companies like GoldMoney. This program allows you to purchase gold without taking physical possession of it. You deposit money into an account and they assign you gold that remains in vaults. Do not worry about theft of your gold as it is insured while it is kept in the safe.
Research a gold buyer before selling your gold. The BBB can be a great research, as can online customer reviews. Check for offers through different buyers to make sure you get the best price for your gold.
If you are planning to buy gold coins, consider holding on to them for awhile before making a sale. Gold can fluctuate in value on a daily basis, meaning if you buy today, sometimes the value will be less tomorrow. This can lead to frustration if you try to sell too soon. Save yourself the headache by buying for the long run.
When buying gold, beware of scam artists. Always buy from a reputable dealer, and beware of any offers such as free storage or delays in delivery time. Sometimes these dealers will take your money and never provide you with the gold you were promised. Check out your dealer at the BBB before buying to make sure you are working with someone ethical.
If you’re buying gold pieces for investment reasons, stay away from proof coins. These coins are polished and mounted, and they can sometimes be worth more than regular coins. The problem is, proof coin value only matters to collectors, and it can vary on a daily basis. For investment only purposes, stick with regular coins.
Be extra cautious when using a mail-away service for selling your gold. Always buy shipping insurance for your items. Know how long the dealer will hold your pieces before melting them, and know how long you have to accept or reject their offer. And keep an inventory with pictures of all the items you’ve sent.
You may be able to find antique jewelry at resale shops or antique stores that can be sold for more than you paid for it. Make sure to check the gold stamp to determine if it is 24K. This means the gold content is relatively high and you will be able to sell it at a higher price.
Try to avoid buying gold coins from small shops that claim to be reputable dealers. You want to make sure that the people you deal with are really knowledgeable about the business, so it would be in your best interest to look for a gold dealer that has a much larger inventory.
Be cautious about buying gold from a mobile office. Anyone who sets up in a hotel or other temporary location should be considered with a great level of caution, even if they promise great deals. Remember that these dealers might not be there if you ever have to go back, meaning they can easily sell you something that isn’t worth as much as they say it is.
Check online reviews before you head to the store and spend any of your hard earned money on gold. Make sure that there are not a ton of complaints since this increases the likelihood you will have a bad experience. You should also check with the BBB to be even more sure.
Get a certificate of authenticity when buying gold jewelry. This is your proof that the piece you have purchased is real, consists of a certain karat count and has a specific value. This certificate can be used to authenticate your piece for resale or insurance purposes, should you need it.
Understand that you’re more than likely not going to receive true value for the gold. A gold dealer must make a profit just as any other business must. Since they need to earn money in order to survive, they need wiggle room in the price they offer. You should expect between 50% and 70% of the total value.
Only buy your gold from a reputable broker or dealer. There are many scammers out there who are selling impure gold with a fake gold stamp. Always insist on getting the proper documentation that attests to the gold’s purity. Buying gold from a pawn shop or from someone promising you riches will just set you up for disappointment.
Gold can be an important part of a properly diversified investment portfolio. However, to get the best return on your investment, you need to understand as much as you can about the market for gold. With the information you have read here, you can get a good return on your investment.
