A reputable gold dealer is essential to the success of your investment. The best way to ensure this is to invest your time in researching potential bullion dealers thoroughly – both online and offline – before making a purchase. Look for reviews, testimonials and transparent pricing. The most reputable gold dealer in Philadelphia will typically boast a solid track record in each of these areas and have a physical presence (a retail premises or office) that signals their legitimacy.
Whether they buy and sell bullion in their own stores or act as middle-market distributors, precious metal buying and selling dealers must be mindful of the risks involved with their business model. This means being aware of the costs associated with their service offerings and ensuring that they are charging a fair and reasonable price for precious metals.
One of the primary ways that a dealer makes money is through the difference between their buying and selling prices, known as the spread. This is not unlike the margin that a stock broker charges in their commission on trades. Dealers will also make money by hedging their position in the market by “shorting” bullion, i.e., betting that the price of gold will decrease. By doing this they are protected against losses on their bullion sales to customers if the gold price goes down.
Most dealers also charge a premium above the spot price, which is determined on a daily basis by either the London or Comex markets. The amount of this premium varies by dealer, so shoppers should always shop around and compare quotes to get the best deal. In addition, reputable Philadelphia gold buying and selling company will be transparent with their fees and policies, allowing individuals to make the most informed purchasing decisions.
Bullion is generally sold in the form of bars, which are formed rectangles of metal with a 99.5% or higher purity, and are typically stamped with the dealer’s logo and the kilo weight of the bar. In some cases, bars may be sold as bullion jewelry or incorporated into coins and other collectibles. The beauty of these items is their aesthetic appeal, but they are not considered to be good investments purely for their metal content.
Precious metals are a great asset for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. However, it is important to remember that a true diversification of your portfolio requires the inclusion of both stocks and bonds, as well as tangible assets such as real estate, cash or equity. This helps to balance risk and provide a hedge against inflation. Gold should be a small portion of your overall portfolio, but it can provide peace of mind that you’ll have access to your hard-earned money no matter what the economy does. The key is to never be rushed into a decision; take your time, read up on the industry and be skeptical of scarcity hype. Be sure to understand the buy-sell spread, get the full picture on buy-back guarantees and account for all the associated costs.