Precious metals in physical form have long been appealing to many investors and individuals looking to add something consistently reliable to their portfolios. If you have plans to purchase bullion, there are several options to consider. Below, the experts from First National Bullion and Coin, Carlsbad precious metals dealers with years of experience collectors rely on, go over some of the more common ones and discuss which buying methods tend to be the best and most reliable for bullion buyers.

In Person

One of the most reliable ways to buy bullion is to do it in person from a reputable source, such as a trusted precious metals firm. Purchasing gold, silver, or other common types of bullion in person also gives you the opportunity to:

• Ask questions before you buy
• See the bullion in person before you make a decision
• Immediately receive related documentation confirming quality and value

It should be noted that not all in-person sources are necessarily reliable. For instance, if you go to a local coin shop to look for gold or silver bullion, there may be a higher markup over the current market price. You’ll also be limited with negotiation options.

Online

Purchasing bullion online doesn’t automatically mean you can’t find a reputable seller or have a pleasant and personally beneficial experience. There are, in fact, online bullion or precious metals sellers who offer fair prices and decent selections. The caveat is that you’ll want to do your homework first before you make a bullion purchase online. This is something you can do by:

• Reading reviews posted by customers
• Comparing current bullion prices to what’s listed on the site to get an idea of markup
• Seeing if there’s a reasonable return or refund policy in case you’re not happy with your bullion purchase

There are some online options with bullion purchases that can also be on the unreliable side. Online auction sites top this list. The potential risk here is that you may have limited protections if there are issues with what you actually receive. Plus, you may get into a bidding war with other interested buyers and end up paying far more than what you had intended to spend.

Family & Friends

You also have the option to make a bullion purchase from a friend or family member. Whether or not this is the best option for you will depend on several factors. The biggest one to consider is the condition and quality of the bullion. If you’re pleased with what’s being offered and you’re able to negotiate a fair price, that’s great. However, you may want to get the bullion appraised first if your friend or family member doesn’t have documentation for it.

Preparing to Buy Bullion

With in-person and online bullion purchases, there are some things you can do ahead of time to be more prepared and better informed. Start by brushing up on the basics of the type of bullion you’re interested in buying. It can also be helpful to:

• Prepare a list of questions
• Get some advice from an investment professional
• Determine ahead of time what you’re prepared to spend

Whether they’re looking to buy gold bars or silver bullion, Carlsbad collectors should work with trustworthy precious metal dealers who offer high-quality service and have years of experience. Call on the industry-leading professionals at First National Bullion when you’re ready to invest in precious metals, including silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. Give us a call today at (760) 253-8072.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.