Of all the things you could invest your money in, gold is one of the safest bets. Even with minor fluctuations, gold really tends to hold its value over the years. Learn more about gold and what your options are with it, with the tips and tricks in the following article.
Try to only buy and sell your gold to certain dealers that are recognized through official gold and money associations. These dealers must follow strict guidelines under these organizations to ensure that you get fair compensation or quality pieces. One such well-known organization is the ANA or American Numismatic Association.
If you think your gold has high value, have it appraised before going to make a sale. An appraiser is more likely to give you an accurate value for your pieces, while a seller might low ball you to get a better price. Bring your appraisal certificate with you when selling to ensure you’re making a fair deal.
Before taking your gold to sell, research the buyer. Most reputable dealers will be members of the American Numismatic Association. These dealers are held to a higher standard of ethics and must follow certain criteria when purchasing gold from individuals. To ensure you get the most money for your gold, make sure to use a dealer who is part of this association.
Make sure that you get your gold valued by a selection of different precious metal dealers before you agree to trade in your gold for cash. The price per gram of gold offered by different precious metal dealers can vary greatly, so it pays to get prices from many different dealers before agreeing on a deal.
Never buy your gold from a telemarketer. These individuals charge the highest commission rates, meaning you will pay more for your gold coins than you really have to. Instead, look for gold sellers on your own, and always buy from someone who is reputable. This will help you to get the greatest value in your gold investment.
If you’re going to get into gold, plan ahead for it. As fun and rewarding as it may be, accumulating wealth is also a very stressful thing if you’re not prepared properly. Consider things like storage and insurance long before you get your hands on any gold, and avoid unnecessary headaches and worry.
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.
Gold
If you’re interested in buying gold from a dealer, make sure he is reputable. Avoid doing business with anyone who doesn’t have at least 10 years of experience in the business, because that’s one of the most important prerequisites to have. Someone who has been around for a decade is likely to be trustworthy and knowledgeable enough to make you money.
If you are purchasing gold jewelry and have allergies to nickel or other metals, only purchase 18 or 22 karat gold. Almost all gold jewelry has some other metals in it because pure gold is very soft and not easy to wear on a day to day basis. By buying 18 or 22 karat, you are ensuring you’re getting the most gold, meaning less change for an allergic reaction.
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.
While gold may be a great investment, it may also be volatile. If you can’t stomach market swings, avoid gold. If you have the fortitude, still limit your downside risk. Only a small portion of your portfolio should be tied up in gold. Stick to a limit of five percent.
Although it can be exciting to buy gold from eBay and online auction sites, you must be cautious. You can be sure that sellers and fellow bidders know the value of the item so you need to know the value as well. Buy only from reputable sellers with positive reviews and good ratings.
Keep in mind that the weight of your gold jewelry also include the weight of any other metals that were added to make the gold stronger. A dealer who purchases gold will only pay for the actual weight of the gold. Be realistic about your expectations, even if the jewelry has sentimental value.
Educating yourself about gold is the first and most important step to entering into this lucrative market. Make sure you have a good understanding of what is involved with your purchase, sale or collectibles before spending any money. Once you really know what you’re doing, it should be a lot of fun and very worth your while.