The surge in popularity of gold buying and selling in recent years is likely the result of the perfect storms of financial insecurity and economic turbulence. If investing in gold is something you have intended to learn more about, you have come to the right place. Continue on for some terrific tips that you can put to use right away.
You need to know what a karat is. Gold is a soft metal so it must be combined with other metals for durability. Each karat, which is 1/24 pure gold, tells you how much gold is in the alloy compared to other metals. A piece that has less than 10 karats cannot legally be called gold.
Do your research on the fee and commission structures for the dealer you are considering. Every dealer will have slightly different commission structures. Some may be more fair to you than others, so use it as a way to comparison shop against multiple dealers. This way, you can get the best deal for you possible.
Avoid buying gold coins for their historical value, unless the investment can stand on its own without the gold factoring in. Although coins with historical value can be very profitable investments, most often it is that alone and not the composite material that makes you money. Don’t confuse the two markets.
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.
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.
Think about shopping thrift and antique shops to discover gold treasures. You can find bargains in those places when you’re aware of what you want. Lots of folks are unaware of the value of the items they donate to these places. Their lack of knowledge can be used to your benefit, if you know what to look for.
Gold
Prior to selling or buying gold, be certain you know how precious metal pricing works. The value of gold tends to fluctuate, which is why it is important to understand the market trends. Gold pieces with fractions of an ounce will command higher prices than pieces weighing one ounce.
Never feel too rushed when dealing with gold. These are highly involved purchases and sales. There’s lots of money on the table, so it’s important to be confident about your choices. If that means taking a few extra days to look into other options or to wait out a price fluctuation, then so be it.
Take your old gold that you want to sell to a number of different gold-buying companies before settling on one. Some stores won’t pay the market price of gold, and it’s up to you to realize this. Look for stores off the beaten path as they often have lower overhead and better deals.
Purchasing gold at retail values can be expensive and unaffordable at times. Pawn shops and consignment stores often carry a variety of gold pieces. This gold is second hand, which makes it more affordable than purchasing it in a retail store. Visit different shops until you find the perfect gold piece for you.
Any sound investment strategy recognizes the necessity of diversifying your portfolio. Most financial advisers recommended that investments in gold should represent no more than 10 to 30 percent of your total assets. This amount leaves plenty of room in your portfolio for other types of products to round out your portfolio.
Keep in mind that most gold dealers are not interested in plated or gold filled pieces. They want the pieces to melt down, and they will only pay you based on the melt down value. Plated and gold filled pieces can’t really be melted down for any profit, so they will usually turn those pieces away.
Be careful to sell your unwanted gold to a dealer that has a good reputation. Ask family and friends for recommendations, read reviews online and check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no unresolved complaints against the dealer. It is also wise to shop around and get estimates from several dealers.
The concept of using gold as a way to consolidate and protect personal wealth is nothing new, but the immense interest in this investment vehicle in recent years has taken some by surprise. If gold investing appeals to you, it is important that you arm yourself with expert advice. Using this article as a foundation is a great way to have begun.
