Would you believe that your dreams could come true if you invested in gold? But that’s only if you’ve got proper knowledge for making a large enough profit for retiring on. Keep reading for some expert advice on investing in 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.
Before you buy or sell your gold, make sure you understand how the prices of precious metals work. Precious metal prices can fluctuate a lot, so check the markets daily, especially when making a transaction. Also be ready to pay increasingly higher percentages above melt values for any gold pieces that are fractional. These include 1/10, 1/2 and 1/4 ounce pieces.
Know you’re going to have to show your ID when you sell gold. By law, people are required to present their identification when they sell gold. That is done in order to deter thieves and other criminals. Therefore, don’t be embarrassed if they ask for your ID, and even snap a photograph of you.
Do you have an allergy to nickel? If so, you are better off getting jewelry that has a higher gold content, like 18 or 22 karat gold. Items that have a higher gold content are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. You should also stay away from gold plated jewelry.
Understand how weighing gold works prior to going into a shop to sell or buy gold. There are lots of unfamiliar terms like troy ounces and penny weights. This can often fool the inexperienced into thinking they are getting a better deal than they really are. Don’t let that be you.
Do not go to a pawn shop if you have gold to sell. You will not get as much for your gold as you would if you went to a gold dealer. A pawn shop will try to give you the minimum amount so they can make the maximum profit.
Though it is much more cheaper, try to avoid gold plated jewelry. When worn frequently, these pieces of jewelry tend to rub against the skin, causing it to wear down and turn colors. If you do insist on wearing this kind of jewelry, do not do so on an everyday basis.
When looking to buy gold as an investment, it is important that you invest in solid gold. There are many phrases you should look out for such as “gold clad,” “gold enveloped” because these are just fancy words for gold plated. This means under the gold is a different metal, which drastically drives down the value.
Sort your gold by how many karats it is. If the vendor weighs all of your items together, you will not get a fair price for your higher karat items. You will earn more if you sell your gold separately by karat weight. Instead you should go in with pre-separated piles to make the biggest return.
To get the best deal and to protect yourself, always research the buyer of your gold. If you’re selling your gold through the mail, this is even more important. Consult the BBB to determine whether anyone has lodged complaints against a prospective buyer.
Figure out if you want to invest directly or indirectly in gold. Direct investment means you buy gold, the actual gold. You can feel and touch it. Buying gold coins is an example. Indirect investment means you buy funds or certificates that are pegged to the price of gold. Examples include gold mining stocks or exchange traded gold funds.
When shopping around for the best deal on your gold jewelry, get any offers in writing. Most companies will give you something in writing, and that offer will usually be valid for a very short period of time. You can use the written offer to negotiate a better deal at your next stop.
When buying gold coins, the best deals can be found by sticking to one ounce amounts. The common and popular American Eagle gold coin comes in one-tenth, one-quarter, one-half and full ounce weights. Buying the coins issued in fractional denominations can carry a premium over the gold’s actual spot price.
If you plan on buying and selling gold often instead of making a long-term investment, consider buying GoldMoney or gold certificates from the Perth Mint. These are highly liquid forms of gold investment. The benefit is that you don’t have to worry about storing, insuring or mailing bulky gold coins and bars.
Follow the tips presented here to earn a steady profit buying and selling gold. Make your goals small at first and with hard work, you will eventually find your profits building. Be patient and dedicated to your efforts to build more wealth.
