Buying bullion online can be scary. After all, you are sending money to someone you do not know, hoping that the person will send you your precious metals, which is, understandably, nerve-wracking.
If this is your first time buying precious metals online, here are features to look for in an online bullion and collectibles exchange that will help ensure you are dealing with a credible company and end up with the highest quality items available.
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Features To Look For In an Online Bullion and Collectibles Exchange
1: The BBB Rating
Before buying bullion online, look up the company’s BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating. When looking at the company’s BBB rating, do not focus only on the overall rating. Even though that is a good starting point, you must look at consumer complaint statistics and comments from current and previous clients.
A company can improve its BBB rating gradually by resolving consumer complaints. But are you ready to go through a lengthy process of filing a complaint with the BBB to gain resolution? Look for a Bullion & Collectibles Exchange company with few or no complaints and mostly positive client comments.
2: Precious Metal Authentication
You need to know that you are buying authentic gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with no risk of counterfeits. Opt for a company with state-of-the-art machines to determine whether precious metal bars and coins are real or fake.
Such a company certifies the quality of your precious metal, giving you peace of mind that you are taking home authentic bullion bars and coins that will retain their value for years to come.
3: The Company’s Reputation
Reputation is key when buying bullion online. Ensure that the company you choose to buy bullion from has a great reputation. Check sites like YellowPages.com, Google Pages, Yahoo, or Yelp, four of the most trustworthy review platforms, to establish this.
Remember, some companies pay marketers to paint them positively, so you need to use your discerning eye and consider reviews written from the “average Joe” perspective.
4: Client Online Reviews
Ensure you read client reviews before choosing an online bullion and collectibles exchange. Some precious metal companies pay review companies to post overly positive reviews to manipulate their brand reputation and capture the attention of unsuspecting clients.
If you see many reviews, most of which are one, two, or three-word reviews like “satisfied,” “great service,” or “awesome doing business,” the bullion company could be using this tactic. If you find lengthier and more detailed reviews about the experience with the company, they are probably real and can be trusted.
5: Previous Client References
Ask the company to provide client references. Remember, many clients may prefer to remain anonymous due to the private nature of precious metal ownership. However, some are fine coming forth as references and can provide valuable information about the buying process, customer service, and the trustworthiness of the company.
Stay Safe When Doing Business with an Online Bullion Exchange
Before you do business with an online bullion and collectibles exchange, you need to do your due diligence and check the company’s BBB rating, authentication method, reputation, reviews, and references. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you are dealing with a creditable company that provides the highest quality precious metals.
Alex is fascinated with “understanding” people. It’s actually what drives everything he does. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world.