I couldn't find a similar thread, so I thought I'd start my own. Where do you buy your bullion? Which online dealers do you like, and which ones have you had problems with? ---- I buy about 90% of my bullion from JMBullion. I have had no significant issues at all. I love their free shipping and good prices. At times, they have included a free airtite or coin tube in my orders. Most importantly, I am able to easily use echecks for a discounted price. My only complaint is that one of my gold Maple Leafs from them arrived with a tiny, tiny scratch (but it is bullion, so not a big deal) and one of my silver privy marked Maple Leafs milk spotted within a week. Their fault or the RCM's? What about you? I have also purchased from Apmex: shipping fine, items fine, prices too high. Provident Metals: awaiting first order
You really have to comparison shop just before you buy JM Bullion Apmex Provident silver.com govmint.com I've had good luck with all of them though mostly provident.
There's no such thing as "free" shipping -- you are paying, one way or another, but it's not always obvious. I prefer to deal with individuals in my home town -- no postage, and coins in hand to examine. There's plenty around; the guys who went "all in" 2 or 3 years ago, with a "get rich quick" mentality always need money for shoes for the kids, etc., and they've been pretty badly beat up, both financially and emotionally. They are motivated sellers, perhaps never to return. They are also my fav sellers, of course. Once in a while, an eBay deal with a combination of discounts, more eBay bucks, and a claim of "final clearance" serves me well, but over 3/4 of what I'm buying comes from right here in Columbus, face to face, in the bank lobby. I can also tailor the deal to the individual, often by offering a "bonus" side deal, to sell postage below face value, which is a valuable opportunity for a small business (or frequent eBayer). This week I bought $350 worth of new 29c stamps (on eBay) for 58% of face value. I'll flip those around 60% (i.e., just breaking even) to get bottom-line super deals on bullion, eventually, with no paper trail. This is not to badmouth the big five, but they have their limitations. Like a numismatic buyer, I want to see what I'm buying, I like to size up the Seller and see if there's more deals coming, and again, NO paper trail. Plus, once in a while there's a really rotten apple -- remember Tulving? CT-er's who live out in the boonies with no dealers and few, if any, coin shows, don't have a lot of choices, and then, of course, hopefully they will be rewarded for diligently investigating and discussing, like the OP suggests. By the way, last week eBay emailed me 18 "bullion deals," they never give up. I confess, I read them all.
I'd appreciate it if you'd stick to the thread topic I started. I didn't start this thread to hear your opinion about why you think local shops are better (although that could be an interesting discussion in another topic). This is a thread for people to share their best and worst online bullion dealers and for us to be able to discuss those.
I have bought from Provident, JM Bullion, and GovMint Online. No complaints with either. I do favor Provident a little because they are just a tad bit cheaper and they have a buy back program.
I am some what New with bullion buying. So far I have tried provident and jmbullion, both have been great but like bman said provident seems to be cheaper. Has anyone ever try sdbullion? There prices seem great but I never heard of anyone ordering from them
Just looked and No they charge for shipping that explains why a little cheaper. Free shipping makes a difference.
I got this guy in a white van that sells me gold eagles for half off, and he also has great premium stereo equipment really cheap. Seriously, stick to the big players. I have bought the occasional pre-33 or AGE from the small sellers on ebay (similar to me) but I always take them for verification immediately after. I've ordered many times from JM both directly and through Ebay. Never an issue, but clearing a check can take a while. Just don't trust anyone blindly. Always do your homework!
I am with B-man and Clawcoins that Provident does come out a bit cheaper than the other big online dealers. I have ordered from Apmex, Provident and JM Bullion with no issues what so ever, but like discussed do your homework to get the best bang for your buck.
Thinking of taking the plunge into PM. Gold and silver. Ready for long term holding (but will sell in a up market) Dollar cost averaging and buying on the dip. What advice can you veterans give this nubie?
JM Bullion has a 10oz spot price deal. It's a one shot thing so pick your timing wisely. Other than that, study the trends. The threads in the bullion forum here help too.
Got it Bman. Reminds of the crack dealer in the school yard... Now if only I can time the market... thanks!
Everyone should take advantage of the 10 oz at spot. You won't beat it! I did when it was a beautiful 10 oz A Mark bar.
Actually my 10zt was a short stack of 1ozt Sunshine Mint rounds. Which I actually prefer, easier to resell - but no 10ozt bar on this deal.
I have gotten the best deals on ASE's from GovMint two times. That was it. Offers were good for a limited time. Other than that they are so overpriced it's rediculuous.