Been quite a while since I have been on CoinTalk. Glad to see it going strong. Life has taken me on some paths that did not include time or funds for coin or bullion related endeavors. But, hoping to start changing that. I see there are lots of opinions on bullion and whether it is worth it and what to do with it, when to buy, on and on. Here is what I am looking for. I like ASE's and do some very small time stacking. I purchase them and sometimes they are given as a gift, etc. otherwise they go in my stack to maybe pass on to my kids or if I have them someday, grandkids. I am a buyer at 2 maybe 3 ounces at a time. I have seen on here and looked online and there are a lot of bullion manufacturers/sellers, some do ASE's some don't. I understand at such small amounts I will not find bare bones volume prices that I would if I was buying larger amounts. But, I just am not going to buy pounds at a time, just not happening for me. So, couple of questions. One, where to find the best prices for small purchases? Two, who sells in small batches like this as I see a lot of places have larger minimums? Also, who typically has the best shipping terms? I am guessing this info is scattered throughout the forums, but thought I would ask anyway, or if someone can point me to a thread or sticky post with this info it is appreciated. Thanks.
Check out https://comparesilverprices.com/ The prices shown assume that you pay with a check. Credit cards are 3-4% more than the published prices, but you get your product faster since they don't have to wait for a check to be mailed and to clear. I have ordered from APMEX and JM Bullion in the past and have been pleased. APMEX minimum order is $50 and they charge $9.95 for orders of $50.00 - $499.99. JM Bullion has FREE shipping, but minimum order is $100. Another website; Silver.com, does not have a minimum order size and charges $5.95 for orders under $299. Of course, they all play with the numbers so if they have free shipping, they charge more for product. JM Bullion does weekly sales, http://www.jmbullion.com/on-sale/ so you could just order what they have on sale but you have to spend to spend at least $100. APMEX has random sales, but I typically am not in the market for what is on sale. I suggest you sign up for emails from different online vendors and see what they offer. Sometimes, APMEX, MCM and SilverTowne have specials for ASEs, silver rounds and bars on ebay that I have used before. You will have to see what works for you, but this should hopefully get you started. Good luck!
My orders are usually small too. I bounce between SD Bullion, Apmex, and Provident depending on the day.
Keep in mind that the comparesilverprices web site does not factor in shipping when it ranks who is currently the best buy for each product. They do list general shipping expenses on the left, but you need to manually factor those into your decision. If you're buying less than six ounces, it looks like JM Bullion is currently your best bet for online retailers. More than six, it would be silver.com. But, if you're buying 2-3 at once, a local coin store or bullion dealer might be your best bet. Less hassle, instant gratification, supporting a local business, etc.. You might also check with jewelers, as many of them buy silver and gold and sometimes sell at a lower premium than coin stores do. I have a local jeweler who calls me whenever he gets in any ASE or foreign 1 oz bullion like Maples, Libertads, etc.. He's only called me a few times, but I'm not complaining because he sells them to me for $1-2 over spot. (I suspect he pays less than spot.)
THe comparesilverprices link is great thanks for posting! Seems like JM bullion is about the best because of the free shipping, so just buy in $100 increments. The shipping would kill you on small orders. Kicking up the cost substantially.
Thank you all for the responses. That is exactly what I was looking for. This is what I always liked about CoinTalk, is that I am always able to find folks who are helpful with my questions, especially for me since I still often feel like a neophyte in the coin and bullion world.
