## How do I invest in gold and silver? 
If you are thinking about an investment in precious metals, there are a few decisions you need to make right from the start. Some of the more important questions to ask yourself before investing in precious metals include: 

**What type of investment do you want to make?**
There are two basic types of investments you can make using physical precious metals, cash or IRA. A cash deal means buying the metals outright and holding them in your home, a personal safe, or bank safety deposit box. An IRA deal means purchasing precious metals as a part of a self-directed IRA account. These metals must be held in an insured repository such as the Delaware Depository. Either way, you own the metals outright and can hold them for whatever length of time is best for you.

**How much money do you want to invest?**
This is obviously a personal decision and basically comes down to how much you can afford to put into the investment. Historically, precious metals have been a good hedge against inflation and other economic disruptions and thus can be a smart addition to your overall investment portfolio.  Your financial advisor can help you understand the diversification benefits of gold, silver, and other metals. 

**What is your tolerance for risk?**
Like most other financial assets, precious metals prices are hard to predict and can experience large moves both up and down. And not all precious metals are alike. Some metals, like palladium, have historically shown both higher returns and larger price swings than gold and silver. Your comfort level with these price variations, also known as your risk tolerance, should help guide you to which metals make the most sense to you.  

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Metalsmart makes the process simple and easy. You answer a few questions, which helps us assess your risk tolerance, and we use historical data to automatically prepare a precious metals plan specifically for you. This will include suggestions for which types of metals to consider as well as specific products that might interest you. Don’t worry, you can always change our suggestions at any time. If you know exactly which products you want, you can edit the plan to suit your needs. 

Once you have a plan that you are comfortable with, you submit the plan to our partner dealers, and they will respond with indicative price proposals. Now you can compare the dealer’s pricing and decide which dealer or dealers you would like to have contact you. We do encourage you to speak with more than one dealer, so you can get a sense of how they operate before asking for final pricing and the actual purchase. 

We respect your privacy, so you remain anonymous until you are ready to talk to the dealer. 

__We DO NOT release your contact information until you specifically ask to be contacted__.

Once you’ve connected with the dealer, the ball is in your court. You choose a dealer and work through their normal process to make your purchase. We ask that you come back to Metalsmart after you have gone through the process and let us know how your dealer performed. Your feedback helps us rate dealers for our community and will alert us if we need to sanction or remove a dealer from our platform. 


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The **smart** way to buy gold and silver.

How do I invest in gold, silver and other 
precious metals? 

**Our approach to building a precious metals purchase plan.**

When you decide to buy precious metals like gold and silver, there are important things to consider. We know how confusing it can be! First, there are four distinct types of metals to choose from: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Second, once you determine which type of metals you want, you then must choose specific bars, rounds, or coins, of which there can be hundreds or thousands of products available to buy. One of our goals is to make this process much simpler and less time consuming, so we built our site to help you breeze through the steps. 

Our plan suggestions are generated from statistical analysis (mean variance optimization) of historical prices of both the metal types and the specific products themselves. We ask a few questions up front to fully customize your plan. We ask why you are buying precious metals so we can create a plan that fits your tolerance for risk (swings in prices and other factors). This question also helps us find suggested bars and coins for any metal you choose.  

We also ask if you are buying for an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) account, because not all gold and silver products are approved for IRA accounts. Thus, we want to make sure that our suggestions for your IRA account are IRA qualified. 

**What we include in your precious metals purchase plan**

Your plan consists of two distinct sections. The first section is a suggestion for which precious metal types you might consider and what portion of your purchase amount might be used for each metal. For example, if you are conservative (and looking to primarily protect your wealth instead of reaching for returns), we might suggest a strategy, based on the data, that only includes gold.  
 
The second section contains specific products for each precious metal type in the first section. If you have a plan with only gold and palladium, then we will only present gold and palladium products for you to choose from. Again, we try to match the product selection to your risk tolerance. 

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**We make recommendations and you can change them at any time**

Our plans are simply recommendations based on our data. You are free to make changes to suit your preferences.  

First, you can change which types of precious metals you want by changing the dollar amount. For example, you might want 50% of your purchase to be in gold and 50% to be in silver. This is totally fine! Just change the amounts for each metal, making sure to enter zero in the metals you don't want and click “update products” to change your product recommendations. 

You can also change which products you are interested in. You can remove any of our choices and search for the specific products you want and add them to the plan. 

We also make an estimate of the price of each product when you are building your plan and suggest the quantity of each product to buy. The quantity is also editable so you can simply type in the number of pieces of each product if you don’t want to use our suggestions. You will be able to see the total estimated cost of your plan as you make changes. Keep this in mind so that you don’t end up creating a plan that is of a larger or smaller amount than you want. For example, you could remove products or enter smaller quantities so that you create a $50,000 plan when you really wanted a plan for $100,000. 

**Next steps after you are done with your plan**

Once you have a plan that you like and have created an account (or have logged in), you can request our dealer network to respond with price quotes. Interested precious metals dealers will respond and you will be able to compare apples to apples and choose one or more dealers to speak with. We recommend speaking with more than one dealer so you can get price updates and learn more about their level of service. 


**Next steps after you buy your precious metals**
In order for us to serve you better, we ask you to close out your plan. Then, you can come back and create a new one if you like. With your chosen dealer, ask them to keep you informed on delivery dates. Your dealer should provide estimated ship dates and tracking information to you that is updated daily.  

We also ask that you let us know about your experience with both our platform and your dealer interactions. It is through our community feedback that we can ensure that our participating dealers are treating you fairly and with great service. Those that are not will be banned from our platform. Don’t forget to recommend us to your friends who want to find the best precious metals deals.  

**You win when dealers compete for your business!**

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Data and our gold dealer network saves you time and money

The Metalsmart precious metals plan

# Metalsmart Frequently Asked Questions

**Q**: What criteria do you use to suggest which types of precious metals and products are a good fit for me?

**A**: We use historical data to calculate potential returns and risks. Risk is defined as the variability in the returns, so more conservative products have smaller price variations (increases and decreases) than others and more aggressive products have higher price variability (both upside and downside).  

**Q**: Why do collectible coins cost more per ounce than other products?

**A**: A product’s premium over the price per ounce of the underlying metal is also known as the spread. The higher the spread, the more expensive the product is. Most collectable coins have high spreads due to some perceived extra value of the collectable. This spread fluctuates and although it can help dampen the price movements in down markets, it adds another level of risk because the spreads can collapse due to variations in supply and demand for the collectable.

Collectable products can also have larger costs when you want to sell back to a dealer. The bid-ask spread which is defined as the difference between the price at which a dealer will sell you a product or buy the same product from you is much higher for collectables. Over the past few months (June-August 2023) the average bid-ask spread for collectables has been three times larger than the spread on other products. 

Collectibles can be a nice addition to your precious metal portfolio. But be aware of their costs and that they are subject to changes in their premiums over time.

**Q**: What if a dealer doesn’t have a product in stock?

**A**: We suggest products that are readily available at the time you build your plan. However, not all dealers will always have access to the exact same product as on your plan. When this happens, we suggest that the dealer enters pricing for the most equivalent product they have available and that they explain this to you when you choose them.

**Q**: How do you determine the estimated product prices that are used to create my plan?

**A**: We connect to precious metals pricing sources throughout the day to get our price estimates. These are used to estimate how many pieces of each product you could buy for your budget. Of course, prices change due to changes in the market and each dealer will quote a price as of the time they respond to your pricing request.

**Q**: Are the estimated prices the prices I will ultimately pay for my gold and silver?

**A**: No, not necessarily. The estimated prices are estimates. The actual price you pay will depend on the market conditions when you make your purchase and could be either higher or lower than originally quoted by each dealer.

**Q**: Are all precious metals dealers on the Metalsmart platform?

**A**: No! We only allow dealers who are willing to compete for your business with fair pricing for their service. This is where you can help also.  We need your feedback after you interact and purchase from dealers so that we can monitor their behavior. Your feedback is invaluable and ensures that our dealers are the right fit for Metalsmart.

**Q**: Why don’t I see the dealers that advertise on TV or all over the internet or have celebrity endorsers?

**A**: Most dealers who advertise on TV and especially those with celebrity endorsers are the dealers who mark up their prices the most, which means you are paying for those TV commercials and celebrities! These dealers will tell you that they are the best because they have sold the most gold and silver and their endorser is proof that you should buy from them.  They will often charge you the most because they need to maintain high markups- 33% and more- to support their business models. As a result, we do not allow these dealers on our platform since their goal is to sell precious metals products with the highest mark ups to you and largest profits to them. Beware of these dealers!

**Q**:  How do precious metals dealers help me with my gold and silver purchase?

**A**: Here are a few ways that a dealer can help you with your purchase:

- Explain the differences in the various products.
- Provide insight into tax reporting requirements for different products.
- Help with filing IRA paperwork.
- Monitor shipments and troubleshoot delays and returns.

**Q**: What if I want to buy gold and silver without a dealer’s help?

**A**: If you already know what you want and don’t want to speak with a dealer, we will be helping there as well. Look for future releases of our platform that will help you find the best prices on self-serve precious metals websites. We will provide you with a single place to compare prices and send you directly to the most cost efficient self-serve seller.

**Q**: Why would anyone purchase gold, silver, or other precious metals without coming to Metalsmart first?

**A**: We don’t know! Even if you have worked with a dealer in the past, there is no reason not to have dealers compete for your business on our platform. Give it a try. You can always call your prior dealer but with a Metalsmart plan in hand, you can force that dealer to be competitive on pricing.


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Insights into how Metalsmart helps you find the best gold and silver dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions


Precious metals have historically been a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. With gold and silver being the top choices for many investors, it's crucial to navigate this market with both precision and caution. Enter BuyMetalSmart.com - your trusted guide in the glistening world of gold and silver. 

**Why MetalSmart? Here’s Why.**


**1. Personalized Precious Metals Plan**
Everyone has their own view on how gold and silver fit into their asset portfolios. Whether you're dipping your toes in the world of metals for the first time or have been an avid buyer for years, your strategy should be tailored to your goals. At BuyMetalSmart.com, we don't just provide a platform; we craft a personalized precious metals plan based on your precious metals’ objectives. 

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**2. Comparison at Your Fingertips**
Gone are the days when investors had to jump from one dealer website to another, multiple phone calls and grappling with overwhelming information and often confusing prices. Like LendingTree revolutionized the loan industry by having lenders compete for loans, BuyMetalSmart.com is the trailblazer for revolutionizing the precious metals industry. Our platform allows you to effortlessly compare the offerings of various metals dealers, ensuring transparency and helping you make an informed decision. 

**3.  Fair Deal Assurance**
The precious metals market has its fair share of pitfalls. Overpriced deals, hidden fees, and highly commissioned sales reps can sour a buyer's experience. BuyMetalSmart.com gets you through the process seamlessly and with minimal effort. You can easily compare proposals from several dealers and to whittle the list down to the best deal. We don’t share your contact information with anyone until you specifically request a dealer to contact you. We also monitor dealer’s behavior and kick-out dealers that do not meet our standards. 

**4. Trust and Reliability**
In the digital age, trust is a currency as valuable as gold and silver. With a wide array of options available online, how do you identify the genuine and trusted from the dubious and shady? BuyMetalSmart.com is more than just a website; it’s a community of precious metal enthusiasts and experts. Our dealer vetting process and unwavering commitment to bringing transparency and fairness to the retail gold and silver business has established us as the most trusted place to choose a precious metals dealer.  

The allure of gold and silver is timeless. Their value doesn't just lie in their shimmer and shine but in the security and stability they offer. However, like any investment, the path to precious metals is filled with decisions. Which dealer? What size? Coin or bar? Instead of navigating this labyrinth alone, let BuyMetalSmart.com be your compass. 

If you’re serious about gold and silver, starting your journey at MetalSmart isn’t just the smart choice—it’s the gold standard. Dive in today and see the difference for yourself. 


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Comparison shop for gold and silver using the Metalsmart platform.

The smart way to buy gold and silver

Precious metals like gold and silver have been coveted and treasured for thousands of years. For many, they represent a solid investment, an heirloom, or even a safeguard against economic instability. However, as with any valuable commodity, there's always the risk of paying more than you should. To ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck, it's crucial to be an informed buyer.

Here's how you can purchase gold and silver without overpaying:

**Compare Dealer Pricing Before Committing**

One of the most effective ways to ensure you're getting a good deal is to compare prices from various precious metals dealers. However, this can be a tedious process, especially if you're searching for and calling each dealer one by one. 

Enter Metalsmart. Instead of doing manual research, you can use our platform to effortlessly compare prices from multiple dealers. Just like you'd compare prices for airline tickets or other goods, our website allows you to compare dealer prices for gold and silver products. By doing this, you can immediately identify the most competitive offers and decide where to make your purchase.

**Compare Apples to Apples: Same Products vs. Same Products**

When comparing prices, it's crucial to ensure you're comparing like for like. It is very hard to know if you are getting a fair deal (or getting ripped off) if each dealer is hawking different products. 

On Metalsmart, you can easily create a precious metals plan with the products you want. Instead of vague price comparisons that might mix different products and lead to confusion, our platform ensures that you're comparing the prices of the exact same product across different dealers. This way, you're making an informed decision based on direct product comparisons, avoiding potential pitfalls and ensuring you choose the right dealer to work with.

**Compute the Price Per Ounce or Ask the Dealer**

The price of gold and silver is typically quoted per ounce. When considering various products, especially those of different weights or sizes, it's essential to compute the price per ounce. This provides a standardized metric to gauge the actual value you're getting.

For instance, a larger bar might seem more expensive at first glance, but when you break down the cost per ounce, it could offer better value than smaller, individual pieces. Collectible products (also called Numismatics) are typically much more costly per ounce than bullion products. So, before committing, always do the math or ask your chosen dealer for the price per ounce. It’s a simple yet effective way to gauge the value you're getting for your money.

Buying gold and silver is more than just a financial transaction; it's an investment in a tangible asset that has stood the test of time. To ensure you're not paying more than you should, always compare dealer pricing, ensure you're comparing identical products, and always keep an eye on the price per ounce.

It's your hard-earned money on the line and being an informed consumer ensures you get a fair deal. So next time you're in the market for gold or silver, make sure to visit [buymetalsmart.com](https://buymetalsmart.com) and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to buy metals smart.


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Tips on how to get a fair deal when buying gold and silver

How to buy gold and silver without overpaying

The precious metals industry is large with many hundreds of dealers in the U.S., but not all dealers are a good fit for our platform. At Metalsmart, we aim to protect consumers from being overcharged. Here’s how we screen our dealers:

**We speak to each dealer**
No dealer can join without our approval. We must speak to them first.

**We check their reaction to our approach**
Our innovative approach uses data to create custom plans for customers. Some dealers push back because they prefer uninformed customers who they can steer towards high markup products.

**We check their reaction to competition**
Dealers on our platform embrace competition and know that fair prices and great service will win business. Some dealers don’t want to compete because it forces them to be more transparent and price their products fairly.

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**Your feedback matters**
Lastly, we encourage you to leave us feedback, positive or negative, on both our platform and any dealer that you interact with. This helps us to oversee dealer behavior and ensure our high standards are maintained over time.

**Have 100% confidence in our gold dealer network**
The bottom line is that we screen precious metals dealers, so you don’t have to. The industry has gone far too long with a lack of transparency, and we are here to change that. Our approved dealers are meant to offer great service and fair pricing, so you get more gold and silver for your dollar and the dealers earn a fair, not outrageous profit.


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Find the Best Gold and Silver Dealers Here!

How Metalsmart screens precious metals dealers

Learn more about precious metals

Use your Metalsmart plan to shop and compare deals.  
**You win when dealers compete!**

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Get your _free_ plan and save money on gold and silver today

Compare price proposals from our network of approved dealers and start saving money now. You win when dealers compete!

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