This article is the second in a series that provides you with examples of how NOT to find a trustworthy gold dealer. Today, we will discuss the risks of relying on celebrity endorsements.

When hunting for a reliable and trustworthy gold dealer, it's easy to get swayed by the shiny allure of celebrity endorsements. However, these glittering testimonials often do more harm than good to unsuspecting buyers. Here’s why you should be cautious of celebrity-endorsed gold dealers:

**1. Paid Endorsements Aren't Genuine Recommendations**

Most celebrities you see promoting gold dealers are being paid for their endorsements. While seeing a familiar face might give you a sense of trust, remember that these endorsements are often no different than any other paid advertisement. The celebrities are compensated to say positive things about the company, regardless of whether they personally believe in the product or the integrity of the company.

**2. Political Alignments Can Skew Perceptions**

Many celebrities in the media have strong political alignments, which can influence their endorsements. This alignment might not necessarily align with your views or the actual benefits of investing with the endorsed dealer. When a celebrity's political opinion is part of their brand, it can overshadow the real value of what they're endorsing, potentially leading you to make a decision based on popularity rather than solid financial advice.

**3. Endorsement Costs Are Passed to Buyers**

The cost of securing a high-profile endorsement is not trivial. These expenses are typically passed down to you, the buyer. This means that when you purchase gold from a dealer who uses celebrity endorsements, part of what you pay goes towards covering the hefty fees of celebrity promoters, not the precious metals themselves. Essentially, you end up paying more for the celebrity’s involvement than for the actual value of gold or silver you're buying.

**4. Celebrities Don’t Pay Your Prices**

Even if a celebrity genuinely purchases from the gold dealer they endorse, their experience is likely not reflective of what everyday customers will encounter. Celebrities often receive special treatment, such as lower prices or premium services, which are not available to regular buyers. This disparity means that the glowing recommendation you heard might come from a place of privilege rather than a standard customer experience. As a regular buyer, you will likely face higher markups and pay more than what is fair for your metals.

In contrast, at Metalsmart, we’ve taken a different approach. Our new brand ambassador, Randy Couture, is not a paid endorser.  Randy isn’t motivated by political agendas. His involvement is driven by a true belief in the value and importance of helping consumers get fair deals on precious metals, aligning perfectly with our mission to work with vetted, trustworthy gold dealers who offer transparent and fair pricing.

So, the next time you see a celebrity pitching a gold dealer, take a moment to consider these points. Look beyond the star-studded appeal and evaluate the dealer based on their business practices, transparency, and the price they ask you to pay for your precious metals!  


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Celebrity endorsements often not an indication of trustworthiness

How NOT to Find a Trustworthy Gold Dealer: Celebrity Endorsements

From Fox News to Newsmax and even on the radio, ads for retail gold and silver investments, promoted as a stable hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, have sprung up everywhere. But for all the attention the precious metals market has gotten lately, it hasn’t all been good. 

Reports have surfaced revealing that the retail precious metals industry is plagued by bad actors who take advantage of their clients’ trust to sell them precious metals products with exorbitant markups. Often, the dealers push ‘collectible’ products that are obscure and not very liquid, and the consumer has no easy way to understand the premium price and markup that they will pay before making their purchase. Product markups to consumers are often 33% or more. The price at which a dealer will buy back gold or silver can also help destroy returns. Consumers looking to sell their gold or silver collectibles often find out that the price they can sell at is at least 15% less than the price they would pay to purchase the same product.

There have been several lawsuits filed against precious metal dealers in the past five years as a result.   For example, in January 2022, [Lear Capital, which has since filed for bankruptcy, was ordered to pay $6 million for allegedly failing to disclose millions of dollars in commissions](https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2022/01/04/precious-metals-firm-ordered-to-pay-6m-over-hidden-commissions/) charged to investors in New York. In February 2022, [Redrock Secured, LLC and its owner were sued by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for perpetrating a $62 million fraudulent scheme](https://dfpi.ca.gov/2023/05/15/dfpi-charges-southern-california-based-precious-metals-dealer-with-more-than-60-million-coin-fraud/) that targeted elderly individuals. 

In the Redrock case, the dealer marked up their product 100-130%. Those customers will never break even. It is pure greed. That’s a devastating loss for honest investors who are looking to stable, tangible precious metals to diversify their portfolios and protect against economic uncertainties.

Lawsuits don’t tell the whole story. Many consumers are unaware of the markups they pay, so they don’t file complaints. Thus, unscrupulous dealers go unpunished as precious metal buyers are unwittingly taken advantage of.

But the retail precious metals industry isn’t all bad. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are still valuable investments and there are honest dealers who charge their clients reasonable markups. And because precious metals are a big-ticket item, those dealers provide a valuable service. A buyer can spend $50,000-$1,000,000 or more on their metals portfolio and it’s important for people to be able to talk to a human and establish trust when investing personal savings. Gold dealers also can be very helpful if a customer wants to fund their purchase using a Gold IRA, which requires paperwork and expertise.  The same could be said for real estate transactions, where buyers seek a trusted agent to advise and guide them through the process and paperwork before signing a contract. So how can precious metals consumers know who to trust? 

One way that transparency can be increased is through an online platform that connect consumers and dealers in the precious metals industry. It’s the same concept as Lending Tree, the platform that allows potential borrowers to connect with multiple lenders to find the best terms for loans, credit cards, deposit accounts, insurance and more.  

This is exactly what Metalsmart was created to do. Metalsmart allows for direct price comparisons and only allows vetted dealers on the platform. Consumers can save money and time while feeling confident that the dealers on the platform are committed to transparency and fair pricing. The potential is there to save retail customers billions of dollars annually and equip consumers with better control of their precious metals investment.

While there are many unscrupulous dealers, there are even more fair dealers who are operating above board to provide a valuable service. By increasing transparency and fairness, the industry can rid itself of avarice, reduce the number of unhappy and ripped-off customers, rid the industry of bad actors, and thrive in the next decade.



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Not all gold dealers are worth your trust

Bad Apples Spoil the Whole Bunch

If you are considering adding gold or other precious metals to your portfolio, you probably notice the advertisements from many gold companies as you research your options online. There are so many gold dealers to choose from and it can be hard to narrow down your choices to the best one or two dealers before making contact. 

This article is the first in a series that provides you with examples of how NOT to find a trustworthy gold dealer. Today, we will discuss the risks of relying on third-party review sites.

**Don’t Rely on Reviews to Find a Trustworthy Gold Dealer** 

If you visit a gold dealer’s website, you will almost always see a section that boasts about their positive reviews on third-party review sites like Trust Pilot or BBB. This must mean that they are trustworthy gold dealers, right? Not so fast!

Most of these third-party sites are easily manipulated by dealers. Dealers can post fake reviews to make it sound like they are the best dealer around and to boost their overall ranking. In some cases, the dealer can complain to (or pay) the third-party site to take down bad reviews, which again, will inflate their overall ranking. 

If you do want to investigate a gold dealer on a review site, you should focus on the lower ranking reviews, while they are still up on the site. These unflattering reviews are often where you can learn the truth about a dealer. Pay particular attention to reviews that mention specific instances where customers realize, too late, that the price they paid for their precious metals was inflated and that their ‘investment’ has turned into a big loss, even when overall prices have increased since the purchase.

In case you don’t know, most review sites make their money by charging the dealers for their review profile. The result of this ‘pay to play’ model t that it is not in the review site’s best interest to hold gold dealers accountable and to a high standard.

Virtually all gold dealers use one or more review sites because the retail gold market is highly competitive, and most retail gold buyers still think that a high rated gold dealer on a review site is a trustworthy gold dealer. Despite all the issues with review sites, you can still use them to your advantage by employing the following strategies:

1. Read the fine print on the review site. You should be able to determine if the gold dealer is paying the site and if so, you should be wary of “5 star” reviews.

2. Focus on the lower rated reviews (before they are taken down). Look for reviews that provide specific examples of poor treatment or price gouging. When such specificity exists, there is usually a reason to steer clear of that gold dealer.

3. Look for positive reviews that specifically discuss price transparency. This industry is littered with dealers that charge high markups. Gold dealers that offer fair and transparent pricing, like those on Metalsmart, are your best bets for getting great service and a fair deal.


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Don't rely on gold dealer reviews

How NOT to Find a Trustworthy Gold Dealer: Third Pary Review Sites

Are you looking for a way to protect and grow your retirement savings? A gold IRA may be the perfect investment for you. Gold has historically outperformed other investments during times of inflation and economic uncertainty, making it a valuable holding in any retirement portfolio. In this article, we will explain the three main reasons you should consider a gold IRA for your retirement portfolio: preserving your wealth, tax benefits, and diversification.

**Preserving your wealth with a Gold IRA**

Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, a store of value that retains its worth even when other investments falter. This is because gold's value tends to rise when the dollar weakens, acting as a hedge against inflation and economic downturns. A gold IRA can provide a sense of security because gold has historically held its value during tumultuous times.

Gold has consistently demonstrated its ability to maintain its value, making it an ideal asset to preserve wealth over the long term. By opening a gold IRA, investors can safeguard their retirement savings from the erosive effects of inflation and economic downturns and ensure that their wealth remains intact, providing peace of mind for their golden years.

Furthermore, owning physical gold in an IRA means that investors have direct ownership and control over their wealth. Unlike paper assets such as stocks and bonds, which are subject to the whims of financial institutions, physical gold held in an IRA is a tangible asset that investors can hold and possess. Gold IRAs provide an added layer of security and control, ensuring that investors are not solely reliant on the stability of financial markets to preserve their wealth.

**Tax benefits of a Gold IRA**

Gold IRAs offer several tax benefits that make them an attractive investment option for retirement savings. One significant advantage is the tax-deferred growth of investments. Contributions to a gold IRA grow tax-free, meaning investors do not pay taxes on any appreciation in the value of their gold until they withdraw it from the account. This tax deferral allows investors to accumulate wealth more quickly and efficiently.

Another tax benefit of gold IRAs is the potential for favorable tax treatment upon withdrawal. While distributions from a gold IRA are taxed as ordinary income, the tax rate may be lower than the tax rate on capital gains, especially for individuals in lower tax brackets. This tax advantage can result in significant savings for retirees who are mindful of their tax liability.

Gold IRAs can also be used to make tax-free transfers or rollovers from other IRAs or employer-sponsored retirement plans, many of which do not offer physical gold as an investment choice. 

Overall, the tax benefits associated with gold IRAs make them a compelling investment option for individuals looking to save for retirement. The potential for tax-deferred growth, favorable tax treatment upon withdrawal, and flexibility in withdrawal options make gold IRAs a valuable tool for building a secure financial future.

**Diversify your portfolio with a Gold IRA**

Diversification is a key strategy to manage risk and enhance returns over the long term. Gold can play a valuable role in portfolio diversification due to its unique characteristics and historical performance.

Unlike traditional investments such as stocks and bonds, gold is not subject to the same market forces and economic cycles. The price of gold tends to move independently of other assets, making it an effective hedge against market volatility. When stocks and bonds experience downturns, gold often holds its value, providing stability to a diversified portfolio.

Gold's diversification benefits are particularly evident during times of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. It has a history of performing well during such periods, acting as a safe haven for investors. Gold's value tends to appreciate when traditional investments decline, offering a counterbalance to potential losses in other asset classes.

By allocating a portion of your retirement portfolio to gold, you can help reduce your overall risk and improve the risk-return profile of your investments. The stability and diversification benefits of gold can enhance your chances of achieving your long-term financial goals, even in challenging market conditions.



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Diversify your retirement assets and protect your wealth

3 Reasons to Consider a Gold IRA for Your Retirement Portfolio

Are you considering investing in gold or silver? If so, you should be aware of the dangers of buying numismatic coins from gold dealers. Numismatic coins are “rare” coins that are collected for their historical or artistic value, but they are often overpriced and illiquid. In this article, we discuss the difference between bullion and numismatic coins, why gold dealers push numismatics so hard, how to spot a shady gold dealer, and where to find a trustworthy gold dealer. 

**Know the difference between bullion and numismatics**

Before you can understand the dangers of buying numismatic coins from gold dealers, it's important to understand the difference between bullion and numismatic coins. Bullion coins are minted from precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and are primarily used for investment purposes. They are typically sold at or near the spot price of the metal they are made from. Bullion coins have little to no numismatic (collectible) value.

Numismatic coins, on the other hand, are touted as rare (and often are not) coins that are collected for their historical or artistic value. They can be much older than bullion coins and may have unique features, such as special engravings or mint marks. Numismatic coins can be very expensive, and their value is often determined by their rarity and condition. Many dealers offer more recent numismatic coins, which are often not very rare and still charge high premiums for these.

**Why do gold dealers push numismatics so hard?**

Gold dealers push numismatic coins so hard because they can charge higher premiums (i.e., markups) on them than on bullion coins. Numismatics are often overpriced compared to their actual gold content, and dealers may use high-pressure sales tactics to convince uninformed buyers that they are a good investment.

While numismatic coins may be a good choice for some people, or a complement to their precious metals holdings, it is important to do your research before buying them. You should only buy numismatic coins if you are knowledgeable about them and if you are comfortable with the risks involved.

Here are some of the reasons why you should be wary of gold dealers who push numismatics:

**Numismatic coins are often overpriced.** The value of a numismatic coin is sometimes determined by its rarity and condition. However, many coins are not truly rare, and dealers may charge a markup that is 3 times or more than that of a bullion bar. 

**Numismatic coins are less liquid than bullion.** It can be difficult to sell numismatic coins near their offer price because their dealer bid-offer spread can be 4 times as large as bars. This means that you may not be able to get as much money when you sell as you think.

**Gold dealers may use high-pressure sales tactics.** Gold dealers may use high-pressure sales tactics to convince you to buy numismatic coins. They may tell you that numismatic coins are a good investment, or that they are a rare opportunity. 

If you are considering buying numismatic coins, it is important to do your research and to be wary of gold dealers who push them too hard. You should only buy numismatic coins if you are knowledgeable about them and if you are comfortable with the large premium and liquidity risks involved. Avoid dealers who push you into buying something you don’t fully understand. Ask them why they are recommending these products and compare the price per ounce that you will pay against the price per ounce of bullion products.


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Trustworthy Gold Dealers Won't Push You to Expensive Products

Don't Trust Gold Dealers Who Push Numismatic Coins

When buying physical precious metals, it's crucial to watch out for high fees charged by some dealers. These fees, often referred to as "markups," "spreads," or "ask-to-cost fees," can significantly impact the overall cost of your investment and your potential profits.

Precious metals dealers act as intermediaries between wholesalers and retail buyers, earning a profit from each transaction. While it's understandable for dealers to make money, some exploit their position by imposing exorbitant fees on unsuspecting customers. These fees can sometimes reach a staggering 33% or more, meaning buyers are immediately at a significant disadvantage, especially when it comes time to sell their holdings.

Instances of dealer greed are unfortunately not uncommon. In January 2022, Lear Capital, a prominent dealer that has since filed for bankruptcy, faced legal action for allegedly failing to disclose millions of dollars in commissions charged to investors in New York. Similarly, in May 2023, Redrock Secured, LLC, and its owner were sued by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for running a fraudulent scheme that targeted elderly individuals, marking up products by as much as 133% and costing their customers near $62 million.

However, it's essential not to let unscrupulous dealers deter you from investing in physical precious metals altogether. There are many gold dealers that play it straight. By staying informed and working with reputable dealers, such as those listed on Metalsmart, you can navigate the gold industry with confidence, ensuring you receive excellent service and fair pricing.

When purchasing physical gold or silver, always be mindful of the fees charged by dealers. Avoid falling prey to excessive markups by conducting thorough research and choosing trusted partners. Remember, with the right knowledge and guidance, you can make sound investments in precious metals while safeguarding your financial interests.


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Use Metalsmart’s network to find reputable gold dealers and save money

Be Wary of High Gold Dealer Fees

It might sound tempting to receive free gold and silver from a gold dealer, but in reality, there's no such thing as a free lunch, especially in the precious metals industry.

Many gold dealers use free offers to distract customers from the fact that they're charging higher markups on the bulk of their inventory. The more freebies they promise, the higher the hidden costs they're likely passing on to you. It's like getting a "free" dessert with an overpriced meal – you end up paying more than you should overall.

Consider a common "free" offer: "Act now and receive up to $10,000 worth of free gold coins!" Sounds enticing, right? But think about it – why would a dealer give away something of such value for free? It's likely because they're making up for it by overcharging you on other items in your order. In the end, you're not getting a good deal; you're just paying for that "free" gold in other ways.

When it comes to gold and silver, remember that "free" can be very costly. Instead of falling for flashy offers, it's better to seek out reputable dealers like those found on Metalsmart. These dealers offer fair prices without gimmicks, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment.

In the world of gold and business, always keep in mind that nothing is truly free. Don't let the allure of freebies cloud your judgment when making precious metals purchases. Stick with trusted gold dealers who prioritize transparency and fairness, and you'll avoid falling victim to hidden costs disguised as free offers.


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Why you should choose your gold dealer carefully

Don't Be Fooled: The Hidden Costs of "Free" Gold and Silver Offers

The current state of the global economy is prompting many individuals to consider buying gold and silver. 

But why is now a good time to make this move?

First, economic uncertainty prevails. Factors like inflation, fluctuating currencies, and geopolitical tensions can erode the value of traditional investments. Gold and silver, on the other hand, have a track record of retaining their value in times of crisis.

Second, the fear of missing out (FOMO) on the ongoing gold price rally is real. Gold prices have been on an upward trend, and many experts believe this trend will continue. Investors are flocking to precious metals to capitalize on potential gains.

Third, central banks around the world continue to increase their gold reserves, signaling confidence in its long-term value. This institutional support further strengthens the case for investing in gold and silver.

Considering the current economic and political uncertainties, buying gold and silver can be a wise decision. Their historical stability and potential for growth make them valuable assets in any investment portfolio. Just remember to do your due diligence and choose a reputable dealer - like those on the Metalsmart platform - when making your purchase.


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Gold and Silver can Provide Protection

Why You Should Buy Gold and Silver Now

Economic and political uncertainties around the world have made many investors turn to physical  precious metals.  Gold and silver have historically been considered safe-haven assets. They tend to perform well during times of economic and geo-political instability, making them an attractive diversification option for wealth protection and gains.

## Find the Best Gold Dealers

When it comes to buying gold and silver, the key is finding the best, reputable and fair gold dealers. Reputable dealers are interested in providing superior service and unbiased product information and will strive to offer you the most appropriate gold and silver products for your unique situation. 

Many gold dealers, including those that have celebrity endorsers or large marketing budgets, are more interested in selling you gold and silver products with high markups. These dealers, some of whom have been flagged by regulators, care mostly about how much money they make off you.

At Metalsmart, we don’t partner with every gold dealer.  Our network is an exclusive club; we only work with dealers who are committed to fair pricing and transparency. Further, most of our dealers will offer up to 50% off typical gold dealer fees. This means you can save thousands of dollars on every purchase!

Why spend time calling dealers that care only about their profit?  Use Metalsmart to comparison shop or get matched with vetted dealers that will offer unbiased information and fair pricing. Shop gold and silver with confidence and no obligation at the modern way to buy precious metals: Metalsmart.


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How to Buy Gold and Silver the Smart Way

Find the Best Gold Dealers

In the bustling world of precious metal investments, finding a reliable and ethical gold dealer is paramount. However, navigating this landscape can be daunting, especially when faced with the plethora of dealer matching tools available online. Unfortunately, many investors are unaware of the underlying "pay-for-play" nature of these tools, which often compromises their reliability and integrity. This is where Metalsmart significantly diverges from the norm, establishing a new standard in dealer vetting and customer trust.

**The Reality of "Pay-for-Play" Gold Dealer Matching Tools**

A common but concerning aspect of the industry is the prevalence of gold dealer matching tools or “guides” that operate on a "pay-for-play" basis. Here, any dealer can secure a spot on the matching platform, provided they are willing to pay an advertisement or lead fee. This model is inherently flawed for several reasons:

1. Lack of Screening: These tools don’t conduct background checks on dealers. This oversight means that unscrupulous dealers, who may have a history of unethical practices, can appear as recommended choices. Shockingly, some of the dealers recommended by these tools have been embroiled in legal battles, having been sued by state regulators for deceptive practices and defrauding consumers.

2. Misdirection to High Markup Dealers: Often, these platforms direct customers towards dealers who push products with high markups, prioritizing the profit margins of the dealers over the financial well-being of the investors.

3. Ranking of Dealers to the Highest Bidder: Just because a dealer is at the top of the list does not mean it is the best match. It is common practice for the guides and matching tools to highlight the dealers with the biggest ad budgets, not the best dealers for the customer.

This "pay-for-play" model not only undermines the trust of investors but also jeopardizes their financial safety.

**Metalsmart: A Beacon of Trust and Integrity**

In stark contrast stands Metalsmart, a platform that has taken a fundamentally different approach to dealer matching:

1. Rigorous Vetting Process: Unlike the typical "pay-for-play" models, Metalsmart meticulously screens each dealer before allowing them on the platform. This process includes assessing their business practices and learning about their commitment to fair pricing and transparency.

2. Focusing on Reputable Dealers: Metalsmart's platform is exclusive to dealers who have agreed to provide fair markups and will avoid pushing consumers to high markup and illiquid products (like collectibles). This exclusivity ensures that consumers using Metalsmart are only matched with the most reputable and reliable dealers in the industry.

3. Customer-Centric Lead Fee Model: While Metalsmart does charge a lead fee, it operates on a more ethical and customer-centric model. This fee is only incurred when a customer chooses to engage with one of the vetted dealers on Metalsmart, or otherwise asks to be contacted. This approach ensures that the consumer is in control and won’t be inundated with dealer calls and texts.

**Choosing Metalsmart for Peace of Mind**

The contrast between Metalsmart and other gold dealer matching tools is stark. While others operate under a veil of "pay-for-play" that often misleads and exploits consumers, Metalsmart stands as a bastion of trust, prioritizing the needs of its customers. By choosing Metalsmart, gold buyers are not just accessing a platform for finding gold dealers; they are partnering with a service that values integrity, transparency, and customer welfare above all else. In the world of precious metal investments, this is more than a convenience—it's a necessity.

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How Metalsmart Stands Apart From Other Gold Dealer Matching Tools

Don't Get Fooled by Gold Dealer Matching Tools

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.

![stack of gold coins](https://storage.googleapis.com/metalsmart_landing_bucket/free_plan_a0c44da211/free_plan_a0c44da211.png)

**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

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

# 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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How Metalsmart helps you find the best gold and silver dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

View a video tutorial of the dealer dashboard and see buyer proposals, their status and respond to them with your pricing.

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View and respond to customer precious metal price requests.

Precious metals dealer dashboard

Review our tutorial video of your dashboard and see how to review proposals from different vendors and respond to them. 


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View your precious metals proposals and select your preferred dealer.

Precious metals buyer dashboard

Watch our video and learn how to create a precious metals plan, adjust the products to your liking and request pricing from one of our certified dealers.


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Find the best gold and silver products and compare prices from dealers.

Create a precious metals plan and get prices


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. 

![shopping basket full of gold to buy](https://storage.googleapis.com/metalsmart_prod_strapi_images/shop_for_gold_46dbefa727/shop_for_gold_46dbefa727.jpg)

**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. 


Comparison shop for gold and silver.

The smart way to buy gold and silver

**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. 

![silver bars stacked for sale](https://storage.googleapis.com/metalsmart_prod_strapi_images/stack_bank_silver_bars_extreme_closeup_15e2d4e582/stack_bank_silver_bars_extreme_closeup_15e2d4e582.jpg)
 
**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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Save money when you build a gold and silver plan

The Metalsmart precious metals plan

## 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.  

![pm-blog.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/metalsmart_landing_bucket/pm_blog_1c26def610/pm_blog_1c26def610.png)

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? 

Randy Couture, UFC legend, actor, and Sergeant in the 101st Airborne has partnered with Metalsmart to stand up for consumers who are overpaying for precious metals. 

Don't "tap out" to gold dealers who inflate prices with high markups at your expense. Find your  gold dealer at Metalsmart.

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Randy Couture

Meet our brand ambassador

Randy fights for fair gold prices

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Read about us on [Retirement Living](https://www.retirementliving.com/reviews/metalsmart)

Welcome to Metalsmart's Resources page, where you can learn more about buying gold, silver, and other precious metals. Our tutorials will show you how to use our site to build the best precious metals plan and have dealers compete for your business.  

Resources