Original editorial illustration — no specific merchant item or SKU is represented.
A practical checklist for reviewing a merchant before you commit to buying physical precious metals.
Read the real merchant policies
Before sending money, check the merchant’s published payment policy, delivery and insurance details, cancellation window, return rules and complaint process. Confirm the URL is the dealer’s legitimate website, not an imitation.
Look beyond star scores
Review histories, trade memberships, published company details and independent complaints can be useful signals, but one score alone is not enough. We do not fabricate star ratings, pretend listings are certified, or assign unverified partner badges.
Beware of pressure tactics
Do not accept a claim that a rare coin is guaranteed to outperform ordinary bullion. Be skeptical of urgent transfer demands, undisclosed spreads, forced upsells, and representations that metal prices cannot decline.
Build a comparison worksheet
For each exact product note the fine troy ounces, dealer quote, time, payment type, tax, shipping, insurance and buyback details. Then use the calculator to compare the final cost on the same basis.
Physical metals may lose value, transaction premiums and spreads can be substantial, and this site does not provide individualized financial advice.