Gold is something that is recognized by everyone as a precious metal. It has always been highly valued and used to trade for other valuable goods. We no longer use gold as money today but it is still as valued as it ever was. Here are some ways for you to get started in collecting gold today.
When mailing your gold away for sale, make sure to read all the fine print before sending it in. Some buyers have less than stellar reputations, and you will not see this until you read the fine print. Make sure you are comfortable with all the terms you are agreeing to, or look to another location to sell your gold.
Understand how weighing gold works prior to going into a shop to sell or buy gold. There are lots of unfamiliar terms like troy ounces and penny weights. This can often fool the inexperienced into thinking they are getting a better deal than they really are. Don't let that be you.
You need to know what you have before you go to sell it. Higher karats equals higher gold density and more value. Buyers who do not have a good reputation may try to take advantage of sellers who don't know exactly what they have. Twenty-four karat gold is almost pure gold so it is worth way more than fourteen karat gold.
Watch out for "pop-up" buyers. These individuals travel from place to place, putting out advertisements that lure in sellers with the promise of a big payout. In many cases, these buyers then leave town without paying the sellers what they are owed. Always do your research on anyone you are planning to sell to.
If you decide to invest in gold, find out which type of gold is the best investment for you. Most investors buy gold bullion bars or gold coins. This type of gold requires a sizable investment. Gold bars are available in a wide variety of sizes from half an ounce to 400 ounces.
Watch out for the gold buying bait and switch. There are buyers out there that promote the price they'll pay for bulk gold, but don't tell you that the price is much more for smaller quantities. This can leave you making a very bad deal. Ask before you make any sort of commitment.
Always read any fine print on your contracts. You should carefully read the whole contract especially if selling through a mail service. You'll then know the amount of your profit that will go to fees and commissions.
If you're selling gold jewelry, make sure you know about karats. Pure gold is very soft, so it's mixed with other metals for color and durability. The FTC or Federal Trade Commission requires that all sold U.S. gold jewelry must describe the alloy's karat fineness. A single karat equals 1/24 of pure gold via weight. For instance, 14 karats jewelry is 14 parts gold and 10 parts different metals. Jewelry can't be sold as "gold jewelry" if it's less than 10 karats.
When it comes to selling gold jewelry, you should know exactly what it is that you are selling. Many pieces are worth more when they're left as is rather than melted down. If your pieces come from famous makers or designer lines, they may carry more value for the buyer over what kind of gold they're made of.
Gold is usually a safe investment but this precious metal can also be volatile. If you can handle quick jumps here and there, avoid it. If you can, try to reduce your downside risk. Because of the volatile market, only a small amount of your portfolio should be invested in the gold market. Usually five percent is good enough.
Do not buy gold coins that are for sale at the pawn shops in your area. Chances are you will pay a lot more for them here than you would anywhere else. It is best to look for a reputable gold dealer to do business with, so you know you are getting the best deal.
Consider throwing a "gold" party in your home for friends and neighbors. Tupperware and Avon parties have been replaced by gold events hosted in many areas. Invite friends and colleagues to your home to have their gold items appraised for free by a reputable local appraiser. Once appraised, they can exchange the item for cash or decide to shop elsewhere. For your time and effort, the appraiser would pay you a commission based on the amount of gold that is sold. Look for appraisers who have direct experience with such events since they will have developed the skills needed to keep the mood light and comfortable.
If you want a quick way to invest in gold, consider ETFs. You can buy them just like shares, and you are able to buy or sell them at any time you wish. They are backed by physical gold and the management fees are quite low. They are a great way to make a short-term profit on your investment.
There is very little state regulation and no federal regulation to help gold buyers find a reputable dealer. You can always check with the Better Business Bureau and check online reviews for information about specific gold dealers. The US Mint has a list of authorized purchasers and another listing of gold dealers by state.
If you are mailing your gold to a buyer, purchase insurance from your local post office of delivery service. This will help protect you should the item get lost during transportation. Insurance is very inexpensive on items and will help protect you from loss or damage caused by the delivery service.
As you cam see, investing in gold can be a very wise decision if you know how to do it. Now you have a better idea of the value of gold and how to acquire it. Take what you have learned here and get started in investing in some gold of your own.
Orignal From: Increase Your Gold Expertise By Using This Advice
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