Selling Bullion: Local or Online Buyer?

Short answer: a local dealer gives you a same-day payment and no shipping risk, while an online buyer may offer a better price on well-known products but requires insured shipping and some waiting. Get offers from both for the exact same pieces and compare what you actually receive.

Local dealers

• You can have items weighed and tested in front of you.
• Payment is usually immediate, by cash, cheque or transfer.
• There is no shipping risk, but a small shop may pay less on large or unusual items.

Online buyers

• Prices on common coins and bars are often competitive because volumes are higher.
• You must ship insured, and the price may be locked only after the buyer checks the items.
• Check the buyer's reputation, how long a quote is held and who pays for shipping and insurance.

Compare like with like

Ask each buyer for a quote on the identical pieces, in writing. Work out the melt value first, then compare each offer as a percentage of it. Ask about fees, deductions and when you will be paid. The buyback price you receive is what matters, not the headline rate.

Reduce the risks

Keep serial numbers and photos, use tracked and insured shipping, and never ship without a written quote. Keep your invoices to show what you paid.

Record the sale

Note the date, buyer, weight and amount, so your records and your realized gain are accurate. The selling checklist covers the full process.