The Ultimate Buyers Guide on How to Buy Physical Gold Bars

Introduction to Physical Gold Bars

1. Investing in physical gold bars is a smart financial decision.
2. Gold has a higher store of value in comparison to bonds, stocks, and other forms of investments.
   
3. Historically, gold was used for trade and barter in ancient days all over the world due to its high store of value.
   
4. This precious yellow metal is more stable since its price is not affected easily by factors that change stock prices often. Typically, gold has a lower association with other assets.
   

Types of Gold Bars

There are distinct types of physical gold bars available, including cast bars, minted bars, and wafer bars.

• Cast bars are cascaded molten gold into a mold.
• Minted bars are made by stamping a design into a gold blank.
• Wafer bars are like minted bars but are thinner and wider.
• Gold Bar Coins, such as the Maple Leaf and the Krugerrand, are produced by government mints.
• Poured Gold Bars are crafted by pouring molten gold into a mold
• Stamped Gold Bars are trampled with a design or logo
• Digital Gold Bars are stored electronically and represent the value of the underlying asset.

The type of bar you choose will depend on your personal preference and budget.

How to buy physical gold bars - Understanding the Value of Gold

• Gold is valued and priced based on its weight and purity. The weight of a gold bar is measured in troy ounces (1 troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams).
• The purity of a gold bar is measured in karats (24 karats is at least 99.9% pure gold). The price of gold is influenced by supply and demand, as well as economic and political factors such as interest rates, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions.

How to Buy Physical Gold Bars

Thorough research is essential to know about the fair price and quality of the gold bars. This will ensure you do not overpay when you buy them.Here are a few tips on how to buy physical gold bars.

• Spot price: Find out the spot price or the prevailing market price of gold bars. This will enable you to compare the price of each ounce of gold with the dealers’ price.
  
• Reputation: Since you will buy gold bars from dealers and it involves a lot of money, the chances of fraud must be eliminated. Always choose a dealer who has been in the market for a long time, has a good repertoire, is known to sell high-quality products, and is responsive when it comes to customer service. 
• Online reviews: ask for recommendations from friends or financial advisors.
• Purity and weight: Every ounce of gold is precious. So, you must be very sure about the weight of the gold bar to ensure you get precisely what you pay for. Also, the purity of this yellow metal determines its current and future price. So, check that as well before you buy a gold bar so that you do not pay an amount that it is not worth.
  
• This information should be clearly marked on the bar or its packaging.
  

Best Brands that offer Physical Gold Bars

• PAMP Suisse Gold Bars: PAMP Suisse is a Swiss-based company known for producing high-quality gold bars with intricate designs. They offer a wide range of sizes such as 1 oz gold bars and 10 gram bars that not only look good but are high in purity quotient.
• Credit Suisse: Swiss bank that produces a wide range of gold bars, including cast bars and minted bars.
• Perth Mint: Australian government-owned mint that produces gold bars and coins of assorted sizes and designs. They are known for their high quality and purity and are widely recognized as a reputable and trustworthy producer of gold bars.
• Royal Canadian Mint: Canadian government-owned mint that produces gold bars and coins of assorted sizes and designs. . These bars come with high purity and quality and are easily distinguishable by their unique design that resembles a maple leaf.
• Valcambi: Swiss-based company that produces a wide range of gold bars, including cast bars and minted bars.

Insurance on Information and Storage Related Costs

• It is important to consider the cost of storing your gold bars. Most people store them in a safe and secure place, such as a bank locker, but if you want to keep them at home, make sure it is equally safe.
• There are also some third-party facilities that will allow you to store your gold bars. However, each of them may differ in several aspects. Some lack security measures, some charge high fees, and some may be infamous for both. Once again, research is the key to the safety of your gold bars.  
  

Emotions and Physical Gold Bars

• Physical gold bars can be a long-term investment and should be viewed as such.
• You should create a well-defined strategy to invest in gold bars. Make sure you do not deviate from it even if you are investing to reap the benefits of price fluctuations in the short term.
  

Available storage options

• You may store the gold bars in a safe in your home, as few people do.  This option offers the convenience of quick access but also the risk of theft or loss.
• Other people choose to store their gold bars with a third-party storage provider, such as a bank or precious metals depository. This option offers the benefit of professional security but comes with added fees.

Where to buy Physical Gold Bars

1. Reliable Dealers of Precious Metals: There are a few specific dealers who sell precious metals only, and gold is one of them.You can find them in person at a physical location or online.
2. Coin Shops: Coin shops often carry a variety of gold bullion coins and bars, as well as other numismatic items.
3. Online Dealers: There are many reputable online dealers that sell physical gold bars. And since you may not be able to visit their office physically, make sure you research thoroughly about the dealer focusing primarily on their market reputation, certification, and other allied aspects.

Eight tips to follow to crack the best deals while buying physical gold bars

1. Know the spot price: Before you buy, research the current spot price or the “on the spot” price of gold.
2. Shop around: Do not be afraid to negotiate and ask for discounts.
3. Check the dealer's reputation: Look for a dealer with a good record of accomplishment and positive reviews.
4. Know the cost: The cost of gold bars is determined by their manufacturing or fabrication process, purity, weight, and other essential factors. Know about the cost precisely because it may vary from one manufacturer or dealer to another. Such knowledge will help you make an exact comparison of different gold bars from different dealers or manufacturers.
   
5. Check for certifications: Look for gold bars that have been certified by reputable organizations.
6. Research the storage options: Consider the cost of storing your gold bars and research the security measures and fees of different storage options.
7. Look for discounts and promotions: Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions offered by dealers. Some may offer discounts for bulk purchases or for paying in cash.If you are aware of bullion providers, signing up for newsletters could incentivize the momentum for the perfect buy the dip opportunity
8. Tax and import duties: When you buy physical gold bars, be knowledgeable about the legality aspect. This does not only include knowing about the source but other fiscal matters such as import duties, taxes, and levies that may be applicable to your purchase. Research and learn more about such add-ons and a dealer that takes these aspects seriously into account while selling gold bars to the customers.
   

How to buy Physical Gold Bars

The buying process for physical gold bars involves the following steps:

• Research: Before buying physical gold bars, it is essential to research the current spot price of gold and compare prices offered by different dealers. Look for a reputable dealer with a good record of accomplishment and positive reviews.
• Gold bar type: There are different types of gold bars offered for purchase. It is good to have a particular type in mind as the chosen one while you research for the other aspects. Popular types include cast bars, minted bars, and wafer bars. Consider the weight, purity, and design of the bar you want to buy.
• Check the bar's authenticity: Verify the bar's weight and purity and check for certifications from reputable organizations.
• Place your order: Once you have found a reputable dealer and selected the gold bar you want to buy, place your order. When you meet them personally, make it a point to ask a lot of questions to them and select them only if you are satisfied with their answers. Ask them about the terms and conditions, clarify every point included in it especially those you find are a bit difficult to understand. Also inquire about the cost of the bars, handling, shipping, and other inclusions and exclusions. Do not forget to ask about the return and refund policies, if in case.
• Payment and shipment: Pay for your gold bar and arrange for shipment. Choose a mode of payment that you feel comfortable with and not on the request of the dealers. Usually, you can make your choice from a wide variety of payment modes including and not limited to credit cards, checks, and wire transfers.  Be sure to choose shipping that meets your needs and budget.

Insurance and storage

• Consider insuring your gold bar and arranging for storage. As said earlier, if you plan to store them at home, it will be your added responsibility to ensure it is secure.
• If you are considering using a third-party storage facility, be sure to research the facility's security measures and fees as this is significant when contemplating buying physical gold bars.

Keep records

• It is prudent to maintain precise records of the gold bars you buy. Include every detail in your record, such as the price you paid, the weight and purity of the bar, and the date, name, and contact details of the dealer you bought the gold bar from.
  
• This information will be useful for tax purposes and for selling the gold bar in the future.

It is needless to say that every buyer should be highly vigilant when they buy precious metals like gold. Buying them from a dependable source after thorough research is the key to ensuring the safety of your investment.You should also consider the taxes and import duties that may apply when buying physical gold bars.

Here are 5 secret tips to look for when buying physical gold bars

1. Check for serial numbers: Some gold bars have serial numbers engraved on them, which can add to their value and authenticity. Look for bars with unique or low serial numbers, as they can be more valuable.
2. Look for unique designs: Some gold bars have unique designs or engravings, which enhance their value and rarity. Look for bars with intricate designs, symbols, or logos that make them stand out.
3. Research limited edition bars: Some gold bars are produced in limited editions, which can make them more valuable. Look for bars that are part of a limited-edition series or that have a limited mintage.
4. Check for assay certificates: Some gold bars come with assay certificates, which are documents that verify the weight and purity of the bar.
5. Look for antique bars: Some gold bars are antique, which can make them more valuable. Look for bars that are from a specific era or that have historical significance.

Conclusion