To put gold into your personal investment portfolio, you need to learn the right way to do it. You can’t just dive into this because you’ll get lost, but know that this isn’t terribly difficult to get into. This article can help educate you about buying gold as an investment.

It is important to only do business with people who have a good reputation. You can check out their reputation by contacting the BBB and checking online reviews. A reputable buyer will typically pay you a fair price for your gold, and they will offer better customer service than less reputable buyers. Protect your gold investment and yourself.

If you’re unsure what your gold might be worth, then have an appraisal done. While there is a cost involved, you will at least then be fully aware of what you own and what it is worth. In order to have it valued most accurately, go with an appraiser who is accredited and independent. If you do want to sell the gold, understand you won’t be offered full value it was appraised for.

Compare different gold buyers if you want to sell some gold jewelry or gold scraps. Bear in mind that the market price for gold you can find online (the “spot”) is only an average; different dealers will offer you different prices under (or even over) the spot. Look for stores off the beaten path as they often have lower overhead and better deals.

You can get varying prices depending on how you sell it. Usually, you will only get the melt value from both private sellers and pawn shops. Selling your unique gold pieces to a collector can end up netting you more money.

Do not be overly aggressive when dealing in the gold market. There are many unscrupulous companies out there who deal with gold. There are individuals who will not hesitate to take advantage of you if you give them the opportunity. Always exercise caution.

Comparison shop when you are choosing a buyer. The chances are good that you will get completely different offers for your gold. By picking the first dealer, you could get a horrible deal. Take your time so you can make the greatest return on your gold.

Use a magnet if you want a cost-effective way to determine whether or not the precious metal is real. Gold and other precious metals are non-ferrous, so they won’t be attracted to a magnet. Sometimes the clasp of a piece is solid, however the rest will be plated. The magnet will tell you the truth.

Check Better Business Bureau ratings for gold dealers and jewelry stores before deciding where you want to sell your pieces. The BBB’s website will share any negative reports made against a company through the BBB’s service. You definitely want to notice any complaints, whether resolved or not. If a business has a lot of customer complaints or unresolved complaints, avoid using them.

You can make gold investments without owning gold. Buy shares in traded or mutual gold funds or invest in some gold mining stocks. If you choose to purchase actual coins or bars, take into account the cost of secure storage of your gold.

After reading this article, it is time to begin using the knowledge you have gained. Ponder what you have learned and start applying the information to investment decisions. Yes, gold is a great investment that can help you plan ahead for the future.