Page 47 - Introduction to investing in Gold

The Beginner's Guide to Investing in Gold
Whatever you do, make sure you know how you’re going to store your gold and what the costs will be BEFORE you buy anything. Normally, the organisation you’re going to buy it from will be able to store and insure it for you but check first.
If you’re using your dealer to store it, I’d suggest you also ask whether they own or lease their vaults. If they own them, they’re likely to have greater clarity on the costs of ownership and, therefore, future storage fees.
Where Can You Buy Gold?
This is very much down to your personal choice, and you must do your own due diligence. But here are a few criteria to consider:
How long have they been established? The longer, the better.
Are they in any way authorised? For example, are they an authorised distributor for any of the following organisations: Umicore, Heraeus, PAMP Suisse, Metalor, Scottsdale Silver, the Perth Mint, or the Royal Mint? Always contact one or more of these organisations to check.
Do they have an online presence and social media activity? An active digital team is a good sign of a healthy, modern business.
Are the ‘contact us’ and ‘about us’ pages on their website complete and informative? A lack of information can be deliberate and raises the suspicion of a scam.
Is it easy to see who owns the company and the acting directors on the Companies House website?
Are they within travelling distance? You might be uninsured to carry high-value items if you are planning to pick them up. If they are delivering to you, is it a fully insured delivery service?
What payment methods do they offer? You should expect a full range of cash and BACS (FPS or CHAPS) options in multiple currencies.
Do they have any negative press on Google, Facebook, or other social websites? Take a look at sites like Trustpilot to see if you can get any feedback.
This is not a complete list, and it’s something you should discuss with your financial adviser (I’d suggest you make sure your financial adviser has enough experience in buying gold if they are going to be advising you).
Anyway, I thought you might appreciate a few ideas. I must stress that these
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