APMEX vs BGASC: Our Comparison
As we delve deeper into 2023, the precious metals market continues to attract investors and collectors alike. The allure of gold and silver coins, their inherent value, and the security they offer in an unpredictable economic landscape, make them an enticing prospect. But how do you ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable dealer? How can you guarantee that your investment is secure? Enter the “apmex vs bgasc” debate, featuring two of the leading precious metals dealers in the industry, each with their unique strengths and offerings. Ready to embark on a journey to discover which is the ideal choice for you? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
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APMEX is recognized for its vast product range of over 30,000 items, including exclusive collections and rare coins, superior customer service, and a strong market reputation; offering a comprehensive online shopping experience with free shipping on orders over $199 and various payment discounts.
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BGASC, despite being newer to the market, has carved a niche with its commitment to transparency, competitive pricing, and customer service; focusing mainly on gold bullion coins and bars and providing a user-friendly online experience with free shipping for orders over $5,000.
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Both APMEX and BGASC offer secure and reliable services with extensive customer support, discreet and insured shipping options, buyback programs, and additional investment options like Gold IRAs and storage services; catering to the diverse needs of both investors and collectors.
APMEX and BGASC: An Overview
APMEX, short for the American Precious Metals Exchange, has been a staple in the precious metals market for years. With its vast array of products and exceptional customer service, it has been recognized as the Best Overall online gold dealer. The company’s extensive inventory and customer-satisfaction driven approach have earned it a solid reputation in the industry.
On the flip side, BGASC, which stands for Buying Gold and Silver Coins, was founded in 2012. Despite being a relatively younger player in the market, it has managed to carve out a niche for itself. Renowned for its commitment to transparency, competitive pricing, and superior customer service, it has attracted a broad clientele of both investors and collectors.
A precious metals dealer’s reputation is vital as it influences the trust and confidence investors have in them. Both APMEX and BGASC have built a strong market reputation due to their years of experience, positive customer feedback, and commitment to transparency. Investors know that when they buy gold or silver from these dealers, they are getting high-quality products at competitive prices, with excellent customer service to boot.
Product Range and Selection
Both APMEX and BGASC boast an extensive repertoire in terms of product range and selection. APMEX boasts an impressive lineup of over 30,000 products, making it the dealer with the broadest range of products in all categories. From rare coins and collectibles to IRA-eligible products, APMEX has something for everyone.
BGASC, though not as diverse as APMEX, still offers a wide range of precious metals such as platinum and palladium bars, copper products, as well as various gold and silver coins, bars, and rounds. However, their main focus is on the sale of gold bullion coins and gold bars.
Exclusive Collections
APMEX’s product range notably includes exclusive gold and silver products, such as:
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Unique silver products
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Commemorative gold coins
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Base metal coin series
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90% silver U.S. Mint sets
These collections set them apart from other dealers, including BGASC. For the collector or investor looking for something unique, APMEX’s exclusive collections offer an attractive proposition.
APMEX’s ability to offer such a diverse range of exclusive products is in part due to its partnerships with globally recognized mints. The company collaborates with 18 mints, including prominent ones like PAMP Suisse and Argor-Heraeus. This enables APMEX to offer a wide range of exclusive and special edition products, further enhancing their offering to investors looking to buy gold and silver.
Rare and Numismatic Coins
In addition to their standard offerings, both APMEX and BGASC also cater to the needs of collectors and investors interested in rare and numismatic coins. BGASC offers a variety of these coins, including:
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United States Certified Gold Coins
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Unique options like the 1891-CC $5 Liberty Gold Half Eagle Coin
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Distinctive selections like the 2023 1 oz Colorized Ghana Silver Blossom Unicorn Coin, appealing to collectors looking for something truly unique.
APMEX, on the other hand, offers a wide price range to cater to different budgets. For example, a collector can acquire a 90% Silver Mercury Dime 50-Coin Roll for just $103.96, making APMEX a great choice for both new collectors and seasoned numismatists.
Pricing and Fee Structures
Both APMEX and BGASC offer competitive pricing structures in terms of pricing and fees. For example, if you’re planning on making a large purchase, APMEX offers discounts that can save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying in smaller quantities. Plus, if your order exceeds $199, APMEX will ship your order for free. On the other hand, BGASC’s transparent pricing model features real-time pricing information and premiums over spot prices available on their website, ensuring that there are no hidden fees or surprises.
In addition to their competitive prices, APMEX also offers discounts for specific payment methods. For instance, if you choose to pay with a paper check, eCheck, bank wire, or trade, you’ll receive a 4% discount. Such incentives make APMEX a competitive choice among online gold dealers.
When it comes to shipping, BGASC has a fee structure that starts at $5.95, but they offer free shipping for orders exceeding $5,000. APMEX, on the other hand, offers free shipping for orders exceeding $199, adding to the savings for customers.
Online Shopping Experience
The ease of the shopping experience is a key aspect of any online gold dealer. Both APMEX and BGASC have made efforts to ensure their websites are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
BGASC allows users to easily navigate their product catalog, choose items, and proceed with a simple online ordering process. APMEX, while offering a similar user-friendly experience, also provides comprehensive guides on investing in precious metals, determining investment amounts, and considering various types, to assist both novice and seasoned investors in making well-informed decisions.
In addition to a user-friendly website and educational resources, APMEX also offers a QuickShip® program. This service is designed to ensure the processing and shipping of eligible orders within one business day, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the online shopping experience for customers.
Such features make APMEX a top choice for those looking to buy gold and silver online.
Customer Service and Support
Especially in the precious metals industry where transactions often involve valuable assets, customer service and support are vital aspects of any business. Both APMEX and BGASC demonstrate a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. APMEX, for instance, has an impressive 4.9 overall satisfaction rating derived from over 210,000 customer reviews on their site. They also offer a comprehensive customer support framework, including a 24/7 helpline and chat support, to serve their global clientele.
BGASC, while not as highly rated as APMEX, still strives to provide quality customer service. They have protocols in place to train their staff, incorporate feedback, and deliver responsive service to promptly address queries. However, it’s worth noting that BGASC has been known to experience difficulties during peak hours, resulting in extended wait times.
On the other hand, APMEX seems to handle a variety of inquiries more effectively, with a team of professionals accessible for live support via phone, providing guidance and expert advice.
Shipping and Delivery Policies
Both APMEX and BGASC have policies in place for shipping and delivery, ensuring the safe and prompt arrival of your precious metals. As a bonus, each company offers free shipping for orders exceeding $199, which is a nice perk for those making larger purchases.
Security during shipment is also a priority for both companies. BGASC offers the following security measures:
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Packages all orders discreetly to uphold privacy and prevent theft
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Offers various shipping options, including fully insured delivery
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Requires a signature upon delivery for orders over $1,000, providing an extra layer of security for your precious metals.
Security and Reliability
Besides shipping, both APMEX and BGASC place the utmost importance on the security and reliability of transactions and personal information. Both companies prioritize security and have implemented suitable measures to safeguard customer transactions and personal information. However, specific details about these measures are not explicitly outlined in the available search results.
When it comes to order fulfillment and customer information protection, APMEX demonstrates reliability with established order policies to safeguard customers and facilitate a seamless purchasing process. Furthermore, APMEX prioritizes the privacy and security of personal information, ensuring that your sensitive details are protected.
BGASC also prioritizes customer data security and order processing reliability. They utilize an automated system that restricts order modification after placement, ensuring that your order is processed accurately and efficiently. Furthermore, BGASC employs SSL encryption to safeguard sensitive information during online transactions, providing an additional layer of security for your personal and financial information.
Buyback Programs and Policies
Both APMEX and BGASC offer buyback programs for when you decide to sell your precious metals back. To sell back to APMEX, you initiate the process by requesting a quote on their website, and then follow up with specific details over the phone. BGASC, on the other hand, requires customers wishing to sell back to reach out to their customer support for further information.
The terms and conditions for APMEX’s buyback program are not explicitly outlined in the available search results. However, the company does ensure customer satisfaction through a policy for refunds, returns, and exchanges on all their products, including bullion. This provides peace of mind for customers, knowing that they have some flexibility and protection in their transactions.
Ratings, Reviews, and Reputation
Both APMEX and BGASC have a strong standing in the precious metals industry in terms of ratings, reviews, and reputation. The reputation of a gold dealer is the foremost criterion for evaluating and comparing gold dealers, and both APMEX and BGASC are recognized for their trustworthiness and exceptional customer satisfaction.
BGASC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating its robust standing in the industry. Customers have also expressed their appreciation for BGASC’s transparent pricing strategy and have acknowledged the prompt and secure delivery system. However, some customers have expressed frustration regarding shipping fees.
On the other hand, APMEX demonstrates a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by:
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Their impressive 4.9 overall satisfaction rating derived from over 210,000 customer reviews on their site
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Their extensive product range
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Competitive pricing
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Excellent customer service
These factors solidify their position as the best online gold dealer, leading the industry among the best online gold dealers.
Investment Options: Gold IRAs and Storage Services
Both APMEX and BGASC offer Gold IRAs and storage services as additional investment options. These services can provide a secure and IRS-compliant method for investing in precious metals, adding diversity to your investment portfolio and potentially providing protection against economic fluctuations.
APMEX offers assistance in establishing and overseeing IRA or 401K investments in gold and silver, ensuring that the gold meets the minimum purity standard of 99.5%. On the other hand, BGASC provides precious metals IRAs with competitive pricing to meet the needs of retirement investments.
For those worried about the safekeeping of their precious metals, APMEX offers access to Citadel. Citadel is a fully insured and specialized storage facility supported by Brink’s Global Services, providing investors with peace of mind knowing that their valuable assets are securely stored.
Pros and Cons of APMEX and BGASC
Your specific needs and preferences will determine whether you choose APMEX or BGASC as your preferred precious metals dealer. If you’re a collector or numismatist in search of a variety of unique coins, BGASC might be the right choice for you. They are acknowledged for their proficiency in addressing coin-related needs, making them a viable choice for collectors and numismatists.
APMEX offers:
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An extensive range of products, including exclusive collections and collaborations with globally recognized mints
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Comprehensive educational resources
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A user-friendly online shopping experience
However, their pricing may not be as competitive as BGASC, especially for smaller purchases.
Regardless of which company you choose, both APMEX and BGASC are reputable dealers with strong customer service, secure transactions, and a variety of products and services, making them both excellent choices for your precious metals needs.
Summary
In conclusion, both APMEX and BGASC provide a range of products and services that cater to different investment needs and preferences. Whether you’re a novice investor, a seasoned numismatist, or somewhere in between, both companies have something to offer. With their commitment to customer service, secure transactions, and wide product range, it’s clear why they are considered two of the leading precious metals dealers in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bgasc reputable?
Yes, BGASC is considered a reputable dealer in the precious metals industry, offering a wide range of products and a positive purchasing experience.
Does APMEX sell fake gold?
No, APMEX takes extensive measures to test and verify the authenticity of every Gold and Silver bar and coin they sell.
Is it good to buy gold from APMEX?
Yes, it is good to buy gold from APMEX, as they are a credible and reliable precious metal exchange with a team of experts who vet their products.
How credible is APMEX?
APMEX is highly credible, with over 20 years in business and a team of expert numismatists vetting their products. They are considered one of the most reliable precious metal exchanges in the country.
What distinguishes APMEX’s product range from BGASC?
APMEX’s exclusive collections and collaborations with globally recognized mints distinguish their product range from BGASC.