APMEX vs Blanchard Company: Which to Choose?
If you’re weighing the options of APMEX vs Blanchard Company for your next precious metals purchase, you’re likely looking for clear differences in their pricing, product ranges, storage fees, and customer service. We’ve distilled these key factors into a straightforward comparison that equips you with the essentials to choose the company that best fits your investment strategy.
Key Takeaways
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APMEX offers a wide range of precious metals, including unique copper products with a strong online presence, but faces criticism for less competitive pricing compared to other dealers like JM Bullion.
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Blanchard Company has a rich history and specializes in personalized services for gold and silver bullion, as well as American numismatic rarities, although detailed customer satisfaction data is less accessible.
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Both APMEX and Blanchard Company provide secure storage options, with APMEX using Citadel Global Depository Services and Blanchard offering multiple secure storage solutions with a variable fee structure.
Comparing APMEX and Blanchard Company: An Overview
In the vast sea of precious metals dealers, APMEX and Blanchard Company stand out as prominent players. Both renowned for their wide range of products and significant industry presence, these companies cater to a diverse clientele of precious metal enthusiasts and investors. However, the two companies differ in their approach and customer experiences, as evidenced by various customer reviews and feedback.
APMEX has received praise for its extensive product selection, which uniquely includes copper products. Their robust online presence enhances customer accessibility. Despite these strengths, some customers have found their pricing less competitive than that of JM Bullion and other competitors.
On the other hand, Blanchard Company’s customer satisfaction ratings are not as readily available, making it a bit difficult to compare the two on this front. However, they are known to offer a personalized selection of gold and silver bullion, as well as rare coins, catering to both collectors and investors.
APMEX Background
Established in 2000, APMEX has grown to become a reputable online bullion dealer. With an extensive product offering and a significant online influence, APMEX has positioned itself as a go-to resource for investors and collectors alike. Their influence extends beyond their product range, as they are recognized for their active online presence, which serves as a valuable resource for precious metals enthusiasts.
APMEX’s journey from its inception to its current standing as a prominent eCommerce retailer within the Precious Metals sector is a testament to their commitment to offering a diverse product range and reliable customer service. This commitment is reflected in the customer feedback, with many appreciating the wide variety of offerings, including precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and even copper.
Blanchard Company Background
Blanchard Company, on the other hand, boasts a significant historical background. Founded by Jim Blanchard and Donald Doyle on January 1, 1979, the company has its roots dating back to before 1895 in Cambridge, MA. Today, they operate from their headquarters in Escondido, CA, serving a wide range of customers with their precious metals needs.
With a product range as rich as its history, Blanchard Company caters to both investors and collectors, specializing in:
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gold
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silver
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platinum
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palladium
Their offering of American numismatic rarities further reinforces their status as a top-tier precious metals dealer in the industry.
Precious Metals Offered by APMEX and Blanchard Company
Both APMEX and Blanchard Company offer a wide range of precious metals for investment, including:
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gold
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silver
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platinum
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palladium
These offerings allow investors to diversify their portfolios and hedge against market volatility. While both companies offer a wide variety of products, there are subtle differences in their offerings that can influence an investor’s choice.
APMEX is known for its extensive product range. Investors can choose from a wide variety of gold bullion and coins, as well as platinum and palladium products. On the other hand, Blanchard Company specializes in gold and silver bullion, along with American numismatic rarities. This specialized focus might appeal to investors with specific interests in these metals.
Gold Bullion and Coins
When it comes to gold, both APMEX and Blanchard Company offer diverse selections. APMEX provides a variety of gold bullion bars, investor coins, and collectibles from reputable mints. Blanchard Company, on the other hand, focuses not only on gold and silver bullion but also on rare coins. This presents a customized selection for both collectors and investors, catering to a wide range of preferences and investment goals.
Gold bullion and coins have a long-standing reputation in the investment world. They offer:
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A tangible asset that is easily tradable
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A reliable store of value
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Historically, gold has acted as a hedge against inflation, increasing in value during inflationary periods
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High liquidity and portability
These factors make gold bullion and coins a preferred choice for many investors.
Silver Bullion and Coins
Silver, often considered the accessible cousin of gold, is another popular choice among precious metal investors. APMEX provides an extensive selection of silver bullion, including silver bars, rounds, and coins from various reputable mints. The silver inventory at APMEX is commendably diverse, with thousands of different products to choose from.
Blanchard Company, on the other hand, offers silver bullion in the form of rounds crafted from .999 fine silver and the American Silver Eagle, which consists of one troy ounce of .999 fine silver. They also provide a wide range of investment-grade silver coins and bars, with weights ranging from 1 to 100 oz. This diverse selection caters to a broad spectrum of investor preferences, making Blanchard Company a competitive choice for silver investments.
Platinum and Palladium Products
Venturing beyond gold and silver, both APMEX and Blanchard Company offer platinum and palladium products. APMEX offers a variety of platinum bars from well-known producers like Credit Suisse, Valcambi, and Johnson Matthey, along with platinum coins from countries such as Australia, China, the Isle of Man, and Switzerland. Additionally, they provide a range of palladium products, including palladium bullion, Palladium American Eagle coins, as well as palladium bars and rounds.
Blanchard Company offers a selection of precious metals, including:
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Platinum products, including coins and bars, with a particular emphasis on their 1 oz platinum bars
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Platinum and palladium coins and bars
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Plans to introduce new palladium products in the near future
This commitment to variety makes Blanchard Company a competitive choice for investors looking to diversify their precious metals portfolio, with options like Rosland Capital providing additional avenues for investment.
Pricing and Transparency: APMEX vs Blanchard Company
Pricing and transparency are crucial factors when choosing a precious metals investment partner. APMEX provides transparent pricing with live spot prices on their website. However, there have been customer complaints regarding their pricing, suggesting that while their transparency is commendable, their pricing may not always be competitive. In contrast, Blanchard Company is recognized for its competitive pricing and transparent transactions, contributing to their high level of customer satisfaction.
While both companies have a commitment to transparency, the approach varies. APMEX’s pricing is based on live spot prices, but some customers have reported dissatisfaction with their pricing structure.
On the other hand, Blanchard Company maintains full transparency about their pricing, policies, procedures, and data, ensuring customers are fully informed before making a purchase.
APMEX Pricing and Transparency
APMEX ensures transparent pricing by monitoring the price of gold per ounce on their live Gold Spot Price page, which is updated regularly to reflect current market prices. However, despite this transparency, there have been complaints regarding their pricing, as some customers have found it to be higher compared to other dealers in the industry.
In response to customer complaints, APMEX has shown a commitment to resolving disputes related to their services or products. They provide a dedicated customer service number and are affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, collaborating with them to settle any disputes. This proactive approach to addressing customer concerns further solidifies their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Blanchard Company Pricing and Transparency
Blanchard Company, on the other hand, ensures pricing transparency by providing customers with the spot prices of precious metals on their website. They also provide comprehensive price breakdowns for their products, ensuring customers are fully informed before making a purchase. This commitment to transparency is reflected in their competitive pricing and high level of customer satisfaction.
Blanchard’s fee structure for storage varies based on the value of assets and can be acquired directly from the company. This approach allows for flexibility and caters to a wide range of investor needs. This transparent pricing, along with their diverse product range and secure storage options, contributes to their reputation as a reliable precious metals dealer.
Storage Fees and Secure Storage Options
Storage is another crucial aspect to consider when investing in physical precious metals. Both APMEX and Blanchard Company offer secure storage options for precious metals. APMEX provides competitive storage fees through Citadel, its storage partner, while Blanchard Company offers various secure storage options at reasonable fees for different investors.
APMEX provides secure storage services through Citadel Global Depository Services for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. While the specific storage fees are not explicitly listed on their website, they assert to offer low annual fees. In contrast, Blanchard Company provides a variety of secure storage solutions, such as safe deposit boxes, advanced depositories, and international storage options. The fee structure for storage varies based on the value of assets and can be acquired directly from Blanchard Company.
APMEX Storage Fees and Options
Through Citadel Global Depository Services, a wholly owned subsidiary, APMEX offers a variety of high-security storage options for precious metals. These storage facilities are designed to ensure the security of stored precious metals, providing comprehensive protection against physical loss, theft, or damage. This service offers a superior level of security compared to bank safe deposit boxes, which do not provide insurance for the contents.
Additionally, APMEX offers both domestic and international storage facilities for precious metals through Citadel Global Depository Services. This enables customers from all over the world to securely store their precious metals and access them with ease. The storage fees for these services are competitive and are based on the total value of the stored assets.
Blanchard Company Storage Fees and Options
Alternatively, Blanchard Company offers a wide array of storage options for precious metals, ranging from home or business safekeeping to secure storage facilities located across the nation. These options cater to different needs and preferences, allowing customers to choose a storage solution that best suits them.
Blanchard Company’s storage fees for precious metals amount to $100 per year, with a scaled rate based on the total value of the stored assets. They provide secure storage options such as safe deposit boxes and advanced depositories to guarantee the security and confidentiality of stored precious metals. However, unlike APMEX, Blanchard Company does not offer insurance policies for the storage of precious metals.
Customer Service and Support: APMEX vs Blanchard Company
Customer service and support is another important factor to consider when choosing a precious metals investment partner. APMEX offers reliable customer service, addressing customer concerns and queries promptly. They are operational from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST), and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EST), and they also offer a live chat feature for customer assistance.
In comparison, Blanchard Company also provides robust customer support through phone calls, a knowledge base for self-service, and live technical support options. They operate from 8:30am to 6:00pm EST, Monday-Thursday, and 8:30am to 5:30pm EST on Fridays, and strive to reply to emails within a timeframe of less than 30 minutes. This commitment to customer support and prompt response times contributes to their high customer satisfaction ratings.
APMEX Customer Service and Support
APMEX offers reliable customer service and support, including:
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Promptly addressing and resolving customer concerns and inquiries
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Customer service representatives who undergo training in precious metals knowledge, enabling them to effectively assist customers with their inquiries
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Operational hours that accommodate customer needs
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A commitment to customer satisfaction that is reflected in the training their representatives undergo
In response to customer complaints, APMEX has shown a commitment to resolving disputes related to their services or products. They provide a dedicated customer service number and are affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, collaborating with them to settle any disputes. This proactive approach to addressing customer concerns further solidifies their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Blanchard Company Customer Service and Support
Conversely, Blanchard Company is recognized for:
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Its customized customer service
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Its knowledgeable advice
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The Legendary Service® customer service program, which instructs their managers and service providers on the consistent delivery of exemplary service to customers
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Expert guidance on investments in precious metals.
Feedback from clients regarding Blanchard Company’s customer service indicates a mix of opinions, with some expressing appreciation for the great service and efficient transactions, while others have voiced concerns about the overall rating and purchasing experience. Despite these mixed reviews, Blanchard Company’s commitment to providing personalized service and expert advice demonstrates their dedication to ensuring a positive customer experience.
Precious Metals IRAs: APMEX vs Blanchard Company
When it comes to precious metals IRA services, both APMEX and Blanchard Company have offerings that appeal to different types of investors. APMEX offers Precious Metal IRA services, such as Gold and Silver IRA investing, and maintains relationships with industry-leading IRA custodians. On the other hand, Blanchard Company’s emphasis on offering extensive precious metals IRA services, especially in gold and silver investments, could be considered a specialized approach that might attract specific investors.
However, it’s worth noting that there are potential drawbacks and advantages to using both APMEX and Blanchard Company for Precious Metals IRAs. While APMEX’s affiliations with top IRA custodians in the industry could be advantageous, some customers have reported issues, resulting in complaints about their IRA services. On the other hand, Blanchard Company’s comprehensive services come without higher fees for purchases directed to an IRA account, making them a potentially more affordable choice.
APMEX Precious Metals IRA Services
APMEX offers a variety of IRA services for precious metals, ideal for investors looking to add physical bullion to their retirement portfolios. They offer Gold and Silver IRA investing and have established partnerships with reputable custodians such as GoldStar Trust Company and the Entrust Group to support their IRA services.
However, there have been some complaints regarding APMEX’s IRA services. While they have shown a commitment to resolving these issues, potential customers should take note and consider these factors when choosing APMEX for their Precious Metals IRA.
Blanchard Company Precious Metals IRA Services
In contrast, Blanchard Company provides gold as a feasible choice for individuals looking to include precious metals in their IRA. They offer competitive pricing, personalized service from a dedicated IRA Specialist, and no higher fees for purchases directed to an IRA account. These factors make Blanchard Company a suitable choice for many investors.
However, when compared to competitors such as American Hartford Gold, Blanchard Company’s IRA services may not be as comprehensive. They do not offer specific services tailored for IRA accounts nor do they manage IRA accounts themselves. This may be an important consideration for investors looking for a more hands-off approach to their IRA.
Summary
In conclusion, both APMEX and Blanchard Company offer a wide range of precious metals products, competitive pricing, secure storage options, and robust customer service. While APMEX has a broader product range and significant online presence, their pricing has been a point of contention for some customers. On the other hand, Blanchard Company’s emphasis on personalized service and expert advice, coupled with competitive pricing and transparent transactions, makes them an attractive choice for many investors. Ultimately, the choice between APMEX and Blanchard Company will depend on individual investor needs and preferences. We hope this comparison has provided valuable insights to guide your decision-making process in choosing the best precious metals investment partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alternative to APMEX?
An alternative to APMEX is JM Bullion, Inc., which offers a wide range of gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins and bars with fast and secure shipping at competitive prices.
How reputable is APMEX?
APMEX is highly reputable and has been in business for over 20 years, making them one of the country’s most credible and reliable precious metal exchanges. Their “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive customer reviews confirm their legitimacy and trustworthiness.
Is APMEX silver real?
Yes, APMEX silver is real and undergoes rigorous testing for authenticity.
Does APMEX guarantee authenticity?
Yes, APMEX does guarantee the authenticity of every Gold and Silver bar and coin purchased on the secondary market, ensuring that every item sold is genuine and contains the advertised weight, fineness, and purity.
Which company offers a wider range of precious metals products?
APMEX offers a wider range of precious metals products, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper.
