APMEX vs Orion Metal Exchange: An In-Depth Comparison

Investing in precious metals is an effective strategy to safeguard your wealth and diversify your portfolio. As the allure of gold, silver, and other precious metals continues to rise, companies like APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange have emerged as trusted players in this thriving industry. In this comprehensive comparison of APMEX vs Orion Metal Exchange, we aim to shed light on these two leading companies, helping investors navigate the precious metals market with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways

Exploring APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange

gold, bars, exhibition

Prominently known as American Precious Metals Exchange, APMEX is a name that resonates with investors in the precious metals market. Renowned for its extensive range of investment products, APMEX is a precious metals company that has carved a niche in the industry. From gold and silver bullion to rare coins, the American Precious Metals Exchange caters to a wide array of investor preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a novice in the gold market, APMEX’s offerings include:

APMEX’s transparent pricing and diverse offerings make it a favored choice for many.

Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, is a newer entrant in the precious metals industry but has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional services. Specializing in the sale of precious metals and precious metal IRAs, Orion Metal Exchange has positioned itself as one of the top gold dealers. Orion Metal’s offerings are not limited to gold; they also include a range of precious metal coins, making them a versatile choice for investors.

Whether you’re looking to buy gold or diversify with silver platinum and palladium, along with other precious metals, Orion Metal Exchange’s offerings include:

Orion Metal Exchange’s transparent pricing and stellar customer experience make them a reliable choice.

Product Range Showdown: APMEX vs Orion Metal Exchange

gold, coins, bullions

When it comes to product range, both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange do not disappoint. APMEX provides a diverse array of gold products, including gold bars, coins, and other precious metal items. Their assortment spans across ancient and medieval coins to lunars, foil notes, and other distinctive items suitable for IRA investments and collectors. This wide product range ensures that investors with varying preferences can find something that aligns with their investment goals.

Orion Metal Exchange also offers a range of precious metal products, such as gold American Eagles, as well as precious metal coins from the U.S., Britain, and Canada. Just like APMEX, Orion Metal Exchange ensures the authenticity and quality of their products by procuring their gold from reputable gold dealers, mints, and suppliers. This dedication to product quality indicates that when you’re investing with either APMEX or Orion Metal Exchange, you’re choosing quality, authenticity, and variety.

Pricing and Fees: A Clear Breakdown

accounting, report, credit card

Investors must grasp the pricing structure and fee breakdown of precious metals companies. The markup for gold bullion can vary significantly among gold IRA companies, with prices per ounce ranging from $100 to nearly $650 above the average market price measured by the COMEX gold futures market. This information is vital for investors to consider while comparing the pricing structures of APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange.

JM Bullion, for instance, sets itself apart by implementing a fee structure that includes only a slight premium above the spot price, making it one of the most competitive rates in the silver gold bull market. On the other hand, Metalsmart asserts that consumers can achieve savings of up to 15% on their acquisition of gold and silver in the precious metals market by fostering a competitive environment that compels dealers to vie for their patronage. This comparison not only sheds light on the pricing structures of these companies but also highlights the importance of competitive pricing in the precious metals market.

Navigating Gold IRA Services

gold, bullion, ing

APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange prominently offer precious metals IRAs services, including Gold IRA. These services encompass tax-advantaged individual retirement accounts that facilitate the buying, selling, and holding of gold and other precious metals. The APMEX Gold IRA, for instance, is designed to cater to individuals seeking to incorporate precious metals into their retirement savings.

Setting up a gold IRA usually requires a minimum investment ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange provide assistance with account setup and management, making sure that customers understand their choices and can make informed decisions. In addition, they offer support during the rollover process, helping clients seamlessly transition their existing retirement accounts into gold IRAs while ensuring compliance with all procedures and regulations.

Such services underscore the commitment of both companies to provide comprehensive and transparent gold IRA services.

Customer Experience: Service and Support

Like any business, APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange also prioritize customer service. APMEX offers customer service through phone and email, while Orion Metal Exchange provides support via a contact form on their website for those interested in investing in physical gold and other precious metals.

In terms of responsiveness, APMEX’s customer service is accessible from Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST). On the other hand, Orion Metal Exchange strives to address customer service inquiries within 24 hours. This comparison indicates that both companies prioritize customer service and are committed to addressing customer queries promptly.

Storage Solutions and Security

portugal, lisbon, money

APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer secure storage solutions for precious metals. APMEX offers storage options through Citadel Global Depository Services, ensuring that gold and silver investments are safely stored. In addition to this, they implement 24/7 video surveillance, restricted access, and comprehensive protection against physical loss, theft, or damage to ensure the security of precious metals in their storage facilities.

Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, does not explicitly mention its storage solutions but focuses on providing a range of precious metal products. However, both companies understand the importance of segregated storage options, which provide increased security by maintaining separate storage for each client’s assets, thereby ensuring individual accountability and safety for investors’ holdings.

Educational Resources and Investor Guidance

A deep understanding of the market is necessary for investing in precious metals. Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer educational resources to help their clients make informed decisions. APMEX provides Learning Guides that encompass the history, science, and information about Gold and Silver, along with a guide on Precious Metal investing.

The Learning Guides cover topics such as the history of gold and silver, the scientific properties of precious metals, and comprehensive information on precious metal investing. These resources empower investors with the knowledge to make well-informed investment choices.

While Orion Metal Exchange does not explicitly mention its educational resources, it does offer a platform designed to assist investors in finding suitable precious metals products for their IRAs, which can serve as an educational tool for clients.

Online Presence and User Interface

Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer mobile-friendly online experiences and user interfaces. APMEX ensures a smooth online experience by providing a mobile-friendly website and a downloadable mobile app. On the other hand, Orion Metal Exchange’s mobile platform has received high praise for its user-friendly interface and interactive features.

APMEX’s website improves user experience by offering various interactive features such as an easy-to-use portfolio tool, price alerts, and wish lists. This user-friendly experience extends to Orion Metal Exchange as well, which has been intentionally designed to be user-friendly and easily navigable, with a specific focus on meeting the needs of precious metal investors.

Reputation and Industry Standing

The reputation and industry standing of a precious metals company significantly influence the choice of investors. APMEX has been accredited by BBB since 2004 and has generally received favorable ratings. However, some negative reviews express customer dissatisfaction with their purchases, indicating that there is room for improvement. Despite this, APMEX is generally perceived favorably in terms of reliability and trustworthiness, as demonstrated by their A+ Better Business Bureau rating and a 98% customer satisfaction rating.

Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, has been acknowledged as a leading full-service precious metals firm by Consumer Affairs and Retirement Living for four consecutive years, demonstrating their esteemed position in the industry. This comparison indicates that both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange uphold a strong reputation in the industry, with each company demonstrating unique strengths.

Transparency in Transactions

In the precious metals industry, transaction transparency is of utmost importance. Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange prioritize this aspect, ensuring that investors are provided with comprehensive information regarding pricing, fees, and the investment process. APMEX ensures transparency in its transactions by verifying transaction details, such as shipping and payment information, through email. They also make buy prices for many products available on their website and offer real-time bid and ask prices without hidden fees.

Orion Metal Exchange also upholds transaction transparency through a policy of full disclosure and provides live online product purchase pricing. The markup for gold bullion can range from $100 to almost $650 above the average market price. This measurement is based on the COMEX gold futures market. This comparison underscores the commitment of both companies to provide transparent transactions, enabling investors to make well-informed decisions.

Company History and Track Record

Insights into the growth and success of APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange can be gained by understanding their company history and track record. Here are some notable milestones:

Orion Metal Exchange:

This comparison reveals the unique histories of both companies and their track records in the precious metals industry.

Investment Flexibility: Coins vs Bars

APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer a range of options for investment flexibility. APMEX provides a diverse array of gold products, including gold coins and other precious metal items. These offerings ensure that investors with varying preferences can find something that aligns with their investment goals.

Orion Metal Exchange also offers a range of gold coins, such as the 2017 Gold Royal Canadian Mint Grizzly Bear, 2015 Gold Royal Canadian Mint Polar Bear & Cub, and 2016 Gold Royal Canadian. The selection between gold coins, silver coins, or bars is influenced by individual investment goals and preferences, as they cater to different strategies and needs. Whether you prefer coins or bars, both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange provide the flexibility to choose the investment that suits your needs.

Accessibility for New Investors

When selecting a precious metals company, the accessibility for new investors is a significant consideration. APMEX requires a minimum investment of $1,000 (USD), enhancing accessibility for new investors with limited capital. They also offer the opportunity to establish recurring purchases via their AutoInvest program as part of the account setup process for new investors.

Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, imposes a higher minimum purchase requirement of $10,000. However, they provide a platform that is designed to be easily accessible and accommodating for both experienced and new investors, ensuring a user-friendly experience. This comparison reveals that both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange prioritize accessibility for new investors, but they take different approaches to achieve this goal.

Commitment to Ethical Practices

In the precious metals industry, ethical practices hold significant importance. Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices in their operations. APMEX adheres to the LBMA Good Delivery List standards for quality, authenticity, and ethical sourcing. They also prioritize environmental stewardship by implementing sustainable practices.

Orion Metal Exchange:

This comparison underscores the commitment of both companies to uphold ethical practices in their operations.

Special Offers and Incentives

Attracting and retaining clients can be significantly influenced by special offers and incentives. APMEX offers a range of incentives and promotions, such as:

Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, retains its clients by offering incentives tailored to customers seeking to safeguard their wealth and broaden their investment portfolios. They also provide supplementary incentives such as complimentary gold and silver for eligible purchases and a buy-back policy without fees. These special offers and incentives demonstrate the commitment of both companies to provide value to their clients.

Rollover Process and Assistance

In gold IRA services, the rollover process plays a major role. Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange provide assistance during this process, helping clients transition their existing retirement accounts into gold IRAs. The rollover process for APMEX entails receiving funds from a 401(k) directly and transferring them into a Gold IRA within a designated time period. APMEX provides support to clients interested in transferring or rolling over an existing IRA or former employer 401(k) into a Precious Metals IRA.

Orion Metal Exchange provides the following services:

This comparison reveals that both companies prioritize client support during the rollover process, ensuring a seamless transition for their clients.

Shipping and Delivery Protocols

Understanding the shipping and delivery protocols is vital when investing in precious metals. APMEX applies a shipping fee of $9.95 for orders below $199 and guarantees full insurance for each package. They dispatch their orders through Registered/Insured U.S. Mail & UPS, with an average delivery time of 1-10 business days, and furnish customers with a tracking number upon shipment.

On the other hand, Orion Metal Exchange provides insured shipments with varying additional shipping fees based on the method and destination, with a flat rate of $39.00. They also provide insured home delivery with advanced security protocols and supply tracking numbers, enabling customers to monitor their parcels until delivery. This comparison reveals that both companies prioritize secure and timely delivery of their products.

International Operations and Global Reach

A precious metals company’s international operations and global reach are of great importance. APMEX has a presence in over 60 countries globally, facilitating their ability to serve a wider audience. They also provide international shipping to cater to customers beyond their domestic borders, using FedEx International Economy or UPS Worldwide Expedited for their international shipments.

Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, exclusively offers its services within the United States. This comparison indicates that while APMEX has a wider global reach, Orion Metal Exchange focuses on serving customers within the United States.

Customization of Precious Metals Portfolios

The ability to customize your investment portfolio is essential when investing in precious metals. APMEX provides a complimentary portfolio tool enabling investors to create and oversee their personalized Precious Metals portfolio. They also employ dollar cost averaging to allocate investments at regular intervals.

Orion Metal Exchange offers:

This comparison reveals that both companies offer a range of customization options for precious metals portfolios, catering to the unique needs and preferences of their clients.

Diversification Opportunities

Diversification, a key investment strategy, helps manage risk and enhance returns. Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange provide opportunities for diversification in precious metals investments.

APMEX offers a diverse array of gold products, including:

These offerings ensure that investors with varying preferences can find something that aligns with their investment goals.

Orion Metal Exchange also provides a variety of precious metals products, such as gold and silver, to facilitate diversification. This comparison indicates that both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange provide ample opportunities for diversification, helping investors to manage risk and improve their returns.

Exit Strategies and Buyback Policies

When investing, it’s essential to understand a precious metals company’s exit strategies and buyback policies. APMEX’s buyback policy entails a minimum buyback amount of $1,000 (USD) and excludes raw ungraded pennies or jewelry items. They also do not impose any charges for its buyback policy.

On the other hand, Orion Metal Exchange provides a no-fee buyback policy that guarantees the market value for metals. Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange ascertain the market value of metals for their buyback policies by considering the market value at the time of sale.

This comparison sheds light on the exit strategies and buyback policies of both companies, providing investors with valuable information to consider when making their investment decisions.

Handling Market Volatility

In precious metals investing, coping with market volatility is of serious concern. APMEX employs Dollar Cost Averaging as an investment strategy to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations when investing in assets such as platinum and silver. They also provide resources to their clients to assist in managing market volatility, including market price alerts, auto-investing options, and insights on gold ETFs.

Orion Metal Exchange offers the following benefits:

This comparison indicates that both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange have strategies in place to manage market volatility, helping their clients to navigate fluctuations in precious metals prices.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The offerings and services of a precious metals company can be significantly enhanced through partnerships and collaborations. APMEX’s primary industry partners include PCGS, Corvette, and Scottsdale Mint, all of whom contribute to the expansion of APMEX’s offerings and services. They also expanded their market reach through a successful partnership with Conductor, which increased traffic to their price pages by 700% in 90 days.

On the other hand, Orion Metal Exchange benefits from partnerships with industry players by providing access to a broader selection of precious metals for customers to invest in, as well as improving their service offerings with added options such as storage, insurance, and custodial partnerships.

This comparison reveals the significant role of partnerships and collaborations in enhancing the offerings and services of both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange.

Innovations in Precious Metals Trading

Clients’ investment experience can be enhanced through innovations in precious metals trading. APMEX has recently introduced new coins like the Tiger Shark: Last Shark Series Coin and Bread & Betrayal: The Last Supper. These unique offerings demonstrate APMEX’s commitment to innovation and their ability to adapt their offerings to meet evolving investor preferences.

Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, offers a specialized platform designed to assist investors in finding suitable precious metals products for their IRAs. This platform is an example of how Orion Metal Exchange leverages technology to improve the investment experience for their clients.

This comparison reveals that both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange are committed to introducing innovations in precious metals trading.

Responsiveness to Economic Trends

A precious metals company’s responsiveness to economic trends is of utmost importance. APMEX takes into account a range of factors, including:

They customize their offerings and tactics to meet evolving investor requirements and market dynamics.

Orion Metal Exchange adjusts its strategy by analyzing factors that may impact the future prices of precious metals, such as impending real estate collapse and recession warning signs. They use this analysis to emphasize the stability and wealth preservation aspects of precious metals. This comparison indicates that both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange are responsive to economic trends and can adapt their offerings accordingly.

Loyalty Programs and Long-Term Benefits

Attracting and retaining clients can be significantly impacted by loyalty programs and long-term benefits. APMEX offers a diverse array of benefits and services to its clientele, such as a lifelong membership to the Bullion Club with exclusive offers and flash sales. Clients who are granted The Bullion Card also gain membership to the Elite Club and receive supplementary exclusive benefits.

On the other hand, Orion Metal Exchange provides rewards for customers seeking to safeguard their wealth and broaden their investment portfolios. This comparison reveals that both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer a range of loyalty programs and long-term benefits for their clients.

Summary

In conclusion, both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange stand out as reputable companies in the precious metals industry, each with its unique strengths and offerings. From product range and pricing to customer service and ethical practices, both companies demonstrate a commitment to quality and transparency. While APMEX offers a wider global reach and a diverse array of products, Orion Metal Exchange stands out for its specialized services and user-friendly platform. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual investment preferences and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the most reputable precious metal dealer?

The most reputable precious metal dealers include JM Bullion, American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX), and American Hartford Gold, as they are known for their trustworthiness and reliability.

Is it safe to buy gold from APMEX?

Yes, it is safe to buy gold from APMEX. With over 20 years in business and a strong reputation, APMEX is considered one of the most credible and reliable precious metal exchanges. They have a Shopper Approved® rating of 4.9 out of five stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

What is the minimum investment for APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange?

The minimum investment for APMEX is $1,000 (USD) and for Orion Metal Exchange it is $10,000. Consider these requirements when deciding where to invest.

Do APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer storage solutions for precious metals investments?

Yes, both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer storage solutions for precious metals investments, making it convenient for investors to securely store their assets.

What are the exit strategies and buyback policies of APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange?

Both APMEX and Orion Metal Exchange offer buyback policies, with APMEX requiring a minimum buyback amount of $1,000 (USD) and Orion Metal Exchange providing a no-fee buyback policy that guarantees the market value for metals.

John Carphatian
Editor , Carphatian Gold
https://www.amazon.com/John-Carpathian/e/B0B48L2J3H
john@carpathiangold.com

Related posts:

  1. Orion Metal Exchange vs Blanchard Company: Comparing Precious Metals Dealers
  2. Regal Assets vs Oxford Gold Group: Unbiased Showdown
  3. Gold IRA vs Gold ETF: Navigating Your Best Precious Metal Investment Path
  4. Are American Gold Eagles a Good Investment Choice?