Orion Metal Exchange vs Blanchard Company: Comparing Precious Metals Dealers
Deciding between Orion Metal Exchange vs Blanchard Company for your precious metals investments? Gain clarity with our head-to-head comparison that cuts through the industry jargon to provide you with straightforward insights on their service quality, product options, fees, and real customer experiences.
Key Takeaways
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Orion Metal Exchange provides a comprehensive suite of precious metal IRA services, emphasizing customer education and offering a diverse product range including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
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Blanchard Company has a longstanding history in precious metals and numismatics, offering a broad set of investment services and a unique catalog of rare coins, alongside traditional precious metal products.
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Both companies have mixed customer feedback, highlight the importance of personalized investor research and due diligence, and do not openly disclose their fee structures on their websites, requiring direct contact for detailed information.
Orion Metal Exchange: A Comprehensive Look
Based in Los Angeles, California, Orion Metal Exchange is a reliable provider of precious metals IRAs. They are known for their dedication to customer education and market analysis. They offer a variety of products including:
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Gold
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Silver
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Platinum
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Palladium
They cater to knowledgeable investors experienced in purchasing, selling, and precious metals investing, specifically with Augusta precious metals and precious metals investments.
Their reputation for exceptional customer service and transparency is backed by thorough research and comprehensive resources.
Services Offered
Orion Metal Exchange, one of the leading gold ira companies, offers the following services:
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Gold IRA investment services
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Diverse array of investment opportunities within the physical precious metals sector
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Insured home delivery of precious metals
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Buyback program
Their focus on customer convenience aims to build trust and facilitate a seamless investment experience.
Their in-house IRA department demonstrates their dedication to customer service, making them the best gold ira company. This department provides valuable assistance to investors, helping them select a suitable precious metals ira custodian for their precious metal ira. Furthermore, their online ordering options for investing in precious metals and gold IRAs, which include sales, exchanges, and secure storage services, make the investment process straightforward and efficient with a top gold ira company.
Product Selection
Orion Metal Exchange presents investors with a broad spectrum of product options. Their offerings span:
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Gold
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Silver
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Platinum
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Palladium
This extensive variety gives investors the flexibility to align their investments with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
In addition to gold and silver bullion, they offer a comprehensive selection of coins and bars for platinum and palladium. Their inventory is regularly refreshed to ensure the availability of the latest products. The variety of options on offer affirms Orion Metal Exchange’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its clientele.
Fees and Charges
Understanding the fee structure is crucial when choosing a precious metals company. However, the fee structure for Orion Metal Exchange is not explicitly outlined on their website. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, individuals interested in investing in precious metals are advised to reach out to Orion Metal Exchange’s representatives directly.
It’s important to note that the costs associated with owning a gold IRA through Orion Metal Exchange are typically higher compared to other asset classes within an IRA. These costs encompass:
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Account management
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Maintenance
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Secure storage
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Insurance
These costs are influenced by the precious metals market.
Customer Feedback
The reputation and service quality of a company can be ascertained through customer feedback. Orion Metal Exchange has received high ratings on various review platforms, including a commendable rating of 4.9 out of 5 on TrustPilot and favorable reviews on Consumer Affairs. Their A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau further attests to their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, a small percentage of reviews on Consumer Affairs are rated below 4 stars. Concerns have been raised regarding unsolicited phone calls and aggressive sales tactics. However, the absence of complaints on the Better Business Bureau website suggests that these instances are the exception, not the norm.
Blanchard Company: An In-Depth Analysis
Blanchard Company, established before 1895 by Jim Blanchard and Donald Doyle, has a long-standing history in the precious metals industry. They offer a broad range of investment services in:
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precious metals
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rare coins
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numismatics
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market analysis tools
Let’s further investigate the unique aspects of Blanchard Company.
Services Offered
The services of Blanchard Company include:
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Precious metals investment
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Wealth building
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Asset management
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Investment portfolio management
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Coin investment, with a specific focus on a variety of investment-grade coins.
Their gold and silver bullion investment services are complemented by personalized services for wealth building and asset management. This comprehensive approach to investment services ensures that investors have a wide spectrum of options to meet their diverse financial needs and goals.
Product Selection
Blanchard Company provides a diverse portfolio of precious metal products, including:
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Gold and silver bullion
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Investment-grade silver coins and bars
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A wide selection of silver bullion coins
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Platinum coins and bars
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Palladium coins and bars
In addition to precious metals, Blanchard Company also offers a range of rare coins, including:
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United States Coins
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Gold Coins
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Dollars
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Early Type
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19th Century Silver Coins
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20th Century Coins
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Modern Coins
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Commemoratives
This unique offering sets Blanchard Company apart from other companies in the precious metals market.
Fees and Charges
Like Orion Metal Exchange, Blanchard Company also doesn’t disclose explicit fee information on their website. As a result, prospective investors are advised to reach out to their representatives for detailed information on their fee structure.
It’s worth noting that, like Orion Metal Exchange, Blanchard Company’s fees are likely to encompass:
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Transaction fees
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Subscription and facilitation fees
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Market data fees
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Post-trade service fees
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Purchase fees
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Storage fees
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Additional fees based on the value of precious metals held in an account.
Customer Feedback
Blanchard Company has received mixed customer feedback. Here are some of the key points:
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Some customers commend their expertise and personalized services
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Others express concerns about aggressive sales tactics and lack of pricing transparency
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On the positive side, Blanchard Company has a high overall satisfaction rate, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from customer reviews.
When it comes to handling customer complaints, Blanchard Company is proactive in addressing the concerns raised. They attentively listen to and comprehend the issue from the customer’s viewpoint, offering an apology and ensuring active engagement in resolving the problem. However, it’s important to note that there have been documented cases of aggressive sales tactics by Blanchard Company.
Comparing Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company
Having explored the offerings of both Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company, we can now proceed to compare them. This comparison will enable us to draw meaningful conclusions and guide you towards making an informed decision that aligns with your investment needs and goals.
Services Comparison
Both Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company offer an array of services within the precious metals industry. Orion Metal Exchange, however, places a greater emphasis on providing a platform for investors to engage in the investment and storage of precious metals. They offer services like:
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an in-house IRA department
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online ordering options for investing in precious metals and gold IRAs
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sales and exchanges
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secure storage services.
On the other hand, Blanchard Company offers a broader range of investment services, including:
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Precious metals investment
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Personalized services for wealth building
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Family protection
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Asset management
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Coin investment with a specific focus on a variety of investment-grade coins.
Product Selection Comparison
Both companies provide a varied range of product options when it comes to selection. Orion Metal Exchange offers a wide array of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products, ensuring that investors have a diverse selection to choose from. In addition to these, they also offer a comprehensive selection of coins and bars for platinum and palladium.
Blanchard Company offers a diverse range of products, including:
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Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products
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Rare coins and collectibles
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Gold and silver bullion
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Investment-grade silver coins and bars
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A wide selection of silver bullion coins
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Platinum and palladium coins and bars
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Rare coins, including United States Coins, Gold Coins, Dollars, Early Type, 19th Century Silver Coins, 20th Century Coins, Modern Coins, and Commemoratives.
Fee Structure Comparison
Regarding fees, both Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company do not disclose explicit fee information on their websites. This suggests that prospective investors will need to reach out to the companies directly to obtain specific details on their respective fee structures.
Comparatively, Orion Metal Exchange imposes an annual storage fee for precious metals and IRA accounts, whereas Blanchard Company’s fees fluctuate based on the value of the assets stored and encompass an initial assessment as well as a small weekly program fee. Both of these fee structures are in line with industry norms.
Customer Review Comparison
Looking at customer reviews, it’s clear that both Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company have garnered mixed responses. Orion Metal Exchange has garnered favorable reviews, achieving a 5-star rating on TrustPilot from 191 reviews and receiving commendations from customers on Yelp regarding the professionalism and courtesy of their staff.
On the other hand, Blanchard Company has garnered some customer complaints, as indicated by various sources, despite the absence of any complaints registered on BBB. However, it’s important to remember that while these negative experiences do exist, they represent a minority of the overall customer feedback.
Making an Informed Decision
After drawing comparisons between Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company, we can now move towards making a well-informed decision. This involves considering a variety of factors, including your personal investment goals and the results of your research and due diligence.
Factors to Consider
Several factors should be considered when selecting a precious metals company. This includes the range of products and services offered, the transparency of the pricing structure, and the company’s reputation as reflected in customer reviews. It’s also crucial to understand how the dealer’s pricing structure works, as this can significantly impact your investment returns.
Verifying a dealer’s credibility is key to ensuring a transparent transaction. This can be done by:
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Checking their accreditation with reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau
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Reading through customer reviews
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Verifying the company’s track record in the industry.
Personal Investment Goals
Your personal investment goals play a significant role in the decision-making process. If your goal is to invest in a diverse range of precious metals, Orion Metal Exchange may be the better choice for you with its extensive range of:
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gold
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silver
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platinum
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palladium products
However, if you are looking to diversify your investment portfolio with rare coins and collectibles, Blanchard Company might be a better fit. They offer a comprehensive range of gold and silver bullion, rare coins, and numismatic rarities, making them suitable for investors with a specific interest in coin collecting.
Research and Due Diligence
Before finalizing your decision, conducting exhaustive research and due diligence on both Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company is of paramount importance. This involves evaluating potential risks associated with responsible sourcing, financial stability, and regulatory compliance.
Enhanced due diligence measures for dealers in precious metals and stones encompass:
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Supplementary procedures aimed at confirming the authenticity of transactions
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Comprehending the context and intent of intricate or unusually substantial transactions
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Ascertaining the true beneficiaries of the transactions
This meticulous process ensures that you can make well-informed decisions that align with your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Summary
In conclusion, both Orion Metal Exchange and Blanchard Company offer valuable services for those interested in investing in precious metals. While Orion Metal Exchange provides a diverse range of precious metals and emphasizes customer education and transparency, Blanchard Company offers a broader range of investment services, including a unique focus on rare coins and collectibles. The choice between the two gold IRA companies ultimately depends on your personal investment goals and the results of your research and due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Orion Metal Exchange?
Orion Metal Exchange is led by its co-founder and CEO, Jacob Blalock.
Who is the most reputable gold and silver dealer?
The most reputable gold and silver dealer is American Hartford Gold, known for its strong reputation. They are considered one of the top dealers in the industry.
Who is the best company to buy gold coins from?
The best companies to buy gold coins from include JM Bullion, American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX), and American Hartford Gold. These are trustworthy and well-known gold dealers.
What is the best gold IRA company?
Goldco is the best overall gold IRA company, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, AAA rating from Business Consumer Alliance, and an excellent Trustpilot rating.
What types of precious metals does Orion Metal Exchange offer?
Orion Metal Exchange offers a variety of precious metals for investment, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
