Any good investor knows to put a bit of their total investment portfolio in commodities. Gold is the top commodity to invest in. From retirement saving to just turning a small profit, gold can do it all for you when you use the tips below.

Stay with reputable firms when you sell your gold. You can check out more about their reputations with the BBB and checking online reviews. A reliable buyer will pay you fairly for your gold while giving you great customer service. Protect your interests and yourself.

If you are going to buy a particular gold piece from any seller, be certain that you know exactly when to expect the delivery. If this is not possible, make sure you get a written contract outlining when the items will arrive. There should be a date listed for when you can expect them. Don’t order anything without this document.

Prior to buying a piece of gold from a seller, you must be certain you have a firm delivery agreement. If the person selling you the gold does not deliver the product right away, then you need written confirmation from the seller about your pieces. The date they expect you to get them should be noted somewhere. Don’t go through an order if they can’t provide you with the delivery date in writing.

Check out current price in the gold market before you ever sell your jewelry. This allows you set a dealer’s offer against the current market rate.

If the gold you are purchasing is an investment in your future, you must be aware that there are certain kinds you should target. The IRS must give its approval for your investment. This means it needs to be in the form of coins or bullion that is marked 24 karats. Since gold bars are worth more than coins, it is best to buy them instead.

If you’ve been thinking about selling your gold to a mail-in company, do some research on them and their policies before you do so. Find out when you can expect your payment, and get insurance for your package.

This can accumulate over time, maybe some each day so that you can get some valuable gold in about a year. Keep it inside a safe location until you have an sufficient amount to cash in.

You can get into the gold market with just a small investment in scrap gold. You can accumulate scrap gold as you can afford it and have a pretty nifty next egg in a few years. Keep your collection safe until you have an sufficient amount to cash in.

Try using something like GoldMoney to purchase gold. This service is similar to a bank account for gold. You have started an account, and they assign you a certain amount of gold equivalent to the value of your initial deposit. The gold itself is in a vault at a bank, but you can sell it or even have a bullion bar shipped to you.

Know exactly what you actually have in your possession. Not everything that looks like gold is worth their weight in gold. Other metals are often mixed with gold in order to make it stronger.This will reduce the value lower. This is the case with gold plated items as well.

If you have no idea what your gold might be worth, than an appraisal is a good idea. Though you will have to pay a bit, knowing its value is crucial. Only use an independent, accredited appraiser to get the most realistic value. If you’re going to sell the gold you have, you’re not going to get the appraisal value.

Shop around before making any decisions about a gold buyer you will use. You will get surprisingly different offers that reward your patience. Going with the very first buyer who comes along might not be a good idea. Take a bit of extra time upfront so that you have the maximum return on your pocket.

Earring backings are usually solid gold, even when the earrings are not.Necklace clasps and ring bands often are usually real as well. You can sell these smaller pieces together. This is a bunch of different gold pieces in one quantity and it can help you to get more money for them.

If you will be selling your gold, shop around for best prices. The current spot price for gold is considered as a national standard but not all buyers will offer this price. Local stores that don’t have outrageous overhead may be able to pay you more for your gold.

Gold is a very lucrative but this precious metal can also be volatile. If you can’t stomach market swings, perhaps the gold market is not for you. If you are up to the challenge, try to reduce your downside risk. Only a small amount of your portfolio should be tied up in gold. A good limit is about five percent.

When you are in the market to sell your gold,make sure you separate the pieces into similar karat groups. The value of gold varies by karats, it won’t be the best value you can get. Higher karat values yield higher value overall.

Be sure the buyer you are considering is licensed by the state to make gold purchases. This does not prevent you from getting scammed, but a licensed buyer probably has a better reputation. There are various people and stores that can buy gold, so do not think that you must go with the first one you encounter.

Find out what your seller’s buyback policy. Some buyers may charge you a fee to sell your gold. Think about the extra charges concerning sending coins or bulky bars to a gold dealer far away. It is always best to hold on to the gold as soon as you purchase yourself to ensure its safety.

Gold is a long-term investment.You can’t just purchase gold when prices are high.

Think about shopping thrift and antique shops to discover gold treasures. If you understand what to look for, you really can find some great deals. Many people do not realize what they have and sell it or donate it to these shops. If you know what you’re doing, this can be your benefit.

Be aware that you will not get the full price for the gold you sell. Gold dealers are in business like other business people. Expect to receive offers in the 50% to 70% range of your total value.

After reading this article, you should know more about gold than you did before. Apply the tips you’ve just been given. You can be very successful by using the tips you just read.

Be careful approaching the gold market. There are bad companies in any market, but this market is known for having many. Any number of shady individuals or even business are ready and willing to rip you off. You need to exercise caution and do your research.