Precious metals represent a serious investment that requires a trustworthy dealer. APMEX has built its reputation as an industry giant, promising competitive prices and exceptional service.
But do they deliver?
I’ve researched their complete offering—studying their pricing structure, product selection, and customer support systems.
This straight-shooting breakdown strips away marketing claims to show what APMEX truly offers investors.
Keep reading to determine if APMEX should be your precious metals partner before you commit any capital to your portfolio!
Table of Contents
- 1 What is APMEX?
- 2 How Does APMEX Work?
- 3 What Products Does APMEX Offer?
- 4 Benefits of Purchasing from APMEX
- 5 What Are the Potential Risks of Buying from APMEX?
- 6 How to Purchase from APMEX
- 7 APMEX Fees and Pricing
- 8 Is APMEX a Trustworthy Company?
- 9 Pros and Cons of APMEX
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
- 11 Conclusion
What is APMEX?
APMEX, which stands for American Precious Metals Exchange, operates as a premier online marketplace for trading valuable metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
Established in 1999 by Scott Thomas, the company maintains its headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The platform serves as a trusted intermediary for individuals looking to buy and sell precious metals through their online portal.
Founder and Beginning
From modest origins, APMEX has evolved into a thriving billion-dollar enterprise that emphasizes continuous growth, strong values, and achievement by investing in its workforce while maintaining unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.
The company traces its roots to founder Scott Thomas, whose entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by his grandfather, a small-scale mail-order coin dealer.
Thomas’s journey began when he decided to sell portions of his grandfather’s coin collection on eBay. This initial venture into online sales became the foundation for APMEX’s rise as a major force in the precious metals industry.
Team and Knowledge
APMEX employs a highly skilled team of professionals with extensive expertise in precious metals and customer service.
The company brings together numismatic specialists and financial experts who understand market dynamics and investment strategies.
Their dedicated customer support representatives ensure exceptional service for both buyers and sellers. They strive to create a seamless and positive experience for all clients, regardless of their experience level in precious metals trading.
How Does APMEX Work?
APMEX is a new advanced platform that makes precious metals trading accessible through its comprehensive online marketplace.
Here’s a detailed guide to their service operations:
1. Online Shopping Experience
APMEX provides a user-friendly website showcasing various precious metal products. The platform offers multiple options including newly minted coins, investment-grade bars, and rare collectible pieces. Customers can filter products based on categories, pricing ranges, and metal types.
2. Buying Metals
The platform enables seamless purchasing directly through their website. APMEX maintains real-time price updates for all products, ensuring transparent market-based pricing that helps customers make informed decisions.
3. Selling to Us
The company offers a streamlined selling process for precious metal owners. Their dedicated team assists with transactions through their online portal, providing competitive market-aligned prices that reflect current trading values.
4. Educational Resources
Beyond trading services, APMEX serves as an educational hub. The platform features comprehensive learning materials, including detailed articles and market reports, catering to both novice investors and experienced traders.
5. Customer Service
APMEX prioritizes customer satisfaction through exceptional support services. Their dedicated team ensures smooth transactions and provides expert guidance, creating positive experiences while enhancing customer knowledge.
APMEX creates a secure and efficient environment for precious metals trading. The platform caters to various experience levels, from beginners exploring investment opportunities to seasoned traders seeking reliable market access.
These services make precious metals trading very accessible by providing multiple possibilities that help to complete transactions efficiently.
What Products Does APMEX Offer?
APMEX provides various products that cater to precious metal buyers, whether for investment purposes or collecting unique items. Let’s explore the main products available at APMEX.
1. Gold and Silver Bullion
APMEX offers gold and silver products in multiple forms such as bars, rounds, and coins for investors focused on wealth preservation and savings.
These products come in various sizes, allowing customers to select options that align with their financial goals and investment capacity. These items attract investors because of their inherent value and ability to serve as a reliable store of wealth.
2. Rare Coins
APMEX maintains an extensive collection of rare coins for numismatic enthusiasts. These coins derive their value not only from their metal content but also from their scarcity and historical significance. The selection spans from ancient pieces to more recent mintages, providing numerous options for collectors.
3. Precious Metals IRA
APMEX supports retirement planning through precious metals IRA services, enabling investors to incorporate gold or silver into their retirement portfolios.
This strategy offers protection against inflation and enhances long-term financial security through portfolio diversification.
4. Collectibles
Beyond standard bullion and investment coins, APMEX features specialty collectibles. This category includes commemorative coins, unique designs, and limited-edition pieces.
These items appeal particularly to collectors who value artistic merit and uniqueness beyond mere metal content.
APMEX provides comprehensive solutions for various needs, whether investing for the future, building a coin collection, or securing retirement assets through precious metals, offering extensive choices for every customer.
Benefits of Purchasing from APMEX
APMEX offers numerous advantages for both newcomers and experienced investors in precious metals, making it a preferred choice for many buyers. Key Benefits of APMEX Shopping:
1. Extensive Product Range
APMEX maintains a comprehensive inventory of precious metals and collectibles. Their vast selection includes gold, silver, rare coins, and specialty items, allowing customers to find multiple investment options in one convenient location. This extensive marketplace simplifies the buying process for collectors and investors alike.
2. Market-Competitive Pricing
Price consideration plays a crucial role in precious metals investment. APMEX continuously monitors market trends to provide fair and competitive pricing options.
Their pricing structure accommodates various investment budgets, making precious metals accessible to both collectors and investors.
3. Protected Shipping Solutions
Online precious metal purchases require reliable shipping solutions. APMEX addresses this concern by implementing robust security measures for all shipments.
Each order includes comprehensive insurance coverage from dispatch to delivery, providing customers with peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
4. Established Market Presence
Reliability stands as a cornerstone in precious metals trading. APMEX has established itself as a trusted industry leader through years of consistent service excellence.
Their proven track record benefits both beginning investors seeking guidance and experienced collectors searching for specific items.
APMEX provides a complete precious metals buying experience through its extensive product selection, competitive pricing structure, and secure shipping protocols.
Their established reputation as a trustworthy precious metals dealer demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction, making them a reliable choice for investment needs.
What Are the Potential Risks of Buying from APMEX?
APMEX is a precious metal dealer that offers many benefits for buyers, yet some risks need careful consideration. Here’s a detailed look at potential challenges:
1. Market Fluctuations
Precious metals like gold and silver experience frequent price changes based on market conditions. When purchasing metals, their value might increase or decrease over time based on various factors.
These price movements directly impact investment values, making long-term investment strategies more beneficial as they help minimize risks from short-term price variations.
2. Counterfeit Products
While APMEX maintains high standards and authenticity in their products, the precious metals market faces challenges with counterfeit items.
The company implements strict verification processes to ensure product authenticity, but industry-wide concerns persist. Buyers should maintain vigilance, particularly when dealing with alternative sellers in the market.
3. Shipping Delays
Order deliveries can face unexpected delays due to multiple factors such as high order volumes, weather conditions, or postal service complications.
Although APMEX prioritizes efficient and secure shipping methods, these external factors can impact delivery timelines.
Such delays may cause inconvenience, especially for time-sensitive purchases or specific delivery requirements.
Understanding these potential risks helps buyers make informed decisions when purchasing from APMEX or other precious metal dealers.
Despite these considerations, many investors and collectors find precious metals valuable additions to their portfolios.
How to Purchase from APMEX
APMEX offers multiple convenient purchasing methods that make buying precious metals simple and secure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand each buying option:
1. Online Purchase
The online purchasing process provides a straightforward way to buy precious metals:
- Visit APMEX.com to start your shopping journey.
- Browse through available products using categories or search function.
- Select desired items and add them to your shopping cart.
- Navigate to checkout and provide shipping details.
- Review order information and confirm your purchase.
2. Phone Order
Phone ordering offers a personal touch with expert assistance:
- Create a list of products you want to purchase.
- Contact APMEX customer service at 1 (800) 375-9006.
- Work with representatives to complete your transaction.
3. In-Person at Retail Store
Physical store shopping gives you hands-on experience:
- Visit the APMEX retail location during business hours.
- Explore available products with help from knowledgeable staff.
- Complete your purchase at the checkout counter.
Each purchasing method ensures a secure transaction process and excellent customer service. Choose the option that best suits your preferences and needs.
APMEX Fees and Pricing
Understanding APMEX’s pricing structure helps make informed decisions when investing in precious metals.
The company maintains transparent pricing policies for various metals including gold, silver, and other precious metals.
Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of costs and fees associated with purchasing and storing metals through APMEX:
Description: | Details: |
Metal Prices: | Prices close to real-time market rates. |
Yearly Storage Fees: | $180 – $550 based on how much you store. |
Monthly Storage Fees: | $15.00 – $45.84 per month. |
Storage Rate: | 0.45% – 0.55% of your metal’s value. |
Payment Discount: | Save 4% if paying by check, eCheck, or bank wire. |
IRA Minimum Purchase: | Minimum $2,000 investment for IRA metals. |
Price Lock-In: | Price is fixed once you place an order. |
Shipping Fees: | Free on US orders over $199. |
Is APMEX a Trustworthy Company?
Evaluating APMEX’s trustworthiness requires careful examination of customer feedback across various review platforms. Here are the details:
Platform: | Total Reviews: | Ratings: |
BBB (Better Business Bureau): | 254 | 4.34/5 |
Sitejabber: | 51 | 2/5 |
Trustpilot: | 7,972 | 1.7/5 |
ConsumerAffairs: | 293 | 3.1/5 |
Yelp: | 68 | 2.4/5 |
1. Customer Reviews and Ratings
- BBB (Better Business Bureau): APMEX maintains an A+ rating with a customer review score of 4.34 out of 5 from 254 reviewers, indicating strong business practices despite mixed customer experiences.
- Sitejabber: The platform shows APMEX receiving 2 out of 5 from 51 reviews, suggesting some customer satisfaction concerns.
- Trustpilot: With substantial feedback from 7,972 reviewers, APMEX scores 1.7 out of 5, highlighting notable customer service challenges.
- ConsumerAffairs: APMEX achieves a more favorable 3.1 out of 5 based on 293 reviews, demonstrating improved customer satisfaction.
- Yelp: The company holds a moderate 2.4 out of 5 rating from 68 reviews, reflecting varied customer experiences.
2. BBB Accreditation and Rating
APMEX holds the prestigious A+ rating from BBB, showcasing their commitment to resolving customer issues and maintaining high business standards. This top-tier rating strongly supports their credibility as a reliable vendor.
3. Industry Reputation
Within the precious metals market, APMEX has established itself as a significant player. Their extensive customer feedback spans both positive and negative experiences.
While customer satisfaction varies, APMEX’s professional standing, particularly their BBB A+ rating, reinforces their position as a legitimate and customer-focused business in the precious metals industry.
Pros and Cons of APMEX
APMEX is a leading precious metals dealer that offers various benefits and drawbacks for potential investors. Below are the key considerations:
Pros:
- Extensive Selection: APMEX maintains a comprehensive inventory of precious metals, providing customers with numerous investment options.
- Trustworthy Reputation: Their excellent BBB rating demonstrates a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and problem resolution.
- Customer Service Excellence: Both novice and experienced investors praise the knowledgeable and responsive support team.
- User-Friendly Platform: The website features intuitive navigation and comprehensive product information.
- Convenient Buyback Program: APMEX offers streamlined options for selling back precious metals when needed.
- Security Measures: Strong emphasis on transaction security and customer data protection builds trust among buyers.
- Educational Resources: Comprehensive learning materials help investors make informed decisions.
Cons:
- Premium Pricing: Products often carry higher price points compared to competitors, which may impact cost-conscious buyers.
- Inconsistent Service: Customer experiences vary, with some reporting less satisfactory interactions with the company.
- Shipping Concerns: Several customers note higher shipping costs and occasional delivery issues compared to other dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is JM Bullion better than APMEX?
JM Bullion and APMEX each offer unique advantages for precious metal investors. JM Bullion typically provides competitive pricing options, while APMEX stands out with its extensive product range and comprehensive educational materials.
Your choice between these platforms should align with your specific needs regarding product variety, pricing structure, and customer support quality.
Q2. Is APMEX a good place to sell gold?
APMEX has established itself as a reliable platform for selling gold through its efficient buyback program. The company maintains competitive pricing and implements a user-friendly selling process, making it an attractive option for those looking to liquidate their gold investments.
Q3. Does APMEX have a minimum order?
APMEX has evolved its ordering policies over time to become more accessible to various investors. For the most accurate and current information about minimum order requirements, customers should consult the official APMEX website directly.
Q4. Who is APMEX owned by?
APMEX, established by Scott Thomas in 1999, operates as a privately held company. Under the founder’s leadership, it has grown into a prominent online precious metals dealer, building its reputation through years of industry experience and expertise.
Q5. Does APMEX store your gold?
APMEX provides secure storage solutions through Citadel Global Depository Services, Inc. This service offers fully insured, professional storage facilities as an alternative to home storage, ensuring your precious metals remain safe and protected.
Conclusion
APMEX stands as a comprehensive solution for precious metals trading, offering extensive options for both buying and selling.
Their platform features a diverse selection of coins and bars, complemented by valuable educational resources for investors.
The company’s straightforward buyback program and reliable reputation make it a trusted choice in the market.
While their pricing may occasionally be premium, they prioritize security and convenience in every transaction.
Their secure storage options through Citadel Global Depository Services provide additional flexibility for investors seeking professional storage solutions.
APMEX continues to adapt its services to meet various investor needs in the precious metals market.