Bayside Metal Exchange Review

6.8/10 (Expert Score)
Product is rated as #335 in category Dealers
6.8Expert Score
Bayside Metal Exchange

They are a wholesale precious metals dealer with over a decade of experience. Read on to find out if they are worth your money or not.

Trust
6.5
Fees
7
Customer Service
7
Reputation
6.5
Pros
  • 11 Years of Experience
  • Strong Ties with Mints
  • Diverse Offerings
Cons
  • Mainly Suitable for Retailers
  • Limited Online Presence

What is the Bayside Metal Exchange?

Bayside Metal Exchange (BME) is a rapidly growing wholesale precious metals firm founded in 2014 and based in West Los Angeles, California. Specializing in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins, it provides a two-way market by buying and selling precious metals to retail dealers across the U.S.

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BME prides itself on its experienced team, many with decades in the industry and strong ties to international mints and refineries as well as a customer-first ethos and strategic focus on long-term partnerships. It’s laid-back beach-adjacent office culture in West L.A. fosters creativity and teamwork, with each member empowered to contribute to client success.

With around 11–50 staff, including leadership roles like Eugene Fogel (President & CEO), Steve Emmett (COO), and several traders and brokers, BME offers a full-service wholesale desk. It serves retail precious metal firms with market liquidity, competitive pricing, and technological solutions to enhance trading efficiency.

It operates from a primary location at 6701 Center Dr W, Suite 750, Los Angeles, CA. According to MapQuest, the company also engages in metal trading services for both individual and corporate clients, reinforcing its role as a trusted intermediary in the metals market.

Bayside Metal Exchange stands out as a trusted, innovative wholesale precious metals partner, built on deep industry expertise and a client-focused culture. Its rise since 2014 reflects its ability to deliver value, reliability, and scalable solutions to retail dealers nationwide.

Who are the People Behind Bayside Metal Exchange?

Bayside Metal Exchange (BME), founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Los Angeles, has swiftly risen as a reputable wholesale precious metals firm led by a team of seasoned industry professionals. At the helm is Eugene Fogel, serving as President & Chief Executive Officer, who brings extensive market expertise to shape the company’s direction. Supporting him is Steve Emmett, the Chief Operating Officer, responsible for overseeing operations and maintaining the company’s commitment to service excellence.

BME’s trade desk is staffed by experienced professionals, including Daniel Wynn and Cooper Bossert, who manage daily bullion trading and client relationships. Additionally, individuals like Jeff D’Ambola, Jonathan Bravo, and Xaver Marshall round out the team with roles in trading, packing, and accounting operations, respectively, ensuring that BME delivers accurate pricing, reliable logistics, and seamless customer support.

While BME’s workforce ranges between 11 and 50 employees, the company emphasizes a flat and collaborative culture where every member, from executives to operations staff, is encouraged to contribute ideas and improve processes. This culture supports the firm’s focus on “life-long relationships” with clients and a customer-first ethos, as highlighted on their LinkedIn profile.

The team’s collective background includes decades of experience in precious metals trading, logistics, and technology-driven solutions. Together, they work to build a robust two-way marketplace for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins, servicing retail dealers across the U.S..

Bayside Metal Exchange is guided by a cohesive team with deep expertise in precious metals and a culture that values innovation, customer service, and transparency. With seasoned leadership and specialized professional roles, BME delivers expert trading, strong client relationships, and efficient operational support.

Does Bayside Metal Exchange Offer IRA Services?

Bayside Metal Exchange (BME) is a wholesale precious metals firm, not a retail dealer or IRA provider. Here’s what that means for investors and dealers:

Primary Business Focus

BME specializes in buying and selling gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins at a wholesale level, servicing retail precious metals firms across the U.S. rather than individual investors. Their focus is on providing liquidity and efficient metal transactions to other dealers.

No IRA Services Advertised

There is no indication that BME offers self-directed IRAs, custody services, or storage solutions for IRA investors. Key requirements for managing precious metals IRAs—such as partnering with IRS-approved custodians, depositories, and offering IRA-eligible bullion—are not part of their business offerings.

Compare with True IRA Providers

By contrast, companies like Orion Metal Exchange explicitly serve the IRA market. These firms handle account setup, custodian relationships, IRS-compliant asset selection, and secure storage services that BME does not provide.

If you’re seeking to invest in precious metals via an IRS-approved retirement account, BME is not the right choice. Instead, consider firms that explicitly advertise IRA solutions, custodial services, and compliant storage.

What Products Can You Purchase at Bayside Metal Exchange?

Bayside Metal Exchange (BME), a wholesale precious metals firm based in West Los Angeles, specializes in providing inventory and liquidity for retail precious metals dealers across the United States. Rather than selling directly to individual investors, they cater to business clients requiring a reliable supplier of bullion-grade metals.

Bullion Bars (Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium)

BME deals in a full range of metal bars suitable for investment and resale:

  • Gold bars—from small 1 g fractional pieces to larger kilo bars
  • Silver bars in various sizes: e.g., 1 oz, 10 oz, up to kilo formats
  • Platinum and palladium bars—used for investment and industrial demand 

Bullion Coins & Rounds

They supply government-minted bullion coins and private-label rounds including:

  • Gold sovereigns: U.S. Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, etc.
  • Silver coins: American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, British Britannias, and others.

Wholesale Dealer-Only Products

BME maintains strong ties with global mints and refineries, offering exclusive product lines and bulk deals tailored for retail clients. Their deep inventory and trade desk capabilities allow dealers to offer in-demand products sourced through competitive channels.

Turnkey Trading Support & Tech Solutions

While not products in a traditional sense, BME supports its partners with market pricing tools, logistics support, and technology to facilitate efficient inventory management and transaction processing, helping dealers serve their customers more effectively.

Because BME operates only at the wholesale level, individual investors cannot buy directly from them. Individuals interested in purchasing bullion should connect with a retail dealer or coin shop that sources from BME or similar wholesalers.

Bayside Metal Exchange Fees and Pricing:

Bayside Metal Exchange (BME) operates as a wholesale precious metals partner, not a retail outlet, and its fee structure reflects that role. Here’s how their pricing model works:

Narrow Bid–Ask Spreads

As a wholesale dealer servicing other precious metal retailers, BME typically offers tighter bid–ask spreads than retail shops. Because they trade in larger volumes (bars, rounds, government bullion), their margins are smaller per unit but compensated through greater liquidity and volume. This structure enables their retail clients to offer competitive prices to end customers.

Volume-Based Pricing

Pricing from BME is highly dependent on order size. Larger purchases usually result in lower premiums over spot price. Retail dealers sourcing metals from BME benefit from these economies of scale, which directly influence their own pricing strategies.

Logistical & Operational Fees

While specific fee schedules are proprietary, wholesale arrangements often include additional costs such as:

  • Shipping and insurance for secure transit
  • Assay charges, if verification of metal purity is required
  • Storage fees, if inventory needs short-term warehousing

These fees are typically negotiated between BME and the buyer, and customers should request a detailed breakdown as part of their terms .

Technology & Service Integration

BME emphasizes value-added services including technology tools, market data feeds, and logistics coordination. While these services support efficient operations for dealers, any costs tied to platform use or premium services are embedded in wholesale agreements .

Why It Matters

BME’s cost structure is optimized for volume-driven partners, not walk-in buyers. Retail dealers working with BME can leverage low wholesale margins and operational support to offer competitive pricing to individual buyers. If you’re a retail dealer sourcing from BME, reach out for a customized quote based on your order size and service needs.

Bayside Metal Exchange does not use consumer-focused pricing. Instead, it provides wholesale-level pricing and logistics, tailored to meet the needs of retail precious metals dealers. While pricing details are client-specific, BME’s value comes through tight spreads, scalable order discounts, and operational support.

Are There Any Bayside Metal Exchange Lawsuits?

There are no known lawsuits or regulatory complaints against Bayside Metal Exchange (BME) concerning its core operations in precious metals trading. The company’s reputation in the wholesale bullion industry remains clean and unblemished.

Employment Dispute Does Not Implicate Business Integrity

One legal case, Rin v. Bayside Metal Exchange (filed May 2024), involves a wrongful termination claim by a former employee. This is strictly an employment matter and does not reflect any misconduct in BME’s metal dealing or customer practices.

A separate legal matter involved Red Rock Secured, LLC, a precious metals retailer under regulatory scrutiny in 2023–2024. BME was identified merely as “Wholesaler 1”—a metals supplier, not a participant in any alleged wrongdoing. There are no accusations or findings against BME in connection with that case.

  • Bayside Metal Exchange is not under any lawsuits related to its bullion trading or business operations.
  • The single employment case is an internal HR matter and does not involve consumer or industry complaints.
  • Their inclusion as a “wholesaler” in another firm’s legal situation does not implicate BME in that firm’s alleged issues.

In short, Bayside Metal Exchange maintains a clean legal record in its core business, with no issues suggesting impropriety or risk for clients and partners.

Can You Trust Bayside Metal Exchange? Is Bayside Metal Exchange Legit?

Absolutely. Bayside Metal Exchange (BME) is a legitimate, well-established wholesale precious metals firm with a clean record and solid industry standing.

1. Proven Wholesale Expertise

Founded in 2014 and based in West Los Angeles, BME operates as a merchant wholesaler of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins to retail dealers across the U.S.. The company collaborates with well-known international mints and refineries, drawing on decades of trade desk experience. This makes BME a reliable partner for dealers seeking bulk inventory and liquidity.

No civil suits or regulatory penalties related to its core precious metals business have been filed against BME. An examination of legal databases revealed zero lawsuits tied to trading misconduct. One employment dispute (a wrongful termination claim) exists but does not involve allegations about trading or customer malpractice.. Additionally, BME was named as a metals supplier—not a defendant—in a case involving a retailer’s IRA marketing, but there were no claims or penalties directed at BME itself.

3. Industry Credibility & Client Trust

BME is recognized as one of the fastest-growing wholesale precious metals firms nationally, backed by a core team of experienced traders and senior leadership. Its reputation is strengthened by professional listings on platforms like Dun & Bradstreet and LinkedIn, highlighting trusted leadership such as Eugene Fogel (CEO) and Steve Emmett (COO), and a staff of bullion trading experts.

4. Transparent, Relational Business Model

BME emphasizes long-term relationships with wholesale partners. Their model relies on narrow bid–ask spreads, volume-tiered pricing, and deep operational support—none of which depend on retail leverage or hidden tactics. Their reputation for honesty, dependable delivery, and private service-focused culture further reinforces trust.

Yes—Bayside Metal Exchange is legitimate and trustworthy. As a cleanly operated wholesaler in the precious metals trade, it offers dealers competitive pricing, robust liquidity, and a solid industry reputation. The absence of any serious legal or regulatory issues, combined with credible leadership and transparent business models, makes BME a reliable partner in the precious metals market.

Bayside Metal Exchange Review Summary:

Bayside Metal Exchange (BME), founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Los Angeles, has quickly established itself as a respected player in the wholesale precious metals market. Focused exclusively on serving retail bullion dealers, BME offers a reliable two-way market for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins. With a professional team, deep industry experience, and strong relationships with global mints and refineries, BME has become a go-to supplier for dealers seeking inventory, liquidity, and competitive pricing.

What sets Bayside Metal Exchange apart is its wholesale-only business model, meaning they do not sell directly to the public. Instead, they work behind the scenes to support retail dealers with real-time pricing, volume-based discounts, and streamlined logistics. This approach allows BME to offer tighter bid–ask spreads and greater efficiency than many retail-focused operations. Their clients benefit from low overhead, personalized service, and operational tools that enhance transaction speed and inventory management.

In terms of reputation, Bayside Metal Exchange maintains a clean legal and regulatory record, with no lawsuits or enforcement actions related to its trading practices. The company has been briefly named in legal proceedings involving clients (such as Red Rock Secured), but only in the capacity of a metal supplier, not as a defendant or party accused of wrongdoing. Additionally, their leadership team—headed by CEO Eugene Fogel and COO Steve Emmett—is frequently recognized for professionalism and integrity in the bullion trading space.

Clients consistently highlight BME’s dependability, pricing transparency, and long-term partnership approach. With a culture that values collaboration and trust, Bayside Metal Exchange stands out as a well-run operation serving a vital role in the precious metals supply chain.

In summary, Bayside Metal Exchange earns high marks for its industry expertise, operational reliability, and ethical business practices. For retail dealers seeking a trusted wholesale partner, BME remains a strong and credible choice in the U.S. precious metals market.

Bayside Metal Exchange Review
Bayside Metal Exchange Review

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