Bullion By Post is a bullion dealer based in the UK. However, they also serve customers in the USA.
If you’re a gold buyer or a numismatist, you might have come across this company several times.
They are among the most popular names in the United Kingdom when it comes to gold and silver products.
However, are they worth it for US consumers?
In this detailed Bullion By Post review, I’ll help you determine if they are worth your money or not:
What is Bullion By Post?
Bullion By Post is a retailer of bullion products which operates in multiple countries. However, they are primarily based in the UK and the US.
They have received 10,000+ reviews online and have served hundreds of customers.
The company has established itself as a household name in the market.
Products and Services Offered by Bullion by Post:
When it comes to investing in precious metals, Bullion By Post offers a wide array of products and services designed to suit both new and seasoned investors. The company, based in Birmingham, UK, has built its reputation on providing easy access to gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with transparency and excellent customer service. Let’s explore the range of products and services that Bullion By Post offers.
1. Gold and Silver Bullion
Bullion By Post specializes in gold and silver bullion, which includes both coins and bars:
– Gold Coins: They offer a variety of globally recognized gold coins such as the British Gold Sovereign, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and the American Gold Eagle. These coins are popular among investors due to their liquidity and long-standing value.
– Gold Bars: Gold bars come in multiple sizes, ranging from small 1g bars to larger 1kg bars, catering to investors of all levels. These bars are sourced from reputable mints such as the Royal Mint and PAMP Suisse.
– Silver Coins and Bars: Silver bullion is also a key offering. Coins like the Silver Britannia and Silver American Eagle are available, along with silver bars in various sizes, making it easy for investors to diversify their portfolios.
2. Platinum and Palladium
For those looking to diversify further, Bullion By Post also offers platinum and palladium products. While gold and silver tend to dominate the market, platinum and palladium are becoming increasingly popular for their industrial uses and investment potential.
3. Numismatic and Collector Coins
Bullion By Post caters to coin collectors as well as investors. They offer a range of rare and collectible coins that hold both intrinsic metal value and historical significance. Whether you’re a serious collector or looking to invest in something a little different, their selection includes commemorative coins, limited editions, and older historical pieces.
4. VAT-Free Silver for Storage
For UK-based customers, Bullion By Post offers an attractive service: VAT-free silver purchases. By storing your silver in a secure, bonded warehouse outside of the UK, you can avoid paying VAT on your silver investments. This makes silver a much more affordable and appealing option for investors.
5. Secure Storage Options
If you don’t want to store your precious metals at home, Bullion By Post provides secure storage services. Their high-security storage is fully insured, offering peace of mind to investors. This is particularly important for those making larger investments or who are concerned about the security of storing valuable metals themselves.
Bullion By Post partners with Brink’s, a globally recognized leader in secure storage, to offer allocated storage for their customers’ precious metals. This partnership ensures that any gold, silver, platinum, or palladium you purchase through Bullion By Post can be securely stored in Brink’s high-security vaults in the UK.
Brink’s provides fully allocated storage, meaning your metals are stored separately from other clients’ assets, ensuring that the exact items you store are always identifiable and available to you. Additionally, all stored assets are fully insured against loss, damage, or theft under Brink’s comprehensive insurance policy.
Bullion By Post also offers a special 6-month free storage promotion for first-time customers who store more than £2,500 worth of metals. After the promotional period, storage fees are charged at a competitive rate of 0.65% per annum, plus VAT, calculated based on the value of your holdings. Monthly fees are deducted via direct debit, and you can check your holdings through your online account at any time.
6. Buyback Service
One of the standout services at Bullion By Post is their buyback program. This allows you to sell your precious metals back to the company when you’re ready to liquidate your investments. They offer competitive rates based on the current market price, ensuring a smooth process when it’s time to cash in your assets.
7. Investment Guides and Educational Resources
Bullion By Post understands that many investors, especially first-time buyers, need guidance in navigating the precious metals market. That’s why they provide a wealth of educational resources, including investment guides, market updates, and detailed explanations of the different types of metals and products available. This makes it easier for you to make informed decisions about your investments.
Bullion By Post provides a comprehensive range of products and services for anyone interested in precious metals. Whether you’re looking to buy gold coins, invest in VAT-free silver, or simply need secure storage for your investments, Bullion By Post has you covered. Their commitment to transparency, education, and customer service makes them one of the most trusted names in the UK for precious metals investing.
On the other hand, their US website (bullionbypost.com) offers plenty of resources as well.
Here’s an overview:
Investment Guides
Bullion By Post offers an array of investment guides that cover the basics of investing in gold, silver, and other precious metals. These guides are tailored to help both new and experienced investors understand the fundamentals, from why investing in gold is beneficial to how the global gold market works.
– Gold Investment Guide: Offers detailed information on how to start investing in gold, key reasons to invest in physical gold, and tips on diversifying your portfolio with gold bars or coins.
– Silver Investment Guide: A similar resource that delves into the benefits of investing in silver, including its industrial uses and affordability compared to gold.
Live Pricing and Charts
One of the most valuable resources Bullion By Post provides is live pricing and charts for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These live charts allow investors to monitor real-time fluctuations in the precious metals market, helping them make informed decisions on when to buy or sell.
Users can track both short-term and long-term price movements in different currencies. You can view pricing data across various time frames—from 24 hours to 10 years—making it easy to spot trends.
Market News and Analysis
Bullion By Post regularly updates its Gold News section with the latest developments in the global precious metals market. This section includes news stories, market analyses, and expert commentary on the factors affecting metal prices, such as geopolitical events, economic changes, and inflation rates.
This resource is perfect for those who want to stay updated on daily price changes and their driving forces. By staying on top of market news, investors can better time their purchases or sales.
Investment Calculators
A standout tool on Bullion By Post’s website is their Investment Calculator. This tool allows consumers to input their budget and explore the various options available to them, from gold bars to silver coins, based on current market prices.
This tool helps investors determine how much metal they can afford within a specified budget, helping them decide between different metals and products based on price per ounce.
Product Information and Comparisons
For investors seeking detailed information on the products themselves, Bullion By Post offers comprehensive product descriptions and comparison tools. Each product page provides key specifications, including weight, purity, and mint origin, so buyers know exactly what they’re investing in.
– Product Comparison Tool: This feature allows investors to compare various bullion products side by side, making it easier to decide whether to invest in coins or bars, or in different metals.
Buyback Service
Bullion By Post also offers a buyback service, which allows customers to sell their precious metals back to the company. They provide clear guidelines on how this process works, including current buyback prices, ensuring transparency for those looking to liquidate their holdings.
Educational Content and Blog
For those new to precious metals, Bullion By Post’s educational resources provide a wealth of knowledge. Their blog and knowledge base cover topics like:
– The best time to buy gold or silver.
– The differences between investing in gold bars vs. gold coins.
– Understanding gold and silver ratios.
This content is designed to help investors make well-informed decisions by answering common questions and offering deeper insights into precious metals.
What are the Fees at Bullion By Post?
When purchasing precious metals through Bullion By Post, it’s essential to understand the various fees associated with buying, selling, and storing your investments. While Bullion By Post prides itself on transparency, there are a few key costs to consider as part of your investment journey. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fees you can expect.
Shipping Fees
One of the key advantages of using Bullion By Post is their free insured delivery:
– Free Shipping: Orders over $199 (in the US) or £150 (in the UK) qualify for free insured shipping, which covers your purchase from the moment it leaves their facility until it reaches your doorstep.
– Discreet Packaging: All shipments are packaged discreetly for security purposes, with insurance coverage ensuring your metals are protected in transit.
For smaller orders, there may be a nominal fee depending on the destination and the total value of the metals.
Buyback Fees
Bullion By Post also offers a buyback service, allowing you to sell your precious metals back to the company. While they don’t charge explicit fees for this service, you’ll want to keep in mind:
– Buyback Prices: The buyback price is determined based on the current spot price of the metal, minus any premium. The actual price you receive may differ slightly due to fluctuations in market rates.
While there is no direct fee for the buyback process, investors should consider any potential shipping or packaging costs for sending metals back to Bullion By Post, as well as the difference between the purchase premium and the buyback price.
Secure Storage Fees
For those who prefer not to store their precious metals at home, Bullion By Post offers secure storage services. These services come with a small annual fee:
– Storage Fees: The cost for secure storage is 0.65% per annum (plus VAT) of the total value of your holdings. This fee is charged monthly, and the metals are stored in fully insured, allocated vaults.
– First 6 Months Free: Bullion By Post often offers 6 months of free storage for new customers, making it an attractive option for those unsure about immediate storage plans.
Storage fees cover the cost of storing your metals in high-security vaults with full insurance, ensuring that your investment is safe and protected.
Premiums on Products
Like most precious metals dealers, Bullion By Post adds a premium to the spot price of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. This premium covers the manufacturing, distribution, and operational costs of the products:
– Gold Coins and Bars: Expect to pay a premium on gold products, which varies depending on the item and market conditions. For example, smaller gold coins or bars often have higher premiums per ounce compared to larger bullion products.
– Silver Products: Premiums on silver bars and coins may be slightly higher than gold due to VAT and manufacturing costs. Investors should compare premiums when choosing between coins and bars for investment purposes.
Payment Processing Fees
Bullion By Post accepts several payment methods, but some may incur small processing fees:
– Credit/Debit Card Fees: There may be a processing fee for payments made via credit or debit card, typically around 2-3%. For large purchases, this can add a significant cost.
– Bank Transfers: For higher-value purchases, bank transfers are often the preferred method and may not incur additional fees. Be sure to verify with your bank regarding any transfer costs on international payments.
Who Are The People Behind Bullion By Post?
The company was launched by Rob Halliday-Stein, a visionary entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to make gold and silver investments more accessible to everyday consumers.
Rob Halliday-Stein: The Founder and Visionary
Rob Halliday-Stein is the founder and the driving force behind Bullion By Post. His background in e-commerce and business management helped him recognize the gap in the market for accessible gold and silver investments. Before launching Bullion By Post, Halliday-Stein gained experience working in retail management for major companies such as Dixons Carphone.
His journey into precious metals began after he purchased gold online and noticed that the process was complicated and not user-friendly. He believed that making the precious metals market more approachable, with transparent pricing and simplified services, could appeal to a much wider audience. This vision has clearly paid off, as Bullion By Post has become a market leader in the UK.
Growth and Leadership
Since its founding, Rob has remained actively involved in the company’s growth and strategic direction. Under his leadership, Bullion By Post has expanded its services beyond the UK to offer international shipping and a wide range of products, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion.
His customer-focused approach has led the company to earn high customer satisfaction rates and a strong reputation for transparency and reliability. Bullion By Post’s growth has been rapid, achieving millions in revenue while serving both retail investors and seasoned collectors.
The Team Behind the Success
While Rob Halliday-Stein is the figurehead of Bullion By Post, the company thrives thanks to a dedicated team of experts and professionals in customer service, logistics, marketing, and finance. The Bullion By Post team operates from their headquarters in Birmingham, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
The company’s commitment to offering high-quality service is also reflected in their educational resources. The team behind Bullion By Post consistently delivers expert insights, helping customers make informed decisions about their investments.
Rob Halliday-Stein’s vision of making precious metals accessible has revolutionized how people invest in gold and silver in the UK. Supported by a skilled team, Bullion By Post has become a trusted name in the industry, thanks to its transparency, customer-centric approach, and innovation.
BullionByPost.co.uk vs BullionByPost.com: Differences Explained
When it comes to investing in precious metals, Bullion By Post is a well-established name both in the UK and the US. However, despite sharing the same brand, Bullion By Post UK and Bullion By Post US cater to different markets and have several differences in their services and offerings. Let’s take a detailed look at how these two branches differ.
1. Market Focus and Location
– Bullion By Post UK: Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Birmingham, the UK branch primarily focuses on serving customers within the UK and Europe. It is one of the leading online precious metals dealers in the UK, catering to investors seeking gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. They offer free, insured delivery to all UK addresses and have a strong emphasis on serving the domestic market.
– Bullion By Post US: Launched to cater specifically to the US market, this branch operates through a separate website. Although similar in its product range, the US branch has tailored its services to meet the needs and regulations of American customers. This includes handling different tax regulations, shipping logistics, and customer support for the US.
2. Shipping and Delivery Options
– UK Customers: Bullion By Post UK offers free insured next-day delivery to all UK addresses on orders over £150. Their deliveries are handled by Royal Mail or private couriers such as UPS. UK customers benefit from fast and reliable delivery with a focus on security.
– US Customers: In contrast, Bullion By Post US offers free insured shipping across the United States, but delivery times are longer compared to the UK. Shipments to US customers are handled by FedEx or UPS, with delivery typically taking 2-4 business days depending on the location. Shipping also includes discrete packaging to ensure the safety of the package during transit.
3. Tax Implications
– UK Customers: In the UK, gold bullion is exempt from VAT (Value-Added Tax), which makes gold investments more attractive for UK-based investors. However, silver and other precious metals are subject to VAT, which is an important factor for investors.
– US Customers: In the US, tax regulations can vary by state. For instance, some states charge sales tax on precious metals depending on the value and the type of metal. Bullion By Post US does not collect sales taxes during the checkout process, but customers are responsible for paying any applicable import taxes or duties upon receiving their order. For example, California applies sales tax to orders under $1,500.
4. Product Range and Pricing
– Similarities: Both branches offer a similar range of products, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in the form of bars and coins. They stock globally recognized bullion products such as Gold Sovereigns, American Gold Eagles, and Canadian Maple Leafs, making them appealing to both investors and collectors.
– Differences in Pricing: Pricing between the two branches can vary due to different market conditions and shipping costs. Bullion By Post UK offers prices in British pounds (GBP), while Bullion By Post US offers prices in US dollars (USD). Additionally, premiums on certain products may vary depending on the demand in each region.
5. Storage Solutions
– UK Storage: Bullion By Post UK offers secure storage through a partnership with Brink’s, a global leader in security and storage services. UK customers can store their precious metals in fully insured vaults, with allocated storage ensuring that the exact bars and coins purchased are held separately from others. They also offer VAT-free silver storage for investors opting to store silver in bonded warehouses, making silver investments more affordable for UK customers.
– US Storage: Bullion By Post US, while also offering secure storage services, does not offer the same VAT-free option for silver as the UK branch. However, customers can still store their metals securely in fully allocated vaults, with the same level of insurance and protection.
6. Customer Service and Support
– UK Customer Support: Bullion By Post UK offers customer service based on UK working hours (Monday to Friday), with support via phone, email, and live chat. Their customer service team is known for being responsive and helpful, assisting with everything from product inquiries to shipping and storage.
– US Customer Support: Bullion By Post US also provides dedicated customer service, but the support hours are tailored to US time zones. Customers can reach out through phone or email to resolve any issues related to their orders, shipping, or payment.
While Bullion By Post UK and Bullion By Post US share the same brand, they operate independently and cater to different regional markets.
The UK branch focuses heavily on serving domestic and European clients, offering fast shipping and VAT-free storage solutions, particularly for silver.
Meanwhile, the US branch is structured to handle the unique tax and regulatory requirements of the American market, providing free insured shipping and a tailored product selection.
Online Ratings and Reviews of Bullion By Post
When it comes to customer feedback, Bullion By Post has garnered a strong reputation across multiple platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the ratings and reviews this well-established precious metals dealer has earned online:
Trustpilot: 4.8 Stars
Trustpilot is one of the most trusted consumer review platforms, and Bullion By Post shines here with an impressive 4.8-star rating based on over 24,000 reviews. Customers frequently highlight the company’s excellent customer service, fast delivery, and secure packaging. Many reviewers also appreciate the transparency of their pricing and the ease of navigating the website to purchase gold and silver.
Typical customer feedback includes comments such as:
– “Fast and professional service.”
– “Excellent communication, felt confident throughout the process.”
– “My go-to for precious metals, always reliable.”
These reviews reflect a high level of trust among customers, making Bullion By Post a preferred option for those looking to invest in precious metals.
Google Reviews: 4.6 Stars
On Google Reviews, Bullion By Post holds a strong 4.6-star rating. Customers frequently mention their satisfaction with the competitive pricing and appreciate the variety of investment options offered, from smaller bars to larger gold coins.
Some typical feedback includes:
– “The website is user-friendly, and the range of products is excellent.”
– “Quick delivery, and everything was exactly as described.”
While a few reviews mention minor issues with order fulfillment or communication delays, the overwhelming majority are positive.
eKomi: 4.9 Stars
Bullion By Post has earned an almost perfect score of 4.9 stars on eKomi, a platform known for verifying genuine customer reviews. Here, users consistently praise the company for its quick turnaround times and trustworthy service. Many mention how they felt secure with the level of insurance and secure packaging offered during shipping, which is especially important when dealing with high-value items like gold and silver.
This high rating reflects the company’s strong commitment to both service and product quality.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ Rating
Although Bullion By Post is a UK-based company, its US division has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where it holds an A+ rating. While there are fewer customer reviews on this platform, the accreditation reflects the company’s commitment to ethical business practices and maintaining high standards in customer relations.
They have also received reviews on Sitejabber.com:
Bullion By Post Review: Conclusion
Bullion By Post maintains stellar ratings across various review platforms, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether through fast delivery, competitive pricing, or high-quality customer service, the company has earned trust from both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. With thousands of positive reviews across multiple sites, Bullion By Post continues to be a highly recommended choice for purchasing precious metals.
