These questions are drawn from real buyer experiences. Each one is specific enough to ask verbatim on a phone call. Together, they give you a complete framework for evaluating any dealer.
Fee Questions
1.“Will you put your fees in writing before I commit?”
Why it matters: A written document is something you can review, share with your family, and compare. A verbal quote is a memory.
A strong answer sounds like:
Yes. We'll send you a written breakdown of every fee — custodian, storage, and the spread on each product — before you commit to anything.
An evasive answer sounds like:
We'll go over that when we sit down to pick products. / I can't put anything in writing. / Let me send you our information packet.
2.“What is the total spread on the specific products you're recommending for my account — not the lowest available, but the ones you're actually recommending?”
Why it matters: The lowest available spread and the spread on recommended products are often very different numbers. The answer tells you what you'll actually pay.
A strong answer sounds like:
Here are the specific products and the exact spread on each one. [Gives specific numbers per product.]
An evasive answer sounds like:
About 4%. / It depends on the market. / We buy wholesale and sell retail, like any other business.
3.“What are the total annual costs — custodian fee, storage fee, and any other recurring charges?”
Why it matters: The custodian fee is one of several annual costs. You need the complete picture.
A strong answer sounds like:
The custodian charges $X per year, storage is $Y per year, and there are no other recurring charges. Here it is in writing.
An evasive answer sounds like:
$275 a year. That's a flat rate. / The fees are very competitive.
4.“Are there any fees not included in the written breakdown — setup fees, wire fees, transaction fees, account closure fees?”
Why it matters: Some fees only appear in the fine print or after you've committed.
A strong answer sounds like:
No. Everything is in the document. [Or:] Yes, there's a one-time setup fee of $X. It's included in your written breakdown.
An evasive answer sounds like:
There shouldn't be. / I'd have to check on that.
Process Questions
5.“Can I see my specific pricing before my money moves?”
Why it matters: The sequence matters. Seeing pricing after funds have already moved to a new custodian is seeing pricing after a commitment.
A strong answer sounds like:
Yes. You receive your written fee breakdown first. You review it. Then you decide whether to proceed.
An evasive answer sounds like:
We'll dive deeper into pricing when we sit down. / Once the account is set up, we'll go over the numbers.
6.“What happens at each step of the process, and what do I have in hand at each step?”
Why it matters: A clear process means you know what to expect and can verify each step.
A strong answer sounds like:
After Step 1, you have [X]. After Step 2, you have [Y]. Here's the full process in writing.
An evasive answer sounds like:
We handle everything. It's really simple — just two phone calls and you're set.
7.“If I want time to think about it, what happens?”
Why it matters: Your response to 'I need time' tells the buyer a lot about how you operate.
A strong answer sounds like:
Take all the time you need. The written breakdown is yours. Call us when you're ready — or don't. No follow-up calls unless you ask.
An evasive answer sounds like:
I understand, but today would be best just because I don't want the spot to move on you. / Usually when someone doesn't want to move forward, it's because they don't have all the information.
8.“Can I share this information with my family before I decide?”
Why it matters: Most people make this decision with a spouse or family member. The written document travels to the kitchen table.
A strong answer sounds like:
Of course. The written breakdown is yours. It's yours to keep.
An evasive answer sounds like:
What's really holding you back? / I can walk your wife through it right now if she's available.
Buyback Questions
9.“What is the buyback spread, and is it documented?”
Why it matters: 'Fee-free buyback' doesn't mean you sell at purchase price. The buyback spread is the difference between what you paid and what you'd receive.
A strong answer sounds like:
The buyback price is based on the current bid. The spread on [product] is typically X%. It's in your written commitment.
An evasive answer sounds like:
We offer fee-free buyback. / You'll get a competitive price when you're ready to sell.
10.“What will my account statement show compared to what I paid?”
Why it matters: Account statements often show melt value, not purchase price. The gap can be significant and alarming if unexpected.
A strong answer sounds like:
Your statement will show the melt value, which is based on spot price. It will be lower than your purchase price by the spread amount. Here's how to read it.
An evasive answer sounds like:
It's a reporting thing — melt versus market. You're actually doing fine.
11.“How long would it take to break even on this investment based on the current spread?”
Why it matters: This tells you the real cost of the transaction in practical terms.
A strong answer sounds like:
At a spread of X%, you'd need gold to appreciate X% to break even. On a $50,000 investment, that's roughly $X.
An evasive answer sounds like:
Gold has averaged X% returns over Y years. / You're not really looking at it that way — this is a long-term hold.
Product Questions
12.“Why are you recommending these specific products over standard bullion?”
Why it matters: Different products carry different spreads. The recommendation should be based on your goals, not on revenue.
A strong answer sounds like:
Standard bullion has the lowest spread. If your goal is wealth preservation, it's usually the best fit. Here are the options side by side.
An evasive answer sounds like:
These are the coins I recommend for all my clients. / The collector value provides additional upside.
13.“Are these products IRA-eligible? Can you show me the IRS requirements?”
Why it matters: Not all precious metals products qualify for IRA placement. The IRS has specific purity requirements.
A strong answer sounds like:
Yes. Here are the IRS purity requirements, and here's how each product meets them.
An evasive answer sounds like:
Everything we sell is IRA-eligible. / We only deal in the good stuff.
14.“What custodian and depository will my metals be stored with, and can I verify them independently?”
Why it matters: You should be able to verify the custodian and depository independently.
A strong answer sounds like:
Your custodian will be [name]. Your depository will be [name]. Here are their websites and contact information.
An evasive answer sounds like:
We work with the best in the business. / We handle all of that for you.
15.“Can I use this checklist on you?”
Why it matters: A dealer who welcomes scrutiny is demonstrating confidence in their process.
A strong answer sounds like:
Please do.
An evasive answer sounds like:
You don't need to worry about any of that with us.
Ready to ask us these questions?
Book a no-pressure call.