You have three real options: a local dealer, a reputable online shop, or a direct export from origin. The right choice depends on price, verification, and how fast you need delivery. Here is a clear, no-nonsense guide to help you decide and buy with confidence.
The short version
- Local dealer: fastest pickup, higher premiums, limited stock.
- Online shop: broad choice, transparent pricing, insured delivery.
- Export from origin: best per-gram pricing on larger orders, more paperwork, scheduled shipments.
If you want a quote now, open the Shop or message sales on Contact.
Dealer vs Online vs Export: quick comparison
| Factor | Local dealer | Online shop | Export from origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Highest premiums | Competitive | Lowest per gram on larger orders |
| Liquidity | Good on common coins | Wide choice, good spreads | Best with 100 g, 250 g, 1 kg bars |
| Verification | Visual checks | Assay cards, docs | Assay report, serials, independent Lab Testing |
| Speed | Same day | 2 to 5 days typical | 3 to 10 working days depending on route |
| Paperwork | Minimal | Invoice, shipping, insurance | Full export pack and insured airway bill |
| Best for | Small, urgent buys | Most personal orders | Bigger tickets and repeat buyers |
Keep your eye on two numbers: total landed cost and the buyback spread for the unit you are purchasing.
When a local dealer makes sense
- You want same-day pickup
- You are paying cash for a small unit
- You already know the dealer
How to check fast:
- Compare premium on the exact unit to an online quote
- Inspect packaging and serials
- Ask for a buyback number for the same SKU
When an online shop is the sweet spot
- You want choice and a clear invoice
- You prefer insured delivery to your door or vault
- You are buying in common units: 1 oz, 100 g, 250 g, 1 kg
What to ask for:
- A written quote with all fees and shipping
- Assay card or report and serials where applicable
- Delivery window and courier name
Start with our Shop or request a custom quote on Contact.
When to buy via export from origin
- You want lower per-gram costs on larger orders
- You are fine with KYC and a document pack
- You can wait for a scheduled export slot
What the process looks like with Congo Rare Minerals:
- Quote with product, purity, premium, shipping, insurance, and timing
- KYC for both sides
- Testing with assay card or full report. Independent checks available through Lab Testing
- Payment to the company bank account after invoice approval
- Export with permits, insurance, and airway bill
- Delivery to your chosen hub, plus buyback guidance on the same SKUs
If you need settlement or re-assay, see Refining.
The most common mistakes to avoid
- Chasing a headline price that sits below spot
- Paying to a personal account
- Accepting shipping without a policy number
- Buying odd weights that are hard to resell
Use our one-page buyer guide: Buy Gold Online: The Complete Buyer’s Checklist.
What to buy if you want easy resale
- 1 oz coins for flexibility
- 100 g and 250 g bars for balance of cost and liquidity
- 1 kg bars if you plan to hold and want the lowest cost per gram
We keep these in stock. Browse current inventory in the Shop.
How Congo Rare Minerals can help today
- Transparent quotes that show the full landed cost
- Liquid units for tight spreads
- Independent verification via Lab Testing
- Insured export with a clean document pack
Message the team on Contact and ask for this week’s export slots.
FAQ
Is export from Africa legal for private buyers
Yes, if the shipment follows local law and destination rules. We provide the export permits, insurance, and airway bill for each shipment.
How long does insured delivery take
Online shop orders are often 2 to 5 days. Exports run 3 to 10 working days, depending on route and testing.
What size should I pick for my first order
Start with 1 oz or 100 g. Move to 250 g or 1 kg as you scale.
Can I test the metal independently
Yes. Book an independent test through Lab Testing. Re-assay or settlement options are available via Refining.