If you want a smooth purchase, do two things well. First, compare the total landed cost. Second, verify the seller and the metal before you pay. Use this checklist to move from browsing to delivery with confidence.
The short version
- Get a written quote with every fee listed, then compare the total landed cost.
- Pay the company, not a person. Confirm bank details and support responses.
- Ask for verification: assay card or report, serial list for cast bars, and a proper invoice.
- Ship insured and tracked. Keep the airway bill and a full document pack for resale.
1) Ask for a written quote
What to request:
- Product, purity, unit size, quantity
- Premium over spot and the currency used
- Shipping, insurance, handling, and any tax line
- Delivery window and who the carrier is
Tip: Make dealers compete on the same format. We send clean quotes on request through Contact.
2) Compare the final landed price
Focus on the number that hits your card or wire.
Typical components:
- Spot reference
- Product premium
- Payment and handling
- Shipping and insurance
- Tax or duties where applicable
If you need help, message sales from the Shop page with the exact SKU.
3) Choose liquid unit sizes
You want low spreads and easy resale.
Good defaults:
- 1 oz coins
- 100 g bars
- 250 g bars
- 1 kg bars
We keep these in stock. See current options in the Shop.
4) Verify the metal
For minted bars and many coins:
- Assay card in tamper-evident packaging
For cast bars:
- Serial-numbered bar list and an assay report
Extra assurance:
- Independent checks via our in-house Lab Testing. If you need re-assay or settlement, see Refining.
5) Verify the seller
Basic checks:
- Exact domain name and working phone number
- Company bank account in the company’s name
- A sample invoice with product and serial details
- Responsive support during your local business hours
Red flags:
- Prices advertised below spot
- Payment to a personal account or to a crypto wallet you do not control
- New fees that appear at checkout after a low headline price
6) Confirm payment steps
- Beneficiary name must match the company
- Pro forma or final invoice sent before payment
- Bank details verified by a second channel
7) KYC and compliance
Legitimate sellers run standard onboarding. It protects both sides and speeds customs later.
8) Shipping and insurance
Minimum requirements:
- Tracked, fully insured courier
- Airway bill number shared
- Tamper-evident packaging
- Clear instructions for inspection on arrival
We ship insured and tracked to approved destinations. Ask sales for the next export slot on Contact.
9) Your document pack
Keep these for customs and future resale:
- Invoice
- Assay card or report
- Serial list for cast bars
- Export permits and certificate of origin where applicable
- Insurance details and airway bill
10) Storage after delivery
Match storage to your horizon:
- Home safe for small amounts and quick access
- Bank box for mid-sized positions
- Professional vault for larger bars
Quick buyer checklist
| Item | Good looks like | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Quote | All fees listed | “Cash price only” pages |
| Payment | Company bank account | Personal accounts |
| Verification | Assay card or report, serials | “No docs needed” |
| Shipping | Insured, tracked, airway bill | Uninsured parcels |
| Support | Phone and email respond | Chat only, no phone |
| Sizes | 1 oz, 100 g, 250 g, 1 kg | Odd weights, unknown brands |
How Congo Rare Minerals makes this simple
- Clear quotes that show every cost upfront
- Liquid units in stock for better spreads
- Independent testing through Lab Testing
- Insured export with a tidy document pack
Start with the Shop or message the team on Contact.
FAQ
Why do smaller bars and coins cost more per gram
They cost more to mint and handle. You pay for flexibility and easier resale.
How do I compare two dealers quickly
Use the total landed cost. Same product, same size, same shipping and insurance. Then ask for their current buyback spread on that unit.
Do I need an assay card for every purchase
Minted bars usually include a card. Cast bars ship with serials and an assay report. If you want an extra layer, use Lab Testing.