When you buy gold online, the number everyone watches is spot. The number that hits your card or wire is the final landed price. Here is how to read both so you can compare dealers fairly and avoid surprises.
The short version
- Spot is the reference price for raw gold in wholesale markets.
- Your final price equals spot plus the product premium, payment and handling, shipping and insurance, taxes or duties, and sometimes FX.
- Compare dealers on the total landed cost and on the buyback spread for the same product and size.
What builds your final price
- Product premium – minting, brand trust, bar or coin format, and the unit size you choose.
- Payment and handling – merchant fees and processing.
- Shipping and insurance – distance, value declared, packaging.
- Taxes or duties – depends on destination rules.
- FX – if you pay in a different currency.
Example: 1 oz bullion coin
- Spot reference: $3,150/oz
- Product premium: +$95
- Payment and handling: +$15
- Shipping and insurance: +$25
- Taxes or duties: $0 to local rate
Total landed: about $3,285/oz before any taxes
How to reduce the total cost
- Choose liquid sizes: 1 oz coins, 100 g, 250 g, 1 kg bars.
- Ask for a written quote showing every line item.
- Keep your order to standard brands for easier resale.
- Confirm the buyback spread now, not after you buy.
What good looks like
- Clear invoice and serial-numbered bar list where applicable.
- Insured, tracked shipping with the policy number shared.
- A phone number that answers and a team that sends a sample quote on request.
Red flags
- Prices that sit below spot.
- Checkout that adds new fees after a low headline price.
- Payment to a personal account or to a crypto wallet with no contract.
How Congo Rare Minerals helps
- Transparent quotes that show spot, premium, shipping, and insurance.
- Independent verification via Lab Testing and options through Refining.
- Liquid inventory in 1 oz, 100 g, 250 g, and 1 kg. Browse the Shop or talk to us on Contact.
FAQ
Why is a 1 oz coin more expensive than a 1 kg bar per gram
Smaller units cost more to mint and handle. You pay for flexibility and liquidity.
Is the cash price on some sites a real discount
Sometimes it is just a different payment method. Compare the total landed cost, not one line.
Do I need an assay card for every product
Minted bars usually ship with a card. Cast bars ship with a serial list and an assay report. If in doubt, use Lab Testing.