My very first packages from APMEX & Provident--comparisons!

[pennypicker]

As mentioned in a post last week I spoke as to how I was tired of being charged $2.50 over spot for generic rounds by both LCS's in the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon area. So in that earlier post I asked members their impressions of APMEX out of Oklahoma City since I see them sell on ebay often. Provident Metals out of N. Dallas, Texas also received high praise from board members as well. So last week I placed a (10) one oz generic silver round order from each business to test the waters.
Today I received the second order so here are my impressions of both companies:

APMEX: I placed my order last Monday morning and four hours later I received an email saying my 10 rounds had been shipped and they gave me the tracking#. The shipping cost was $12.95 for orders under $250. Three days after receiving that email the coins arrived in a small box, securely packaged, usps first class mail with delivery confirmation.

Provident: I placed my order last Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening (34 hours later) I received an email saying the 10 rounds had been shipped and they too gave me the tracking#. The shipping cost was just $8.95 (compared to Apmex's $12.95). Three days after receiving that email the coins arrived in a small box as well, securely packaged, usps first class mail (with signature confirmation) as opposed to Apmex's delivery confirmation only. Provident sends all packages valued over $50 with signature confirmation .

Bottom line: the same rounds were each .40 cheaper at Provident and Provident's shipping charges were 1/3 less than APMEX's and even with the cheaper shipping Provident also included Signature Confirmation which is very important to me.
APMEX did ship a full day quicker and both business had very polite and product knowledgeable customer service agents.

All in all I would highly recommend both outfits but I would give Provident a distinct advantage due to their cheaper product & shipping prices and I especially like the fact that they are very concerned with security evidenced by their throwing in signature confirmation even on small orders over $50. Hope this helps anyone else out their looking for quality companies to buy from.

[beauanderos]

next time order a "generic" $100 face of junk from each and tell us the results

as long as there's more than one (competition) the buyers emerge on the winning end.

[Morsecode]

Good post, Don.

[pennypicker]

next time order a "generic" $100 face of junk from each and tell us the results

Homey doesn't play the "slick" game. I'll just keep it simple and stick to roll fresh generics

[Z00]

Now check out Monarch Precious Metals at 1.00 over spot on their rounds.

[pennypicker]

Now check out Monarch Precious Metals at 1.00 over spot on their rounds.

Thanks for the suggestion. The silver rounds I purchased from Provident were also .99 over spot and there was no minimum order. Merit has a $1500 minimum purchase requirement to get the .99 cent price. So in that regard I still like Provident better.

[NDFarmer]

I have made several purchases from Provident and I am very satisfied with the service I have received from them.

[Z00]

Now check out Monarch Precious Metals at 1.00 over spot on their rounds.

Thanks for the suggestion. The silver rounds I purchased from Provident were also .99 over spot and there was no minimum order. Merit has a $1500 minimum purchase requirement to get the .99 cent price. So in that regard I still like Provident better.

Merit?

I said Monarch. No min. and they don't sell unless there is stock and the stock is listed on the site.

http://www.monarchpreciousmetals.com/in ... &Itemid=53

[pennypicker]

Merit?
I said Monarch. No min. and they don't sell unless there is stock and the stock is listed on the site.

http://www.monarchpreciousmetals.com/in ... &Itemid=53

Sorry about that. So many bullion companies out there its hard to keep track. Again thanks for the suggestion I will check them out.

[natsb88]

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