At the time of publication, Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers described its long-standing focus as serving customers’ coin-buying and coin-selling needs. Under ordinary market conditions, the original article reported that inventory was typically sufficient for local customers’ needs. Although the business was then purchasing a reasonable volume of coins over the counter, demand at that time was outpacing supply. Consequently, many orders had to be sourced through suppliers and trading partners. The original article stated that nearly $500,000 in orders had been placed during the preceding few months to fulfill orders, while demand for most products remained strong. In response, Atlanta Gold & Coin established guidelines explaining its special-order process for coins and bullion.
What follows was presented as a short overview of the customer order program. When this article was originally published, readers who still had questions were invited to contact Atlanta Gold & Coin for a more detailed discussion of the program.
Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers: Coin & Bullion Custom Ordering Program
When this article was published, Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers stated that it sought to meet customer demand from its then-current inventory. The article also noted that demand could exceed supply for particular products, or that requested coins and bullion might be uncommon items not then kept in stock. In those circumstances, Atlanta Gold & Coin could use its broad supplier and trading-partner network to fill orders. The original article further reported membership in the nation’s two largest coin and bullion dealer networks. Additional details of the custom order program were provided below:
- At the time of publication, the stated minimum for a custom order was ten ounces of gold or platinum, or five hundred ounces of silver. The article also explained that orders could sometimes be combined. Readers whose desired amount of gold, platinum, or silver coins or bullion fell slightly below that threshold were invited to inquire.
- When the original article was published, a 10% deposit was described as due when an order meeting took place and its terms were established. That deposit would be applied against the remaining amount due, payable when the customer took physical possession of the coins and/or bullion.
- The program as originally described provided for an order to be placed within the spot price and premiums established with the customer. If Atlanta Gold & Coin could not fill an order within those agreed parameters, it would first seek approval before placing an order outside the guidelines. The original policy stated that, if the order could not be placed within three days after the initial meeting, the full deposit would be returned no later than that point.
- After an order was placed, the original program stated that Atlanta Gold & Coin would notify the customer and provide both the total amount due and an estimated arrival date for the coins and/or bullion.
- When the order had been received, the original article stated that Atlanta Gold & Coin would notify the customer to arrange merchandise pickup. At the time of publication, pickup was preferred in the Duluth/Johns Creek area, although special circumstances could allow other arrangements. The stated policy required items to be collected no later than five business days after receipt of the order; otherwise, the deposit would be forfeited.
- Under the program described at publication, the commission was included in the spot price and premiums set during the initial meeting. Accordingly, the quoted figure represented the entire amount due when the customer took physical possession of the items.
- At the initial meeting, the original program stated that the form of payment would be established. Depending on earlier business dealings, possible payment methods included cash, bank wire transfer, certified funds in the form of a cashier’s check, or a personal check. Other payment forms might have been possible, although any related processing fees would have been passed on to the buyer.
The original article distinguished this program from many dealers by stating that customer funds were not used to fill an order. It said that, when dealing with Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers at that time, the customer’s capital at risk was substantially lower than with competitors. According to the article, most dealers required the full amount due before placing an order and used that capital to do so. Atlanta Gold & Coin’s stated view was that a dealer with capital at risk was more likely to complete an order on time and within the established parameters.
These guidelines were presented as the framework for the custom order program, not as rules covering every situation that could arise. When the article was originally published, readers needing more information or with questions were invited to contact Atlanta Gold & Coin. The article reported that the business could then be reached at 404-236-9744 or by e-mail at sales@atlantagoldandcoin.com.
