The Woodlands Bullion Company - Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

What products and services do you offer?

We are a one-stop provider for every investor of precious metals. Our products include internationally recognized gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins and bars, and more. We also purchase precious metals from clients as well as assist them in numerous related services, including establishing safe storage and creating precious metal IRA accounts.

Our company’s wide array of services allows us to meet virtually every client’s precious metals needs.

What are bullion and bullion coins?

Bullion refers to precious metal ingots (usually in bar or plate form) that are purchased, sold, or otherwise considered for their mass, as for example a 10-ounce gold bar. When fabricated in small denominations (1 ounce or less), bullion are sometimes minted in coin-form and referred to as bullion coins.

Unlike rare coins, which are called numismatics, bullion coins are traded at modest premiums above the value of their metal content—typically less than 15%— and for this reason are excellent choices for wealth preservation.

Which is a better investment—gold or silver?

Both gold and silver are useful savings instruments. Many investors choose to invest in a combination of the two.

How much gold or silver should I purchase?

Because of the diversity of clients and their individual needs, no single answer to this question exists. However, we believe the vast majority of investors will benefit in the long run by owning some precious metals in their portfolio.

We recommend you call for more information and consult your investment professional to make an informed decision.

Is buying gold stock the same as buying physical gold?

No. Purchasing physical gold provides the benefits of gold ownership without introducing unnecessary risks that are inherent in gold stocks, which typically fall into one of two categories: the shares of gold mining companies or the shares of passive investment funds that hold gold. Neither option is an effective substitute for physical holdings.

Shares of gold mining companies entitle the shareholder to a proportion of the company’s profits, profits which generally derive from the company’s ability to efficiently discover and extract raw gold deposits, rather than from the price of gold. Hence, in some cases, mining share prices may fall even when the price of gold is rising.

Gold passive investment funds purchase gold and issue shares to investors, who benefit indirectly from gold ownership through their association with the fund. Although convenient, the financial health of the investment fund becomes an additional risk factor. If the fund were to become insolvent, shareholders could easily lose all of their investment.

Purchasing gold stocks adds unnecessary risk to your investment--either management risk (as with a mining company investment) or counterparty risk (as with an investment fund).

I’ve heard that gold is a good “inflation hedge.” What does this mean?

Unlike paper currencies—such as the U.S. dollar—gold and other precious metals are superior long-term stores of wealth because of their inherent scarcity and utility as commodities. During periods of heavy inflation, many investors grow alarmed by the currency debasement and move their wealth out of paper currencies and into tangible assets, particularly gold.

This trend, which can be self-reinforcing, is the reason gold prices often rise faster than the prices of other goods during inflationary times, hence providing an effective hedge.

May I hold gold in my IRA? Tell me more about precious metals IRA accounts.

Absolutely. The US government has approved certain gold investments for IRA accounts. If you don’t already own a precious metals IRA, we can assist you in establishing what is called a self-directed IRA account with an independent IRA custodian, of which there are many to choose from.

Most investors open their IRA accounts through brokerage firms. But you can easily set up a self-directed IRA account with an independent IRA custodian and use the funds in the IRA to purchase gold.

I’m not comfortable storing gold in my house. Can your company store the metal for me?

Many investors, like you, prefer to store their holdings with an experienced and insured custodian.

The Woodlands Bullion Company does not store metal for its clients. However, we are happy to offer free assistance in arranging third-party storage with an established and reputable US custodian, in which the transfer of your gold to the custodian represents a bailment – meaning legal ownership of the gold remains safely in your name at all times.

How do I sell my precious metals to The Woodlands Bullion Company?

It’s simple. Call us to schedule an appointment or to request instructions.

I have gold jewelry I no longer wish to keep. Will you buy that too?

Sorry. The Woodlands Bullion Company does not purchase gold jewelry or other crafted precious metals

Do you ship anywhere in the world?

At this time we ship to locations within the 48 contiguous states.

How much are shipping and handling charges?

Unless directed otherwise, all orders are shipped by Registered and Insured United States Postal Service (USPS) Mail. USPS orders of up to 100 oz. are charged a flat shipping and handling fee of $49 per package plus registered insurance (calculated by value). For example, the charge on a $10,000 order is $26.60.

See US Postal Service for details. Prices subject to change. Orders exceeding 100 oz. or $25,000 may be divided into multiple packages or transported by alternative means.

Will I have to pay sales tax?

No, in most cases. Sales tax of up to 8.25% applies only if your order is for less than $1000 and your shipping address is in Texas.

How long will it take to receive my order?

In-stock items are usually shipped 1 business day following the date of final payment (including clearing time when appropriate). USPS deliveries generally arrive within 10 business days of shipment.

I’m ready! How can I place an order?

Email sales@WoodlandsBullion.com and a representative will call, or call us toll-free 877-362-1792.