Chards Coin and Bullion is a UK-based precious metals dealer that has been in the industry for over half a century. They're one of the most established coin dealers in the UK and globally, but are they worth their reputation? How do they compare to their modern competition?
Most importantly, are the company's practices actually legitimate?
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About Chards Coin and Bullion
The company was founded in 1964 in Liverpool. It has continued to thrive throughout the last 52 years. There is a team of expert staff who can answer questions, explain the different coins, and help you make the right decisions for your investment.
The company guarantees that you'll always talk to a trained team member when you dial their phone number. If you're talking to a trainee, you'll be told right away. Otherwise, every customer service representative is an expert in the precious metals and coin industry.
Chards works on the motto of "Inform, Educate, Inspire." They have created a website that's packed with educational information for those who want to learn. You can easily check the spot prices of precious metals, read about the history of the industry, and learn why precious metals investments are worthwhile.
Like many of the best precious metals dealers, Chards believes that an educated customer is the best customer. They want to empower consumers to truly choose the right products for them. The salespeople aren't there to sell as many coins as possible, they're there to help the customer succeed.
Another helpful aspect of the company is that they publish all of their premiums. They believe that transparency is of the utmost importance in the precious metals industry, especially since it's so easy to spread misinformation and unethical practices. So they explain exactly how they calculate their prices.
Company History
Chards Coin and Bullion was founded by Lawrence Chard. He grew up as the grandson of the owner of a penny arcade. From his childhood, he was fascinated by coins. He was interested more in sorting them than in doing any other busy work or play when he was about seven years old.
In the beginning, the company was a very minor coin dealership. Rather than having an inventory of their own, Lawrence worked with his cousin to find the British coins that customers wanted in the arcade. Eventually, that progressed to opening a shop. Lawrence's cousin sold his shares in the shop when he went to college in about 1965.
The company grew steadily over the next three years, until Lawrence was able to purchase the company's current location. In 2015, the owner's daughter joined the company after finishing her pharmacist career. She decided that she wanted to be part of the family business, and now she assists with coin grading and operations.
Chards purchased a second location in 2012. At the time, it was a rundown fixer-upper. Now, it's undergone a complete refurbishment and looks beautiful.
Selling Your Precious Metals
In addition to selling precious metals, Chards also purchases precious metals from customers. They will purchase a variety of gold coins, silver coins, gold scrap metal, and silver scrap metal. You can find a full list of the items that they buy on their website.
There isn't any minimum or maximum amount that you can offer. If you have any gold or silver that you want to sell, you can bring it in. For those outside the UK, you can also use their long-distance service. This allows people to ship in their gold and silver even if they're halfway across the globe.
Their buy-in service is somewhat unique. It is a special door to door option that involves shipping your package fully insured. You still get the full insurance and convenience no matter how much metal you're selling.
If you are in the UK, you can send your coins or scrap metal to the company using the Royal Mail service. But they mention that they'd rather see you in person at their retail location if possible. You can make appointments to visit online. The staff will show you everything the company has to offer, and they'll evaluate your items right there.
All of the prices are listed on the website. If you decide that the price is agreeable, you can give the company a call to get started. There's also a live chat option available if you'd prefer to start the exchange over text.
Royal Mail vs Distance Buyin
Those in the UK might be wondering whether it's best to use the distance program or the Royal Mail to send the