11 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Gold in Singapore
Are you hearing this buzz? Gold in Singapore is in demand and being rapidly sold like hotcakes right now. As one of the top listed places to shop and purchase gold, Singapore has produced a bling collection of a wide range, meaning there is something gold for all gold lovers.
When most people hear the word gold, they immediately think of beautiful jewellery made out of gold, but in reality, there is so much more to the mere word gold than accessories. When you buy this precious metal in Singapore, you can find it in various forms, such as gold ETFs, futures, certificates, coins, and bars. Whichever gold form you aim to buy in Singapore, it is a must that you understand all aspects of your gold decisions.
Since everyone talks about what to do when buying gold in Singapore, let us tell you what to avoid when doing so. We have put together a comprehensive guide for you to follow when you go to buy your gold, so remember to keep an eye out for these pitfalls.
Understanding the Gold Market in Singapore.
Karatage, impact on price and assurance.
Karatage of gold refers to the indications of the purity of gold in jewellery. You may have seen a range of numbers, such as 18k and 22k when you go shopping for different gold jewellery. In layman's terms, the higher the karat number, the higher the amount of pure gold in the jewellery. For example, 22k contains 91.6% of gold, while 18k contains 75% pure gold.
Gold of 18k and 22k can be easily spotted with the mark of 750 or 916 when shopping. When you buy gold in Singapore, you can find assurance of the purity of a gold product through the presence of the SAO mark given by the Singapore Assay Office, which provides certification to prove the quality and purity of a precious metal product after reliable and valid testing.
Gold Options for you.
- Jewellery: This one is a no-brainer but definitely cannot be overlooked when talking about buying gold in Singapore. Not only do you get to invest, but you also have to wear them on a daily basis to elevate your look.
- Coins: gold coins are a good choice of investment where you can have tangible gold and keep it for future trades, as they can maintain the inherent value over time in a stable manner even when the prices fluctuate.
- Bars: Also known as gold bullion, gold bars are higher in worth compared to gold coins as a choice of investment however require more storage space. These cannot be liquidated in a rush.
These are some of the most common gold options when buying gold in Singapore. What you ultimately choose to purchase will depend on your personal preferences and requirements.
11 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Gold.
Now that you have dipped your toe in the golden waters of Singapore, let's talk about what exactly to steer clear of when you are shopping.
Mistake #1: Not setting clear goals.
They say, “aim for the moon, and you will be among the stars”. Well, when it comes to buying gold in Singapore, goal setting is just as important if you are planning a trip to the moon. Before you go to select your preferred gold, make sure you have a defined idea of what you plan to do with your purchase both in the short term and long term. If you are going to a jeweller to buy gold in Singapore, you can tell them your goals so that they can point you in the right direction with their professional advice.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the reputation of the seller.
This one is vital when buying gold, not just in Singapore but anywhere in the world. By making sure your seller is trustworthy and reliable, you can determine if you are going to be thrilled about your purchase or regret it later. To gauge the reputation of your seller when selecting gold in Singapore, pay attention to their customer reviews, star ratings, and expertise in the field. Genuine sellers provide full transparency during transactions, are clear about the hallmarking and certificates of their gold products and have consistent pricing.
Mistake #3: Not understanding gold prices and premiums.
The spot price is simply the market value of a gold product, which can be influenced by other factors. When other costs add up to the particular gold product, such as distribution, craftsman, and rarity, it is called premium over spot. To make an informed decision, you can cross-reference prices from different sellers when you buy your gold in Singapore.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to ask about certification and receipts.
You may be an expert at identifying genuine gold in Singapore at this point, but it is always a must to ask for certification and receipts of your purchase, no matter how small it is. Certificates of gold products can directly indicate the value and guarantee the authentication of your purchase to sustain its inherent value over a period of time. Receipts can help you if you want to resale, return or liquidate the gold product later; ensure that you ask for documentation with all the proper details of the purchase.
Mistake #5:Neglecting to consider resale potential.
Look, we know it is very difficult to not get hypnotized by the beauty of mesmerizing gold products like gold jewellery, but when you are buying gold in Singapore it would be too naïve not to consider the potential for resale. Gold can come in handy as a last-minute save in difficult financial times. You can talk to an expert about the different resale potentials of various gold choices you might be interested in in order to choose the best one for you.
Mistake #6: Overlooking storage and security.
Caring for your gold in Singapore also includes having proper storage so that you can keep your valuables safely. Unlike storing a cereal box in your pantry, gold purchases need to be stored in a safe place to safeguard them from damage or theft. If you already have a safe locket at your home with a good lock, you can keep them with your other valuables safely. If not, you might want to check out external safe storage facilities such as bank deposit boxes.
Mistake #7: Confusing short-term trading with long-term trading.
Short-term gold in Singapore can be the route for you if you are looking to make a quick buck without waiting around. However, when buying gold in Singapore, if your plans are more set in the far future, it is better to make a long-term investment. Short-term investments are generally kept for less than 12 months and have quick resale potential when the price goes high in the market, but they may be high risk. Long-term investments, on the other hand, are more stable over 5 five years typically but would be a saving grace during an economic crisis and protection against inflation hedge.
Mistake #8: Not diversifying your gold holdings.
Don't make the mistake of investing all your money in one type of gold product when buying gold in Singapore. By purchasing different types of gold, such as jewellery, gold coins, gold bars and gold ETFs, you can diversify your investment portfolio and increase the strength of your financial foundation.
Mistake #9: Getting emotional during price fluctuations.
Yes, we get it; it is upsetting when the price of gold in Singapore goes down when you are looking to resale or liquidate your gold products. That is the typical volatile nature of the gold market; therefore know that it is constantly changing. Just because it dropped today does not mean it will stay there forever. Patiently wait for the perfect time and strike your gold!
Mistake #10: Failing to consider insurance for high-value gold.
An integral part of protecting your gold in Singapore is ensuring it. While this may not be your immediate concern when you purchase your gold, you will be thankful you did if, in the unfortunate case where your gold products get either damaged, lost or stolen. Many insurance companies offer special plans for gold products with a range of coverage and amounts that you might be interested in.
Mistake #11: Not getting professional advice when needed.
While it may look simple, the whole process of buying gold in Singapore may pose a lot of questions for you when you start shopping, as the market can be complex. When you make a high-value investment in gold in Singapore, do not hesitate to consult a professional for advice on how to navigate your deals the best way.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What are the different types of gold in Singapore?
You can buy gold jewellery, coins, bars, certificates, futures and ETFs in Singapore.
Is gold in Singapore expensive?
Singapore has one of the world's most affordable gold products with no taxation.
Where should I look for when buying gold?
You can try both local physical shops and online shops in Singapore. You can check out our hottest and latest collection of golden beauties right here.
On a final note,
Keep in mind that while all these matters when choosing and shopping for gold in Singapore, your personal preferences matter as well. Know that you do not have to follow what others are doing as long as you are making an informed decision that aligns with your goals and values when it comes to gold.