This guide outlines how BullionMatch defines fair markups across different weights of gold, silver, and platinum bullion, and how these benchmarks are used to score and compare dealer pricing with its proprietary BullionMatch/SCORE™.
Fair Price for Gold, Silver and Platinum Bullion
For bullion, the "Fair Markup" encompasses costs beyond the metal's melt value on exchanges like COMEX. This includes refining, smelting, and minting, as well as supply and demand factors that can raise physical metal premiums and custodial costs.
While smaller weights are more accessible for new investors, they usually have a considerably higher premiums.
Fair Markup by Bullion Weight
The fairness thresholds below are based on absolute percentage markups over the melt-value of the metal. We use the same percentage markup across gold, silver and platinum.
All ounce (oz) values refer to troy ounces. Gram weights are converted to troy ounces in our product catalog before scoring is applied.
- 5+ oz: 10%
- 1 to 5 oz: 12.5%
- 1/2 to 1 oz: 15%
- 1/4 to 1/2 oz: 20%
- 1/10th to 1/4 oz: 25%
- 1/100th to 1/10th oz: 30%
Scoring Criteria for BullionMatch/SCORE™
Rather than simply judging if a price is "fair," we also assess deal quality by comparing it to competitors' offers. Scores are assigned to each dealer based on a combination of absolute percentage markups over the metal's melt value and relative pricing derived from current industry data, indicating their pricing position.
- Excellent
- Competitive premiums, among the best pricing in the market.
- Criteria: Lower than 25th percentile price AND meets the fairness threshold.
- Great
- Near-market average, reasonable pricing.
- Criteria: 25 - 50th percentile price AND meets the fairness threshold.
- Fair
- Above-market pricing, less competitive.
- Criteria: 50 - 75th percentile price OR meets the fairness threshold.
- Unfair
- Significantly above-market pricing, expensive relative to competitors.
- Criteria: Greater than 75th percentile price AND does not meet the fairness threshold.
This rating system allows investors to easily compare dealers and make informed purchasing decisions based on price competitiveness.
Conclusion
BullionMatch/SCORE™ simplifies bullion price comparisons by offering clear benchmarks for fair pricing and deal evaluation. It incorporates both absolute markups and relative pricing, giving you a well-rounded view of the value behind your precious metals investment.
If you have any questions, contact the team at BullionMatch with any query whatsoever, please email Ludwig at mises@bullionmatch.com