Methodology · Editorial standards
How we assess dealers — and how we keep it fair.
Trust is the whole point of this site, so our method is in the open. Here are the criteria we apply, the sources we rely on, and the rules that keep our legitimacy reviews factual and fair.
Who writes this
About the BakerGold Editorial Team
Our assessments are written and reviewed by the BakerGold Editorial Team — the in-house editorial group behind this site. We publish under our brand byline rather than inventing a single named “expert,” because these are collaborative, sourced editorial assessments. We are an independent consumer-research publisher, not a dealer, broker, custodian, or licensed adviser.
Content last reviewed: June 2026.
The criteria
What we actually check
Every company is assessed against the same set of verifiable, decision-relevant factors:
Verifiable credentials
BBB rating and accreditation status, founding year, headquarters, and registration — facts we can confirm on the record, not marketing claims.
Storage & custody
Whether metal is held at named, IRS-approved depositories with a legitimate custodian, and whether allocation is documented.
Pricing transparency
Whether pricing is spot-based with disclosed premiums, and whether a written fee schedule is available before you commit.
Track record & public history
Operating history and any documented regulatory or financial matters — reported neutrally, with primary sources, never as accusations.
Buyback & exit terms
Whether a clear, written buyback policy exists and how repurchase pricing is calculated.
Sales conduct
Whether the company gives buyers time and written disclosures, versus relying on urgency, fear scripts, or high-margin collectible upsells.
Our sources
Where the facts come from
- Company disclosures — official websites, published fee schedules, and support materials.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) for ratings, accreditation, and complaint patterns.
- Primary regulatory and court documents (e.g., state AG filings, agency releases) for any documented history.
- Reputable finance and consumer publications for corroboration.
Each legitimacy review lists the specific sources used. Where a fact isn't publicly verifiable, we say “not publicly disclosed” rather than guessing.
The guardrails
How we keep legitimacy reviews fair
Because words like “scam” carry weight, we hold our legitimacy reviews to strict rules:
- We never call a named, real company a “scam” or make an unsupported factual accusation.
- Negative facts (such as regulatory actions) appear only when they are documented and cited — and are presented neutrally so readers can judge for themselves.
- Our ratings and pros/cons are clearly labeled editorial opinion, not user reviews or guarantees.
- We publish no fabricated testimonials, quotes, or user reviews.
- Scam-type explainers are general education and are never attributed to a specific company.
Full transparency
Disclosures
Advertiser disclosure. We are an independent publisher that earns referral compensation from some of the companies featured on this site, including our top-rated partner. This compensation may influence which companies we list, where they appear, and how prominently. Our ratings reflect our own editorial judgment based on publicly available information; they are opinions, not guarantees, and are not personalized investment advice. Always do your own research and verify a company's credentials (e.g., BBB rating, registrations, depository partners) before investing.
Editorial independence. Ratings are our independent editorial opinion, not user reviews. Compensation can influence which partners we feature and where they appear, but it does not change the verifiable facts in our assessments.
Not financial advice. This content is for general education only and is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Investing in precious metals carries risk, including loss of principal. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.
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