Cornerstone Bullion is a reputed precious metals merchant in the US, collaborating with numerous customers. Some third-party evaluators and entities have given them commendable ratings, but what services are they bringing? And is their mode of operation above board?
A close-knit family steers this enterprise and actively participates in the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. Moreover, they're committed to ensuring the confidentiality and safety of their client base.
Getting to Know Cornerstone Bullion
Established over ten years ago by its visionary, Chad Roach, Cornerstone Bullion came into being due to Chad's struggle to find an upstanding dealer with fair prices and a solid reputation.
Delving into Chad's background, he's not just a man of metals; he's seasoned in alternative investments. His expertise extends beyond the glint of gold and silver, reaching into tangible assets and real estate realms. Having previously been immersed in the investment sector, Chad's goal with Cornerstone Bullion is straightforward: offer folks an avenue to tactical alternative investments.
So, what pillars hold up Cornerstone Bullion?
Firstly, they vouch for competitive pricing. When you look at many gold dealers, the commission bites deep, making you pay over the base value. But with Cornerstone Bullion, you're looking at a price roughly 2% over the base cost.
Moreover, it's a family affair here. The business is run by the family, for the family, which they believe is the recipe for enhanced client security. No competitive vibes here, as every sale enriches the family coffer.
Have they got queries? They're big on customer service but might have some modern customer service bells and whistles. They're at your assistance over the phone during regular work hours but don't expect a real-time chat on their site.
Their unique pitch? No paid ads. They can trim operational costs by slashing advertising outlays and pass the savings to you via lower gold prices. The allure of their pricing, they hope, would be the magnet for potential buyers.
Things Cornerstone Steers Clear From:
They're clear about their values and equally transparent about their boundaries. Hard selling? Not their cup of tea. They're more into guiding you based on your financial goals and aspirations than pushing a sale.
Keeping client details under wraps is paramount for them. Your information stays confidential; no selling, no sharing. Their clientele list? That's a secret too.
Lastly, while they might be experts in the physical aspect of metals, dealing in securities isn't their game. And they're open about it – they aren't an official financial securities brokerage. Their realm? Just the tangible bars and coins.
Navigating How to Buy
Before diving into any transaction involving precious metals, the firm strongly suggests you glance through their complimentary Precious Metals 101 Guide. It enlightens you on the essence of precious metals, essential insights, who stands to gain from their investment, and critical global market aspects to watch.
Consider this guide your beginner's handbook for venturing into the precious metals market.
After equipping yourself with this knowledge, you're ready to initiate your buying journey. The guide provides tips to handpick your investments. If you're on the fence, don't hesitate to call their support team during working hours for suggestions.
You'd need to contact the firm directly to secure your preferred rate. They'll set up an account capturing your name, delivery details, and contact info, facilitating your order's completion.
Worth mentioning they exclusively process orders via phone calls. There must be a digital platform to buy precious metals using an online cart.
Once your order gets a green light, you'll dispatch payment by check or bank transfer. After ensuring funds are received, expect your order to arrive within three working days. If any shipment hitches arise, you'll be updated during the transaction.
Upon dispatch, a shipment tracking code will be relayed to you. And since the parcel comes with insurance, ensure you're present to sign upon delivery.
Navigating the Selling Process
Whether you bought your precious metals from Cornerstone Bullion or elsewhere, they're open to repurchasing them. The firm is interested in almost all forms of beloved metal bars and coins, yet they steer clear from scrap metals and jewelry.
Kickstart the process by reaching out to them about your items. They'll provide an initial estimate. Remember, the final value could waver based on market movements affecting precious metals. The rate becomes firm once you give the nod to your sale.
Following your agreement, they'll send you an email confirmation. Please print this document, pack it with your metals in an insured USPS box, and mail it to the shared address. It's pivotal to ensure your parcel is adequately insured.
Within a day of your sale's affirmation, you must forward the shipment's tracking details or proof to the company. These can be shared via fax or email.
Upon receiving your items, they'll inspect them to ensure they match the agreement. Post verification, you'll receive your payment through a mailed check. For a swift transaction, spend 19 dollars, and they'll expedite the bill overnight. For substantial transactions over 50,000 dollars, bank wire transfers are an option.
Assessing the Legitimacy of Cornerstone Bullion
Cornerstone Bullion is a legitimate entity, boasting an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, with accreditation since 2010. Beyond their affiliation with recognized bodies, they've garnered positive feedback on platforms like Gold Dealer Reviews.
However, the digital space hosts limited customer testimonials for them. A firm with a broader review base might be a wiser choice for some.
Strengths & Weaknesses of Cornerstone Bullion
Top-notch A+ rating recognized by the Better Business Bureau.
A business proudly run by a dedicated family.
Transparent and open information is available on their official website.
Drawbacks
Fewer online testimonials compared to other businesses.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Cornerstone Bullion stands out as a robust entity. Holding an impeccable record with zero grievances and a distinguished A+ status from the BBB, they've garnered affirmative feedback from independent bodies. Their commitment to integrity is evident, leveraging their familial roots to ensure no high-pressure sales tactics.
The company's operational ethos is commendable. Their intent is clear: to maintain minimal overheads, ensuring they can offer competitive commission rates. Prioritizing client privacy, they refrain from soliciting customer referrals, and their transparency about their investment approaches and target audience is refreshing.
However, a slight hitch surfaces in their client testimonials. Despite a clean slate on the BBB platform, more customer insights should be needed. While the feedback we have encountered has been positive, we typically lean towards firms with an extensive reservoir of client experiences.
Understanding real client experiences often gives a clearer picture of a company's operations beyond their declarations. This component is a tad absent for Cornerstone Bullion. While there's no direct red flag deterring potential interactions with them, they don't secure our prime endorsement.
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With over 20 years in the financial industry, Mike specializes in Gold IRAs and precious metal investments. Inspired by his family's history and the financial wisdom of his grandfather, Mike is passionate about helping individuals secure their retirement through stable and guaranteed assets. A Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Financial Consultant®, he's a trusted voice in the financial community.