The Held OunceTHE HELD OUNCE · OCTOBER 6, 2026
The difference between the prices to buy and sell.
Two prices, one difference
A dealer spread is the difference between the price a dealer asks to sell an item and the price the dealer would pay to buy it back. That difference is a cost to understand. A quoted market price does not tell you every cost involved in a particular transaction. Start by asking what both sides of the transaction would look like.
Ask for comparable written information
If you are reading an offer, ask for the item description and the terms in writing. Make sure you know which piece of metal the quote describes. A conversation can move quickly, while a written note gives you something to review. Keep the question plain: what would I pay, what would I receive, and what would selling involve?
Separate the costs
The spread is one part of the picture. Storage, delivery, insurance, and other charges may also apply. Ask which charges are included and which are separate. Do not add a fee to a mental list without understanding when it is charged. A useful comparison is one you can explain back in your own words. There is no need to rush past an unclear line.
A clear fee is still a fee
Understanding a spread does not make it disappear, and it does not make an outcome certain. Costs affect what would need to happen before a sale could recover the amount paid. Gold can lose value. Read the terms and speak with your own advisors before deciding. This publication does not quote prices, recommend a dealer, or sell metal.
Further reading: CFTC: questions before buying physical metals.
The Held Ounce is a publication operated by W2WD LLC. Content is general information, not tax, legal, or investment advice. Gold can lose value. Talk with your own advisors before making decisions.
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