Last updated: February 9, 2026
At LocalGoldSilver.com, we take accuracy and usefulness seriously. This page explains how we research, write, and maintain the content on our site.
Our Mission
We created LocalGoldSilver to help Americans find trustworthy local buyers for their gold, silver, and precious metals. Our goal is to provide the most accurate, location-specific information available – not generic content that could apply anywhere.
Research Process
Every guide on LocalGoldSilver goes through a consistent research process:
Local Buyer Research
We identify gold and silver buyers in each location through:
- Business directory research
- State and local licensing databases where available
- Review of established dealers with verifiable business histories
- Cross-referencing multiple sources to confirm business details
State Law Verification
For each state, we research:
- Sales tax laws affecting precious metals transactions
- Any state-specific licensing requirements for dealers
- Reporting requirements that may affect sellers
- Recent legislative changes that impact precious metals sales
Pricing and Valuation Information
We explain how pricing works in the precious metals industry, including:
- How spot prices are determined
- Typical premiums and percentages offered by buyers
- Factors that affect what you’ll be offered for your items
- How different types of gold and silver are valued
Our Sources
We rely on primary and authoritative sources whenever possible, including:
- State government websites for tax and licensing information
- Industry associations and trade organizations
- Established precious metals pricing references
- Direct business information from dealer websites
We do not rely on anonymous reviews, unverified claims, or secondhand information.
What We Don’t Do
To maintain our editorial integrity, we do not:
- Accept payment for inclusion in our guides
- Guarantee any specific outcomes or prices
- Personally vouch for any individual business
- Provide recommendations based on affiliate commissions
- Publish content without research and verification
Keeping Content Updated
The precious metals industry changes. Businesses open and close. Laws get updated.
We regularly review and update our content to maintain accuracy. However, we cannot guarantee real-time accuracy of all information. We always recommend verifying details directly with any business before visiting.
If you notice outdated or incorrect information on our site, please let us know through our Contact page. We appreciate reader feedback and corrections.
Editorial Independence
Our editorial content is independent from our business relationships. While we may earn affiliate commissions from some links, this does not influence:
- Which businesses we include in our guides
- How we describe or evaluate any business
- The accuracy of our research
- Our recommendations or warnings
We believe trust is earned through consistent honesty, not marketing.
Who Writes Our Content
LocalGoldSilver was founded by Joe Meinen, who oversees all research and content on the site. You can learn more about our background on our About page.
Questions or Feedback
We welcome questions about our research process and appreciate corrections or feedback. Please reach out through our Contact page.