Andorrano jeweller: silver ounces wrapped in cling film

Silver ounces wrapped in cling film: the clash between price and handling

Buying an investment silver ounce and receiving it wrapped in transparent film, as if it were a sandwich, is what sparked a complaint that has spread through the Spanish precious metals market. The criticism is aimed at Joyería Andorrano, a dealer with very competitive prices whose packaging leaves coins exposed to tarnishing when the order doesn't fill an original tube. 999 fine silver tarnishes almost instantly, and buyers who don't purchase tubes or capsules on their own end up with a product that loses some of its resale appeal.

Competitive pricing versus shoddy packaging

The consensus around the Andorran dealer is broad: the prices are among the best in Spain and the pricing policy is fully transparent. There's no dispute there. The problem arises when the order doesn't add up to a full tube of 20 or 25 coins. Then the loose ounces travel in cellophane or film, and the buyer faces the dilemma of encapsulating them on their own or accepting the deterioration.

Some argue that the cost of a tube is irrelevant compared with the volume of a transaction worth thousands of euros, and that not including one is a rookie marketing mistake. The opposing argument carries weight too: every tube and every capsule costs money, and with tight margins the dealer can't give them away. The debate heats up when someone points out that a 1,300-euro gold ounce arrived wrapped in film and without a capsule.

The service: correct or dismissive?

The accusation of dismissive treatment doesn't find unanimous support. Several buyers describe service that is cold but correct, without frills, and stress that when there was a problem with broken capsules the shop sent free replacements, even two years later. Others, however, recount that when they complained about an incomplete order the response was to invite them to shop elsewhere.

Communication is the other weak point: calls that go unanswered, emails with no reply and tracking numbers that have to be requested by phone. One buyer says that if he doesn't call, he doesn't find out the package arrives that same day. The shop has been fixing part of this with automatic status-change notifications, though courier tracking remains outstanding.

The German alternative and the cost of customs

The usual counterpoint is German shops, with 7% VAT on silver and more careful handling, but with added risks. Buying from outside the EU exposes the buyer to customs holds with 21% VAT plus the corresponding duty. The exception is bullion gold, which pays neither VAT nor duties, although one buyer had to appeal an erroneous hold to get it lifted.

The conclusion that emerges is uncomfortable: the Andorran dealer wins on price and language proximity, loses on commercial polish. Those who prioritise packaging and communication have alternatives; those who watch every cent per ounce do too. The prediction, with reservations, is that the shop will carry on as before as long as the price differential outweighs the cling film.