Precious metals do not keep business hours. Trading runs almost continuously from Sunday evening through Friday evening, moving between Asian, European and North American sessions as the world turns.
For New Zealand that has a particular consequence. A great deal of the action happens while we are asleep. London opens in our late evening and New York trades through our night. If you only look at prices during the working day here, you are seeing the aftermath rather than the movement.
Our online store is open whenever you are, which exists for exactly that reason.
Why round the clock ordering matters
Three practical situations come up regularly.
The market moves overnight. A price you have been waiting for may arrive at two in the morning New Zealand time. Being able to act when it happens, rather than waiting for a shop to open and finding the moment has passed, is the whole point.
People are busy during the day. Plenty of buyers do their thinking in the evening, after work, after the household has gone quiet. That is when they want to place an order, not during a lunch break.
Weekends. Spot markets close over the weekend, but that is often when people have time to research and decide. Orders placed then are ready to go when markets reopen.
Prices that move with the market
Bullion is not sold at a fixed shelf price. Our pricing is live and market linked, tracking spot rather than sitting at a number set that morning.
That is what makes round the clock ordering meaningful. An online store showing yesterday's prices at three in the morning would be worse than useless, because you would be committing to a number that no longer reflects the market.
Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars, which matters more than people expect. Spot is set internationally in US dollars, so the local price reflects both the metal price and the exchange rate. Our article on how the gold price is set covers where the underlying number comes from.
The price lock
There is an obvious problem with live pricing. If the price is moving continuously, what stops it changing between clicking checkout and completing payment?
The price lock. Checking out fixes the price for five minutes while you pay, so the figure you agreed to is the figure you are charged. Without it, live pricing would create genuine uncertainty at exactly the wrong moment.
This matters most when markets are volatile, which tends to be when people most want to buy.
What happens after you order
Orders are dispatched with fully insured, signature tracked delivery anywhere in New Zealand, packaged discreetly. You can also collect in person.
Ordering at three in the morning does not mean dispatch at three in the morning. Orders placed overnight are processed the following working day. What the online store gives you is the ability to lock a price when you see it, rather than being at the mercy of opening hours.
Coming in person
Some things are better face to face, particularly a first purchase, a large one, or a conversation about what actually suits you.
The Christchurch showroom at 124 Peterborough Street is open seven days a week, with visits by appointment. The appointment system is deliberate. It means the time is yours, stock you want to see is ready, and you are not waiting while someone else is served.
So the honest description is this. The store never closes. The showroom is open seven days, by arrangement. Between them you can buy at any hour and still see the metal in person when it matters.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy bullion at any time of day?
Yes. The online store accepts orders around the clock, with live market linked pricing.
Do prices change overnight?
Yes. Precious metals trade almost continuously from Sunday evening to Friday evening, so a great deal of movement happens during New Zealand's night.
What if the price changes while I am paying?
Checkout locks the price for five minutes while payment is completed, so you are charged the price you agreed to.
Are orders dispatched overnight?
No. Orders placed outside working hours are processed the next working day. The benefit of overnight ordering is locking a price when you see it.
Can I visit the Christchurch showroom?
Yes, seven days a week by appointment, at 124 Peterborough Street, Christchurch.
Browse any time
The store is open whenever you are. See the range, or book a showroom visit if you would rather see the metal in person first.