Complaint Review: Blanchard and Company Inc. - New Orleans Louisiana

  My husband and I worked for Blanchard and Company for years. First, starting in their Metairie location and then, moving to their current location. One of the aspects we liked about the company was Donald Doyle the current Chairman. At the time Don owned the company, he purchased from Jim Blanchard. I worked for Don.

Don is a first-class individual who does not take anything or anyone for granted. He does not back anything that does not have any value. He is a retired Marine and a retired Lawyer. This man respects people in general in he's not out to scam, burn, or make you rich. He is there to make sure his company is run legitimately.

Many of the individuals who work at Blanchard: Craig Baudot and Debbie Cash have been with the company over 30 years working for Don. The point of all this background is to tell you these people are not a set-up one day and close the next day. They know what they are doing. Blanchard is one of the very FEW gold companies who are reputable and are there to help you. 

     Like any investment, you need to do your research. You've got to decide where you want to put your money--coin sets or bars, etc. How many ounces? What type of grading? You need to research in the market that you are investing--this is not a "lazy" person market. You need to ask the right questions. No one is a mind reader. They can help you as far as you ask.  All this is a premium service.

They are servicing you and you've got to pay for that service. (Otherwise, go to a coin and gun show at when it comes to your town.)  You need to have a close and personal relationship with your account manager. They need to know what are you looking to get in return. (This is where you might feel like your being "up-sell or investment grade" comes into play.) This is no QVC type shop. 

Investing in Gold and coin sets you to need to be ready for the long-term investment----really, really, long. Also, you need to be aware of how many sets are available, the grading on the sets, and keep up with the highs and lows of gold. Obviously, if you purchase a set of coins that are mid-grading and several sets of available you are not going to see much of a turnaround in your investment.

Honestly, you have got to invest some serious money to see a huge turnaround. I'm not saying you won't get an increase for what bought--bought I'm also saying "think about how much invested and what did you really think you would get for your return." You can't buy and then, sell 6 months later gold, that's not how it works. Maybe 20 years later. It's not a quick turnaround investment. 

As far as their online prices, they have to say call and confirm because of the price gold changes daily and 2 pm New Orleans time when markets close in New York gold can be a new price--high or low. Therefore, prices online, change. 

I am sorry you felt as if you were scammed or did not make a huge profit from your investment. However, I want to you think about this if you put your money into oil for the same amount and turnaround time, would you have made a significant profit? I'm going to say no. Oil is a long-term investment. 

I can only offer you advice to really, really, research on what you choose to invest your money. You work too hard for your money. Ask questions, no matter how small. 

 I first invested in gold when prices were really low in 1995. I trusted Blanchard & Co who took advantage of my naivety and inexperience. I wanted to buy bullion gold coins and platinum but was steered away from that and into much more expensive "graded" coins that could not be confiscated by the government. I was literally screwed out of several hundred thousand $$$ when trying to sell said coins back to Blanchard & Co. 10, 15, and 20 years later - at a much lower price than what I paid even though gold has gone from $210/oz to over $1,700/oz!!! I detest this rip off company and hope and pray Lady Karma does to them like they did to me!

Blanchard and Company does not indicate what the value of the coin value being up  55 % is compared to.  The values they place on their coins are not comparable to reputable coin dealers I check with after the fact of dealing with them myself.  

I found that their "ask" price for their coins were always hire than by 25 to 35% in same day comparisons for the same coins of other dealers.    I have also found that the claim of a coin value being up 55% does not necessarily constitute a profit for a client who wishes to sell a coin back for their bid price.   The claim made does not clarify between the two and obviously could be used to decieve a person into a sense of well-being or that their collection has gained value.  

Another issue not made manifest in Blanchard and Company's claims is that the commissions taken constitute a double loss for the customer.   If they sell a coin for 15% over premium at their "ask" price and then buy it back at 15 % under premium at their "bid" price, then the client has lost 30% over the course of doing business with Blanchard and Company.  In otherwords, either way, Blanchard and Company makes a profit on their client which is a good reason to be in business for them.   But it is only good for the client if they make a profit of same comparison.  If Blanchard and Company's "ask" price is inflated in comparison to coin values posted on puplications like the Certified News Letter Blue Sheet, then Blanchard and Company clients are not getting the deal account executives might claim they are giving.  

It is great that some people might have had wonderful experiences with Blanchard and Company, Inc.  But their experiences don't nullify a report that does not look good.   The rebuttle needs to explain why Blanchard and Company, Inc's Account Executive dealings in each and every case did not end in enhancing and protecting the wealth of the person who trust them to live up to their claim.  My experience is that the company has not lived up to this claim in my personal transactions with them. 

I came across this site after recommending Blanchard and Company to a friend of mine and having him send me this complaint. Because I have invested close to 7 figures with Blanchard, and have had a 15 year, extremely positive relationship with this company, I felt compelled to offer my experiences.  First of all, Blanchard and Company is not the absolute "cheapest" in the industry. However, they are not the most expensive either. I have been purchasing precious metals for over 15 years, and have done business with about 6 of the major companies out there.

It has been my experience that Blanchard is, by far, the best company to do business with. Their professionalism, prompt attention to my needs, and portfolio recommendations have been outstanding. Their willingness and capacity to liquidate metals when I have needed to, has been one of the key reasons why I continue to use them above the competition.  I have never been misled, misguided, or lied to.

I have always been treated with respect and honestly feel as though the company has my best interest at heart. I have actually formed a friendship with my Account Executive, to the point of us knowing the names of each others' children. I am of the firm belief that you get what you pay for. I am happy to pay a small premium over the competition to have the peace of mind of dealing with a reputable company that charges fair prices for their high-quality products, and that has the ability to buy my metals back at a moment's notice. I have recommended many of my friends and family to Blanchard and will continue to do so.

Dear Burned,

I am sorry that you did not have a pleasurable experience with our company.  I can assure you that our number one concern is customer satisfaction. 

Since I do not know the specific details of your order, other than what you provided, the only thing I can conclude is that the coins you purchased from Blanchard are now up over 55% since you purchased the coins.  Not bad for a 3 year hold. 

As for the lack of response from upper management, I am not sure what happened and I apologize for that. 

If you would like to discuss your situation or additional concerns, please do not hesitate to call me directly - 800-880-4653.

Sincerely,
David Beahm