Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Weight Tolerance • Unallocated Storage • Proof Coins

Physical Delivery

Term from Precious Metal Trading industry explained for recruiters

Physical Delivery refers to the actual transfer of precious metals (like gold, silver, or platinum) from a seller to a buyer, rather than just trading paper contracts. When someone trades precious metals with "physical delivery," it means they're dealing with the real, tangible metal being moved from one location to another, usually from a vault or storage facility to the buyer's chosen destination. This is different from "paper trading" where people only exchange contracts without handling the actual metal. It's an important term because it shows that a person has experience with the logistics and security requirements of moving valuable materials.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Physical Delivery operations for gold bullion worth over $10M annually

Coordinated Physical Delivery and Physical Settlement of precious metals across international vaults

Supervised Physical Delivery processes and security protocols for high-value metal transfers

Typical job title: "Physical Precious Metals Traders"

Also try searching for:

Precious Metals Trader Bullion Operations Manager Physical Gold Trader Precious Metals Operations Specialist Bullion Trading Manager Physical Precious Metals Specialist

Where to Find Physical Precious Metals Traders

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where a physical delivery of gold is delayed due to international customs issues?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss risk management procedures, alternative delivery routes, communication with stakeholders, insurance considerations, and maintaining proper documentation for customs clearance.

Q: What processes would you implement to ensure secure physical delivery of high-value precious metals?

Expected Answer: Should explain security protocols, insurance requirements, trusted shipping partners selection, chain of custody documentation, and contingency planning.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What documentation is required for physical delivery of precious metals?

Expected Answer: Should mention shipping manifests, insurance certificates, customs documentation, weight certificates, purity verification, and chain of custody records.

Q: How do you verify the authenticity of received precious metals?

Expected Answer: Should discuss standard verification procedures, working with approved assayers, checking hallmarks, weighing processes, and documentation requirements.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between physical delivery and paper trading?

Expected Answer: Should explain that physical delivery involves actual transfer of metal while paper trading only involves contracts, and basic understanding of delivery processes.

Q: What are the basic steps in a physical delivery process?

Expected Answer: Should describe the basic flow: order confirmation, security arrangements, documentation preparation, shipping coordination, and delivery confirmation.