Retrieval from segregated storage

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The procedure for a partial- or total retrieval

Are you already a client of Swiss Gold Safe in Switzerland? Or are you looking to store your assets in segregated storage? In either case, you may be wondering how any subsequent partial or total retrieval process might work. The procedure is slightly different according to your chosen option. Some formalities must be observed to secure your assets and these are outlined in this article. You can find all the details here.

A summary of asset retrieval from segregated storage

Allocated & segregated storage at Swiss Gold Safe provides for the secure and unlimited storage of assets which remain the property of the client.
A subsequent retrieval of these assets can be accomplished in five simple steps. A distinction is made between a partial- and a total retrieval.
The retrieval of precious metals or other assets requires a written order bearing the client's authentic signature.
Unlike a partial retrieval, a total retrieval requires an advance payment from the client because this will result in the termination of the storage contract.
A retrieval can only be actioned once Swiss Gold Safe has received the original order. So allowance must be made for postal delivery schedules and/or delivery delays.
The time frame for any retrieval depends on the type of storage involved: Processing from a domestic warehouse can take place more quickly than from a bonded warehouse. Any request for shipment of goods may also cause a delay.
Unlike the management of a safe deposit box, Swiss Gold Safe will handle the storage and retrieval of assets held in allocated & segregated storage on your behalf. We can also organise valuables transport.

The context of allocated & segregated storage

Allocated & segregated storage enables clients to receive back exactly the goods they originally delivered into storage. This clearly distinguishes this type of storage from Swiss Gold Safe’s collective storage, where only items of equivalent value are handed over. Another advantage of allocated & segregated storage is that you can prove the origin of your stored assets at any time, because they can be clearly identified via your certificates or purchase receipts.

Allocated & segregated storage is particularly suitable for precious metals such as gold or silver bars. These are stored separately in highly secure vaults according to their bar or seal numbers – so individual items can always be identified at any time. For white metal bars in particular, Swiss Gold Safe also provides an option to deposit these goods in a bonded warehouse where they can be held in allocated & segregated storage. This allows investors to buy and store silver without paying a VAT levy.

Five steps to retrieval under allocated & segregated storage

Organising a retrieval of your assets held with Swiss Gold Safe is just as easy as opening an allocated & segregated storage account. We differentiate between two kinds of retrieval: a “partial retrieval” and a “total retrieval.” A description of both these procedures can be found later in this article. However, the process is very similar for both and can be completed in just five simple steps.

Step 1: Contact us

You can contact us and request a retrieval of your goods. This can be done by phone, sending us an email, or via our contact form.

Step 2: Order preparation

We will prepare a retrieval order and send this to you for signature. If you request total retrieval, you will also receive an advance payment invoice from us (see the total retrieval section for details).

Step 3: Return of a signed order

Send the form with your handwritten signature (not a stamped or digitally printed version) by mail to Swiss Gold Safe. As the original form with signature is required, a PDF sent via email will not suffice. Please remember that postal deliveries often take longer these days.

Step 4: Checking the order form

As soon as we receive your order, we will check the accuracy of the form and, if applicable, process the receipt of your advance payment. The following points are especially important:

Step 5: Release or shipment of the goods back to you

If everything is correct, we will arrange for the release or transport of your goods as requested.

What is partial retrieval from storage?

Alongside storage itself, a partial retrieval of assets is the most common procedure under allocated & segregated storage arrangements. This involves removing a desired quantity or specific items from the allocated & segregated storage inventory and handing them over to the client. Alternatively, a valuables transport can be arranged as required. We charge a handling fee for partial retrieval from storage.

For the owner of the inventory, this means they still remain a Swiss Gold Safe client with assets held in allocated & segregated storage. The storage fees and insurance premiums will be adjusted or offset according to each individual contract. In addition, you have the option to replenish your inventory at any time, for example, by purchasing precious metals from a specialist dealer of your choice.

Special features for total retrieval

In the case of a total retrieval from allocated & segregated storage, the entire inventory is dispersed and the client relationship is then terminated. This requires that all outstanding storage fees be settled prior to the final retrieval. This is done via an advance payment, which the client must settle along with the handling fees before the retrieval occurs. A final settlement will be issued at the end of the next billing period, and any overpayments will always be refunded. This procedure has proven successful and is equally fair for both parties, thus avoiding any potential disadvantage for you as the client.

Retrieval orders sent by mail

For your own security, we only accept original retrieval orders that are sent to us by mail, or handed over in person. When sending these documents, please take into account that postal deliveries often take longer these days. Letters can sometimes be misdirected and arrive several days late.

Please understand we can only begin the retrieval process once we have received the original form and all of the above requirements have been met. Many postal service providers offer mail-tracking options, such as registered mail, airmail, priority letter, or A-Post Plus. These are generally given delivery priority by the service providers. Alternatively, you could also use a private document courier service.

Retrieval from allocated & segregated storage: How long does it take?

The duration of any retrieval from allocated & segregated storage depends largely on the kind of storage involved. If your inventory is located in a domestic warehouse, we can usually retrieve the goods within two days – provided you have sent a correctly completed retrieval order. However, if you have silver bars stored in a bonded warehouse, for example, you should anticipate a processing time of approximately one week. In this scenario, the entire process is more complex and time-consuming because the necessary paperwork must be prepared, a clearance must be scheduled, and access to the bonded warehouse must be granted.

If you do not wish to receive your goods in person but would rather have them transported, you must allow further additional time for shipping. Shipping via a valuables courier can be arranged approximately one to two weeks after receiving all the documents. The organisation and transport time depends on the specified destination and the (customs) regulations of the respective destination country.

Swiss Gold Safe handles the processing on your behalf

While you can handle the storage and withdrawal of assets in your safe deposit box for yourself, Swiss Gold Safe will handle the processing involved with allocated and segregated storage. This means our vault staff will remove the goods from the safe in the domestic warehouse or bonded warehouse at the agreed time, and hand them over to you, or to the valuables courier service.

Please inform us in advance if you do not wish to receive the goods in person, or are unable to do so; we will then organise a valuables transport on your behalf. The transport is carried out by independent logistics companies that specialise in national and international valuables transport and guarantee the highest security standards.