Buying Silver and Gold

I stack silver

I stack silver. More of a hobby then investment. I go to the local coin shows and have a few dealers that sell foreign silver at spot

My limited experience:
I bought some gold coins and silver bars about 8-9 yrs ago. I used a local shop with a good reputation. Sold them all last year when gold/silver hit all time highs. I again used the same local merchant.
I just am not going to trust a fair amount of money to an internet transaction. If someone is going to try to take advantage of me - I want to be able to look him in the eye. (Not to mention exact a little revenge. )
Just my $.02 and own experience.