What belongs on a written quote?
Seven things: the exact product (name, weight, fineness, year), the quantity, the spot price reference, the premium per item, any shipping or storage charges, the total, and the time the quote expires.
Each item exists for a reason. The spot reference lets you verify the premium; the expiration acknowledges that spot moves; the itemization lets you compare the quote against any other dealer's, line by line.
Why insist on writing before paying?
Because memory and phone calls are where pricing disputes are born. A written quote fixes the terms at a moment in time: both sides know exactly what was promised, at what price, until when.
It is also the single best dealer filter you have. Legitimate dealers send written quotes as a matter of routine, the paperwork already exists. Dealers who resist are telling you their prices don't survive scrutiny.
How does a written quote show up in practice?
Ask for it before committing to anything: 'Email me the itemized quote with the spot reference and expiration.' Then sit with it, compare it, and check the premium against published ranges. A quote that can't survive an evening of reading wasn't worth accepting.