Two sides of a quote
A seller’s ask is the amount requested from a buyer. A dealer’s bid is the amount offered to someone selling gold. The difference between the two is the spread. An indicative website rate may sit near a market reference without representing either executable side.
Why spreads differ
Spreads can reflect liquidity, inventory, testing cost, product form, purity uncertainty, transaction size and dealer margin. Jewellery may also carry deductions that do not apply to a standard bullion product.
Compare on equal terms
Match the time, purity, net weight, unit and product form. Ask for a written breakdown, then compare the percentage or rupee gap from the same reference rather than comparing unrelated headline numbers.