Going, Going, GOLD

Rising steadily since 2001, the price of gold has soared to record highs this year, driven by the weak U.S. dollar and ongoing economic uncertainty. Two months ago, it reached a true milestone, hitting $1,000 an ounce on March 13.

Although the price fell back under the $1,000 mark--it was $898.50 at press time--there's no expectation we'll see any significant relief soon. That reality has many laboratory owners implementing strategies to protect their profitability. In fact, 45% of the 302 respondents to a recent LMT e-survey say they've changed their fee structures in order to compensate for the rising gold prices. Of those who haven't changed their fees, the vast majority were already charging separately for metal so they've been covered during the price spikes.

It's the laboratory owners who charge a flat fee (including alloy) that have found themselves in a quandary, and 40% of them have simply raised that flat fee for gold restorations....