Most retail investors buy corporate bonds through a public offer. A company that makes a public offer will issue a prospectus and investors apply directly to buy bonds. Many investors find out about these offers through newspaper advertisements. The prospectus for an offer of corporate bonds generally specifies a minimum investment parcel (or bundle of bonds). People who invest in corporate bonds when they are first issued pay the face value of the bond (usually $100 each). If you buy corporate bonds through a prospectus, it is very important to read the document thoroughly (see ‘Tips for reading a prospectus’ on pages 36–39). Secondary market (securities exchange) You can buy (and.