25th Anniversary Mint Boxes – 11/18/11 UPDATE
DonWillis
Posts: 961 ✭✭✭
Effective for all submissions postmarked after November 18, 2011 PCGS will charge a return shipping fee for Mint packaging.
Return shipping fees must be included in the original submission and are as follows:
$20 – One or two 25th Anniversary Mint packages. That is up to two packages for $20. One package will cost $20 as well.
$30 – Three to five 25th Anniversary Mint packages. That is any number of packages from three to five will cost $30 total.
Return shipping costs for over five 25th Anniversary Mint packages will be based on the above costs. Five sets of five packages will cost $150.
Mint packaging will not be returned for submissions received without prepayment. We will not accept phone calls requesting shipment after your submission has been received.
Return shipping fees must be included in the original submission and are as follows:
$20 – One or two 25th Anniversary Mint packages. That is up to two packages for $20. One package will cost $20 as well.
$30 – Three to five 25th Anniversary Mint packages. That is any number of packages from three to five will cost $30 total.
Return shipping costs for over five 25th Anniversary Mint packages will be based on the above costs. Five sets of five packages will cost $150.
Mint packaging will not be returned for submissions received without prepayment. We will not accept phone calls requesting shipment after your submission has been received.
0
Comments
CORRECTION!, I read that wrong, it is only $20 for a box of 5. My bad. Once I reread it, I see that it is way different. I am ok with that. CORRECTION!
Wondercoin
<< <i>Ouch!! I wonder if collectors will switch to NGC since they charge $1. $150, really? This seems too high! >>
John is everyone in the city of Long Beach as diplomatic as you?
<< <i>
<< <i>Ouch!! I wonder if collectors will switch to NGC since they charge $1. $150, really? This seems too high! >>
John is everyone in the city of Long Beach as diplomatic as you? >>
Thanks for the compliment. I am sure there are plenty like me, but more is better.
My package was postmarked 11-10-2011 and signed into PCGS on 11-12-2011. On my form, I asked that all OGP be returned. I still want my OGP and if you need $30 from me, then add it onto my CC.
Gary
Also, where do we add this new charge on the submission form??
John, $150 seems to be the fee if you're sending in 25 complete sets... 125 coins... 5 packages total.
The not returning packaging w/o prepayment and not accepting phone calls about the matter doesn't seem very reasonable. Especially since this policy has been put in place with virtually no notice. I'm sure PCGS will have many folks with boxes already packed up to ship tomorrow or Monday who will be very unhappy when they learn that PCGS has thron away their packaging because of a policy they knew nothing about.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
<< <i>Ouch!! I wonder if collectors will switch to NGC since they charge $1. $150, really? This seems too high! >>
I believe it states 1 to 2 boxes returned for a total of $20.
3-5 boxes will be returned for a TOTAL of $30, not $150!
Getting the original bits back as part of the $8 and normal shipping charge was super cheap.
To the above poster complaining about the $150....that is for 5 sets of 5 packages....ie, someone submitting 5 boxes of 5 sets (of 5 coins each).
Since each box of 5, from the USMint, already weighs in @ 15.2 lbs, according to my package, then that would be ~46 pounds they are shipping back......there is a cost to that.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>
<< <i>Ouch!! I wonder if collectors will switch to NGC since they charge $1. $150, really? This seems too high! >>
I believe it states 1 to 2 boxes returned for a total of $20.
3-5 boxes will be returned for a TOTAL of $30, not $150! >>
You are right. I read that all wrong. Thanks for the correction. I know PCGS needs to charge for the return of OGP. It is very reasonable. I would suggest that they do allow collectors to call and request that they return the OGP for all submission prior to this day.
The PCGS rep simply opened the box before my smiling eyes....and several others.
There were a few ooohs and aaaahs to boot!
Each set box was emptied meticulously and the coins were stacked in individual piles.
The encapsulated coin was then placed in a 2½ x 2½ flip and put in a PCGS blue box.
The rep then placed all the empty boxes back into the carton, along with the Mint invoice.
I walked away happy, but the darn box still weighed over 13lbs.
Todd and Charmy were kind enough to store my Mint box under their table.
Only one of my set boxes had all the coins out of their insert holes.....still in the capsules....all was good!
One of the PCGS reps said they found several coins out of their capsules...Ouch!!
<< <i>Don,
My package was postmarked 11-10-2011 and signed into PCGS on 11-12-2011. On my form, I asked that all OGP be returned. I still want my OGP and if you need $30 from me, then add it onto my CC.
Gary >>
Don, if you need $30 from me put it on Gary's CC.
In all honesty, this is pretty lame...since grading fees are already high. $18 for FS label? HA!
While I do like the community here, I'm starting to become turned off.
/opinion
"First Strike designation is an additional $18/coin. This price includes the return shipping cost of any sort of mint packaging included in the submission."
link
<< <i>
<< <i>Ouch!! I wonder if collectors will switch to NGC since they charge $1. $150, really? This seems too high! >>
I believe it states 1 to 2 boxes returned for a total of $20.
3-5 boxes will be returned for a TOTAL of $30, not $150! >>
A bulk submitter with 20 or 25 sets will pay the $150. The mint shipping weight was 15 pounds for 5 sets. The 5 sets sans 2 pounds of coins is still expensive to return by priority mail. It cost me $31 sans insurance to send the mint package to PCGS.
We never thought about charging until we suddenly ended up with a room full of boxes which we have to package and mail.
My package was postmarked 11-10-2011 and signed into PCGS on 11-12-2011. On my form, I asked that all OGP be returned.
You don't have anything to worry about. As it says in the announcement this only applies to packages postmarked after today.
Bait and switch? In all honesty, this is pretty lame...
I totally disagree and I think your comment is totally off base. We are giving notice. The choice to submit or not is yours.
Finally, I wouldn't pay $5 to get the Mint packaging back. First of all it is far from the quality of the UHR packaging, secondly, what are you going to do with it?
Edited to add: Yes we are finding coin capsules loose in the packaging and even in some cases the coins have fallen out of the capsules. Not a great packaging job by the mint.
Up to two packages = $20. One package could have only 1 set, or up to 5 sets? Very different weights.
Three to five packages = $30.
Five sets of five = $150. That's 5 packages = $30 a package (or $6 a set.) Would have been easier to just charge $6 a set.
Help me out here.
PCGS Submission Policy
Please understand that I don't mean to insult you, I understand you are fully aware of your policy. However, is this policy solely focused on non-first strike submissions since your policy already includes this cost? Does this policy only cover the 25th Anniversary set and will not be the policy going forward? If this new policy you are introducing does cover first strike submissions as well as non-first strike submissions, I feel your advertising first strike costs are unfair advertising as it clearly indicates you have been returning packaging included in the said cost.
To answer your question, "what would you do with the packaging?". Again, sir, with all due respect, we did pay for this packaging when we purchased it. If we paid what you asked for first strike, $18, then we should expect we get a first strike label along with our packaging. Besides, sir, $18 is per coin and each package has 5 coins. This cost should more than cover the return cost of the packaging. Finally, I believe I would like my packaging back because it makes a perfect display for all 5 coins once they are slabbed.
I invite your response, thank you...
Thanks much,
Edward
He who knows he has enough is rich.
<< <i>I know PCGS may say why, but is it possible to get back the 25 capsules as well, if I send in a Box O'5 for grading? >>
I've always gotten the capsules back with the original packaging.
The capsules are of good quality, and can be used on other ASE's.
Thanks for the info.
you have to keep in mind that a company cannot provide a service at a loss or to break even. a company needs to turn a profit to stay viable. shipping all this packaging back to all of us could eat up a lot of the profit from the submissions. JMO
It cost me $60.20 to send (5) sets registered mail insured for $3,000 to California
<< <i>
Finally, I wouldn't pay $5 to get the Mint packaging back. First of all it is far from the quality of the UHR packaging, secondly, what are you going to do with it?
Edited to add: Yes we are finding coin capsules loose in the packaging and even in some cases the coins have fallen out of the capsules. Not a great packaging job by the mint. >>
I ordered a ton of sets, some from mint, some from eBay, and the ones I did open (from eBay, since it wasn't mint sealed) the coins were all over the place.
And I agree, the box is nothing like the UHR... Sad thing is I saw people buying them for $50 a pop on eBay. Figure PCGS could sell them, but would it even be worth the time. I plan on selling mine, since I have no use for them, and 30 boxes * ~$50 = will take care of my 8 MPG car's gas for the week! ha ha ho ho....
<< <i>
Bait and switch? In all honesty, this is pretty lame...
I totally disagree and I think your comment is totally off base. We are giving notice. The choice to submit or not is yours.
>>
My overall point is, it seems as though PCGS was a bit late to the game with their guidelines. Now, after the guidelines were set, officially...by you, yourself...you guys are changing them and increasing the costs? What, if I may ask, is the basis for this increase in cost? Did PCGS see that they could make even more money on top of the inflated grading fees and jump at the opportunity?
I guess I'm just confused here...seems kind of tacky to increase costs after the fact in this situation, specifically. I am not closed minded and I don't go protesting to my local gas stations that they increase fuel prices when oil prices increase. I just am failing to see the need for an increase on top of the grading fees.
<< <i>
<< <i>
Bait and switch? In all honesty, this is pretty lame...
I totally disagree and I think your comment is totally off base. We are giving notice. The choice to submit or not is yours.
>>
My overall point is, it seems as though PCGS was a bit late to the game with their guidelines. Now, after the guidelines were set, officially...by you, yourself...you guys are changing them and increasing the costs? What, if I may ask, is the basis for this increase in cost? Did PCGS see that they could make even more money on top of the inflated grading fees and jump at the opportunity?
I guess I'm just confused here...seems kind of tacky to increase costs after the fact in this situation, specifically. I am not closed minded and I don't go protesting to my local gas stations that they increase fuel prices when oil prices increase. I just am failing to see the need for an increase on top of the grading fees. >>
go read my post above?
this was a first time ever for this style packaging. everyone was surprised when the mint started shipping and packages were 15+ LBS.
<< <i>Finally, I wouldn't pay $5 to get the Mint packaging back. First of all it is far from the quality of the UHR packaging, >>
Man. some guys thought the blue lacquer smelled sweet, I got the impression it was like sniffing cognac and my cigar before I indulged.
<< <i>secondly, what are you going to do with it? >>
Sell it for $10 a box?
Successful Trades: Swampboy,
This info though, shouldn't have been a shut out after hours today. Hats off to those who have already sent their submissions in and avoided the additional charges.
Condolences to those who intended to submit & haven't even received their Mint orders yet. Seems like an unfair punishment.
A sound financial business decision on PCGS's part, and not a debatable issue as usual (not even a clarification of charges.)
Moving on, does this change your mind about submitting your sets?
Businesses are not in business to lose money, and I don't think PCGS is going to be making much if anything on sending the packaging back to the owner of the sets. The mint packaging does weigh quite a bit for these sets.
Edited to add: I have figured out that 5 PCGS slabs fit into the original mint packaging very nicely, and I think that a collector would appreciate having the original packaging with the certified eagle set.
<< <i>i think the weight of the packaging is much heavier than most mint offerings hence the return shipping fees.
you have to keep in mind that a company cannot provide a service at a loss or to break even. a company needs to turn a profit to stay viable. shipping all this packaging back to all of us could eat up a lot of the profit from the submissions. JMO >>
Makes sense to me. If I had a business, I wouldn't comp this. These OGP are significant and require a separate workflow, storage, packing and postage.
I just got an email from PCGS that they shipped my box of 5 OGPs today. They are not shipping them with the graded coins. It is about economics.
<< <i>C'mon guys you know that the sets are going to be worth more certified and with the original mint packging than without the mint packaging.
Businesses are not in business to loose money, and I don't think PCGS is going to be making much if anything on sending the packaging back to the owner of the sets. The mint packaging does weigh quite a bit for these sets.
Edited to add: I have figured out that 5 PCGS slabs fit into the original mint packaging very nicely, and I think that a collector woul appreciate having the original packaging with the certified eagle set. >>
I think you meant lose & possibly would and nothing complimentary anymore even when paying a premium.
<< <i>I realize postage and handling have a cost. I also realize there are people taking time to repackage and send said packages back to the submitte. However, there is already a place on the submission form to pay for return shipping. Plus, if you paid for first strike, that is $18 per coin x 5 coins in a set. Therefore, you paid $90 for the first strike labels plus returning the mint packages. The original cost, per PCGS policy, should more than cover this cost plus what you need to pay to get the coins back to the submitter. If you didn't pay for first strike then I absolutely agree there should be an associated additional cost to return the mint packaging. Thus, you did not elect to pay the first strike fee which included the return of the mint packaging or the label. IMHO >>
This is an unique situation that called for an economically viable solution. The packaging is very substantial and shipping them back to the submitter isn't going to be cheap. Basically, paying $4/set to return it to the submitter is reasonable. For the 2006 20th Anniv Sets, the packaging was small compared to this set. I think the Mint did a disservice by charging so little for the sets. There is no way that they could have made anything on shipping.
If you look at the per coin cost of this charge, it is 80 cents per coin. That includes the box to shipped the OGP in, any packing to secure the sets, man hours require for this, and postage to ship. I don't see this charge as tacky, but a good business decision.
<< <i>
<< <i>C'mon guys you know that the sets are going to be worth more certified and with the original mint packging than without the mint packaging.
Businesses are not in business to loose money, and I don't think PCGS is going to be making much if anything on sending the packaging back to the owner of the sets. The mint packaging does weigh quite a bit for these sets.
Edited to add: I have figured out that 5 PCGS slabs fit into the original mint packaging very nicely, and I think that a collector woul appreciate having the original packaging with the certified eagle set. >>
I think you meant lose & possibly would and nothing complimentary anymore when paying a premium. >>
Yes I meant "lose"and not "loose". I did a double tap on the "o" key. My fingers are not working properly tonight.
Have to say, shipping a 25th Anniv. box (empty or full) is a hassle, not to mention the cost.
- Ian
Owner/Founder GreatCollections
GreatCollections Coin Auctions - Certified Coin Auctions Every Week - Rare Coins & Coin Values
<< <i>Agree with both the complainants, and those who defend PCGS's decision, (though Set vs. Package charges are unclear.)
This info though, shouldn't have been a shut out after hours today. Hats off to those who have already sent their submissions in and avoided the additional charges.
Condolences to those who intended to submit & haven't even received their Mint orders yet. Seems like an unfair punishment.
A sound financial business decision on PCGS's part, and not a debatable issue as usual (not even a clarification of charges.)
Moving on, does this change your mind about submitting your sets? >>
At 80 cents per coin, based on a box of 5, wouldn't change my mind about submitting. I would still submit.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
<< <i>Could have also just held on to the OGP and shipped them back w/ the coins once graded... seems like shipping back the OGP separately contributed greatly to the costs involved. >>
But finding the storage space required to store them and document them would have cost implications. I think it is better that they ship them separately.
<< <i>
<< <i>I realize postage and handling have a cost. I also realize there are people taking time to repackage and send said packages back to the submitte. However, there is already a place on the submission form to pay for return shipping. Plus, if you paid for first strike, that is $18 per coin x 5 coins in a set. Therefore, you paid $90 for the first strike labels plus returning the mint packages. The original cost, per PCGS policy, should more than cover this cost plus what you need to pay to get the coins back to the submitter. If you didn't pay for first strike then I absolutely agree there should be an associated additional cost to return the mint packaging. Thus, you did not elect to pay the first strike fee which included the return of the mint packaging or the label. IMHO >>
This is an unique situation that called for an economically viable solution. The packaging is very substantial and shipping them back to the submitter isn't going to be cheap. Basically, paying $4/set to return it to the submitter is reasonable. For the 2006 20th Anniv Sets, the packaging was small compared to this set. I think the Mint did a disservice by charging so little for the sets. There is no way that they could have made anything on shipping.
If you look at the per coin cost of this charge, it is 80 cents per coin. That includes the box to shipped the OGP in, any packing to secure the sets, man hours require for this, and postage to ship. I don't see this charge as tacky, but a good business decision. >>
It does seem the cost may be $6 a set, or maybe not. Sets versus packages is not clear in Don's post.
Really? Right now PCGS charges effectivly the same as you did for shipping when everything was sent registered insured; now PCGS sends it flat rate priority mail - I have sold on Ebay I know what shipping costs. Postage must now be at least a 60% margin business for you. Flat rate large boxes are $10, and you are charging what percentage over that, oh 200%. What's not to like about that as a customer. I run my own business, I understand there is real cost involved, but when you already have healthy margins, already charge a fee to send stuff back, do you really think that it is not damaging to your effectiveness to turn return postage into a high margin profit center. It diminishes the perceived value of your other services. IS postage really as valuable as grading. My postman provides as much value as a PCGS opinion, it sure seems as so given the prices paid?
Brian
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I realize postage and handling have a cost. I also realize there are people taking time to repackage and send said packages back to the submitte. However, there is already a place on the submission form to pay for return shipping. Plus, if you paid for first strike, that is $18 per coin x 5 coins in a set. Therefore, you paid $90 for the first strike labels plus returning the mint packages. The original cost, per PCGS policy, should more than cover this cost plus what you need to pay to get the coins back to the submitter. If you didn't pay for first strike then I absolutely agree there should be an associated additional cost to return the mint packaging. Thus, you did not elect to pay the first strike fee which included the return of the mint packaging or the label. IMHO >>
This is an unique situation that called for an economically viable solution. The packaging is very substantial and shipping them back to the submitter isn't going to be cheap. Basically, paying $4/set to return it to the submitter is reasonable. For the 2006 20th Anniv Sets, the packaging was small compared to this set. I think the Mint did a disservice by charging so little for the sets. There is no way that they could have made anything on shipping.
If you look at the per coin cost of this charge, it is 80 cents per coin. That includes the box to shipped the OGP in, any packing to secure the sets, man hours require for this, and postage to ship. I don't see this charge as tacky, but a good business decision. >>
It does seem the cost may be $6 a set, or maybe not. Sets versus packages is not clear in Don's post. >>
<<Return shipping costs for over five 25th Anniversary Mint packages will be based on the above costs. Five sets of five packages will cost $150>>
Five set of five packages equates to 25 sets which would put it at $6/set.
<< <i>Don,
Really? Right now PCGS charges effectivly the same as you did for shipping when everything was sent registered insured; now PCGS sends it flat rate priority mail - I have sold on Ebay I know what shipping costs. Postage must now be at least a 60% margin business for you. Flat rate large boxes are $10, and you are charging what percentage over that, oh 200%. What's not to like about that as a customer. I run my own business, I understand there is real cost involved, but when you already have healthy margins, already charge a fee to send stuff back, do you really think that it is not damaging to your effectiveness to turn return postage into a high margin profit center. It diminishes the perceived value of your other services. Did you work at B of A before PCGS? IS grading really as valuable as grading. My postman provides as much value as a PCGS opinion?
Brian >>
Wow, Brian, pretty harsh. Its already been decided & don't expect to get a response even if you are a loyal, long time customer.
<< <i>Don,
Really? Right now PCGS charges effectivly the same as you did for shipping when everything was sent registered insured; now PCGS sends it flat rate priority mail - I have sold on Ebay I know what shipping costs. Postage must now be at least a 60% margin business for you. Flat rate large boxes are $10, and you are charging what percentage over that, oh 200%. What's not to like about that as a customer. I run my own business, I understand there is real cost involved, but when you already have healthy margins, already charge a fee to send stuff back, do you really think that it is not damaging to your effectiveness to turn return postage into a high margin profit center. It diminishes the perceived value of your other services. Did you work at B of A before PCGS? IS grading really as valuable as grading. My postman provides as much value as a PCGS opinion?
Brian >>
What you failed to realize, it takes man hours to move the product to shipping, have shipping pack the OGPs, printout for documentation, and sealing the product. I don't know if that will account for the markup, but it does affect it.
<< <i>
<< <i>Don,
Really? Right now PCGS charges effectivly the same as you did for shipping when everything was sent registered insured; now PCGS sends it flat rate priority mail - I have sold on Ebay I know what shipping costs. Postage must now be at least a 60% margin business for you. Flat rate large boxes are $10, and you are charging what percentage over that, oh 200%. What's not to like about that as a customer. I run my own business, I understand there is real cost involved, but when you already have healthy margins, already charge a fee to send stuff back, do you really think that it is not damaging to your effectiveness to turn return postage into a high margin profit center. It diminishes the perceived value of your other services. Did you work at B of A before PCGS? IS grading really as valuable as grading. My postman provides as much value as a PCGS opinion?
Brian >>
What you failed to realize, it takes man hours to move the product to shipping, have shipping pack the OGPs, printout for documentation, and sealing the product. I don't know if that will account for the markup, but it does affect it. >>
Does PCGS ship OGP back with the graded coins? If not, why not? Seems a bit dumb to me.
<< <i>
<< <i>Don,
Really? Right now PCGS charges effectivly the same as you did for shipping when everything was sent registered insured; now PCGS sends it flat rate priority mail - I have sold on Ebay I know what shipping costs. Postage must now be at least a 60% margin business for you. Flat rate large boxes are $10, and you are charging what percentage over that, oh 200%. What's not to like about that as a customer. I run my own business, I understand there is real cost involved, but when you already have healthy margins, already charge a fee to send stuff back, do you really think that it is not damaging to your effectiveness to turn return postage into a high margin profit center. It diminishes the perceived value of your other services. Did you work at B of A before PCGS? IS grading really as valuable as grading. My postman provides as much value as a PCGS opinion?
Brian >>
What you failed to realize, it takes man hours to move the product to shipping, have shipping pack the OGPs, printout for documentation, and sealing the product. I don't know if that will account for the markup, but it does affect it. >>
Apparently you can't read: I said: " I run my own business, I understand there is real cost involved,.." They already charge you for the "extra" handing, now it is extra postage. I don't mind, nor should anyone mind paying a fair and reasonable charge that covers cost. My beef is in making return postage a profit center. I makes you think of cheap low tier providers of any service. It's a bad taste, cheezy even. High class service providers charge a premium for the service and you get great service without Mickey mouse charges that anyone who can count knows are now profit centers.