eBay Shipping via USPS First Class Question
ElKevvo
Posts: 4,120 ✭✭✭✭✭
Hi,
For the individuals who sell lower grade items on eBay, say a circulated 38-D Buff Nickel...how do you handle postage? Just pop it in an envelope with a stamp? I don't feel right charging someone 3.00 for a 1 dollar coin but if I just send it via envelope and a FC stamp it does not have the tracking or any of that fun stuff. How often do you get stuck with a 'Never showed up complaint' if it is just mailed?
Your thoughts are appreciated! Thanks in advance...
K
ANA LM
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Comments
If you toss a coin into a regular envelope and mail it like that then you run the risk of having it damaged while being machined within the USPS system and also of having the envelope ripped apart and nothing surviving for the buyer. Ship it properly (at least a padded bubble shipping envelope) and do it right.
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I have mailed quite a few of the W quarters with an envelope and a 70 cent non-machinable stamp.
I put it between 2 thin pieces of card stock to protect it.
Out of over 100 there was only one "no show" and I know he got it.
You have no tracking or any way to prove you shipped and your ebay performance standards could be affected by not uploading tracking.
Thanks Tom...I would put inside one of the standard 'Your Merchandise is Enclosed' cardboard type holders. If I use the bubble shipping envelope the shipping costs goes way up.
K
I don't bother selling coins or other items on eBay that are not worth shipping with tracking, but honestly if I were selling a $1 coin, I'd put it in a 2x2 taped inside a few sheets of folded 8.5 x 11 paper, and mail it in a long envelope with a First Class stamp. If it gets lost or damaged, refund and move on.
Agree, I wouldn't waste my time on transactions like this. Too much possible headache for minimal profit.
Coin goes in a safe-t-mailer and then a #10 envelope. Postage cost- 70 cents for one ounce.
A little more often than what happens with a tracked bubble envelope. But you save $2 or so on every shipment that you don't send with tracking, which adds up fast. Last year, I shipped around 500 coins this way, the savings over first class package with tracking was over $1,000. That more than makes up for a couple extra "not received" packages, IMO.
Edited to add... forgot to mention- I use discount postage. If you buy right, you can get stamps for 50% off, so that 70 cent envelope really only costs 35 cents to mail.
I sell a lot of $8-$12 W quarters (over 4,000 so far). I put the coin in a mylar saflip and scotch tape the flat (not folded) saflip to the packing slip with the scotch tape covering the opening of the saflip so the coin remains secured in the saflip. I then fold the packing slip and put it in a #10 envelope with a .55 stamp. I do this with up to two coins at a time.
Out of every 100 of these I mail out I average about 2 buyers who claim they never got their coins. I assume the envelopes got eaten by the postal machine and either send them a replacement if available or immediately refund. This method of shipping helps me keep my BIN price low and competitive. There is no tracking with this shipping method. In paypal I post "first class" as my tracking number which then updates my ebay so that I comply with my one day handling/shipping requirement.
Three coins or more get the $3 on avg. shipping label and bubble envelope.
For those reading this thread that have received such a packaged W quarter thanks for your patronage and for your great feedback. Many of you have been return buyers for the next W issue.
A current plus for buyers of first class shipments is that ebay's algorithm will often guarantee 3-4 day delivery. It currently takes longer with USPS delays and reward the buyer with a $5 ebay coupon at ebay's expense. The drawback is that ebay's promise for a delivery time often results in premature messages from buyers wanting know why they have not received their shipment. Ebay really needs to drop its feature of providing delivery dates/promises.
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I'm with ya on with the possible headaches for minimal profit but I have to unload some of this stuff and try to get some profit out of it! Plus honestly I do somewhat enjoy the selling process. When coin shows return I might get a table at a local show and try that venue but until then I'll go the safety mailer and envelope route.
Thanks derryB...I did not know that and will start going that route. I appreciate the advice everyone, I'll try the safety mailer and envelope approach and see what happens. I'll be covered for stamps as I can break into my plate block collection and use those for a long long time!
Thanks again!
K
You could put it in 2x2 flip with a piece of paper folded like a letter with the flip inside then put it in the envelope.
Good luck.
Shipping in an envelope at the regular letter rate for 55 cents is preferable to paying the additional 15 cent postage fee for rigid contents but be aware that, depending on how the workers at your post office interpret USPS policies, it's possible to have your shipments returned to you marked “Returned for Additional Postage”.
I charge them shipping whether tack on or included in bin price. Once sold and paid print out shipping label, wrap coin in plastic put in bubble mailer with biz card (shipx label already glued) then walk 40 ft to outgoing mail box insert in slot presto it’s on way. Putting a “Fragile” label on package recommended.
Bart in coin club does above plus adds “I mark them up accordingly cost plus add $5 transaction fee to price, free shipping. I don’t care what it is $5 cost on up, raw or slabbed.”