Why doesn't the US Mint, via their fulfillment center, use fiber enforced tape

jessewvu

I can't count how many expensive packages I have received with cut or "limp" clear plastic tape. Why don't they use fiber enforced Kraft tape on our valuables?

jmlanzaf

Packages are usually not that heavy.

jessewvu

@jmlanzaf said:
Packages are usually not that heavy.

Perhaps, it appears in the last year or two smaller packages are sturdier than in the past (the v75 were well packed). However, my guess is the average cost of mint packages could be cause for a little extra security. I have had some large packages delivered where I could put my hand under the clear tape and into the box. Most of those had other, large, boxes inside but still.

Every package I get from PCGS and bullion dealers has fiber tape.

djm

1) The mint only charges $4.95 for shipping the grading services charge $22.00+ for shipping
2) The people filling the orders are most likely paid by the piece, the faster they go the more they get paid.
3) Fiber tape cost more than clear tape. The difference would come out of the contractor's profits.

When the government privatizes the contractors have to cut corners to make a profit.

In the old days when the mint shipped products everything was sent Registered Mail in the proper size box for the product.

JBK

I wish they'd at least use enough tape of any kind.

ricko

I have never had a problem with mint or their contractors shipments. Of course, I have not ordered monster boxes or bags of coins... so that might be different. Cheers, RickO

pruebas

@djm said:
1) The mint only charges $4.95 for shipping the grading services charge $22.00+ for shipping
2) The people filling the orders are most likely paid by the piece, the faster they go the more they get paid.
3) Fiber tape cost more than clear tape. The difference would come out of the contractor's profits.

When the government privatizes the contractors have to cut corners to make a profit.

In the old days when the mint shipped products everything was sent Registered Mail in the proper size box for the product.

My thoughts exactly.

And I’ll add some bean counter probably figured they will come out ahead replacing the occasional lost or damaged shipment than to pack every shipment “correctly” in the first place. Kinda like Amazon ships books now vs how they used to do it.

MasonG

@djm said:
When the government privatizes the contractors have to cut corners to make a profit.

Assuming the government has told the contractor they are free to ship however they choose. I'd bet that's likely not the case. Seeing as how it's the government, there's probably a 48 page document detailing how things must be packaged and shipped.