eBay Standard Envelope question... are there coin size limitations?
tincup
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I know there are restrictions for using the ebay standard envelope options, such as weight, and cannot be more than 1/4" thick. But is there a limitation on the width- size of a rigid object, such as a token the size of a silver dollar? As a practice I have been using the more expensive mailing methods when sending a larger size token.... but if others are sending via ebay standard envelope without any issues.... I certainly want to start doing so! Guess I was under the impression that the standard envelope went the same postal pathway as the old first class, where it had to be able to survive going through curved sorting wheels, etc.
Am I wrong in that assumption? thanks---
----- kj
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I have not seen them enforcing their stated rules; you could buy the standard shipping packing materials on ebay if you want. Just don't ship certified coins with standard as that would stretch the rules too much.
I haven't shipped anything larger than kennedy halves yet, but even with up to three of them in the envelope and paying for an extra ounce I have not had an issue.
Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc
It’s really about weight and the ability for it to be machinable. If it’s too thick to go through the sorter it will get damaged or sent back to you. I use the eBay small cardboard envelopes for all my standard envelopes. Only problem is that they are already close to 1oz with label and packing slip so it limits the coins weight.
Have only had one returned to me, I reprinted the label and sent again and it made it to buyer no problems.
My Ebay Store
My Post Office suggested adding an additional first class stamp to my EBay Standard Envelopes. You get the tracking of the standard envelope with the stamp smoothing over any qualification issues. I haven’t had any delivery problems after about 20 mailings. Mailing something like a silver dollar comes close to the 3oz weight limit of the standard envelope class.
I wouldn't do anything that stretches the rules at all. If you need a reason other than that the rules are the rules, think about the downside to something going wrong with the shipment.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I've mailed Ike dollars with the eBay standard envelope, no problem.
As with all coins I send this way, I anchor the flips so that they can't slide around during shipment. A heavier coin, in particular, can potentially split through the side of a paper envelope if it is allowed to slide around freely.
Respectfully, this is a waste of money. The qualification issue is related to 1st class limitations. If the post office deemed that your 68 cent eBay standard didn't meet the qualification, you would owe more than the additional 68 cents. 1st class large letter is $1.87 and package rates are $3.50 and up.
I was under the impression that the standard envelope went the same postal pathway as the old first class, where it had to be able to survive going through curved sorting wheels, etc.
You are correct if the envelope gets stuck in the sorter, they will send it back or charge you the package rate. I had one where USPS charge me the standard package rate because the envelope was too thick. The envelope had 3 silver half dollars in a Safe T Mailer. I started stepping on the Safe T Mailer and no more problems. eBay also has a $20 max per item for the standard envelope. I have had two standard envelopes lost in shipping and eBay covered the cost of both shipments.
Yep... that is what I was wondering about.... the getting stuck or hung up in the sorting system, which will then mean issues with the shipment. Ebay rules say something like 'nothing too stiff'; which is kind of worthless and vague. So I have been using the half dollar size rule.... anything over would then have to be sent via different method than ebay standard envelope. But that can mean a pretty good jump in the mailing cost... for a low value item. But if others are having no problems with sending silver dollar size items.... then may give it a try. Many thanks for the input.
And not looking for a way to 'circumvent' the ebay and postal system rules. Totally agree with MFeld.... the rules are the rules!
I've shipped as many as 6 90% silver quarters via eBay standard envelop. I put them in 2X2s and tape them to a 5 1/2 X 8 1/2 inch piece of card stock (a small piece of paper 2 1/8 X 2 1/8 inch over each 2X2) inside a 6 X 9 inch craft envelop. It weighs just under 3 ounces so I pay the three ounce rate of $1.12. Haven't had any problems so far.
eBay imposes a $20 sale limit per item (not including shipping) but you are allowed a $50 limit per order.
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
Just so your realize.... directly from ebay website:
Category details and restrictions
Coin & paper money
This is correct. @MFeld makes a good point also, which is that, if anything goes wrong with the shipment, you are likely on the hook for the refund (rather than the eBay insurance paying for it) if you didn't follow the rules.
That being said, the likelihood of something going wrong is low, and the eBay standard envelope is used to send low-value items. I've sent 5 coins in flips in one envelope without any problems (again, when the flips are secured in place with staples or tape).
When you think about it, the "no more than 3 coins in flips" rule really doesn't make sense; the obvious concern is that the items will bunch up at one end of the envelope (making it too thick), but this is only a concern if they are unsecured, and would logically be a concern whether the coins are in flips or not.
Interesting, I was under the impression that the restrictions above related to "per item" and you could ship multiple items as long as the total sale price was under $50.00. I'l have the go back and read the rules again. After almost 26 years on eBay the last thing I want to do is get banned for breaking the rules.
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
I hear ya tommy44. Exactly why I started the post... there seems the rules can be open to some speculation - interpretation. The one that makes me puzzled... is the 'not too rigid'. Do they mean the envelope, or the contents??
Oh well... if it works, it works. Until it gets flagged for some reason and then no longer works.
someone mention 2x2's - my understanding is that can not be cardboard with staples but fine if flip
As long as the staples are cinched down, I can't imagine why staples would matter. There's far more metal in the coin than the staples.
I've shipped 2x2's in them many times. I just flatten the staples and secure them in the envelope.
I read eBay rules again and I was wrong, not sure where I got that bad info. 2x2's and staples seem fine as long as envelope is uniform thickness.