I may be a little late getting to this thread -- but here's my take on it..
I don't charge for shipping on coins. I send all my items via Priority mail (the standard flat-rate envelopes, assuming it's a 1-coin invoice), with optional insurance (which is paid for by the buyer if he/she wishes).
Why not?
1) Since I rarely sell coins for less than $250 or so, even if I'm only making 15%, which is a fair profit and probably the low-end of the normal spectrum on what I sell, I'm making enough on the sale of the coin that I'm not really concerned with eating a $4 shipping charge.
2) Mailing only costs me $3.85. I understand that other sellers may prefer certain methods of shipping, but I find that the flat-rate priority envelopes work just fine. Those are free, and a coin placed in one needs no more protection than the standard cardboard folder, which costs next to nothing. I have to go to the post office at least 3 times a week anyway, so I don't count that as any extra expense. I understand that it is out of the way for some people, and I don't have a problem with a seller adding a couple bucks to the cost for the trip -- but personally, I don't. As far as insurance goes, a lot of buyers like it, but I've shipped literally thousands of coins this way and have yet to lose one, so it doesn't personally bother me to send coins uninsured (within reason of course; I always insure for free on $5k+ items).
3) Above all, buyers like it, and usually do a lot of repeat business with me. This is what matters to me most. If you can make a customer even a little bit happier with a deal and more likely to return by eating a $4 shipping fee, why not?
Obviously, I don't expect sellers to ship items for free, and I understand that others use different methods. I'm not one to complain about shipping. Just my two cents.
Comments
example above of my inquiry. $6.50 for maybe a $15 coin! There is a lot of this on e-bay.
I don't charge for shipping on coins. I send all my items via Priority mail (the standard flat-rate envelopes, assuming it's a 1-coin invoice), with optional insurance (which is paid for by the buyer if he/she wishes).
Why not?
1) Since I rarely sell coins for less than $250 or so, even if I'm only making 15%, which is a fair profit and probably the low-end of the normal spectrum on what I sell, I'm making enough on the sale of the coin that I'm not really concerned with eating a $4 shipping charge.
2) Mailing only costs me $3.85. I understand that other sellers may prefer certain methods of shipping, but I find that the flat-rate priority envelopes work just fine. Those are free, and a coin placed in one needs no more protection than the standard cardboard folder, which costs next to nothing. I have to go to the post office at least 3 times a week anyway, so I don't count that as any extra expense. I understand that it is out of the way for some people, and I don't have a problem with a seller adding a couple bucks to the cost for the trip -- but personally, I don't. As far as insurance goes, a lot of buyers like it, but I've shipped literally thousands of coins this way and have yet to lose one, so it doesn't personally bother me to send coins uninsured (within reason of course; I always insure for free on $5k+ items).
3) Above all, buyers like it, and usually do a lot of repeat business with me. This is what matters to me most. If you can make a customer even a little bit happier with a deal and more likely to return by eating a $4 shipping fee, why not?
Obviously, I don't expect sellers to ship items for free, and I understand that others use different methods. I'm not one to complain about shipping. Just my two cents.
Have a great evening everyone!
Kyle
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Thank you!
Cameron Kiefer