USPS Registered vs. Express Mail for selling pricey items

Lionel

Hey everyone. I'm about to go into unexplored territory and sell something for over $1000 on EBAY. And yes, I've looked through other threads on shipping stuff, but I want to narrow the field down to Registered vs. Express on USPS.

I have a lot of experience sending items registered mail, but it looks like given the insurance incremental fees, express might just be a tiny bit more than registered for my item.

And, I assume with Express mail I won't be condemned to a complex arts and crafts project with paper gummy tape.

So, is there any distinct disadvantage to Express vs. Registered mail? They both have tracking. Express requires signiture confirmation. Is Express mail with sig confirm (supposedly included) sufficient for PayPal proof of delivery?

Any input you may have is appreciated.

PerryHall

Registered is safer since there is a signature chain of custody.

Lionel

So, I've had to sign for every piece of registered mail I've ever received. What does adding "signature confirm" to Registered Mail actually accomplish.

GUINZO1975

Hi there, I will tell you why you must add "signature confirmation" to a REGISTERED package. I know that the person will have to sign for the package when you send it registered, however, PAYPAL wants "signature confirmation" if something were to go wrong. My advice, spend the extra couple of dollars and add the "signature confirmation". In addition, you can also ship something registered mail with "Restricted" delivery. Restricted delivery means that only the person whose name is on the package is the only one who can sign for it. I use restricted if the person has an uncomfirmed address.

pf70collector

Registered only for me for anything over $300.00. Signature confirm needed for Paypal backup. Email signature receipt best because signature can be seen electonically which Paypal prefers. If you send your package to an unconfirmed address Paypal won't back you up also.

Barry

<< <i>So, I've had to sign for every piece of registered mail I've ever received. What does adding "signature confirm" to Registered Mail actually accomplish. >>


Absolutely nothing, except Paypal requires it for proof on items >$250.

Lionel

<< <i>Registered only for me for anything over $300.00. Signature confirm needed for Paypal backup. Email signature receipt best because signature can be seen electonically which Paypal prefers. If you send your package to an unconfirmed address Paypal won't back you up also. >>



Help me out here please, what is "email signature receipt"? Is that a USPS thing or a PayPal thing?

CoinRaritiesOnline

I would strongly, STRONGLY recommend registered mail instead of Express mail. Express mail is not insured for coins, no matter what your local postal clerk might tell you.

In our coin business we often send coins out via Express mail, but we have private insurance that covers these packages. That insurance is quite expensive.

Registered mail is expensive, and it can often take a long time to be delivered. Still, it is the best way to send coins by far.

pf70collector

Email signature receipt is from the USPS. You can get the buyer's signature electronically thru their website. Usually takes a day but you have to request it on their website. You have a 30 day window to request the signature. 1.85 I think.
You can also get the signature by having a post card sent back to you with the person's signature(different than email receipt with signature, but not good for Paypal. Paypal likes easy access to the signature so electronic is best.

Lionel

<< <i>Email signature receipt is from the USPS. You can get the buyer's signature electronically thru their website. Usually takes a day but you have to request it on their website. You have a 30 day window to request the signature. >>



Is this another USPS service I pay for up front?

pf70collector

Yes. $1.85 I believe.

BECOKA

<< <i>So, I've had to sign for every piece of registered mail I've ever received. What does adding "signature confirm" to Registered Mail actually accomplish. >>



Signature chain means that every time it changes hands from the first postal worker you hand it to it gets signed for. For the time in between it gets locked in a cage.

i.e. this is the most secure route.

Online Delivery confirmation is built into the registered number do not pay extra for it as the post office tries to ask every time.

I believe there are many restrictions on express mail that make it difficult to recoup a lost package. There was a big thread about how PCGS used it to send extra stuff from a show that disappeared.

planetsteve

<< <i>

<< <i>So, I've had to sign for every piece of registered mail I've ever received. What does adding "signature confirm" to Registered Mail actually accomplish. >>


Absolutely nothing, except Paypal requires it for proof on items >$250. >>



Every now and then I get a postal clerk that finds my request for SC on Registered to be pretty senseless, and they insist that it's impossible to combine the two. Be prepared to politely demand it, challenge them to "just try it" on their data entry machines, or even bring this this section of the Domestic Mail Manual with you to the PO.

One more good reason to use Registered is that insurance on high-dollar amounts (low four figures) is *much* less expensive than for Priority, and the total cost ends up being less expensive.

Lionel

Thanks to everybody!!

I'm going to send my stuff USPS Registered Mail with Electronic Signature Confirmation with insurance.

(Buyers who won't pay for that probably shouldn't be buying little bits of expensive metal on EBAY anyway.)

Casman

What's wrong with say, priority 2-3 day, fully insured with signature confirmation upon delivery? Just want to be informed, TIA

derryb

Can you send priority mail registered? Is there any advantage other than their free shipping box? What is the best way to package one or two slabbed coins for registered (I know about the brown glue paper tape) envelope or box? I get a different story on how you can do it every time i go to the PO.

mgoodm3

Registered whether priority or not will take the same amount of time. Above a certain size box they require them to be mailed priority.

Lionel

<< <i>What's wrong with say, priority 2-3 day, fully insured with signature confirmation upon delivery? Just want to be informed, TIA >>



First, Registered is a service you can add to Priority, so I send things Registered Priority.

I don't know where the break even point is exactly, but once an item gets to be worth more than a few hundred bucks, Registered ends up being the same as Priority with Insurance. Registered by definition includes insurance; you must declare a value when you mail the package and it goes into the mailing price.

Finally, and why I started this, is the PayPal factor. A package has to me mailed a certain way (Registered with email signature confirmation apparently) for PayPal to give the seller the benefit of the doubt if there's a claim by the buyer that the product was not delivered. That's what I got out of the discussion on this thread.

Lionel

<< <i>Can you send priority mail registered? Is there any advantage other than their free shipping box? What is the best way to package one or two slabbed coins for registered (I know about the brown glue paper tape) envelope or box? I get a different story on how you can do it every time i go to the PO. >>



Yes, priority mail can be sent registered, and I find the free boxes a huge perk. In fact, I order boxes for free off the USPS web site and they bring them right to me with my mail.

I've send slabbed coins in a "small video" priority box. Just put the gummy paper tape over all the seams, and write the addresses directly on the box.

Casman

<< <i>

<< <i>What's wrong with say, priority 2-3 day, fully insured with signature confirmation upon delivery? Just want to be informed, TIA >>



First, Registered is a service you can add to Priority, so I send things Registered Priority.

I don't know where the break even point is exactly, but once an item gets to be worth more than a few hundred bucks, Registered ends up being the same as Priority with Insurance. Registered by definition includes insurance; you must declare a value when you mail the package and it goes into the mailing price.

Finally, and why I started this, is the PayPal factor. A package has to me mailed a certain way (Registered with email signature confirmation apparently) for PayPal to give the seller the benefit of the doubt if there's a claim by the buyer that the product was not delivered. That's what I got out of the discussion on this thread. >>



So is the issue then: Buyer I didn't receive it. Even though signature confirmation Paypal chargeback, then what PO says we delivered it and therefore no claim.

OPA

<< <i>What's wrong with say, priority 2-3 day, fully insured with signature confirmation upon delivery? Just want to be informed, TIA >>



All my items over $250 & up to $1000 are mailed via Insured Priority mail with Signature confirmation. More expensive than Registered mail if valued over $750, but it gets to the customer a hell of a lot faster then Registered Mail.....I'm beginning to believe that the term "snail mail" refers to registered mail.

BECOKA

<< <i>

<< <i>What's wrong with say, priority 2-3 day, fully insured with signature confirmation upon delivery? Just want to be informed, TIA >>





Finally, and why I started this, is the PayPal factor. A package has to me mailed a certain way (Registered with email signature confirmation apparently) for PayPal to give the seller the benefit of the doubt if there's a claim by the buyer that the product was not delivered. That's what I got out of the discussion on this thread. >>



So add signature confirmation to the Priority Registered and you are covered. Paypal is goofy and won't change. They require sig confirmation. If you are positive it will get there with just priority you are still covered as long as you add signature confirmation. It is relatively cheap and worth it to avoid charge backs.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>First, Registered is a service you can add to Priority, so I send things Registered Priority. >>



All registered mail travels together. With registered over a certain weight you pay for priority rates, but I don't think its any faster.



<< <i>In addition, you can also ship something registered mail with "Restricted" delivery. Restricted delivery means that only the person whose name is on the package is the only one who can sign for it. I use restricted if the person has an uncomfirmed address >>



Technically they are supposed to check and verify the recipient's ID before turning over the package to them so why would you pay extra for restricted delivery?

Lionel

Thanks to the person who posted the USPS fee schedule, I learned that electronic signature confirm and signature confirm are two different services. It seems that only electronic signature confirm will protect me in the case of a PayPal charge back. The issue wasn't getting the stuff there, but rather how best to protect myself from a dishonest buyer.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>The issue wasn't getting the stuff there, but rather how best to protect myself from a dishonest buyer. >>



Limit your payment acceptance to a U.S. postal money order. He has to put up the cash to buy one and you can cash it at your local P.O. I spose wiring $$$ by Western Union might work too. If I was worried about getting stiffed I'd never take PP.

BECOKA

<< <i>Thanks to the person who posted the USPS fee schedule, I learned that electronic signature confirm and signature confirm are two different services. It seems that only electronic signature confirm will protect me in the case of a PayPal charge back. The issue wasn't getting the stuff there, but rather how best to protect myself from a dishonest buyer. >>



Actually it is signature confirmation Paypal is looking for and not electronic. If you ask me the post office charges too much for similar services, they should just combine them.

TomB

Registered. If paid via PayPal then Registered with Signature Confirmation. There are no other options if you want to protect yourself.

Lionel

<< <i>Registered whether priority or not will take the same amount of time. Above a certain size box they require them to be mailed priority. >>



I actually asked someone at the post office and was told that the security procedures actually slow down Priority a bit when it's Registered. I've also experienced this personally.

bushmaster8

<< <i>Can you send priority mail registered? >>



If it is a parcel, ALL Registered parcels are automatically Priority Mail, although the deliver time is greatly delayed compared to non-registered Priority Mail.

If you take a Registered parcel to the clerk and say," Please send this Registered Parcel Post," the Clerk will be thwarted by the machine and say smoething intelligent like, "It won't let me do it, it's not accepting it."

Then the Clerk will try again, using the Priority Mail option and say profoundly," Oh yeah, I forgot, you can't send Reggies Parcel Post, only Priority."

So, bottom line is: All Registered is Priority (except for letters).

pf70collector

You have to ask for the email receipt version which includes the electronic signature. Don't ask for electronic signature more than likely if will confuse the postal clerk.

REALGATOR

Registered - Insured - Signiture (return receipt)

for any high dollar shipment. Dont be a piker, it shows you are a bonafide seller and a serious buyer should appreciate it.

RegistryCoin

<< <i>Registered - Insured - Signiture (return receipt) >>


Yes. Registered ONLY... and one should also consider "restricted delivery" so delivery can only be made to the person(s) named on the address label, not just anyone available who can sign upon delivery.

aficionado

I sent an item before with the PINK signature required tag, guess what, NO SIG. Total waste of money.


I requested the signature and the Post Office said, sorry, we didn't get it. SO, if you really want a signature, go with the return card.

fyi, the person did email me saying he got the pack, it was insured, but I couldn't make a claim because the customer would have to say he didn't get the package.

Registered is the way to go.

57loaded

<< <i>

<< <i>Registered whether priority or not will take the same amount of time. Above a certain size box they require them to be mailed priority. >>



I actually asked someone at the post office and was told that the security procedures actually slow down Priority a bit when it's Registered. I've also experienced this personally. >>



Yes it does...but it covers your tush better than any other way and also you can tell the buyer that registered is slower but safer for both parties involved. What is your comfort level if you had to cough up for a mis delivered or "lost" item that registered mail would have precluded the problem?

If you tell the buyer it may take a few days longer, it should be no problem and add to your credibility as a seller. I've had stuff take three weeks or three days to travel same distance registered. Seems the bigger heavier stuff moves faster, but that has been my limited personal expereince.

Also the tape issue...i even use it to seal priority, insured envelopes and flate rate boxes and envelopes. yeah it brings back my days in pre~school and kindergarten, but do it a more than twice and you become a pro at it.

Casman

Ok, I'm convinced registered is the way to go, and sure it's slow but safe. However, What would a seller do for example if a first strike deadline was looming, registered would never make it to the buyer?


Also, the "Tape Issue" does registered require that brown sticky tape like the ones received back from pcgs? I'm guessing yes, and yes I failed that class too in kindergarten....

mrearlygold

I ship express mail for coins valued between $1,000 and $50,000.00 "Usually" it's registered mail after that although I have bought ryders to ship packages valued at more than 50K via express mail.

SilverBaron

I can not prove it butttt I know an claims officer at the P.O...... He tells me that the P.O. spend over a million a day ( yes..DAY) on insurance claims.... and this, of course, does not include all of the uninsured and rejected claims..... I had 1 registered stolen a few years back... Had my friend look into it....Yes they know who "probably" took it but they were "not inclined to take action". I asked about the paper trail on it...whats the problem?!?!...... He told me again..."not inclined to take action"..... the real scoop off the record... it depends on who is doing the stealing... dont what to "offend" any one you know.....

aficionado

<< <i>Ok, I'm convinced registered is the way to go, and sure it's slow but safe. However, What would a seller do for example if a first strike deadline was looming, registered would never make it to the buyer?


Also, the "Tape Issue" does registered require that brown sticky tape like the ones received back from pcgs? I'm guessing yes, and yes I failed that class too in kindergarten.... >>



You can send it anyway you want. You asked for the safest way.

Express will be pretty expensive, if the customer wants to pay for that, then send it express.

You can also send it Priority, but at around $800 it becomes cheaper to send in Registered.

Bottom line, what ever way you send it, insure it for the full amount and get a signature.

Casman

I didn't ask for the safest way, or maybe I did somewhere in here I did, threads all jumbled up bits and pieces, thinking now I'll just use an envelope with some stamps

bushmaster8

<< <i>I requested the signature and the Post Office said, sorry, we didn't get it. SO, if you really want a signature, go with the return card. >>



Unfortunately, there are no "sure things" when dealing with the USPS.

I have rec'd. plenty of parcels with the green return card never signed for, still attached to the box (especially if the card is attached to the bottom of the parcel).

Writersblock

<< <i>What's wrong with say, priority 2-3 day, fully insured with signature confirmation upon delivery? Just want to be informed, >>


Other than the fact that over about 700 to 800 dollars Registered is cheaper. it boils down to

Do you want to make sure it gets there FAST!?

Or

Do you want to make SURE it gets there?



<< <i>Technically they are supposed to check and verify the recipient's ID before turning over the package to them so why would you pay extra for restricted delivery? >>


Well they may verify the ID of the person signing (Although I have NEVER been asked for my ID when signing for a Registered package.) but anyone can do the signing. So if Joe Shmoo signed for your registered you can be sure it was Joe Shmoo, who you don't know from Adam, and neither does the mailman. With Restricted delivery the ID has to match the name of the person the package is addressed to.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>Well they may verify the ID of the person signing (Although I have NEVER been asked for my ID when signing for a Registered package.) but anyone can do the signing. So if Joe Shmoo signed for your registered you can be sure it was Joe Shmoo, who you don't know from Adam, and neither does the mailman. With Restricted delivery the ID has to match the name of the person the package is addressed to. >>



If the ID of the person signing doesn't match that of the addressee then they are not supposed to deliver it. By the very nature of its security, registered mail is or should be restricted delivery to the addressee only. Why go to all of of the hassle and extra measures for security and then compromise it all by letting just any ol doofus person sign for it. If the folks at your PO know you, they probably don't ask for ID. Next time you are expecting a registered package, find smoeone named Joe Shmoo to pick it up for you while you stand in the background and watch. I bet they don't give it to him.

Goldbully

I had an amazing treat at the post office yesterday.

I had a small box of 13 coins to be graded by PCGS.

I decided to go with Express Mail and pay the high-priced insurance.

Well, to my surprise and the clerk's surprise, here's the receipt breakdown

1lb. 6oz. package/Express Mail....$21.40

Insurance amount: $1,700.00.......$6.15

Total: ..........................................$27.55

She said it had to be a mistake, but the computer would not change the insurance rate.

Anyone else seen this before?....have insurance rates come down for Express???

BAJJERFAN

Restricted delivery is not offered for registered mail because it is not needed. Here is the USPS page for restricted delivery. I see no mention of registered mail here.

BAJJERFAN

Insurance for Express mail from the USPS website. Based on this I calculate your insurance cost as $9.



<< <i>Express Mail Insurance
Automatically insured up to $100 free of charge. Additional coverage up to $200 costs $0.75, and additional coverage from $200.01 to $500 costs $2.10. For Insurance over $500, the fee is $2.10 plus $1.35 for each $500 increment up to $5000.
>>

Goldbully

<< <i>Insurance for Express mail from the USPS website. Based on this I calculate your insurance cost as $9.



<< <i>Express Mail Insurance
Automatically insured up to $100 free of charge. Additional coverage up to $200 costs $0.75, and additional coverage from $200.01 to $500 costs $2.10. For Insurance over $500, the fee is $2.10 plus $1.35 for each $500 increment up to $5000.
>>

>>




That's still way cheaper than it used to be.

If I recall, insurance was(not more than 1 month ago) ~$1.05/$100

Go figure.

Thanks for the research, Bajjerfan.

derryb

<< <i>1lb. 6oz. package/Express Mail....$21.40 >>



just sent cross country to PCGS Registered Priority, insured for $4,000 - cost $20.25

BAJJERFAN

In most cases registered mail will be your best deal. In the case of documents or light packages of modest value Express would be preferred if speed is the more important criterion. For documents or other items which would be difficult or costly/impossible to replace, I'd give the nod to registered.