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how would you mail some gold

would you use the post office ? would you put insurance on it ? any sure way to make sure it gets where it going ?
dont send sheep to kill a wolf...

Comments

  • ConstantineConstantine Posts: 2,369 ✭✭✭
    a little, or a lot?

    For a regular numismatic item that happens to be gold, well the USPS in my opinion is perfectly fine. Delivery confirmation gives some detail and confirms the item was received. Regarding insurance, well of course! I believe insuring over $200 requires a signature too.
  • USPS Registered Mail with insurance. Recipient must also sign for the package.
    -SpectrumLuster
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭
    Depends on value and weight.

    If you're mailing a gold brick, I'd go Flat Rate Prio mail and Registered Insured (yes, you can do both).

    If a few coins, Registered Insured should do.
  • LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I used Express mail insured last week to send a 50 Peso to a customer in Colorado. He paid on Friday morning and had the coin Saterday afternoon. With almost real time tracking.

    BTW a price comparsion of shipping the same coin registered and Express.
    Sent it to PCGS cost Registered insured for $1500 was $17.09 time enroute six days.
    Sent Express to Colorado insured for $1500 was $23.25 time enroute one day.
    Used the Flat rate express envelope. And did not have to fool with the brown tape. Did put a extra layer of clear tape on the flap though.
  • MikeInFLMikeInFL Posts: 10,188 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>USPS Registered Mail with insurance. Recipient must also sign for the package. >>



    +1
    Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
  • ConstantineConstantine Posts: 2,369 ✭✭✭
    I think registered mail or priority mail would depend on the value of the item, or that replacing the item would be truly difficult. Do all of you mail say a $1000 silver coin registered? I understand the concept and increased tracking/security of registered mail, but there must be threshold where the increased costs are worth it. Insurance, any method, yes.
  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,750 ✭✭✭✭✭
    For anything insured over $700 it's cheaper to send registered.

    No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left

  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,945 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>USPS Registered Mail with insurance. >>



    Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value. >>


    No. Ins is extra, but cheaper per $100 than regular insured mail.
  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,959 ✭✭✭✭✭
    USPS Express mail with insurance. You get ultra quick service, excellent tracking, and you dont have to wonder for 15 days if your registered package is on its way to the destination or lost in postal outer space.
  • i just sent 2 usps express flat rate envelope insured at 1500 and 1700 and it came to $47 and change. the 2 buyers had the coin in 24 hours. it also provides online signature confirmation which paypal requires. it will be cheaper first class or priority i think.
    my ebay items BST transactions/swaps/giveaways with: Tiny, raycyca,mrpaseo, Dollar2007,Whatafind, Boom, packers88, DBSTrader2, 19Lyds, Mar327, pontiacinf, ElmerFusterpuck.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value. >>


    No. Ins is extra, but cheaper per $100 than regular insured mail. >>



    The insurance is now included in the registered fee, but you have to declare the value so that they can properly calculate the fee.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>i just sent 2 usps express flat rate envelope insured at 1500 and 1700 and it came to $47 and change. the 2 buyers had the coin in 24 hours. it also provides online signature confirmation which paypal requires. it will be cheaper first class or priority i think. >>



    If I was sending 2 ounces of gold at my expense, I would use the most economical and secure way which is registered. If time is of the essence, I would expect the buyer to pick up the extra fee for faster delivery.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,945 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value. >>


    No. Ins is extra, but cheaper per $100 than regular insured mail. >>



    The insurance is now included in the registered fee, but you have to declare the value so that they can properly calculate the fee. >>



    Thanks. That's what I thought. It makes no sense to ask for declared value if insurance isn't already included in the rate scale for the various value ranges.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • curlycurly Posts: 2,880


    I sent out two gold coins today by Express (overnight) Mail, insured for 5K, for $43.65. I like it better than registered.
    Every man is a self made man.
  • tmot99tmot99 Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭
    For safety, just be sure to get my address on the package. image
  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,959 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I hate to admit it...but I have sent out nearly 15K coins express mail NOT insured. Those flat rate envelopes are never out of sight or usps hands for very long between scans. Maybe Im too trusting...but they have never let me down.


  • << <i>USPS Registered Mail with insurance. Recipient must also sign for the package. >>



    image

    And make sure they stamp every tape fold. For some reason, some of the clerks don't do this.
  • AkbeezAkbeez Posts: 2,697 ✭✭✭✭✭
    READ THE FINE PRINT ON YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE (fine print)

    Fed Express, UPS, USPS Express have different limitations on the types of items sent. Some will not cover bullion, cash (coins?) or other "negotiable instruments".

    I only use USPS Registered for this reason. AND it's slow, but SAFE.
    Refs: MCM,Fivecents,Julio,Robman,Endzone,Coiny,Agentjim007,Musky1011,holeinone1972,Tdec1000,Type2,bumanchu, Metalsman,Wondercoin,Pitboss,Tomohawk,carew4me,segoja,thebigeng,jlc_coin,mbogoman,sportsmod,dragon,tychojoe,Schmitz7,claychaser, Bullsitter, robeck, Nickpatton, jwitten, and many OTHERS
  • jt88jt88 Posts: 3,251 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I hate to admit it...but I have sent out nearly 15K coins express mail NOT insured. Those flat rate envelopes are never out of sight or usps hands for very long between scans. Maybe Im too trusting...but they have never let me down. >>



    WOW, I can't sleep If I mail 15K without insurance, too much risk to take. I always use insurance. For high value mail in US I use registered and insurance. For international I use express and insurance. I am going to mail 1K coins tomorrow. I will use priority with insuance for about $23.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I hate to admit it...but I have sent out nearly 15K coins express mail NOT insured. Those flat rate envelopes are never out of sight or usps hands for very long between scans. Maybe Im too trusting...but they have never let me down. >>



    BAD as in BIG ASS DUMB IMO.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • delistampsdelistamps Posts: 716 ✭✭✭
    The risk of not insuring is only as great as the most valuable individual package. $15K sounds like a lot but if they are 15 individual $1,000 shipments it may be worth self-insuring. Now, if the $15k is in a single package... image YIKES! image
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Analyze your situation.

    Are you a frequent or infrequent shipper?

    If frequent, consider a third party insurer or toss any insurance fees you collect into a coffee can [my idea of self-insured btw] and pay any losses out of that. If infrequent, then just buy what the USPS offers. Unless one is rich or dumb, one should always CYA against financial loss when shipping expensive items.


    Are you more interested in speed of delivery or security of delivery? If you are shipping a readily replaceable item you mite prefer express mail. If the coin is not easily replaced or you can't tolerate a loss, then use registered mail.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,945 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Any guesses as to how much $$$$ the USPS is making on insurance? In other words, what % of what they take in for insurance is payed out for claims?

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • dohdoh Posts: 6,457 ✭✭✭


    << <i> Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value. >>

    No. Ins is extra, but cheaper per $100 than regular insured mail. >>

    The insurance is now included in the registered fee, but you have to declare the value so that they can properly calculate the fee. >>

    Thanks. That's what I thought. It makes no sense to ask for declared value if insurance isn't already included in the rate scale for the various value ranges.>> >>


    Really? I've flat out asked if insurance was included with registered mail and was told by the clerk, "No, you have to add it." Are they double charging people for insurance?
    Positive BST transactions with: too many names to list! 36 at last count.
  • fishcookerfishcooker Posts: 3,446 ✭✭
    If it's more money than I care to lose, I use Registered. The 5 bucks difference for flat rate this or insured that is nothing.

    My employer lost a $2.8 million payment because they were cheap as s on postage. The best 10 bucks they *ever* could have spent, would have been to use express or registered.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Any guesses as to how much $$$$ the USPS is making on insurance? In other words, what % of what they take in for insurance is payed out for claims? >>



    Not sure why it matters. If one is an infrequent shipper, just suck it up and buy the USPS product. I don't know what the TPIs charge for their coverage packages, but to me it makes little sense to buy third party coverage policy for say $500 when yer only doing $40 worth of business a year.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i> Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value. >>

    No. Ins is extra, but cheaper per $100 than regular insured mail. >>

    The insurance is now included in the registered fee, but you have to declare the value so that they can properly calculate the fee. >>

    Thanks. That's what I thought. It makes no sense to ask for declared value if insurance isn't already included in the rate scale for the various value ranges.>> >>


    Really? I've flat out asked if insurance was included with registered mail and was told by the clerk, "No, you have to add it." Are they double charging people for insurance? >>



    Really!! It says right on the form that Domestic Insurance up to $25,000 is included based on declared value, thus a $5,000 coin will cost more to send that a $3,000 coin. Insurance is not separated out and itemized separately.

    Here is the POOP ON IT from the USPS website. Note that there is an option for no value. I assume this mite be something like a document that has no commercial value.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,945 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Any guesses as to how much $$$$ the USPS is making on insurance? In other words, what % of what they take in for insurance is payed out for claims? >>



    Not sure why it matters. If one is an infrequent shipper, just suck it up and buy the USPS product. I don't know what the TPIs charge for their coverage packages, but to me it makes little sense to buy third party coverage policy for say $500 when yer only doing $40 worth of business a year. >>



    If a seller mails several hundred packages a year and the USPS only pays out 50% of what it takes in for insurance, it may make statistical sense to self insure since you will be money ahead over the long haul.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • dohdoh Posts: 6,457 ✭✭✭


    << <i><< Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value. >>

    No. Ins is extra, but cheaper per $100 than regular insured mail. >>

    The insurance is now included in the registered fee, but you have to declare the value so that they can properly calculate the fee. >>

    Thanks. That's what I thought. It makes no sense to ask for declared value if insurance isn't already included in the rate scale for the various value ranges.>> >>


    Really? I've flat out asked if insurance was included with registered mail and was told by the clerk, "No, you have to add it." Are they double charging people for insurance? >>

    Really!! It says right on the form that Domestic Insurance up to $25,000 is included based on declared value, thus a $5,000 coin will cost more to send that a $3,000 coin. >>



    Well, that makes sense, but I'll be interested to hear what the clerk says next time I ask about it...
    Positive BST transactions with: too many names to list! 36 at last count.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i><< Aren't registered packages automatically insured? The postal clerk requires a declared value and the cost of registered shipping varies with that declared value. >>

    No. Ins is extra, but cheaper per $100 than regular insured mail. >>

    The insurance is now included in the registered fee, but you have to declare the value so that they can properly calculate the fee. >>

    Thanks. That's what I thought. It makes no sense to ask for declared value if insurance isn't already included in the rate scale for the various value ranges.>> >>


    Really? I've flat out asked if insurance was included with registered mail and was told by the clerk, "No, you have to add it." Are they double charging people for insurance? >>

    Really!! It says right on the form that Domestic Insurance up to $25,000 is included based on declared value, thus a $5,000 coin will cost more to send that a $3,000 coin. >>



    Well, that makes sense, but I'll be interested to hear what the clerk says next time I ask about it... >>



    Like I said, it says that right on the form next to the space where you enter declared value. The clerk inputs your figure for value and the computer figgers up the fee.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Any guesses as to how much $$$$ the USPS is making on insurance? In other words, what % of what they take in for insurance is payed out for claims? >>



    Not sure why it matters. If one is an infrequent shipper, just suck it up and buy the USPS product. I don't know what the TPIs charge for their coverage packages, but to me it makes little sense to buy third party coverage policy for say $500 when yer only doing $40 worth of business a year. >>



    If a seller mails several hundred packages a year and the USPS only pays out 50% of what it takes in for insurance, it may make statistical sense to self insure since you will be money ahead over the long haul. >>



    Agreed which is why I posted earlier to assess one's own situation and go from there.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,410 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>If it's more money than I care to lose, I use Registered. The 5 bucks difference for flat rate this or insured that is nothing.

    My employer lost a $2.8 million payment because they were cheap as s on postage. The best 10 bucks they *ever* could have spent, would have been to use express or registered. >>



    I'm a cheaparse tooimage but I won't pay extra for express service just cuz the buyer is one of those antsy types who goes nutzo if his coin isn't in the mail 10 minutes after he pays.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • thanks .... sending a 1oz gold, from chicago to cal.
    dont send sheep to kill a wolf...
  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,750 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>thanks .... sending a 1oz gold, from chicago to cal. >>



    Registered insured is the cheapest and safest at about $20. Make sure your buyer knows registered could take 7-10 days and be sure to send him the tracking number (ends in US). Another dollar or two and you can send overnight in the flat rate cardboard express envelope.

    No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left

  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,750 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Any guesses as to how much $$$$ the USPS is making on insurance? In other words, what % of what they take in for insurance is payed out for claims? >>



    They are the government. Why would it matter to them if they are coming out ahead? Besides, someone would have to keep records and crunch numbers.

    No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left

  • BlindedByEgoBlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>thanks .... sending a 1oz gold, from chicago to cal. >>



    I've shipped a bunch of those (or similar size/value) within the lower 48 via USPS Priority Insured Flat Rate Envelope. Never one problem. Express Insured Flat Rate Envelope is slightly cheaper starting at about $1300 insured value, FWIW.

    I always securely tape all of the seams, and never include the postage value on the label.
  • ernie11ernie11 Posts: 1,995 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>USPS Registered Mail with insurance. Recipient must also sign for the package. >>



    Agreed. I did this a couple years ago with an '85 quarter eagle I had ANACS authenticate / grade. Worked fine for me.
  • habaracahabaraca Posts: 2,054 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just send them to me regular mail.

    all PO employees here are friends

    no worries.

    check PM for mailing address


  • << <i>would you use the post office ? would you put insurance on it ? any sure way to make sure it gets where it going ? >>



    First Class with a couple forever stamps should do the trick!! image

    Seriously, if you are going to insure, go registered or express. Express with insurance is actually cheaper then priority with insurance once the value exceeds the 1500ish range. Registered is even cheaper, but slow!!

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