Proof Set sent in Bubble Mailer supposedly broken by USPS
Cougar1978
Posts: 8,598 ✭✭✭✭✭
Just a heads up:
A proof set which sold for $55 sent in a bubble mailer (sold by USPS), wrapped in plastic material, with the package marked "FRAGILE" came cracked (broken) as reported by the customer. I reimbursed the customer for the purchase price (item had free shipping) plus some extra to cover their return shipping and help with the hassle of a USPS line. This was a modern silver proof set in its original US mint box with the government encapsulation, packaging. Upon inspection before shipment there did not appear to be any problems. Upon examining the return it was obvious the plastic USM holders had been broken (severely cracked) and are ruined as far as selling in current holder. I have cracked out the coins (which are fine) for either slab submission (not really worth it) or to other holders I have (for raw coins).
I can't figure how USPS could have broken this. What could they have done to put that kind of pressure on it? The item was not insured, just sent with tracking. I have decided in future will send these in a box (more expensive).
The only other experience I have had, years ago was a slabbed coin holder badly broken (no damage to the coin) which was shipped in an envelope inside a cardboard mailer (like Teletrade used to ship coins). I am wondering where I can pick up shipping materials like Apmex has.
A proof set which sold for $55 sent in a bubble mailer (sold by USPS), wrapped in plastic material, with the package marked "FRAGILE" came cracked (broken) as reported by the customer. I reimbursed the customer for the purchase price (item had free shipping) plus some extra to cover their return shipping and help with the hassle of a USPS line. This was a modern silver proof set in its original US mint box with the government encapsulation, packaging. Upon inspection before shipment there did not appear to be any problems. Upon examining the return it was obvious the plastic USM holders had been broken (severely cracked) and are ruined as far as selling in current holder. I have cracked out the coins (which are fine) for either slab submission (not really worth it) or to other holders I have (for raw coins).
I can't figure how USPS could have broken this. What could they have done to put that kind of pressure on it? The item was not insured, just sent with tracking. I have decided in future will send these in a box (more expensive).
The only other experience I have had, years ago was a slabbed coin holder badly broken (no damage to the coin) which was shipped in an envelope inside a cardboard mailer (like Teletrade used to ship coins). I am wondering where I can pick up shipping materials like Apmex has.
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President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay
Sometimes you can get silver proof set OGP on ebay, maybe a dealer will save you one from a crack out.
normal mail. This type of machine could easily crush plastic inside the mailer. They are not supposed to send
this type of package through their machines, but it happens nonetheless. Sorry.
package is over 3/4 inch thick to resolve this problem. I add peanuts to my bubbles to make them thicker.
Bob
Years and years of practice, Grasshopper..
<< <i>The boxes are free at the post office so that eliminates some of the cost. >>
Only free boxes there require you to send it priority.
There others out there, I got a slab in one last week but it doesn't have any name on it to tell you.
<< <i>Machine damage and it should never have gone through that mechanized equipment. Make sure that your
package is over 3/4 inch thick to resolve this problem. I add peanuts to my bubbles to make them thicker.
Bob
Even the Mint does not mail their sets in a "bubble" mailer. For sets it's best to use a small box, and not a bubble mailer.
Whenever you use a bubble mailer, in order to avoid damage by postal sorting machines, make sure it's at least 3/4" or thicker, having a minimum dimension of 9"x6", and not some cheap small paper bubble mailer.
<< <i>Use a box next time. >>
boxes way to go harder for postal workers to steal/lose
You could clearly see forklift tire marks across the box. That was UPS though.
<< <i>With out impugning any ones ethics or moral turpitude are you absolutely certain you got back the same set you sent? You didn't mention any slip cover damage which must have happened if the sturdy plastic holder was cracked.
There was no slip cover damage, damage just to the USM plastic holders, so what you hint at is a possibility.
The forum never disappoints for that....
There are, imho, 2 real possibilities, both of which have now been covered:
1) Buyer receives, tries to remove a coin or two, cracks the case, swaps the coin(s), and returns.
2) It went in a BUBBLE mailer.....likely the USPS sorter machine got it and it cracked.
#2 is, to me, more likely here. Use bubble mailers, fine, but make them 3/4" or more in girth. You pay a little more, but they don't get sorted by the machine, which can cause damage.
If you just buy/use the bubble mailers, whether from the USPS or a 3rd party, you are taking a very real risk. It's on you if there is any damage when using these for anything valuable.
I use them. I also put stuff in small boxes and use them. Or, I don't send easily damaged good (plastic cases are easily damageable).
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>
<< <i>With out impugning any ones ethics or moral turpitude are you absolutely certain you got back the same set you sent? You didn't mention any slip cover damage which must have happened if the sturdy plastic holder was cracked.
There was no slip cover damage, damage just to the USM plastic holders, so what you hint at is a possibility. >>
If there wasnt any damage to the slip cover....then there isnt a chance in hell, the plastic holders could have been damaged during shipping.....YOU are being HAD!!!!!!!!!!
Capital investment depends on confidence. - Martin Armstrong
<< <i>I just IMed the original poster same thing happened last month to me. I want to see if buyer matches up, if it does I think we have a problem! Mine was in a priority box with bubble wrap. >>
Different beast than a bubble wrap envelope.
If it does match up, will be very interesting. Would have to be a pretty pathetic individual to go to the hassle of buying a proof set online with the intention to take out a "generic looking" coin and replace with another and claim damage and send back.
Not saying that isn't possible....just very interesting in a sad way, if that turns out to be the case.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment