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Bubble mailers should be abandoned entirely.
coin22lover
Posts: 3,542 ✭✭✭
In my opinion, bubble mailers should be entirely abandoned for coin shipments in favor of small flat rate boxes.
Why?
- Boxes add more security, and you can double box inside the slightly larger Priority box for expensive coins.
- Boxes add more protection to the coin.
- Boxes have a more professional ambiance.
- It costs $5.25 to send a coin in a small flat rate box with delivery confirmation. This is more expensive, but you don't have to buy the packing material or bother weighing it.
- Priority mail really is (often) faster, despite the myth that 1st class is just as fast.
Why?
- Boxes add more security, and you can double box inside the slightly larger Priority box for expensive coins.
- Boxes add more protection to the coin.
- Boxes have a more professional ambiance.
- It costs $5.25 to send a coin in a small flat rate box with delivery confirmation. This is more expensive, but you don't have to buy the packing material or bother weighing it.
- Priority mail really is (often) faster, despite the myth that 1st class is just as fast.
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Comments
I have been selling on ebay for over 8 years, I have had ONE package returned to me due to damage. 100% Post Office fault which they covered it. That is what insurance is for.
Your poly bubble mailers are waterproof, weigh about 1/2 oz are just as strong as your flat rate boxes from the PO and it would cost you $2.03, which includes delivery confirmation, to mail a slabbed coin or 2 1 oz rounds. For extra protection in mailing slabs, I insert the slab or coin in a bubble pouch before mailing them out in the bubble mailer. Been doing it that way for about 10 years and never had a shipment destroyed or broken. All bubble mailers should be at least 1" thick at the thickest point in order to avoid the machine sorting equipment. (Styrofoam peanuts do have a purpose)
edited to change plastic to poly bubble mailers
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Leave it up to the seller. And if the buyer wants a box vs. bubble, then the buyer can request it and pay a little more to cover it.
bubble wrap) and stuff it full of peanuts to make it as fat as possible. Does not go through any automatic sorting
processes and I have not had a problem in well over 10 years of using them.
I does not protect against being driven over but then a small Priority box would not fare well either.
bob
Also, like John, the only damaged coin package I've ever encountered was using a small, flat-rate, priority mail box.
- Jim
Boxes are good. 3 ounce packages are about 3 dollars less.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
They cost about a dime in bulk and withstand USPS processing 99.8% of the time. Postage with delivery confirmation is $2.04.
Your proposal would add an additional expense of $311 for every 100 packages mailed to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Sounds like a government idea.
I wrap my coins and slabs in bubble wrap before shipping so I get double-bubble protection.
Years ago I received an empty bubble mailer, but that was in the old days when the postal theives would look for small packages with an INSURED sticker and high postage and one of them stole two gold coins (I collected on the insurance, but would have rather had the coins). It's just as easy to steal from a box.
They don't work for Registered Mail and I'll use a cardboard mailer or a box for that.
The bubble mailer fit in my box without bonus shoe prints.
<< <i>I'm not sure what the $5.25 boxes you mentioned are (1st class?) or where you get them? But I sell very few coins. Out here, small flat rate priority mail ("if it fits, it ships") boxes cost $5.95 to send.
Also, like John, the only damaged coin package I've ever encountered was using a small, flat-rate, priority mail box. >>
It's $5.25 if you print your label thru the USPS site, www.paypal.com/shipnow/ stamps.com, etc.
- Delivery confirmation is free with Priority.
- I will also mention again that Priority is faster, as this sometimes is overlooked.
<< <i>
- It costs $5.25 to send a coin in a small flat rate box with delivery confirmation. This is more expensive, but you don't have to buy the packing material or bother weighing it. >>
There was a guy here years ago (Eric?) that insisted the Priority Mail boxes were free.
Yes you can get them from the PO without paying for them, but you pay for them by the extra postage they cost to use.
I love the cardboard mailers I get from Brooklyn Gallery of Rare Coins and Stamps.
Buy them by the case and they are really a cost saver.
<< <i>I like small flat rate boxes inside the bubble flat rate mailers. >>
I like fitting two small flat rate boxes inside the bubble flat rate mailers.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
<< <i>The voting is about where I expected - no surprise. I will also add:
- Delivery confirmation is free with Priority.
- I will also mention again that Priority is faster, as this sometimes is overlooked. >>
Delivery confirmation is now free with First Class, as well.
The gap between Priority and First Class has widened recently. FC previously took 3 days max
unless you were shipping to the boondocks, but now it can stretch to five. I prefer Priority for
more expensive coins because the less time the USPS is in possession of the package, the
better I feel.
<< <i>
<< <i>I like small flat rate boxes inside the bubble flat rate mailers. >>
I like fitting two small flat rate boxes inside the bubble flat rate mailers. >>
Now there's a cool concept!
<< <i>
<< <i>I'm not sure what the $5.25 boxes you mentioned are (1st class?) or where you get them? But I sell very few coins. Out here, small flat rate priority mail ("if it fits, it ships") boxes cost $5.95 to send.
Also, like John, the only damaged coin package I've ever encountered was using a small, flat-rate, priority mail box. >>
It's $5.25 if you print your label thru the USPS site, www.paypal.com/shipnow/ stamps.com, etc. >>
Thanks.
- Jim
Hoard the keys.
<< <i>- Delivery confirmation is free with Priority. >>
Delivery Confirmation is free with First Class as well!
<< <i>- I will also mention again that Priority is faster, as this sometimes is overlooked. >>
First Class can get there in 2 to 4 days, within the CONUS, it depends on logistics (delivery drop-off, distance and chance).
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<< <i>There are different types of bubble mailers as well. Some people go on the cheap and get the paper envelopes, which is more than likely the main culprit for damaged parcels. I use the poly (plastic-like) mailers and have not had a reportable problem with them. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but they hold up to the rigors of the USPS. More expensive items, yes, boxes all the way! >>
It also matters how the slabbed coin is packaged in the bubble mailer. I've had sellers who just put the coin loose in the bubble mailer, but most have been smart enough to add additional protection around the slabbed coin like cardboard or bubblewrap. A smart seller can provide additional protection above what the bubble mailer provides.
I have received slabbed coins that are placed into an envelope and taped to the inside of the Priority Mail boxes...which is another good idea.
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
<< <i>The voting is about where I expected - no surprise. >>
I also use them 90% of the time.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I'm not sure what the $5.25 boxes you mentioned are (1st class?) or where you get them? But I sell very few coins. Out here, small flat rate priority mail ("if it fits, it ships") boxes cost $5.95 to send.
Also, like John, the only damaged coin package I've ever encountered was using a small, flat-rate, priority mail box. >>
It's $5.25 if you print your label thru the USPS site, www.paypal.com/shipnow/ stamps.com, etc. >>
Thanks.
I think Pitney-Bowes too, although I have never used their services.
knock on wood, not one damaged bubble mailer causing concern either
way. I know this could happen but how in the world could someone selling
thousands of items a month afford the expense of over $5 per item. They
would simply have to change their methods and try to collect up front in the bid price.
Lots of luck with that. If you only sell a few items a month, it probably would
not matter.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Items like currency or USM material I may ship in a box.
I ship first class with tracking - costs 2.54. More expensive material (beyond self insured limit) is insured. I have the clerk mark "fragile" on the package.
If the coin is sent in a safty mailer in an envelope - its unlikely to be accepted by USPS and likely to be run thru one of their machines resulting in breakage if it is.
Always tape your mailers ! Good idea to tape your coins into the envelop as well
<< <i>Above a certain price point, I completely agree. For sub-$100 coins, not so much. >>
My YouTube Channel
<< <i>
<< <i>Above a certain price point, I completely agree. For sub-$100 coins, not so much. >>
Actually I use the $500.00 price point. Works out to about 1% for shipping that way.
For more expensive items I place the bubble envelope in a flat rate envelope..
For heavier items, generally flat rate boxes
But like always, "should" everyone make the same choice? maybe, maybe not, as other have said, "it depends"
"Should" they be prohibited? Hell no, that's crazy talk.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
The USPS PDF file sez they're $5.80 retail.
Horse's a...er...mouth
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
i
the low cost, resuability and effectiveness of the kraft bubblers are a god-send to me for buying/receiving. can fit 2 ngc slabs in them. a bit risky but for sub-$350 orders, just gr8.
size, cost, weight and quantity has gotta be helping the usps plus all the shippers/receivers, in many ways.
i gotta have a 99.9% success rate with them.
i like 2 sizes as well; the 8x6 and the 10x8? a box of 2-300 will last me months or more.
i understand not packing them full or shipping high-dollar items raw or slabbed. a damaged slab can add a lot of cost to insure, ship and reholder.
<< <i>Bubble mailers should be abandoned entirely.[/a] - i vote dpotm
.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Above a certain price point, I completely agree. For sub-$100 coins, not so much. >>
Actually I use the $500.00 price point. Works out to about 1% for shipping that way.
Yeah, in retrospect, $100 is too low. In practice, it's more like $250 for me. Works out to 2% at that level.
It also depends on where the coin is going. To a large city or one on the West Coast, I'm more likely to use
First Class since delivery time should be comparable to Priority in those cases.
<< <i>Always tape your mailers ! Good idea to tape your coins into the envelop as well
Tape boxes, too. I've had the small flat rates show up that had been tampered with because one of the ends hadn't been taped (both times, the boxes had "steal me" stickers on them). The bubble mailers I use, which are the white, #0 poly mailers, are impossible to open after sealing them without destroying the mailer. Taping the flap will keep stuff from getting in and keep the mailer from getting snagged on something by the flap.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
<< <i>Above a certain price point, I completely agree. For sub-$100 coins, not so much. >>
This.
<< <i>
<< <i>
- It costs $5.25 to send a coin in a small flat rate box with delivery confirmation. This is more expensive, but you don't have to buy the packing material or bother weighing it. >>
There was a guy here years ago (Eric?) that insisted the Priority Mail boxes were free.
Yes you can get them from the PO without paying for them, but you pay for them by the extra postage they cost to use. >>
The boxes are free and if you cover up the box or cut it down a little bit you do not pay the auto charge only what it weighs.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
- It costs $5.25 to send a coin in a small flat rate box with delivery confirmation. This is more expensive, but you don't have to buy the packing material or bother weighing it. >>
There was a guy here years ago (Eric?) that insisted the Priority Mail boxes were free.
Yes you can get them from the PO without paying for them, but you pay for them by the extra postage they cost to use. >>
The boxes are free and if you cover up the box or cut it down a little bit you do not pay the auto charge only what it weighs. >>
Sure - everything is free when you steal
i dont weigh 99% of my packages. i just choose 3oz first class and i know pretty much what can go into that weight class and if i think it will be over, going up a few
ounces adds only a bit of cost and my time is worth more to me than trying to save .05-.75c on the majority than taking the time to weigh. now if i shipped 25+ a week,
it would for sure add up.
.