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What would you do?

I purchased a PCGS coin I really wanted for $95. The seller did a horrible packaging job and just put the PCGS slab into a small cardboard mailer without any kind of padding or protection around the coin. The coin arrived with a small chip on the reverse raised part used for stacking PCGS slabs. The chip is just aesthetic and doesn't impact the integrity of the coin in the PCGS slab. The seller is a reasonably large and experienced Ebay seller of coins with a feedback number in 4 digits. This was the first time I've ever purchased from this seller. It was a coin recently slabbed with the new holder type. Also, the seller put a sticker on the back of the slab (over the hologram) of which the sticky substance wasn't completely able to be removed even with using rubbing alcohol.

I wrote the seller and explained I wasn't happy with the horrible shipping method and explained the chip, sticker residue, etc.

The seller wrote back that customer service is very important to them and they would be happy to accept a return of the coin and pay return shipping. They also ask what they can do to make me happy.

What would you do?

I really like the coin and want to keep the coin, so returning it is not a real option. I'm really just ticked at the stupidity of the seller packaging the coin so poorly as common sense should have dictated the probability of damage would be high.
I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.

Comments

  • jcpingjcping Posts: 2,649 ✭✭✭
    Request seller to pay reholder fee and round trip postage.
    an SLQ and Ike dollars lover
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,782 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: jcping

    Request seller to pay reholder fee and round trip postage.




    Given that option for a $95 coin, he'd probably prefer a return than pay that expense.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • rte592rte592 Posts: 1,850 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The sticker residue can be removed (wd40 or 409) easy enough.

    The chip would be a bigger issue but as you say

    The chip is just aesthetic and doesn't impact the integrity of the coin in the PCGS slab.



    I'd tell the seller it would benefit him to pack better and IF the seller was going to pay return shipping....he could probably kick you the $10 he would spend getting it back.

    I would not hold the seller to anything IF your going to keep the coin though, chalk it up to lesson learned.



    I picked up an older 10 ounce Engelhard silver bar with a price/inventory sticky tag on the back

    (fair price spot + a bit) when I got home and removed the sticky tag someone had acid checked the bar under the tag.......I just shook my head & thought out loud, Thanks for that.
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Either keep it as is or accept his offer to return it which sounds fair. Then, give him a positive rating and move on. Anything less than a positive will get you blocked from his future auctions.

    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

  • TopographicOceansTopographicOceans Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭✭
    Two of my pet peeves are poor packaging and stickers.
    I wish eBay would have a DSR for packaging.

    You can remove the sticker residue with Goo Gone without damaging the slab.

    When I ship, I wrap the slab in bubble wrap and put it in a bubble mailer so I have double bubble protection. But I've seen slabs shattered to pieces with similar shipping. Nothing can protect it from having a post office truck door slammed down on it.

    I've received slabs from PCGS in Safe-T-Mailers inside a cardboard envelope without any issue. 99% of the time that is sufficient. It does take a lot of force to chip a slab.

    There's not much you can do - Either keep it as is or return it.

    It costs a lot of money to reholder a coin. It would cost ~$40 plus shipping to PCGS which is not worth it for a $95 coin IMO.

    I damaged this one by cramming it in my SDB. I added TrueView for another $10, brining the total cost to $52.95 - and I only put a declared value of $1,000 to save $8 on return shipping.

    $12.00 - reholdering fee
    $10.00 - TrueView
    $10.00 - Processing Fee
    $20.95 - Return S/H USPS
    --------
    $52.95 - Total - plus postage to PCGS.

    image

    I bought this 1796 $1 off eBay. The seller had a picture from HA where he bought it (on the left - mine on the right) and when I got it, there was thick sticker residue when he removed the Heritage sticker.

    Long story short, I did some damage to the slab when trying to remove it so I sent it in for a regrade with a TrueView to fix it. With my shipping it cost $100 - and I only insured it for the $3k max on the return shipping. It came back a 35.

    Coin Type: U.S. Coins
    Submission Type: Regrade
    Service Level: Regular 15 days $3,000.00 Max Value Per Coin

    Service Level Fee: 1 coins(s) X $32.00 $32.00
    TrueView Imaging: 1 coins(s) X $10.00 $10.00
    Handling Fee: $10.00
    USPS: $28.95
    Packaging Fee: $0.00
    Estimated Premium Fee: $0.00
    Estimated Total Charges: $80.95

    image
  • 1Mike11Mike1 Posts: 4,422 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Super glue the chip back on. Use WD40 to get the sticky stuff off. Photograph the coin and show it here.
    "May the silver waves that bear you heavenward be filled with love’s whisperings"

    "A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
  • sparky64sparky64 Posts: 7,041 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would keep it.

    If it is all too much for you to overlook, it's reasonable for you to accept their offer to return.



    I would not try to take any advantage when they say "what can we do to make you happy?".

    "If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"

    My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress

  • NapNap Posts: 1,749 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: TigersFan2
    I really like the coin ...


    That's all that's important. Accept the seller's apology and move on.

  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,850 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would either take the return offer or live with it. It's hard to expect the dealer to go beyond that. I might mention to him that damage occurred due to the shipping method, but only to try to help the next guy.
  • ebaybuyerebaybuyer Posts: 2,984 ✭✭✭
    was the packaging damaged at all or was the holder chipped prior to going in the envelope ? as has been pointed out, the stacking tabs chip very easily, a coin dealer handling a large volume of slabs will undoubtedly acquire a chipped one or chip it while in their possession. a tiny chip is hardly a cause for such concern. here is one that i received from a company in Newport beach, which i was told i would have to pay a re-holder fee ... now THAT seems unreasonable


    image
    regardless of how many posts I have, I don't consider myself an "expert" at anything
  • DollarAfterDollarDollarAfterDollar Posts: 3,215 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You've made the Seller aware that he needs to up his packaging game. If you like the coin just keep it and accept things as they are. Next time the circus comes to town give the coin to PCGS and have it reholdered.

    Life's too short to sweat the small stuff.

    If you do what you always did, you get what you always got.
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,511 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Finish the job. Crack that baby out and put it in the Dansco 7070 album. image Give the seller a positive on the coin, but tell him he didn't need all the crap around it. image
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,511 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image

    P.S. If it had a CAC sticker, scrape it off and sell it on eBay.
  • braddickbraddick Posts: 24,629 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: TwoSides2aCoin
    image

    P.S. If it had a CAC sticker, scrape it off and sell it on eBay.


    How much do used CAC stickers sell for?

    peacockcoins

  • Jackthecat1Jackthecat1 Posts: 1,122 ✭✭✭
    For a $95 coin, I would just give him a positive feedback and move on. Hopefully he will package his future shipments more securely.
    Member ANS, ANA, GSNA, TNC



    image
  • CuKevinCuKevin Posts: 1,736 ✭✭✭✭
    I would let the seller know I was disappointed with their shipping methods and explain the damage. Since you already did that and received a positive response, I'd thank him for his concern and leave positive feedback. Then move on since it's barely an issue anyways. Plastic gets chipped.

    And I couldn't care less about a little tape residue on the slab. Most would agree.
    Zircon Cases - Protect Your Vintage Slabs www.ZirconCases.com
    Choice Numismatics www.ChoiceCoin.com

    CN eBay

    All of my collection is in a safe deposit box!
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    Originally posted by: 1Mike1
    Super glue the chip back on. Use WD40 to get the sticky stuff off. Photograph the coin and show it here.


    I had already thrown away the packaging when I noticed the chip, so not possible to locate the chip.
    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,227 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: TigersFan2

    I purchased a PCGS coin I really wanted for $95. The seller did a horrible packaging job and just put the PCGS slab into a small cardboard mailer without any kind of padding or protection around the coin. The coin arrived with a small chip on the reverse raised part used for stacking PCGS slabs. The chip is just aesthetic and doesn't impact the integrity of the coin in the PCGS slab. The seller is a reasonably large and experienced Ebay seller of coins with a feedback number in 4 digits. This was the first time I've ever purchased from this seller. It was a coin recently slabbed with the new holder type. Also, the seller put a sticker on the back of the slab (over the hologram) of which the sticky substance wasn't completely able to be removed even with using rubbing alcohol.



    I wrote the seller and explained I wasn't happy with the horrible shipping method and explained the chip, sticker residue, etc.



    The seller wrote back that customer service is very important to them and they would be happy to accept a return of the coin and pay return shipping. They also ask what they can do to make me happy.



    What would you do?



    I really like the coin and want to keep the coin, so returning it is not a real option. I'm really just ticked at the stupidity of the seller packaging the coin so poorly as common sense should have dictated the probability of damage would be high.





    Was the chip inside the envelope. You spoke your piece to the seller and likely should probably just live with it. OTOH it's amazing the callous flippant attitude many have about slabbed coins and the way they handle them.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    Originally posted by: BryceM
    I would either take the return offer or live with it. It's hard to expect the dealer to go beyond that. I might mention to him that damage occurred due to the shipping method, but only to try to help the next guy.


    Already did that.
    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    Originally posted by: sparky64
    I would keep it.
    If it is all too much for you to overlook, it's reasonable for you to accept their offer to return.

    I would not try to take any advantage when they say "what can we do to make you happy?".


    I agree with your last sentence. Accept and move on seems to be the only solution. But I'll probably leave a neutral feedback with stating something like "Poor packaging, damaged in shipment, return offered but refuesd." It's honest. And if they block me in the future, so be it. And if I must buy a coin from them in the future (unlikely), I can just use my wife's rarely-used Ebay account.
    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    Thanks for everyone's responses. Great responses. It's sort of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. The transgression is very small, yet it's there. But it's not the first chipped slab in my collection. I have a couple of others with similar, minor aesthetic chips that were like that way when I bought them. It's just the, "what a stupid seller" reaction.
    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,665 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If you like the coin I'd keep it.



    The super glue technique never works and it only creates a mess and looks even worse after you're done.



    The only other option is re-holder but being mindful of the cost---it's likely not feasible for a $95 coin.



    A lot of holders have minor chips---it's not really a big deal.



    I wouldn't neg someone over that, either.



    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • ashelandasheland Posts: 23,624 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: rte592
    The sticker residue can be removed (wd40 or 409) easy enough.
    The chip would be a bigger issue but as you say
    The chip is just aesthetic and doesn't impact the integrity of the coin in the PCGS slab.

    I'd tell the seller it would benefit him to pack better and IF the seller was going to pay return shipping....he could probably kick you the $10 he would spend getting it back.
    I would not hold the seller to anything IF your going to keep the coin though, chalk it up to lesson learned.

    I picked up an older 10 ounce Engelhard silver bar with a price/inventory sticky tag on the back
    (fair price spot + a bit) when I got home and removed the sticky tag someone had acid checked the bar under the tag.......I just shook my head & thought out loud, Thanks for that.


    A really convenient place to put the price tag, huh? image
  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,560 ✭✭✭✭✭
    seller offered to make it good, he's A OK.

    Goo Gone is the best method for removing glue residue. I buy it at Advance Auto Parts.
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    Update: I wrote back the seller saying I will keep the coin as-is, but I'm just disappointed in the packaging.

    The seller wrote back that they appreciate the feedback concerning the packaging and offered to have the $95 coin reholdered. (I wrote back that that's not necessary.) They added in their response that the plastic in the newest PCGS slabs is more prone to chipping and that of the 100 or so of PCGS slabs they recently got back from PCGS, many had chips with the reverse stacking ridge when they received them back from PCGS.

    So is PCGS's new slabs have a less durable plastic?

    If the chip was on the slab when they received it back from PCGS, they didn't disclose it on their auction description or pictures. They didn't include a picture of the slab reverse, just the obverse slab and both sides of the coin.

    Anyway, I'm dropping it and moving on. Lesson for everyone reading this thread... When shipping a coin, make an intelligent effort to package it up securely.
    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • GRANDAMGRANDAM Posts: 8,707 ✭✭✭✭✭


    ebaybuyers slab looks to have been run thru an automatic sorting machine and got caught and broke the slab.
    GrandAm :)
  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 10,487 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Please identify the seller. Sounds like a very reputable and fair dealer to me whom I would like to know. I would buy from them just based on what you have said. I cannot imagine any seller offering any better recourse for buyer satisfaction. I am glad you elected to keep the coin. The offer they have made you is in itself enough without actually accepting it. If you have the chip, try gorilla glue. Best of luck to you.

    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
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,511 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: TigersFan2
    Thanks for everyone's responses. Great responses. It's sort of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. The transgression is very small, yet it's there. But it's not the first chipped slab in my collection. I have a couple of others with similar, minor aesthetic chips that were like that way when I bought them. It's just the, "what a stupid seller" reaction.


    I think one of our illustrious members here collects chipped slabs.
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    Originally posted by: jesbroken
    Please identify the seller. Sounds like a very reputable and fair dealer to me whom I would like to know. I would buy from them just based on what you have said. I cannot imagine any seller offering any better recourse for buyer satisfaction. I am glad you elected to keep the coin. The offer they have made you is in itself enough without actually accepting it. If you have the chip, try gorilla glue. Best of luck to you.
    Jim


    I'm not identifying the seller. No idea whether they'd appreciate the attention on here and besides, different people can interpret the situation differently and whereas it's positive for your, it might give a negative impression to someone else.
    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    I just gave the seller a positive feedback. Although the packaging could have been better, the damage (whether it was from poor PCGS design or poor packaging) was very minor. The willingness of the seller to communicate truthfully and promptly with me made all the difference. I'm happy with the coin.
    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,893 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You did the right thing, IMO.

    Lance.
  • Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 8,720 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I simply would return the coin for a refund. As far as FB that is up to you.

    I had an experienced dealer well known on the circuit send me an ebay purchase of 4 coins in similar packaging = about $100 MV total I got for less than $40. There was no cushioning material except something like plastic wrapping. The coins arrived undamaged.

    However, he did not even tape the 8x10 cardboard envelope shut but relied on its own natural adhesive (how dumb!). When I pulled it out of the POB as a matter fact it was open as the sealing had either been compromised or expired during shipment. The coins were flat, wrapped in some plastic material. They were in their slabs and no damage. I listed them at retail in my store and then some as one was pedigreed and another quite nicely toned. It is unbelievable they were not stolen. Maybe too cheap to steal? I got them less than $10 apiece......these were common date silver dimes in 64-66.

    A guy in the coin club received a banknote purchased in Europe where the PMG holder was bent by the USPS clerk fitting it in his POB. The note, an AU was not damaged but he had to deal with the hassle of a return to Europe. When shipping currency it should be in a box and marked "do not bend."

    Coins & Currency
  • TigersFan2TigersFan2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭
    Originally posted by: Cougar1978
    I simply would return the coin for a refund. As far as FB that is up to you.

    I had an experienced dealer well known on the circuit send me an ebay purchase of 4 coins in similar packaging = about $100 MV total I got for less than $40. There was no cushioning material except something like plastic wrapping. The coins arrived undamaged.

    However, he did not even tape the 8x10 cardboard envelope shut but relied on its own natural adhesive (how dumb!). When I pulled it out of the POB as a matter fact it was open as the sealing had either been compromised or expired during shipment. The coins were flat, wrapped in some plastic material. They were in their slabs and no damage. I listed them at retail in my store and then some as one was pedigreed and another quite nicely toned. It is unbelievable they were not stolen. Maybe too cheap to steal? I got them less than $10 apiece......these were common date silver dimes in 64-66.

    A guy in the coin club received a banknote purchased in Europe where the PMG holder was bent by the USPS clerk fitting it in his POB. The note, an AU was not damaged but he had to deal with the hassle of a return to Europe. When shipping currency it should be in a box and marked "do not bend."



    Currency should be shipped sandwiched between rigid cardboard that makes it pretty darn difficult to bend.

    I love the 3 P's: PB&J, PBR and PCGS.
  • VanHalenVanHalen Posts: 4,326 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: CuKevin

    I would let the seller know I was disappointed with their shipping methods and explain the damage. Since you already did that and received a positive response, I'd thank him for his concern and leave positive feedback. Then move on since it's barely an issue anyways. Plastic gets chipped.



    And I couldn't care less about a little tape residue on the slab. Most would agree.




    x2. Those stacking tabs break off all the time. I bet 1 out of 4 PCGS holders I've ever owned had a chipped tab. The residue can be removed. Just let the seller know and move on. Don't sweat the petty stuff.



  • 3keepSECRETif2rDEAD3keepSECRETif2rDEAD Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was wondering where that piece of chipped plastic came from that was slabbed on the inside of the holder of a recent Newp that I a picked up...I didn't even contact the seller, I just called Stephanie over at PCGS CS and within a couple of minutes all was worked out...coin sent back in for re-holder and blowoff and it's not costing me or the seller a dime. PCGS is paying return shipping and reimbursing me for shipping cost both ways. Now that's what I call Customer Service!

    Mistakes happen...I love PCGS image

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