@BryceM said:
Someone's paying for the "free" box and it ain't the post office.
Actually it is the post office, until you put something in it and ship it. Just imagine how many kleptomaniac's have a closet full of flat rate boxes and it didn't cost a dime.
Actually, I should have used the word "hoarder" instead of "kleptomaniac" because you're not really stealing the boxes if they're free
Wisdom has been chasing you but, you've always been faster
It's illegal to use flat rate boxes for any use other than USPS Priority mail. I commonly receive coins that are in a USPS flat envelope, inside a USPS Priority box, inside a USPS Priority Express box. Technically, that's illegal too, but I doubt abuses get prosecuted very often.
@BryceM said:
It's illegal to use flat rate boxes for any use other than USPS Priority mail.
That's only because it's against the law.
I wonder if Congress passed that law or if the USPS just made that rule up and claim it is "illegal". In any case, glad to hear that I am not the only one who improvises with shipping materials sometimes.
The USPS is happy to give out flat rate boxes because sometimes it actually costs more to use them than it would cost if generic boxes are used, especially for lighter contents.
Apparently we're not talking about the same box because the small flat rate boxes are very sturdy. If these are arriving crushed then you need to have a talk with your postman. Also the boxes are free, you can take as many as you want for no charge from your local post office. What you're paying for is insurance, tracking, and guaranteed delivery within 3-4 days. And if that's not enough, you can put up to seventy pounds in the box for the same price.
Your buyers may not request faster shipping but i'll bet they would appreciate it.
We are most definitely talking about the same boxes. I ship thousands of packages a year, and I'm plenty well versed in the supplies the USPS offers. Small flat rate boxes are thin and very easy to crush if they aren't densely padded on the inside. Talking to the clerks who handle my mail won't help if the packages are crushed--these problems happen en route.
Now, please re-read my response. Yes, the boxes are "free" in that you won't be accused of theft if you walk out with one. But the right to USE the box costs money well above and beyond what First Class requires. Tracking? That's free on all packages, Priority or not. Guaranteed delivery? That's available only with Priority Mail Express. Guess how much money I get back when a Priority package sits for a week and then takes a leisurely cruise across the country and is delivered some 2 weeks late. Correct. Zero, because there's no guarantee.
Insurance? What if the package you're sending is low value? Why pay for insurance you don't need? It's not as though the USPS will give you the full coverage amount even if you can't prove that value.
Seventy pounds in there? What material are we talking about? Even a slab of lead the exact size of the box barely hits 30lbs. And this whole discussion is about shipping a single coin, not 70lbs.
And finally, I'm sure my buyers would appreciate faster shipping. They'd appreciate it even more if I used Express Mail, and even more still if it were free. Everything has a cost and a value. When the value is lower than the cost, it's a no go.
@BryceM said:
It's illegal to use flat rate boxes for any use other than USPS Priority mail. I commonly receive coins that are in a USPS flat envelope, inside a USPS Priority box, inside a USPS Priority Express box. Technically, that's illegal too, but I doubt abuses get prosecuted very often.
You can move USPS supplies to a higher class, just not a lower one, meaning you can use Priority for Express, but not the other way around. Obviously for flat rates there has to be an equivalent for both classes. On the rare instance I'm out of an Express item and need to send something ASAP, I'll take a Priority one and slap on a few Express stickers.
@airplanenut said:
And finally, I'm sure my buyers would appreciate faster shipping. They'd appreciate it even more if I used Express Mail, and even more still if it were free.
Why don't you stop monkeying around with various levels of mail services and just hand deliver it.
In regard to the small Priority Mail boxes - what I call "video cassette boxes" - the PO did cheapen them a few years ago. They are slightly smaller, slightly less solid, and open differently than the old ones. Not sure if they still make both but the cheaper one is what my PO has now.
This may (or may not) account for some of the difference of opinion on the small boxes.
@mvs7 said:
That damage looks confined to the corner. If there’s no damage by the coin itself, PCGS will reholder with the same cert number. CAC will re-bean with no issues and no re-evaluation at a reduced cost if the PCGS cert # hasn’t changed. Just send them the PCGS reholder paperwork.
If you really like the coin, the hassle to reholder and resticker might be worth it.
If the seller sent it priority mail there would be insurance to cover the cost of the reholder and CAC fees.
@mvs7 said:
That damage looks confined to the corner. If there’s no damage by the coin itself, PCGS will reholder with the same cert number. CAC will re-bean with no issues and no re-evaluation at a reduced cost if the PCGS cert # hasn’t changed. Just send them the PCGS reholder paperwork.
If you really like the coin, the hassle to reholder and resticker might be worth it.
+1
~HABE FIDUCIAM IN DOMINO III V VI / III XVI~ POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN Love for Music / Collector of Dreck
I'm going to return it. I don't want to deal with the hassle of sending it off to PCGS and then back to CAC. Its easier to just return it and keep looking for another nice coin.
Thank you again everyone for the comments and advice. Much Appreciated.
I just had this happen to me. The coin was shipped in a #00 bubble mailer, usually not a problem. The problem was when the dealer, although nice gesture, included an unwanted Gold Plated Washington coin causing it to chip the holder. No biggie, just one of those things.
@mvs7 said:
That damage looks confined to the corner. If there’s no damage by the coin itself, PCGS will reholder with the same cert number. CAC will re-bean with no issues and no re-evaluation at a reduced cost if the PCGS cert # hasn’t changed. Just send them the PCGS reholder paperwork.
If you really like the coin, the hassle to reholder and resticker might be worth it.
If the seller sent it priority mail there would be insurance to cover the cost of the reholder and CAC fees.
In my example above, the seller saved $3k by mailing first class instead of priority mail...leaving him(edit: or her) $2900 ahead after the return/reslab/reCAC.
@airplanenut said:
And finally, I'm sure my buyers would appreciate faster shipping. They'd appreciate it even more if I used Express Mail, and even more still if it were free.
Why don't you stop monkeying around with various levels of mail services and just hand deliver it.
Security. While a tangent, I’m always amazed by the people who ask if they can pick up instead of pay under $4 for shipping. People willing to go well more than an hour round trip to save a few bucks. I’ve never understood time having so little value.
Well this certainly sparked an in depth conversation. Sorry about your damage. I would just return it and I am sure there will be no issues. Best of luck... Cheers, RickO
@mvs7 said:
That damage looks confined to the corner. If there’s no damage by the coin itself, PCGS will reholder with the same cert number. CAC will re-bean with no issues and no re-evaluation at a reduced cost if the PCGS cert # hasn’t changed. Just send them the PCGS reholder paperwork.
If you really like the coin, the hassle to reholder and resticker might be worth it.
If the seller sent it priority mail there would be insurance to cover the cost of the reholder and CAC fees.
In my example above, the seller saved $3k by mailing first class instead of priority mail...leaving him(edit: or her) $2900 ahead after the return/reslab/reCAC.
Doesn't USPS come with $50 insurance? A trip to the post office with package and pictures in hand should be sufficient to claim that. You can hop onto someone else's Reholder submission. I do one every few months it seems and that would only be in the $20 ballpark. You might come out ahead here.
A few thoughts here. First, the small flat rate box is one of the flimsiest boxes you can find. I get shipments with them all the time, and they're almost always crushed. For that reason alone I won't use them. Second, the boxes aren't "free." I can pay under $3 for a padded mailer and first class postage (not counting any insurance costs), or I can pay $6 for priority postage (which may save a day) and a "free" box. Since I never have buyers requesting faster shipping (ie, Priority instead of First Class) I'm guessing the $3 doesn't hold much value in terms of quicker shipping times, which means that box costs $3. If weight dictates using Priority (or in my case, insurance requirements for certain values) I'll use it, but otherwise, First Class is the better and more economical option.
Apparently we're not talking about the same box because the small flat rate boxes are very sturdy. If these are arriving crushed then you need to have a talk with your postman. Also the boxes are free, you can take as many as you want for no charge from your local post office. What you're paying for is insurance, tracking, and guaranteed delivery within 3-4 days. And if that's not enough, you can put up to seventy pounds in the box for the same price.
Your buyers may not request faster shipping but i'll bet they would appreciate it.
His point was that using the box costs an additional $3+ in postage, so it is not "free" to use it. It's just free to own it. Yippee! I hope you are enjoying your box collection.
@airplanenut said:
And finally, I'm sure my buyers would appreciate faster shipping. They'd appreciate it even more if I used Express Mail, and even more still if it were free.
Why don't you stop monkeying around with various levels of mail services and just hand deliver it.
Security. While a tangent, I’m always amazed by the people who ask if they can pick up instead of pay under $4 for shipping. People willing to go well more than an hour round trip to save a few bucks. I’ve never understood time having so little value.
@mach1ne said:
Doesn't USPS come with $50 insurance? A trip to the post office with package and pictures in hand should be sufficient to claim that. You can hop onto someone else's Reholder submission. I do one every few months it seems and that would only be in the $20 ballpark. You might come out ahead here.
Only if it is Priority mail. If it was 1st class mail, there is no insurance unless purchases separately.
I rarely use insurance. I'm amazed at the number of people on here who think it's a good idea. The post office loses or damages 1 package in several THOUSAND. But the insurance rates are set like they lose or damage one in 100 (or less). USPS must make more money on insurance than mail delivery.
If the coin is OK and I really wanted the coin and it was a hard coin to find......I would take it to a big show where PCGS was set up and have it reholdered there saving the shipping and other charges.
I agree with asheland.....the seller should pay some for the reholder fee since he/she didn't ship it properly. Never send a slab in a flemsy envelope like that. I always put the slab in a cardboard mailer and put that in a bubble envelope from P.O..
@mvs7 said:
That damage looks confined to the corner. If there’s no damage by the coin itself, PCGS will reholder with the same cert number. CAC will re-bean with no issues and no re-evaluation at a reduced cost if the PCGS cert # hasn’t changed. Just send them the PCGS reholder paperwork.
If you really like the coin, the hassle to reholder and resticker might be worth it.
If the seller sent it priority mail there would be insurance to cover the cost of the reholder and CAC fees.
In my example above, the seller saved $3k by mailing first class instead of priority mail...leaving him(edit: or her) $2900 ahead after the return/reslab/reCAC.
dealer could charge $7 shipping
My original point was on volume, low margin coins. In those cases, $7 shipping is probably going to turn a lot of people off when everybody else is offering free shipping or <$4 shipping per coin.
IMO It might be best just to send it to PCGS an beholder the coin, rather than going through a lot of red tape with the post office. This is just my personal opinion.
@mvs7 said:
That damage looks confined to the corner. If there’s no damage by the coin itself, PCGS will reholder with the same cert number. CAC will re-bean with no issues and no re-evaluation at a reduced cost if the PCGS cert # hasn’t changed. Just send them the PCGS reholder paperwork.
If you really like the coin, the hassle to reholder and resticker might be worth it.
If the seller sent it priority mail there would be insurance to cover the cost of the reholder and CAC fees.
In my example above, the seller saved $3k by mailing first class instead of priority mail...leaving him(edit: or her) $2900 ahead after the return/reslab/reCAC.
dealer could charge $7 shipping
The buyer could bid/pay a few dollars less for the coin to compensate.
@mvs7 said:
That damage looks confined to the corner. If there’s no damage by the coin itself, PCGS will reholder with the same cert number. CAC will re-bean with no issues and no re-evaluation at a reduced cost if the PCGS cert # hasn’t changed. Just send them the PCGS reholder paperwork.
If you really like the coin, the hassle to reholder and resticker might be worth it.
If the seller sent it priority mail there would be insurance to cover the cost of the reholder and CAC fees.
In my example above, the seller saved $3k by mailing first class instead of priority mail...leaving him(edit: or her) $2900 ahead after the return/reslab/reCAC.
dealer could charge $7 shipping
The buyer could bid/pay a few dollars less for the coin to compensate.
and leave a 3 star for shipping and handling fees...
I agree with Barndog, unless I really, really have to have the coin it goes back. Too much cost for that coin.
Also, Jeremy, you are a class act and I appreciate all your comments in detail from a business side. My next consignment review moves you to the top of the list!
Freddie.
It is not that life is short, but that you are dead for so very long.
In my example above, the seller saved $3k by mailing first class instead of priority mail...leaving him(edit: or her) $2900 ahead after the return/reslab/reCAC.
dealer could charge $7 shipping
My original point was on volume, low margin coins. In those cases, $7 shipping is probably going to turn a lot of people off when everybody else is offering free shipping or <$4 shipping per coin.
I have had many slabs shipped in bubble mailers. The best are when the slab is first taped between 2 pieces of cardboard before placement in the mailer.
Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
You guys are talking about saving a couple of bucks on shipping? Wrap the coin in a couple of layers of bubble wrap, put that in a BOX and ship it. What a bunch of tightwads - Sheeesh
If I receive a coin in a padded mailer I'll leave you two stars for being a cheapskate
@Leroy said:
You guys are talking about saving a couple of bucks on shipping? Wrap the coin in a couple of layers of bubble wrap, put that in a BOX and ship it. What a bunch of tightwads - Sheeesh
If I receive a coin in a padded mailer I'll leave you two stars for being a cheapskate
And if I put it in a priority box with insurance and charge you $10 shipping, you'll give me two stars for excessive shipping charges.
If it is damaged or lost, I make good on it. If it arrives fine to you, you would have to be a total asshat for giving me 2 stars. And I saved me and you $21,000 per year. Not "a couple bucks". TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ($7 per package, 3000 packages per year.)
I buy insurance for anything over a hundred bucks. It has come in handy twice. In both cases they were silver bars that just disappeared at the Sacramento sort facility. My regular mailman is a super nice guy and does a super good job. But! The substitute guy is a lazy bum. He even signed for a package for me if you can believe that. I took that package down to the post office and saw the postmaster and raised hell . He won’t do that again. That’s ridiculous!
Sorry about your problem.
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
And I saved me and you $21,000 per year. Not "a couple bucks". TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ($7 per package, 3000 packages per year.)
If your average sale is $50 and you have 3000 transactions a year then your net profit after PayPal, shipping and Ebay fees is still well over $100,000. Not only are you a cheapskate, you're also greedy. I bet you squeak when you walk.
And I saved me and you $21,000 per year. Not "a couple bucks". TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ($7 per package, 3000 packages per year.)
If your average sale is $50 and you have 3000 transactions a year then your net profit after PayPal, shipping and Ebay fees is still well over $100,000. Not only are you a cheapskate, you're also greedy. I bet you squeak when you walk.
Clearly you don't run a business.
Using your numbers.
If I average $50 per sale on 3000 transactions my GROSS REVENUE is $150,000. On a 10% margin, my PROFIT is more like $15,000. So, the $21,000 extra you want me to spend on postage and insurance is actually MORE THAN I MAKE.
[NOTE: On a $50 coin, the price difference is actually $4 per coin, not $7. So, the difference would really be $12,000 not $21,000. I was assuming $300 coins like the OP's original coin.]
You must own the post office. Because you want me to spend $12,000 per year to insure 3 or 4 lost or damaged coins. At your average of $50 each, that's $12,000 spent to insure $200 in loss or damage.
I'm simply "self-insured". No risk or loss to you. No ridiculous price-gouging by the Post Office. Everyone should be happy.
And I saved me and you $21,000 per year. Not "a couple bucks". TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ($7 per package, 3000 packages per year.)
If your average sale is $50 and you have 3000 transactions a year then your net profit after PayPal, shipping and Ebay fees is still well over $100,000. Not only are you a cheapskate, you're also greedy. I bet you squeak when you walk.
Man, I wish I could find thousands of free coins to sell for $50 each. That would be awesome.
And I saved me and you $21,000 per year. Not "a couple bucks". TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ($7 per package, 3000 packages per year.)
If your average sale is $50 and you have 3000 transactions a year then your net profit after PayPal, shipping and Ebay fees is still well over $100,000. Not only are you a cheapskate, you're also greedy. I bet you squeak when you walk.
Man, I wish I could find thousands of free coins to sell for $50 each. That would be awesome.
LOL. Yes, I just posted my own reply on the difference between gross and net.
Honestly, on your average $50 coin, my gross margin is about 15% and my net margin about 10%. So, how much is it worth to insure a $5 profit? Especially when the post office is soooo good at their job that they only lose or damage 1 in 1000 packages (or so).
And honestly, for the ONE IN A THOUSAND times that USPS damages or loses a package, why do you care whether I pay you or USPS pays you? Either way, you are made whole.
A few thoughts here. First, the small flat rate box is one of the flimsiest boxes you can find. I get shipments with them all the time, and they're almost always crushed. For that reason alone I won't use them.
I have received and sent out 100s of small flat rate boxes, never had a crushed one, just sayin'. Maybe folks are not using in enough bubble wrap? I reuse all of my bubble wrap in them small flat rate boxes and stuff them so they can't collapse.......
On the other hand, the bubble envelopes, I had one shipment that came to me with a broken slab in one of these, just like the OP. Alot can go wrong if they are not properly stuffed. While these may be quicker to process, seems that they would have potentially more issues for broken slabs than any box would..... Just sayin'.
A few thoughts here. First, the small flat rate box is one of the flimsiest boxes you can find. I get shipments with them all the time, and they're almost always crushed. For that reason alone I won't use them.
I have received and sent out 100s of small flat rate boxes, never had a crushed one, just sayin'. Maybe folks are not using in enough bubble wrap? I reuse all of my bubble wrap in them small flat rate boxes and stuff them so they can't collapse.......
On the other hand, the bubble envelopes, I had one shipment that came to me with a broken slab in one of these, just like the OP. Alot can go wrong if they are not properly stuffed. While these may be quicker to process, seems that they would have potentially more issues for broken slabs than any box would..... Just sayin'.
Best, SH
I've never had a broken slab and I use almost exclusively bubble envelopes. BUT, BUT , BUT I do put an inner wrapping of bubble wrap around the coin before I put it in the bubble envelopes.
And, again, that ignores the cost issue. Slabs are replaceable. It simply isn't worth thousands in shipping and insurance to prevent a $50 or $100 loss. Better to self-insure and move on.
A few thoughts here. First, the small flat rate box is one of the flimsiest boxes you can find. I get shipments with them all the time, and they're almost always crushed. For that reason alone I won't use them.
I have received and sent out 100s of small flat rate boxes, never had a crushed one, just sayin'. Maybe folks are not using in enough bubble wrap? I reuse all of my bubble wrap in them small flat rate boxes and stuff them so they can't collapse.......
A few thoughts here. First, the small flat rate box is one of the flimsiest boxes you can find. I get shipments with them all the time, and they're almost always crushed. For that reason alone I won't use them.
I have received and sent out 100s of small flat rate boxes, never had a crushed one, just sayin'. Maybe folks are not using in enough bubble wrap? I reuse all of my bubble wrap in them small flat rate boxes and stuff them so they can't collapse.......
On the other hand, the bubble envelopes, I had one shipment that came to me with a broken slab in one of these, just like the OP. Alot can go wrong if they are not properly stuffed. While these may be quicker to process, seems that they would have potentially more issues for broken slabs than any box would..... Just sayin'.
Best, SH
I've never had a broken slab and I use almost exclusively bubble envelopes. BUT, BUT , BUT I do put an inner wrapping of bubble wrap around the coin before I put it in the bubble envelopes.
And, again, that ignores the cost issue. Slabs are replaceable. It simply isn't worth thousands in shipping and insurance to prevent a $50 or $100 loss. Better to self-insure and move on.
Cardboard slab mailers would also help minimize damage in the bubble mailers.
A few thoughts here. First, the small flat rate box is one of the flimsiest boxes you can find. I get shipments with them all the time, and they're almost always crushed. For that reason alone I won't use them.
I have received and sent out 100s of small flat rate boxes, never had a crushed one, just sayin'. Maybe folks are not using in enough bubble wrap? I reuse all of my bubble wrap in them small flat rate boxes and stuff them so they can't collapse.......
On the other hand, the bubble envelopes, I had one shipment that came to me with a broken slab in one of these, just like the OP. Alot can go wrong if they are not properly stuffed. While these may be quicker to process, seems that they would have potentially more issues for broken slabs than any box would..... Just sayin'.
Best, SH
Speak of the devil. Got a small flat rate box today. Squashed.
The newer small flat rate boxes can be opened from the ends if they are not taped. I have also received a few of these with corners or ends squeezed or ripped open - usually contents intact though.
Comments
Actually, I should have used the word "hoarder" instead of "kleptomaniac" because you're not really stealing the boxes if they're free
Wisdom has been chasing you but, you've always been faster
It's illegal to use flat rate boxes for any use other than USPS Priority mail. I commonly receive coins that are in a USPS flat envelope, inside a USPS Priority box, inside a USPS Priority Express box. Technically, that's illegal too, but I doubt abuses get prosecuted very often.
That's only because it's against the law.
I wonder if Congress passed that law or if the USPS just made that rule up and claim it is "illegal". In any case, glad to hear that I am not the only one who improvises with shipping materials sometimes.
The USPS is happy to give out flat rate boxes because sometimes it actually costs more to use them than it would cost if generic boxes are used, especially for lighter contents.
We are most definitely talking about the same boxes. I ship thousands of packages a year, and I'm plenty well versed in the supplies the USPS offers. Small flat rate boxes are thin and very easy to crush if they aren't densely padded on the inside. Talking to the clerks who handle my mail won't help if the packages are crushed--these problems happen en route.
Now, please re-read my response. Yes, the boxes are "free" in that you won't be accused of theft if you walk out with one. But the right to USE the box costs money well above and beyond what First Class requires. Tracking? That's free on all packages, Priority or not. Guaranteed delivery? That's available only with Priority Mail Express. Guess how much money I get back when a Priority package sits for a week and then takes a leisurely cruise across the country and is delivered some 2 weeks late. Correct. Zero, because there's no guarantee.
Insurance? What if the package you're sending is low value? Why pay for insurance you don't need? It's not as though the USPS will give you the full coverage amount even if you can't prove that value.
Seventy pounds in there? What material are we talking about? Even a slab of lead the exact size of the box barely hits 30lbs. And this whole discussion is about shipping a single coin, not 70lbs.
And finally, I'm sure my buyers would appreciate faster shipping. They'd appreciate it even more if I used Express Mail, and even more still if it were free. Everything has a cost and a value. When the value is lower than the cost, it's a no go.
You can move USPS supplies to a higher class, just not a lower one, meaning you can use Priority for Express, but not the other way around. Obviously for flat rates there has to be an equivalent for both classes. On the rare instance I'm out of an Express item and need to send something ASAP, I'll take a Priority one and slap on a few Express stickers.
Why don't you stop monkeying around with various levels of mail services and just hand deliver it.
In regard to the small Priority Mail boxes - what I call "video cassette boxes" - the PO did cheapen them a few years ago. They are slightly smaller, slightly less solid, and open differently than the old ones. Not sure if they still make both but the cheaper one is what my PO has now.
This may (or may not) account for some of the difference of opinion on the small boxes.
I would rather treat my customers with respect and "overpackage" my items, so that there is not a problem, than cheap out on the packaging.
And yes, I ship over 1000 packages a year, and can take the time to package well.
Ironically, a lot of the items I ship are rugged steel and cast iron, and even they are bubble wrapped and double packed.
Sadly, and this is a gross generalization, coins that I receive, as a group, are the worst packaged items, with the most damage or missing.
If the seller sent it priority mail there would be insurance to cover the cost of the reholder and CAC fees.
+1
POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN
Love for Music / Collector of Dreck
Thank you all for the advice!
I'm going to return it. I don't want to deal with the hassle of sending it off to PCGS and then back to CAC. Its easier to just return it and keep looking for another nice coin.
Thank you again everyone for the comments and advice. Much Appreciated.
I just had this happen to me. The coin was shipped in a #00 bubble mailer, usually not a problem. The problem was when the dealer, although nice gesture, included an unwanted Gold Plated Washington coin causing it to chip the holder. No biggie, just one of those things.
In my example above, the seller saved $3k by mailing first class instead of priority mail...leaving him(edit: or her) $2900 ahead after the return/reslab/reCAC.
Security. While a tangent, I’m always amazed by the people who ask if they can pick up instead of pay under $4 for shipping. People willing to go well more than an hour round trip to save a few bucks. I’ve never understood time having so little value.
Or gas...
Well this certainly sparked an in depth conversation. Sorry about your damage. I would just return it and I am sure there will be no issues. Best of luck... Cheers, RickO
dealer could charge $7 shipping
Doesn't USPS come with $50 insurance? A trip to the post office with package and pictures in hand should be sufficient to claim that. You can hop onto someone else's Reholder submission. I do one every few months it seems and that would only be in the $20 ballpark. You might come out ahead here.
Check out my iPhone app SlabReader!
His point was that using the box costs an additional $3+ in postage, so it is not "free" to use it. It's just free to own it. Yippee! I hope you are enjoying your box collection.
Time and gas and wear-and-tear on the car.
Only if it is Priority mail. If it was 1st class mail, there is no insurance unless purchases separately.
I rarely use insurance. I'm amazed at the number of people on here who think it's a good idea. The post office loses or damages 1 package in several THOUSAND. But the insurance rates are set like they lose or damage one in 100 (or less). USPS must make more money on insurance than mail delivery.
Looks like all of you had some very valid input.
question is: do we now have a definite solution on how to ship what item?
If the coin is OK and I really wanted the coin and it was a hard coin to find......I would take it to a big show where PCGS was set up and have it reholdered there saving the shipping and other charges.
I agree with asheland.....the seller should pay some for the reholder fee since he/she didn't ship it properly. Never send a slab in a flemsy envelope like that. I always put the slab in a cardboard mailer and put that in a bubble envelope from P.O..
My original point was on volume, low margin coins. In those cases, $7 shipping is probably going to turn a lot of people off when everybody else is offering free shipping or <$4 shipping per coin.
IMO It might be best just to send it to PCGS an beholder the coin, rather than going through a lot of red tape with the post office. This is just my personal opinion.
The buyer could bid/pay a few dollars less for the coin to compensate.
and leave a 3 star for shipping and handling fees...
I agree with Barndog, unless I really, really have to have the coin it goes back. Too much cost for that coin.
Also, Jeremy, you are a class act and I appreciate all your comments in detail from a business side. My next consignment review moves you to the top of the list!
Freddie.
People HATE shipping charges...
I have had many slabs shipped in bubble mailers. The best are when the slab is first taped between 2 pieces of cardboard before placement in the mailer.
You guys are talking about saving a couple of bucks on shipping? Wrap the coin in a couple of layers of bubble wrap, put that in a BOX and ship it. What a bunch of tightwads - Sheeesh
If I receive a coin in a padded mailer I'll leave you two stars for being a cheapskate
And if I put it in a priority box with insurance and charge you $10 shipping, you'll give me two stars for excessive shipping charges.
If it is damaged or lost, I make good on it. If it arrives fine to you, you would have to be a total asshat for giving me 2 stars. And I saved me and you $21,000 per year. Not "a couple bucks". TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ($7 per package, 3000 packages per year.)
I buy insurance for anything over a hundred bucks. It has come in handy twice. In both cases they were silver bars that just disappeared at the Sacramento sort facility. My regular mailman is a super nice guy and does a super good job. But! The substitute guy is a lazy bum. He even signed for a package for me if you can believe that. I took that package down to the post office and saw the postmaster and raised hell . He won’t do that again. That’s ridiculous!
Sorry about your problem.
And I saved me and you $21,000 per year. Not "a couple bucks". TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ($7 per package, 3000 packages per year.)
If your average sale is $50 and you have 3000 transactions a year then your net profit after PayPal, shipping and Ebay fees is still well over $100,000. Not only are you a cheapskate, you're also greedy. I bet you squeak when you walk.
Clearly you don't run a business.
Using your numbers.
If I average $50 per sale on 3000 transactions my GROSS REVENUE is $150,000. On a 10% margin, my PROFIT is more like $15,000. So, the $21,000 extra you want me to spend on postage and insurance is actually MORE THAN I MAKE.
[NOTE: On a $50 coin, the price difference is actually $4 per coin, not $7. So, the difference would really be $12,000 not $21,000. I was assuming $300 coins like the OP's original coin.]
You must own the post office. Because you want me to spend $12,000 per year to insure 3 or 4 lost or damaged coins. At your average of $50 each, that's $12,000 spent to insure $200 in loss or damage.
I'm simply "self-insured". No risk or loss to you. No ridiculous price-gouging by the Post Office. Everyone should be happy.
Man, I wish I could find thousands of free coins to sell for $50 each. That would be awesome.
LOL. Yes, I just posted my own reply on the difference between gross and net.
Honestly, on your average $50 coin, my gross margin is about 15% and my net margin about 10%. So, how much is it worth to insure a $5 profit? Especially when the post office is soooo good at their job that they only lose or damage 1 in 1000 packages (or so).
LOL. You know how the kid ended up poor? He paid for insurance he didn't need.
And honestly, for the ONE IN A THOUSAND times that USPS damages or loses a package, why do you care whether I pay you or USPS pays you? Either way, you are made whole.
I have received and sent out 100s of small flat rate boxes, never had a crushed one, just sayin'. Maybe folks are not using in enough bubble wrap? I reuse all of my bubble wrap in them small flat rate boxes and stuff them so they can't collapse.......
On the other hand, the bubble envelopes, I had one shipment that came to me with a broken slab in one of these, just like the OP. Alot can go wrong if they are not properly stuffed. While these may be quicker to process, seems that they would have potentially more issues for broken slabs than any box would..... Just sayin'.
Best, SH
I've never had a broken slab and I use almost exclusively bubble envelopes. BUT, BUT , BUT I do put an inner wrapping of bubble wrap around the coin before I put it in the bubble envelopes.
And, again, that ignores the cost issue. Slabs are replaceable. It simply isn't worth thousands in shipping and insurance to prevent a $50 or $100 loss. Better to self-insure and move on.
One
Cardboard slab mailers would also help minimize damage in the bubble mailers.
Best, SH
Your coin seems to be OK. Just put it in another plastic holder and attach the over-priced label.
That Injun is awful spotty. Did the OP know it had a TrueView associated with it?
Speak of the devil. Got a small flat rate box today. Squashed.
The newer small flat rate boxes can be opened from the ends if they are not taped. I have also received a few of these with corners or ends squeezed or ripped open - usually contents intact though.
Why did you squash it?
Always best to talk to the seller first. Hopefully he had the shipment insured and will have it reslabbed for you.
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