I have an idea for PCGS that I am sure us submitters would really appreciate.

DIMEMAN · February 17, 2013 7:13AM

An easy way for PCGS to lets us know where our submission is in the works. First thing in the morning they (PCGS) could take the first submission to be worked and find the entered date for that submission. Then post that date on the home page as the working date they are currently working.

They would only do this once every morning....and we would always have an idea on where our submission was in the works.

Would be very easy for them to do.

habaraca · February 17, 2013 7:19AM

that is Top Secret stuff you are asking for

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 7:22AM

I'm not seeing how this would help. Right now, people can look up on the post office's website and find when a package was received for shipping and there are still complaints about how long delivery takes.

SeattleSlammer · February 17, 2013 7:53AM

This would just give submitters even more things to obsess about....and God knows they obsess way too much already!

...and when I say they I mean me!

bidask · February 17, 2013 7:55AM

Who is going to pay for the person and time
to input this data?

RYK · February 17, 2013 7:58AM

I have made this suggestion in the past. Dominos has a pizza tracker, why not?

Who is going to pay for the person and time
to input this data?

I expect that they have this information already. It would be a matter of making their internal tracker somehow visible to the submitter for his/her order.

From the business standpoint, there probably is no advantage to spending the resources to do so. Now, if NGC had a submission tracker...

mbogoman · February 17, 2013 8:02AM

That assumes that everything is processed FIFO and that's not the always the case for a variety of reasons. There are many things that affect when your submission will be processed - type of processing selected, the particular type of coin (may require special "eyes"), shows, etc. I remember during some of the modern "frenzies" of the past few years when many of us were trying to get our stuff graded as quickly as possible that there was a wide range of return times for submissions entered into the system on the same day.

I can also think of the problems it might cause when the date being processed is later than your own "system entered" date and your submission still shows no progress. The phone calls to CS would never end!

LindeDad · February 17, 2013 8:10AM

I don't think I want to know that my order is about the last possible thing on a long to do list.

DoubleEagle59 · February 17, 2013 8:29AM

More staff needed = higher grading fees..........no thanks!!

habaraca · February 17, 2013 8:34AM

<<Who is going to pay for the person and time
to input this data?>>

What a CROCK

It would take what all of 45 seconds to post that info,,,, like we do here.....

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 8:42AM

<< <<Who is going to pay for the person and time
to input this data?>>

What a CROCK

It would take what all of 45 seconds to post that info,,,, like we do here..... >>

And (as already noted) how long will it take to handle all the phone calls when submitters think something's going on with their submissions based on that 45 seconds spent providing what is basically useless information? I mean- what does knowing that a submission entered a week ago is being graded today tell you, anyway?

SeattleSlammer · February 17, 2013 8:43AM

<< 

<< <<Who is going to pay for the person and time
to input this data?>>

What a CROCK

It would take what all of 45 seconds to post that info,,,, like we do here..... >>

And (as already noted) how long will it take to handle all the phone calls when the submitter thinks something's going on with their submission based on that 45 seconds spent providing what is basically useless information? I mean- what does knowing that a submission entered a week ago is being graded today tell you, anyway? >>

Yup, see my earlier reply.

numisma · February 17, 2013 8:43AM

It is not the time of entering the data each morning that would be the problem, although this would actually be full time job, based on the number of daily submissions to PCGS.

The big problem would be collectors calling a few days after seeing their submission being "in the works" and asking for grades, when it would be shipped, etc. I know that it is easier said than done, but the best way to submit coins to PCGS is to mail the package and wait for a return package in the mail. Patience is a virtue.

bidask · February 17, 2013 8:48AM

<< <<Who is going to pay for the person and time
to input this data?>>

What a CROCK

It would take what all of 45 seconds to post that info,,,, like we do here..... >>

multiplied by how many submissions?

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 8:53AM

<< It is not the time of entering the data each morning that would be the problem, although this would actually be full time job, based on the number of daily submissions to PCGS. >>

I believe the OP intended that only the date of submission of the first submission to be graded that day be posted. It's a sure bet, though, that if PCGS did this, there'd be complaints about it wanting even more information.

ianrussell · February 17, 2013 9:02AM

But I don't believe every submission is worked on in exact order received.

Example:
I submit 10 x Morgan Dollars for economy rate on one form.

vs.

I submit one of each coin from my type set.

My bet (and from experience), the 10 x Morgan Dollars will come back first, even if submitted a few days after the type set.

- Ian

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 9:06AM

<< But I don't believe every submission is worked on in exact order received. >>

Trying to sway people with logic? Be sure to come back and let everybody know how it worked for you.

DIMEMAN · February 17, 2013 9:50AM

Boy, are you guys making more this than was intended.

It would only be done "ONCE" a day. On the "FIRST" submission handled. Would take 30 seconds...not even 45.

It would just you an idea of where you were in the system......not a precise position!

GEEZE!!!

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 9:56AM

<< Boy, are you guys making more this than was intended.

It would only be done "ONCE" a day. On the "FIRST" submission handled. Would take 30 seconds...not even 45.

It would just you an idea of where you were in the system......not a precise position!

GEEZE!!! >>

You're assuming that orders are processed in numerical order. As noted above, that's very likely not the case. And, as noted above, if that's not the case, it would almost certainly cost PCGS more than 30 seconds to deal with having posted that info.

As an alternative, why not just be patient and wait until you get your coins back?

TwoSides2aCoin · February 17, 2013 10:02AM

President's Day they should grade presidential dollars for half price.

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 10:09AM

<< President's Day they should grade presidential dollars for half price. >>

If people promised to complain about stuff half as much, they might just consider it.

jdimmick · February 17, 2013 10:58AM

I agree with Ian, I don't believe they are always processed in order they are received either, regardless of service type. Size of order and type of orders may come in to play.

RYK · February 17, 2013 11:29AM

I am not going to lose any sleep over it, either way. I am an occasional submitter and do not chew my fingers to the bone waiting for the results. It seems like it would be pretty easy and inexpensive for PCGS to allow one to track the processing of submissions. If Domino's can do it, I am sure that PCGS can.

Of course, seeing one's submission "waiting in queue" for three weeks (or six weeks) may not assuage one's anxiety over the process any more than not knowing, so why bother?

CoinRaritiesOnline · February 17, 2013 11:32AM

<< I believe the OP intended that only the date of submission of the first submission to be graded that day be posted. It's a sure bet, though, that if PCGS did this, there'd be complaints about it wanting even more information. >>

I agree.

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 11:37AM

<< If Domino's can do it, I am sure that PCGS can. >>

Have you ever confirmed that Domino's tracking accurately reflects the status of your order? Seems to me, most orders are likely to be delivered in the timeframe specified when you order. Wouldn't be a difficult task to program a website to "update" the status of an order to match the original delivery estimate, I'd think.

RYK · February 17, 2013 11:47AM

<< 

<< If Domino's can do it, I am sure that PCGS can. >>

Have you ever confirmed that Domino's tracking accurately reflects the status of your order? Seems to me, most orders are likely to be delivered in the timeframe specified when you order. Wouldn't be a difficult task to program a website to "update" the status of an order to match the original delivery estimate, I'd think.

>>

Does it really matter if "Sheila received your order at 6:30", and "Frank put the pizza in the oven at 6:37", and "Tracy took the pizza out of the oven 6:49", and "Gino assembled your order for delivery at 6:55", and "Armand left the store with your order at 7:02" if your order did not arrive in good order at 7:10?"

People are mostly interested in the end result, receiving a tasty pizza in a reasonable amount of time, but if it makes them feel better being able to track it (whether or not it is factual), what is the harm?

Similarly...

"Sheila opened the box with your coins on 1/2/13 at 2:37 PM"
"Frank walked your coins to the safe on 1/2/13 at 3:02 PM"
"Tracy walked your coins to the grading room on 2/18/13 at 9:47 AM"
"Gino finalized your coins' grades on 2/18/13 at 9:48 AM"
"Armand walked your coins to the shipping department on 2/18/13 at 9:49 AM"
... and so on...

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 11:58AM

<< People are mostly interested in the end result, receiving a tasty pizza in a reasonable amount of time, but if it makes them feel better being able to track it (whether or not it is factual), what is the harm?

Similarly...

"Sheila opened the box with your coins on 1/2/13 at 2:37 PM"
"Frank walked your coins to the safe on 1/2/13 at 3:02 PM"
"Tracy walked your coins to the grading room on 2/18/13 at 9:47 AM"
"Gino finalized your coins' grades on 2/18/13 at 9:48 AM"
"Armand walked your coins to the shipping department on 2/18/13 at 9:49 AM"
... and so on... >>

The difference here is that Dominos already knows what they offer for sale and how long to expect it takes to get the order ready for delivery. PCGS has no idea what any particular submitter will be sending in (a bunch of modern proofs?... a rare 17th century German thaler?... an obscure medal or token?) and, without taking the time to pre-evaluate the submission, would have a tougher time coming up with a reasonable estimate for each. I'd think, anyway. But as long as you're not really telling the truth about what's happening with the order, I guess it really doesn't matter, does it?

Now, for everybody who wants PCGS to offer tracking of their submissions- are you aware that the post office offers free tracking on all priority mail shipments? In related news, the cost to mail a flat rate priority envelope is 10% higher than it was before the post office offered free tracking.

Be careful what you wish for.

edited to add... OT, I adopted a wondeful collie some time ago and had to say goodbye to her this past week. There hasn't been a day that's gone by since then that I haven't wished I spent more time with her than I did. Sent some coins in for grading? Stop worrying about how long it's going to take to get them back and go hug your wife, call your kids or play with your dog. Just a thought...

breakdown · February 17, 2013 12:03PM

As I read Dimeman's OP, he made a suggestion. As far as I can tell, he was not complaining.

I rarely submit any more so it makes no difference to me, but I would think more information is better than less. And for those that think it unnecessary, they don't have to pay attention to it. I can't tell you the last time I checked the monthly statistics on crossovers, but the information is available for those that want to look at it.

ianrussell · February 17, 2013 12:06PM

1. I do like the Dominos pizza tracker...for tracking when my pizza will be delivered.

2. If PCGS takes longer with a submission, the way to get over it is to think that PCGS wants to spend extra time seeing if your coin is worthy of the next grade. Think of that, and you want them to take longer on every submission.

- Ian

RYK · February 17, 2013 12:06PM

<< 

<< People are mostly interested in the end result, receiving a tasty pizza in a reasonable amount of time, but if it makes them feel better being able to track it (whether or not it is factual), what is the harm?

Similarly...

"Sheila opened the box with your coins on 1/2/13 at 2:37 PM"
"Frank walked your coins to the safe on 1/2/13 at 3:02 PM"
"Tracy walked your coins to the grading room on 2/18/13 at 9:47 AM"
"Gino finalized your coins' grades on 2/18/13 at 9:48 AM"
"Armand walked your coins to the shipping department on 2/18/13 at 9:49 AM"
... and so on... >>

The difference here is that Dominos already knows what they offer for sale and how long to expect it takes to get the order ready for delivery. PCGS has no idea what any particular submitter will be sending in (a bunch of modern proofs?... a rare 17th century German thaler?... an obscure medal or token?) and, without taking the time to pre-evaluate the submission, would have a tougher time coming up with a reasonable estimate for each. I'd think, anyway. But as long as you're not really telling the truth about what's happening with the order, I guess it really doesn't matter, does it?

Now, for everybody who wants PCGS to offer tracking of their submissions- are you aware that the post office offers free tracking on all priority mail shipments? In related news, the cost to mail a flat rate priority envelope is 10% higher than it was before the post office offered free tracking.

Be careful what you wish for.

edited to add... OT, I adopted a wondeful collie some time ago and had to say goodbye to her this past week. There hasn't been a day that's gone by since then that I haven't wished I spent more time with her than I did. Sent some coins in for grading? Stop worrying about how long it's going to take to get them back and go hug your wife, call your kids or play with your dog. Just a thought... >>

I am sorry for your loss.

I will take your advice and go walk the dog and then hang out with my daughter. Have a good night.

ianrussell · February 17, 2013 12:09PM

<< 

<< If Domino's can do it, I am sure that PCGS can. >>

Have you ever confirmed that Domino's tracking accurately reflects the status of your order? Seems to me, most orders are likely to be delivered in the timeframe specified when you order. Wouldn't be a difficult task to program a website to "update" the status of an order to match the original delivery estimate, I'd think.

>>

Yes - it's very accurate from the last part of it...when it leaves the store.

- Ian

DIMEMAN · February 17, 2013 12:22PM

>>>As I read Dimeman's OP, he made a suggestion. As far as I can tell, he was not complaining. <<<

BINGO!!

Yes, this was a suggestion only!

And I am NOT talking about tracking a specific submission.

I....am....talking....about...posting....the...date....received....on....the....first.....and ....only....first....submission....of.....the...day!!!!

THIS WOULD BE DONE ONCE A DAY!!! How much time and effort could this possibly take!

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 12:33PM

<< I am sorry for your loss.

I will take your advice and go walk the dog and then hang out with my daughter. Have a good night. >>

Thank you for the thought. Have a nice walk.

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 12:35PM

<< I....am....talking....about...posting....the...date....received....on....the....first.....and ....only....first....submission....of.....the...day!!!!

THIS WOULD BE DONE ONCE A DAY!!! How much time and effort could this possibly take!

>>

If submissions are not processed in numerical order, what would be the point?

breakdown · February 17, 2013 12:35PM

Mrpotatoheadd,
While we can disagree on this point, I am sorry about your collie. Lost my Golden in September and I'm still not over it. He was part of the forum in a way, as he liked to sit under my feet when I would log on my computer at home.

mrpotatoheadd · February 17, 2013 1:10PM

Thank you. It's been a long week.

oreville · February 17, 2013 2:54PM

I for one think Dimeman's idea is a reasonable one.

It might even cut down the number of phone calls PCGS receives.

Certainly it might make sense for PCGS to consider trying it on a trial basis for 4 months or so and see if it works.

The only caveat is that the serial numbers on the submission forms may not always be consecutive as quite often they are taken from different piles and sometimes older form numbers are used along with newer ones.

magikbilly · February 17, 2013 3:42PM

If I were going to sell an idea to PCGS it would be something different.

Eric

astrorat · February 17, 2013 3:54PM

I can't see how this will increase revenue for PCGS. They are a business, not a philanthropic organization.

Justacommeman · February 17, 2013 4:00PM

<< Thank you. It's been a long week.

>>

so sorry. Been there

MJ

GrumpyEd · February 17, 2013 5:33PM

It would be nice but as already said they never (that I've heard) promised that they were done in FIFO even within submission types, maybe they group things to make it easier.

Every step (even small) is extra work.

Also I'm sure they don't want calls saying "why isn't mine done, it was before #xxxxxxxxxx" and needing a customer friendly explanation for it.

19Lyds · February 17, 2013 5:48PM

<< 

<< Boy, are you guys making more this than was intended.

It would only be done "ONCE" a day. On the "FIRST" submission handled. Would take 30 seconds...not even 45.

It would just you an idea of where you were in the system......not a precise position!

GEEZE!!! >>

You're assuming that orders are processed in numerical order. As noted above, that's very likely not the case. And, as noted above, if that's not the case, it would almost certainly cost PCGS more than 30 seconds to deal with having posted that info.

As an alternative, why not just be patient and wait until you get your coins back?

>>

I gotta agree with you on this as entering the "FIRST" submission handled would provide submitters with just as much information as they currently have which is none other than when the submission was received.

I forone am grateful that we at least have an "opportunity" to see when our grades have posted through the personal PCGS page. Without that, you'd only know once it reached your mailbox!

Such an impatient group.

19Lyds · February 17, 2013 5:50PM

<< I have made this suggestion in the past. Dominos has a pizza tracker, why not? >>

Domino's doesn't deliver or have to be responsible for $10,000 pizzas.

RYK · February 17, 2013 8:55PM

<< 

<< I have made this suggestion in the past. Dominos has a pizza tracker, why not? >>

Domino's doesn't deliver or have to be responsible for $10,000 pizzas. >>

Why does the value of the item make a difference? Dominos does more volume over many more locations with many more employees over a larger period of time each day. Additionally, each Dominos order is compressed into 45 minutes of time and is tracked by the minute, not the days, weeks, or months of a PCGS order. It seems like the logistics for the pizza tracker would be far more challenging than tracking a coin grading order.

Nonetheless, I think that tracking your coin grading order would be as interesting as watching paint dry as the bulk of time for most regular and economy orders would be spent "in the vault" or "in the queue" and would not lessen the frustration that some feel waiting for their coins to be returned.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 17, 2013 10:03PM

One can collect dividends while waiting for the coins to be returned since ownership really does add a point.
Here is how I view added value:
Buy 2 shares for every one coin submitted. Same price.
Wait... like a pizza in the oven. When the dividends get paid, you're discounting the cost of submission as well as adding value to the coin by having it encapsulated (boxed). Time is on YOUR side. Do the math.

messydesk · February 17, 2013 11:50PM

While there may be no logistic difference between tracking a Domino's pizza and a coin submission, the limited time frame over which a pizza can actually be tracked greatly reduces the opportunity for someone to carp about any given step in the process. Finer-grained tracking of a coin submission wouldn't really give the submitter any added benefit or value beyond knowing which part of the process to complain about on the message boards. I'd much rather see something like combined return shipping on multiple types of submissions and reused old tags with reholders.

RYK · February 18, 2013 12:11AM

<< While there may be no logistic difference between tracking a Domino's pizza and a coin submission, the limited time frame over which a pizza can actually be tracked greatly reduces the opportunity for someone to carp about any given step in the process. Finer-grained tracking of a coin submission wouldn't really give the submitter any added benefit or value beyond knowing which part of the process to complain about on the message boards. I'd much rather see something like combined return shipping on multiple types of submissions and reused old tags with reholders. >>

I completely agree with all of the above.

DIMEMAN · February 18, 2013 2:19AM

I give up.....might as well have a pizza and forget about it!

RYK · February 18, 2013 2:22AM

<<

I give up.....might as well have a pizza and forget about it!

>>

Don't give up, yet. I have a new idea, one that is sure to make mrpotatohead's head explode, but I need some to time to think about it and articulate it properly.

mrpotatoheadd · February 18, 2013 3:16AM

<< Don't give up, yet. I have a new idea, one that is sure to make mrpotatohead's head explode... >>

Oh, good. Just what I need.

Seriously, though- if you want to get PCGS's attention, it would be better to propose ideas that will not require them to spend more time on customer service issues than they already do. And posting the first order number to be graded each day is almost certainly going to result in more calls to customer service, not less.

Billet7 · February 18, 2013 4:50AM

I think it's a great idea. It would have to be done for different service levels, since crossovers take longer and Economy is different from Regular. I also have a suspicion that they don't do things quite like the system would necessitate. I doubt it's a perfect "First-in first-out" system.

I have an idea for PCGS that I am sure us submitters would really appreciate.

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