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eBay shipping question
genesis156
Posts: 42 ✭✭
I am looking to sell some of my coins on eBay and am in the process of setting up an account. For shipping single coins, what is the best type of packaging to use and where do I get it? I plan to ship using the USPS. Thanks.
genesis156
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-Paul
A PCGS slabbed coin weighs 3 ounces and with eBay's shipping label discount, it costs $1.93 and includes tracking.
You are responsible for the coin being delivered so you need to purchase insurance or be self insuring.
Anything over $250 requires Signature Confirmation.
The most important thing is to have good pictures in your listing. Start the bidding at the minimum price you will accept.
The nice people on eBay will pay 99c for a $100 coin.
I also wrap the coin in bubble wrap and put it inside the bubble mailer - that way you get double bubble protection.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
<< <i>Anything over $250 requires Signature Confirmation. >>
That was upped to $750 by both eBay & PayPal earlier this year. Personally, my cut-off is anything over $500 requires S.C.
Below link is for a good source of bubble mailers with free s&h.
100 x #000 4" x 8" Poly Bubble Mailers FREE SHIPPING
usable space 4" x 7.25"
$15.50
polly mailers (plastick)
3/4 inch in thickness. That way they do NOT go through the automatic machinery at the PO. Saves
complaints about damage in shipping. Protect the coins in small bubble wrap or cardboard mailers
first. Print the label from the Ebay shipping page. Adhere to envelope, stuff envelope and mail.
Of course on expensive coins I will use a small Priority box with coin(s) fully protected and box
stuffed full so as not to rattle.
Follow ebay shipping rules on their shipping page and you'll be fine.
Insure if you think you need to. (The PO will not pay on bullion insurance, only on coins or bullion
with a premium of 10% above melt ((I think that's the number)).
I start all my auctions at 99 cents. With only a very few expensive coin instances. Give it a week
and don't have the auction ending at a weird time or during a big event (Football games come to
mind, holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas eve, day, New Years, etc). Have it end at a time when
most of the country is home and awake. I like to end mine at 6:30 pacific time (you have to enable
this option to start it at a specific time to end at a specific time).
Good luck,
bob
One thing is always ship with tracking on eBay now or the scammers will burn you.
<< <i>My carrier scans my #000 mailers at the box when picked up now Bob. And they scan all down the line now think they changed the equipment.
One thing is always ship with tracking on eBay now or the scammers will burn you. >>
Hmmmmm, just have to ask my mailman how he does it.....could be I'm wasting peanuts!
bob
1st Class package USPS much cheaper than Priority and gets there in the same time (It does, really). Labels/postage printed from PayPal
<< <i>1st Class package USPS much cheaper than Priority and gets there in the same time >>
from MD to CA on both methods...mailed out Monday ... usually delivered on Wednesday.
i just reuse them
sensitive stuff
i'll cut up a cardboard box for added protection inside the bubble mailer
high end
priority flat rate boxes
which are free too
incase your a smoker like me
a spray air freshener to mask that
<< <i>In my opinion, boxes are much more secure than bubble mailers. >>
As said earlier up to 3 oz. first class (thick envelope), with USPS delivery confirmation, for $1.93 using ebay or paypal labels. Just print on regular paper and tape securely to the bubble envelope with 2" clear shipping tape. If printed from paypal the tracking is automatically uploaded to both paypal and ebay. Buyer can see the tracking number in his "my ebay" on purchased items. Note that items weighing more than 13 ozs. have to go at the priority mail rate, so you might as well take advantage of their free priority boxes and envelopes. They now have a 9.5 X 12.5 padded priority envelope. Order free priority shipping products here, delivered to your home.
Couple of tips:
Put a foam peanut in a padded envelope to get the required minimum thickness.
If high dollar item do not show postage (an option) on a self printed label, it is a giveaway for thieves.
Add tape when sealing the flap.
Do not cover any of the two barcodes on the label with tape, even clear tape.
Do not ship until paypal "details" page for the item says "OK to ship."
Ship only to the address on the paypal "details" page to keep your seller protection.
Expedite your shipment by taking it to the PO counter. Ask them to scan it in while there. To maintain ebay top rated seller status with the extra 20% fee discount items must be scanned by USPS within your listing "handling time." Maximum handling time of one day is required to be eligible for the best Ebay fee discounts. This does not include weekends.
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
Tape seams well.
Paper envelopes for $2 coins are ok, but put the coin in a 2 x 2, staple the 2x2 into folded paper so it doesn't slide, and tape the envelope shut.
For rolls, I only use a box so the paper roll is not damaged. I also put the roll in a plastic bag and wrap it with tape in case the roll does break open the coins will resist spilling out.
My minimum for signature confirmation is still $250 generally even though the requirement is now $750. It's a opersonal comfort thing. It's also a matter of margins. If I'm wanting a bit of extra protection (e.g. Rolls of modern coins) and the margin allows it, I'll sometimes use signature confirmation.
If I can add one, cover both addresses with clear tape, just in case the label gets wet or dirty.
<< <i>Great advices so far. >>
I agree! Thank you all for the comments and advice.