Home U.S. Coin Forum
Options

How important is a PO Box?

ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,401 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited December 3, 2018 9:45AM in U.S. Coin Forum

When signing up for numismatic organizations, like our hosts and the ANA, how important do you think it is to have a PO Box or other non-physical address like a UPS address? Everyone likes to send physical mail but it can identify you as a coin collector. Seems like UPS would be the best because it provides a level of indirection from the Post Office.

«1

Comments

  • JBKJBK Posts: 16,391 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Zoins said:
    Seems like UPS would be the best because it provides a level of indirection from the Post Office.

    ?? UPS doesn't have mailboxes. If you are referring to those private mailboxes that are offered by independent businesses that offer shipping, packing, faxing. etc., they are horrendously expensive compared to a USPS post office box.

    True, a PMB (private mail box) is somewhat removed from the USPS, but it places knowledge about your coin collecting interests into the hands of a different universe of people. At least at the Post Office they are full time federal employees (yes, I know, technically the USPS is a separate entity) rather than a mishmash of people which might include part time or short term employees.

    The USPS has postal inspectors, private operations do not. ;):p

  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 10,583 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Many sellers both domestic and foreign refuse to ship to P.O. Boxes. As I understand it, many of the UPS accounts will not allow shipment to P.O. Boxes, yet shipping from a UPS store will. Go figure.
    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
  • divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,688 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Never thought about it, but I've worked second shift for about 35 years so I am usually home when the mail is delivered.

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • AlexinPAAlexinPA Posts: 1,458 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I've had everything shipped to my home addressed. The place is alarmed, I have insurance and my wife and I are both skilled with Glock products.

  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,854 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 3, 2018 11:37AM

    Since I’ve started using a PO Box I’ve had zero lost packages. At home, sometimes I’d get stuff, sometimes I’d get the little pink errand slips, and sometimes it would just disappear for a day or two. The guys at my local PO are effecient and get me in and out in 60 seconds. No-brainer for me.

  • CCGGGCCGGG Posts: 1,267 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 3, 2018 12:53PM

    I use a POBox for most all packages I send and receive (coins or other). I've had both UPS and FedEx actually deliver to my USPS box in many cases and I often see a UPS or FedEx truck in the parking lot of my local post office. For bigger/bulkier items (not coins) I sometimes have UPS or FedEx deliver to my physical address. Both ways can work.

  • SoFloSoFlo Posts: 542 ✭✭✭✭

    Florida's the land of home invasions. Coin collection or not, you need to be on your toes 24-7. It's not uncommon for the thieves to dress as UPS drivers or police and knock on your door. The police are currently looking for two guys in a black Charger with blue and red strobe lights in the grill that are pulling people over and robbing them.
    I'm not sure that receiving a coin related magazine in the mail is any worse than a magazine with expensive jewelry on the cover.

    Wisdom has been chasing you but, you've always been faster

  • Timbuk3Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Interesting post and discussion, thanks all for sharing !!! :)

    Timbuk3
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭

    I've used a PMB for decades and I did indeed do it for coins. However, I enjoy it for many other reasons and with crime going up, even in good neighborhoods, I find anonymity to be more and more appealing.

    But the development of skill with the products of Glock (or in my case Sig Sauer) is a good backup plan.

  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,929 ✭✭✭✭✭

    My PO has a line, 24 hours a day it seems. Never would want a PO box there. I've had to stand in that line and wait 30 minutes, can't handle that every time I go there. So, my home area is a nice part of town with almost all retirees that are always peeking out their windows. I think I'm okay with home delivery. No problems here for 20 years. Did have a problem or two with stolen mail at my last residence in a regular part of town. Seems the girls across the street (teenagers to 20's) were stealing mail looking for credit cards. Got my daughter's brand new Sears card (her first card) and charged it to the max on that same day. So, PO box there worked great and solved the problems.

    Need to assess what your likelihood of theft might be and then do what is right. I'd never get a UPS or private mail type box.

    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,458 ✭✭✭✭✭

    There are benefits but have noticed that on occasion I get other peoples mail and have to assume that on occasion, other people get mine.

    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • jwittenjwitten Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I used to use my home address when I lived in another state. Every now and then you get an angry ebay customer. One time, I had an angry one in the same town I was in. I decided a PO Box would be smart from then on, lol. I got it for that issue, but as my collection grows, it is important for safety reasons as well.

  • MoneyMonkey1MoneyMonkey1 Posts: 104 ✭✭✭

    Cheap insurance in my opinion. I have had mine for 25 years.

  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 3, 2018 2:37PM

    @Lakesammman said:
    There are benefits but have noticed that on occasion I get other peoples mail and have to assume that on occasion, other people get mine.

    Have never gotten other people's mail, but once got someone's Shih Tzu while the cat was in vacation mode. I guess the critters worked it out because when I returned there was a litter of "Cat-Dogs" and a note from the Postmaster about postage due on first class litters. ;)

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 9,250 ✭✭✭✭✭

    This is a funny thread. I was expecting a medallion by Fedex, tracking said driver couldn't deliver cause no one was home and no place safe to leave it. This is a no signature item. We were home all day, my front porch is covered and railed and we get deliveries all the time. I had to create a FedEx customer account to get them to leave it on my front porch in a second attempt this Tuesday. There is a delivery instructions option. We shall see. Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

  • AkbeezAkbeez Posts: 2,697 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I changed to a local PMB 11 years ago mainly because it was far more convenient than the PO. Cost was comparable and service excellent! Our PO's have crazy long lines and I have no tolerance for that. Plus the PMB texts me when parcel arrive. They also get service drops daily from FedEx and UPS. I would never want mail left street-side. Click N' Ship and eBay shipping makes it easy to self process all my outgoing mail.

    Refs: MCM,Fivecents,Julio,Robman,Endzone,Coiny,Agentjim007,Musky1011,holeinone1972,Tdec1000,Type2,bumanchu, Metalsman,Wondercoin,Pitboss,Tomohawk,carew4me,segoja,thebigeng,jlc_coin,mbogoman,sportsmod,dragon,tychojoe,Schmitz7,claychaser, Bullsitter, robeck, Nickpatton, jwitten, and many OTHERS
  • 1940coupe1940coupe Posts: 661 ✭✭✭✭

    I use my home address but always request signature confirmation then pick it up at USPS

  • BillDugan1959BillDugan1959 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I did the 'P.O. Box for security' thingie for more than two decades. One guy at the P.O. really ticked me off over ten years ago and I let the Box go.

    Have never missed it in any way, shape or form.

  • NicNic Posts: 3,406 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I use my PO Box for ALL mail. Going on 25 years.

    Makes moving, partial or full time, easy.

  • JBKJBK Posts: 16,391 ✭✭✭✭✭

    As an aside, you can get a USPS mail box anywhere, not just at the post office closest to your house.

    Sometimes the smaller offices have better service.

  • logger7logger7 Posts: 9,013 ✭✭✭✭✭

    In a security intensive part of the country I have few concerns with theft through the mail around here; I have gotten collectibles sent to UPS store for 20 or so years without any issues.

  • jafo50jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭

    The PO Box vs Home Address option has been a conversation that my wife and I have had many times. I buy and sell items on ebay, some quite valuable others not, but I have never listed coins for sale. Since we're getting older we are considering selling some of our collection. One problem for us is that even though we live in a city with 200,000 plus residents our last name is very uncommon and I'm the only person in the city with that last name. So unless I get a PO Box in a different town it would be very easy for some devious person to locate my physical address using my name alone as even that wouldn't be bulletproof. That being said has anyone used an alias last name on ebay instead of your actual last name? It this even allowed on ebay? I know they want verified addresses but can that be applied to PO Boxes?

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    If my post qualifies as hijacking this thread just let me know and I'll start a new post.

    Joe

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jafo50 said:
    The PO Box vs Home Address option has been a conversation that my wife and I have had many times. I buy and sell items on ebay, some quite valuable others not, but I have never listed coins for sale. Since we're getting older we are considering selling some of our collection. One problem for us is that even though we live in a city with 200,000 plus residents our last name is very uncommon and I'm the only person in the city with that last name. So unless I get a PO Box in a different town it would be very easy for some devious person to locate my physical address using my name alone as even that wouldn't be bulletproof. That being said has anyone used an alias last name on ebay instead of your actual last name? It this even allowed on ebay? I know they want verified addresses but can that be applied to PO Boxes?

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    If my post qualifies as hijacking this thread just let me know and I'll start a new post.

    Joe

    Do a d/b/a. Check with state and/or local laws/regulations.

  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,556 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Benefits and setbacks.
    Do you live in a really bad area? Get a PObox
    Have you lost mail from your mailbox before? Get a PObox
    Do you have bad neighbors? Get a PObox
    Do you have bad mail people? Get a PObox
    Are you paranoid? Get a PObox
    Do you get a LOT of high value items or keep a lot of high value items at home? Maybe get a PObox

    I've got pretty good, if messy, neighbors, no real crime in the area, have a SDB for pricey coins and bullion, and don't get a lot of high value items in the mail. I had a PObox for a long time and it just wasn't, imho, worth the cost.

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • georgiacop50georgiacop50 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭✭
    edited December 3, 2018 6:16PM

    Wouldn't want to not have one. Well worth the peace of mind it brings.

    @AlexinPA said:
    I've had everything shipped to my home addressed. The place is alarmed, I have insurance and my wife and I are both skilled with Glock products.

    Sure, I have a loaded firearm in nearly every room of my house. It is for the times when I am NOT HOME that I feel a POB is essential.

  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    A PO Box also comes in handy at Halloween. I just leave the light on for the kiddies. :)

  • TopoftheHillTopoftheHill Posts: 200 ✭✭✭

    There is another thread on here about Heritage charging too much for postage.

    Some may not know that Heritage charges more postage to ship to P O Boxes vs a street address.

  • blitzdudeblitzdude Posts: 6,538 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BlindedByEgo said:
    Anonymity is the #1 bestest security. I would never think of using my home address for ANYTHING numismatic.

    Better use a fake name too. Unless your name is as common as Joe Smith a quick google search will show exactly where you live.

  • jtlee321jtlee321 Posts: 2,365 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I've been using a PO Box for the last year and half. I love it!! I live in an apartment complex and there have been many times when a package is delivered to the office. I work odd hours and there are times when I cannot get to the office before they close. My local PO's lobby is open 24 hours and any package not large enough for my box gets put into a parcel locker that I can access at any time.

    As a bonus, I can also have FedEx and UPS deliver to my PO Box. You simply give the physical address of the PO and use your box number as a unit number. UPS and FedEx are notorious for leaving packages in front of our doors here at our apartment complex. This time of the year, those packages seem to disappear with a much greater frequency. I won't look back at not having a PO Box ever again. :)

  • ChrisRxChrisRx Posts: 5,619 ✭✭✭✭

    Pays for its self when there are those "one per household" limits ;)

    image
  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 3, 2018 10:06PM

    I've had a PO box near my work for 20 years now. Many advantages still, but essential when I was active buying and selling on eBay.

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • BlindedByEgoBlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @blitzdude said:

    @BlindedByEgo said:
    Anonymity is the #1 bestest security. I would never think of using my home address for ANYTHING numismatic.

    Better use a fake name too. Unless your name is as common as Joe Smith a quick google search will show exactly where you live.

    While you're at it, put the P.O. box under a corporate name, and use a law firm for registration of the corporation.

  • AlexinPAAlexinPA Posts: 1,458 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 4, 2018 3:57AM

    @BlindedByEgo said:

    @AlexinPA said:
    I've had everything shipped to my home addressed. The place is alarmed, I have insurance and my wife and I are both skilled with Glock products.

    You ought to do something to get it to calm down. :)
    I'll try my best. It's the Mrs. I have to work on. :)

  • Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 8,765 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 4, 2018 8:18AM

    Have had POB ever since 1986 when got back into coins.

    If they don’t ship to POB will not do business with them.

    POB a must especially in numismatic business.

    Investor
  • OldhoopsterOldhoopster Posts: 2,930 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Using a PO Box reduces the likelihood of “crimes of opportunity” from petty criminals looking for a quick score. I don’t want people of questionable character to know that somebody at my address may have a potentially valuable collection inside. Even if I keep it in a safe or deposit box, the thief doesn’t know that, especially if they are just looking for a quick score to pay for an addiction. The less people that know about, the less chance of problems.

    Member of the ANA since 1982
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I do not use a P.O. Box.... Just my home mail box...has always worked for me. As far as anyone learning about my coin collecting, well, that would be the mail man...No one else goes into my mail box. Burglars? Well, that would be interesting - no more will be said about that...Cheers, RickO

  • thefinnthefinn Posts: 2,657 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I use my PO box number for EVERYTHING! If they need a physical address - because they want to use FedEx or UPS, I give them the physical address of the post office, and use my box number as the unit number. Works well, and I don't have to worry about losing things out of my home mailbox, or have people know what comes to my house. My wife and daughter know that that is the rule too, and we are all on the same page.

    thefinn
  • thefinnthefinn Posts: 2,657 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Cougar1978 said:
    Have had POB ever since 1986 when got back into coins.

    If they don’t ship to POB will not do business with them.

    POB a must especially in numismatic business.

    I just give them the physical address of my post office, and my box number as the unit or apt number. I get my packages, and they think it went to my house, or permanent living space.

    thefinn
  • jafo50jafo50 Posts: 331 ✭✭✭

    From what I have read there is also an issue if you paypal and have a personal account. You email address and your name (don't know about your address) is visible to the buyer. If you have a paypal business account you can use the business name instead of your personal name.

    Successful BST transactions with lordmarcovan, Moldnut, erwindoc

  • DavideoDavideo Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭✭

    We have a PO box simply because our small town doesn't have postal delivery and so everyone gets a PO box for no charge. Thankfully we are able to arrange our visits around busy times. If you go right after work or Saturday morning, the lines will be long.

    As far as anonymity, as one poster mentioned it's only really helpful if you use a name not associated with your real name. Anyone with my name, town, and an Internet connection can easily find my address.

    Only if I got a lot of high value packages would I worry about package theft. Most packages are just socks from Amazon or other random lower value things.

  • JBKJBK Posts: 16,391 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Davideo said:
    We have a PO box simply because our small town doesn't have postal delivery and so everyone gets a PO box for no charge.

    Wow! :o

    Wasn't aware that such places still existed but glad to hear they still do. :p

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file