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USPS Shipping Question

MonsterCoinzMonsterCoinz Posts: 1,508 ✭✭✭✭✭

I ship lots of coins every month but I tried something a little different today and I'm confused.

I want to ship Priority.
If I use a small padded mailer that weighs 4 oz, the cost is $7.35.
If I use a small flat rate box that weighs 70 lbs or less, the cost is $7.05.

How can this be?

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Comments

  • U1chicagoU1chicago Posts: 5,552 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I believe all the flat rate options have a 70 lbs max.
    And yes the envelope costs a bit more than the box. I’m not sure why (maybe since the dimensions are larger?).

    https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm

  • MonsterCoinzMonsterCoinz Posts: 1,508 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @U1chicago said:
    I believe all the flat rate options have a 70 lbs max.
    And yes the envelope costs a bit more than the box. I’m not sure why (maybe since the dimensions are larger?).

    I can fit 5 or more of the padded mailers inside of a small flat rate box. How can shipping 70lbs cost more than shipping 4oz?

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  • CoinstartledCoinstartled Posts: 10,135 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mach1ne said:

    @U1chicago said:
    I believe all the flat rate options have a 70 lbs max.
    And yes the envelope costs a bit more than the box. I’m not sure why (maybe since the dimensions are larger?).

    I can fit 5 or more of the padded mailers inside of a small flat rate box. How can shipping 70lbs cost more than shipping 4oz?

    How can Amazon ship the same package for $1.50 through the USPS? That is the better question.

  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 8:53AM
  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,515 ✭✭✭✭✭

    small boxes are easier to handle when moving around the country.

    bob

    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • U1chicagoU1chicago Posts: 5,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 9:24AM

    @mach1ne said:

    @U1chicago said:
    I believe all the flat rate options have a 70 lbs max.
    And yes the envelope costs a bit more than the box. I’m not sure why (maybe since the dimensions are larger?).

    I can fit 5 or more of the padded mailers inside of a small flat rate box. How can shipping 70lbs cost more than shipping 4oz?

    Are you looking at the correct item?
    As I mentioned both options allow up to 70lbs and have one rate (thus they are “flat rate”).

    The padded envelope will fit larger items, like clothes or books that won’t fit into the box.

    The padded mailing envelope has dimensions of 9.5 inches by 12.5 inches. The small box is 5 and 3/8ths inches by 8 and 5/8ths inches. So unless you’re crumbling up the padded mailers, I’m not sure how you’re fitting 5 of them into the box.

    https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-padded-flat-rate-envelope-P_EP14PE

    https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-small-flat-rate-box-P_SMALL_FRB

    Edit: are you looking at a medium or large flat rate box? Those are bigger than the envelope but also both cost more than the small box or envelope.

  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 21,881 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You're not looking at it the right way. The USPS knows what will usually fit in certain flat rate mailers. The flat rate is incentive for people to value simplicity, even though it probably means they often overpay for what they're sending, bearing in mind that the flat rates apply to the whole country, but weight-based rates depend on how far the package is going.

    In your case, why not put the padded mailer in a flat rate box, or better yet, put it in a flat rate envelope which is cheaper still? I use Priority only when required by weight (not too often) or for higher value packages where the requirement is set by my insurance. Something that would normally go in a padded mailer still does, but I then just put that mailer in a flat rate envelope. The boxes are where the real trick comes in. The small flat rate boxes suck--they're not sturdy and they're not big. The priority box a bit bigger isn't flat rate, but it does fit inside the padded flat rate envelope, which is cents more expensive than the small flat rate box. So if I need something small to be boxed, it goes in the Priority box and then in a padded flat rate envelope for what I consider the best deal the USPS offers.

    As far as flat rate versus weight-based, once a package is going anywhere beyond very local, flat rate is almost always cheaper.

    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • AlongAlong Posts: 466 ✭✭✭✭

    Not sure about USPS, but at a shipper that I worked at in college - envelopes were separated from boxes and required additional handling.

  • MonsterCoinzMonsterCoinz Posts: 1,508 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 9:59AM

    @airplanenut @U1chicago
    I understand your points. I simply use Priority since it arrives in 2 days versus 3-4 for First Class. But it still raises the question how you can ship something that weighs 70lbs the same day that you ship something that weighs 4oz - both headed to the same destination and arrive the same day - and the 4oz package cost more.

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  • BigABigA Posts: 2,715 ✭✭✭✭

    I shipped two packages on Tuesday to Sarasota, FL from MA...different addresses..one Priority (15 oz) and one First Class package (4 oz)...both are "Out for delivery" today

    ..and I have never seen "Priority Mail" marked on any of my Amazon Prime deliveries

  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 21,881 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mach1ne said:
    @airplanenut @U1chicago
    I understand your points. I simply use Priority since it arrives in 2 days versus 3-4 for First Class. But it still raises the question how you can ship something that weighs 70lbs the same day that you ship something that weighs 4oz - both headed to the same destination and arrive the same day - and the 4oz package cost more.

    Sort of. That flat rate box could have also had a feather and it would have cost the same amount. The whole point of flat rate is that you don't have to think about the cost based on the weight that you put in. You might save money, you might not.

    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • U1chicagoU1chicago Posts: 5,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 10:34AM

    @mach1ne said:
    @airplanenut @U1chicago
    I understand your points. I simply use Priority since it arrives in 2 days versus 3-4 for First Class. But it still raises the question how you can ship something that weighs 70lbs the same day that you ship something that weighs 4oz - both headed to the same destination and arrive the same day - and the 4oz package cost more.

    Think of it like an all you can eat buffet. It’s the same $x for the person that just eats one plate and the person that eats ten plates. Usually the company offering a flat rate makes money because more people will “overpay” (i.e. eat less food than the $x price they pay) than “underpay” (eat more food than the $x price they pay).

    Also, as I mentioned previously, the envelope could weigh up to 70 lbs just like the box. It is slightly more expensive because it can fit larger items (for example, a pair of jeans will fit into the envelope but won’t fit into the box).

  • MonsterCoinzMonsterCoinz Posts: 1,508 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think people are missing my point. I understand the purpose and price of flat rate shipping. I think we can all agree, if I needed you to ship 1 ton of material across the U.S. or 1 lb, you would charge more (because it costs you more) to move the 1 ton. That is not the case with USPS for some reason. It may not defy the pricing structure but it defies reasoning.

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  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 31,611 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mach1ne said:

    @U1chicago said:
    I believe all the flat rate options have a 70 lbs max.
    And yes the envelope costs a bit more than the box. I’m not sure why (maybe since the dimensions are larger?).

    I can fit 5 or more of the padded mailers inside of a small flat rate box. How can shipping 70lbs cost more than shipping 4oz?

    You are comparing apples and oranges. Those are two different services: The flat rate mailers are flat rate anywhere in the US. Regular priority is not flat rate and depends on destination. For a nearer delivery, the regular priority is probably cheaper, but not usually by much.

    Why wouldn't you ship a 4 oz package via 1st class package?

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 31,611 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mach1ne said:
    I think people are missing my point. I understand the purpose and price of flat rate shipping. I think we can all agree, if I needed you to ship 1 ton of material across the U.S. or 1 lb, you would charge more (because it costs you more) to move the 1 ton. That is not the case with USPS for some reason. It may not defy the pricing structure but it defies reasoning.

    We understand YOUR point, you are not listening to the answer.

    USPS does NOT compare the price as you've laid it out because it is 2 different services. You are essentially comparing the sale price of a sweater to the regular price of a sweater and asking why the same sweater has two different prices.

  • MorganMan94MorganMan94 Posts: 1,330 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mach1ne said:
    I think people are missing my point. I understand the purpose and price of flat rate shipping. I think we can all agree, if I needed you to ship 1 ton of material across the U.S. or 1 lb, you would charge more (because it costs you more) to move the 1 ton. That is not the case with USPS for some reason. It may not defy the pricing structure but it defies reasoning.

    USPS padded envelopes are also flat rate, so even though you only put 4oz in you have the option to put in 70lb, just like you do in the box.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 31,611 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 12:07PM

    @MorganMan94 said:

    @mach1ne said:
    I think people are missing my point. I understand the purpose and price of flat rate shipping. I think we can all agree, if I needed you to ship 1 ton of material across the U.S. or 1 lb, you would charge more (because it costs you more) to move the 1 ton. That is not the case with USPS for some reason. It may not defy the pricing structure but it defies reasoning.

    USPS padded envelopes are also flat rate, so even though you only put 4oz in you have the option to put in 70lb, just like you do in the box.

    I don't think he's talking about the flat rate padded envelope but the variable rate padded envelope - which is why there is a price difference.

    For comparison for me from NY to CA, a 4 oz package is $8.45 while a flat rate box is $7.20 and a flat rate padded envelope is $7.25

  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 21,881 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mach1ne said:
    I think people are missing my point. I understand the purpose and price of flat rate shipping. I think we can all agree, if I needed you to ship 1 ton of material across the U.S. or 1 lb, you would charge more (because it costs you more) to move the 1 ton. That is not the case with USPS for some reason. It may not defy the pricing structure but it defies reasoning.

    This would indicate that you are missing the point. Of course it costs more to move a heavier package. The point of offering a flat rate is that ON THE WHOLE, people will spend more than they have to, and thus you will make more money. In your instance, yes, the USPS lost. But they wouldn't be offering flat rate shipping if they always lost.

    Think of a casino. If you put $1 into a slot machine, why would they ever give you $100,000 in return? For that one instance where you win, they lost. Factor in every other player who got a few cents at most in exchange for their $1, and the casino comes out ahead.

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  • BackroadJunkieBackroadJunkie Posts: 3,745 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Coinstartled said:

    @mach1ne said:

    @U1chicago said:
    I believe all the flat rate options have a 70 lbs max.
    And yes the envelope costs a bit more than the box. I’m not sure why (maybe since the dimensions are larger?).

    I can fit 5 or more of the padded mailers inside of a small flat rate box. How can shipping 70lbs cost more than shipping 4oz?

    How can Amazon ship the same package for $1.50 through the USPS? That is the better question.

    Amazon rarely ships to me via USPS these days. I'd say 90% of the time they hold my order until Saturday (I'm not prime, and always choose free shipping), then deliver on Sunday via a local, private carrier.

    It's pretty amazing, once the delivery guy is an hour or two from my delivery, I can access a map showing exactly where he is, and how many more stops he has before getting to my house. I can literally track him driving down my street and meet him at the door to get the package.

    If I'm not home or can't get to the door, Amazon will show me a picture of where the package was left by the delivery guy.

  • jt88jt88 Posts: 2,794 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 1:56PM

    @mach1ne said:

    @U1chicago said:
    I believe all the flat rate options have a 70 lbs max.
    And yes the envelope costs a bit more than the box. I’m not sure why (maybe since the dimensions are larger?).

    I can fit 5 or more of the padded mailers inside of a small flat rate box. How can shipping 70lbs cost more than shipping 4oz?

    I think U1chicago is correct, padded flat rate envelope is larger and can put in something that small box can't. For example I can put in two perfume with box (8 X 15CM) in the padded envelope but can't do that on small box. When I ship coin to outside US I always use padded flat rate envelope because it is easier to put in a plastic envelope to hold the shipping label.

  • MonsterCoinzMonsterCoinz Posts: 1,508 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 1:57PM

    @jt88
    I'm referring to the ubiquitous 4x8 padded mailer that fits 2 PCGS coins and nothing more. Much smaller than the flat rate box.

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  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 11, 2019 2:45PM

    7.05 is the starting price for all priority mail. Does anyone really think 70 lbs. of anything will fit in the small box? A cube of gold the size of the flat rate box weighs approx. 48 lbs.

    Flat rate boxes are a uniform size and make packing the truck/airplane a lot easier. They reduce damage claims. The term "flat rate" explains it all. Note that there are still small non-flat rate USPS priority boxes (#1096L, 9 1/4 X 6 1/4 X 2) that are similar to the small flat rate, only a tad larger. I use these for items that won't quite fit in the small flat rate box and then put the box in a padded flat rate envelope to get the flat rate price. Works good when shipping tubes of ASEs.

    Anything going priority that will fit in the small flat rate box should be shipped in the small flat rate box. As shown in the OP it's cheaper, plus, the box is free!

    Free priority mail supplies from USPS delivered to your door

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    For comparison for me from NY to CA, a 4 oz package is $8.45 while a flat rate box is $7.20 and a flat rate padded envelope is $7.25

    And a 4 oz or less non priority padded envelope is only 2.66 if sent first class.

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 8,620 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Amazon is way more automated than USPS. IMO.

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  • mustangmanbobmustangmanbob Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I am THE ABUSER of flat rate.

    A small block Ford 289 302 351W cylinder head cast iron with valves fits in a large flat rate box (Game Box), along with the bolts, etc. and the box CRIES in agony. It is wrapped front back round and round with packing tape, and I have not lost one yet. I also ship intake cast iron intake manifolds in the large flat rate boxes.

    I do mark them with bright orange HEAVY stickers.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 31,611 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mustangmanbob said:
    I am THE ABUSER of flat rate.

    A small block Ford 289 302 351W cylinder head cast iron with valves fits in a large flat rate box (Game Box), along with the bolts, etc. and the box CRIES in agony. It is wrapped front back round and round with packing tape, and I have not lost one yet. I also ship intake cast iron intake manifolds in the large flat rate boxes.

    I do mark them with bright orange HEAVY stickers.

    Actually, you may do it more frequently, but the ideal abuse of the flat rate box is TWO bags of wheat cents in a medium flat rate box. Weighs 68 to 69 pounds. LOL.

  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 19,640 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think it's physically impossible to put 70 pounds in a snall flat rate box, since nothing is dense enough. You can, however, put two small flat rates into a padded flat rate mailer.

  • mustangmanbobmustangmanbob Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @messydesk said:
    I think it's physically impossible to put 70 pounds in a snall flat rate box, since nothing is dense enough. You can, however, put two small flat rates into a padded flat rate mailer.

    Neutron Star Core matter.

  • BuffaloIronTailBuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,400 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BigA said:
    I shipped two packages on Tuesday to Sarasota, FL from MA...different addresses..one Priority (15 oz) and one First Class package (4 oz)...both are "Out for delivery" today

    ..and I have never seen "Priority Mail" marked on any of my Amazon Prime deliveries

    That's because Amazon ships most of their stuff Parcel Post. They get a volume discount on them because of the huge amount shipped.

    It's the reason for Sunday package delivery. There would be too much stuff on a Monday for the Carriers to cope with.

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • logger7logger7 Posts: 8,011 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If you use paypal with the online feature, you should be able to get a flat mailer for around $6.50, especially if linked to an ebay account. It never ceases to amaze me how cheap skates ship over $1000 gold first class, when priority is a few bucks more, gets there faster plus you get free packaging.

  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 30,977 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mach1ne said:
    @jt88
    I'm referring to the ubiquitous 4x8 padded mailer that fits 2 PCGS coins and nothing more. Much smaller than the flat rate box.

    Then you are doing something ALL WRONG.

    First go to www.paypal.com/shipnow

    From there you can print shipping labels whether or not the transaction involves PP tho you end up paying for the postage with PP.

    Choose first class mail and large package/thick envelope. It's less than $4 to ship 11 ounces that way. $2.66 or so for a couple ounces.

    Man you must have wasted a chitload of money over the years if you've been doing it as stated in the OP.

  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BAJJERFAN said:

    @mach1ne said:
    @jt88
    I'm referring to the ubiquitous 4x8 padded mailer that fits 2 PCGS coins and nothing more. Much smaller than the flat rate box.

    Then you are doing something ALL WRONG.

    First go to www.paypal.com/shipnow

    From there you can print shipping labels whether or not the transaction involves PP tho you end up paying for the postage with PP.

    Choose first class mail and large package/thick envelope. It's less than $4 to ship 11 ounces that way. $2.66 or so for a couple ounces.

    Man you must have wasted a chitload of money over the years if you've been doing it as stated in the OP.

    Note that the OP is shipping priority. I agree he can save bundles if he switches to first class bubble mailers using the paypal printed label for $2.66 if 4 oz. or under. Only pennies more for higher weights.

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

  • cucamongacoincucamongacoin Posts: 3,478 ✭✭✭

    The Priority Mail flat rate padded envelope is probably the best shipping option on the planet, unless you're Amazon.

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  • jwittenjwitten Posts: 5,072 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Boxes are easier for them to ship (more uniform) so they stack easier, etc. Envelopes can be stuffed funny, be odd shaped, etc. The REAL question is why are you not just going first class and saving a ton of money?

  • jwittenjwitten Posts: 5,072 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @logger7 said:
    If you use paypal with the online feature, you should be able to get a flat mailer for around $6.50, especially if linked to an ebay account. It never ceases to amaze me how cheap skates ship over $1000 gold first class, when priority is a few bucks more, gets there faster plus you get free packaging.

    Believe me, the packaging is not free. You save a ton of money over time using first class. Thus, you can offer better prices on your coins, saving the customer money ;)

  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 30,977 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @derryb said:

    @BAJJERFAN said:

    @mach1ne said:
    @jt88
    I'm referring to the ubiquitous 4x8 padded mailer that fits 2 PCGS coins and nothing more. Much smaller than the flat rate box.

    Then you are doing something ALL WRONG.

    First go to www.paypal.com/shipnow

    From there you can print shipping labels whether or not the transaction involves PP tho you end up paying for the postage with PP.

    Choose first class mail and large package/thick envelope. It's less than $4 to ship 11 ounces that way. $2.66 or so for a couple ounces.

    Man you must have wasted a chitload of money over the years if you've been doing it as stated in the OP.

    Note that the OP is shipping priority. I agree he can save bundles if he switches to first class bubble mailers using the paypal printed label for $2.66 if 4 oz. or under. Only pennies more for higher weights.

    If I was shipping an ounce of gold I'd likely use a SFRB or flat rate envelope for security reasons although I've done it with padded envelopes. For common slabbed coins it make no sense to use priority mail. Over certain distances first class goes the same way that priority does which is via air. Quite frankly it pisses me off when sellers use inappropriate shipping services and packaging, esp. if I'm paying for it. I was going to buy a set of $30 scope bases from a place in Calif, but they wanted $12+ for shipping. Screw that.

  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 12, 2019 1:18PM

    If shipping an insured ounce of gold it is actually cheaper (and more secure) to ship registered first class with electronic return receipt. Then there is also the concern that it appears that USPS will only honor an insurance claim for bullion if it was sent registered.

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

  • GluggoGluggo Posts: 3,566 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BAJJERFAN said:

    @mach1ne said:
    @jt88
    I'm referring to the ubiquitous 4x8 padded mailer that fits 2 PCGS coins and nothing more. Much smaller than the flat rate box.

    Then you are doing something ALL WRONG.

    First go to www.paypal.com/shipnow

    From there you can print shipping labels whether or not the transaction involves PP tho you end up paying for the postage with PP.

    Choose first class mail and large package/thick envelope. It's less than $4 to ship 11 ounces that way. $2.66 or so for a couple ounces.

    >
    Thank you for that information.

  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 30,977 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @derryb said:
    If shipping an insured ounce of gold it is actually cheaper (and more secure) to ship registered first class with electronic return receipt. Then there is also the concern that it appears that USPS will only honor an insurance claim for bullion if it was sent registered.

    Ya pays your money and ya takes your chances. Insurance and/or registered eats into profits too much which is why I'd go to a LCS and walk out with cash or his good check for $15 or so over. I can't even sell the stuff for the $60-$90 over that some of the eBay sellers seem to ask for/get. If I buy one of those APMEX specials off of eBay then APMEX immediately becomes my competitor.

  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 30,977 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Gluggo said:

    @BAJJERFAN said:

    @mach1ne said:
    @jt88
    I'm referring to the ubiquitous 4x8 padded mailer that fits 2 PCGS coins and nothing more. Much smaller than the flat rate box.

    Then you are doing something ALL WRONG.

    First go to www.paypal.com/shipnow

    From there you can print shipping labels whether or not the transaction involves PP tho you end up paying for the postage with PP.

    Choose first class mail and large package/thick envelope. It's less than $4 to ship 11 ounces that way. $2.66 or so for a couple ounces.

    >
    Thank you for that information.

    You're very welcome. You can get most of the same service from Click n Ship, but it beats a monthly subscription to stamps.com

  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Registered shipping and insurance on a $1580 coin recently cost me $23. Well worth the expense. I would have lost much more walking it into a local coin shop.

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 9,151 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I ship every coin via 1st class with insurance and tracking #(not insurance tracking) for the last 14 years without a lost package and at a very reasonable cost. All coins are sealed in between two heavy pieces of cardboard inside the padded mailer which protects the holder from scratches. Package always arrives in 2 to 3 days. I've done this since 2004 with great success. If the coin is of greater value than $200 I film the packaging showing the pcgs number as it enters the package. Just the way I do it, not saying it is the best.
    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
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 30,977 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @derryb said:
    Registered shipping and insurance on a $1580 coin recently cost me $23. Well worth the expense. I would have lost much more walking it into a local coin shop.

    How many common AGEs or Leafs are worth $1580? In your case I would have done the same. Spot gold not so much. Cost me $23.35 to send a $1K SFRB to FL via registered.

  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 30,977 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jesbroken said:
    I ship every coin via 1st class with insurance and tracking #(not insurance tracking) for the last 14 years without a lost package and at a very reasonable cost. All coins are sealed in between two heavy pieces of cardboard inside the padded mailer which protects the holder from scratches. Package always arrives in 2 to 3 days. I've done this since 2004 with great success. If the coin is of greater value than $200 I film the packaging showing the pcgs number as it enters the package. Just the way I do it, not saying it is the best.
    Jim

    Filming it doesn't mean that something didn't happen between the time you packaged it and the time the USPS got it. IMO only meaningful if you do it at the PO window.

  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Filming does no good in a USPS/Ebay/Paypal claim. It's a waste of time.

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

  • MWallaceMWallace Posts: 3,832 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Coinstartled said:

    How can Amazon ship the same package for $1.50 through the USPS? That is the better question.

    Amazon delivers to the Post Office of destination in their own trucks. The PO doesn't have to handle the package until it gets there.

  • jt88jt88 Posts: 2,794 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You can see from the photo I have a item that can’t fit in the flat rate small box so I put it in a taller small box and then put it in a flat rate envelope to mail it out.



  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,108 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 12, 2019 2:57PM

    Many outfits, including Amazon, eat some of their shipping costs to make the sale.

    The decline from democracy to tyranny is both a natural and inevitable one.

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