Air Tag When Shipping

Proofmorgan · April 30, 2025 2:29PM

I received a free AirTag. I’m thinking about sending it with my next CAC submission. Has anyone done this before? How frequently are you able to see updates? I’m guessing the postal employees use their IPhones so it should have a network to work off of. I think it might be a an entertaining experiment. I believe CAC will return it, so I’m not too worried about that part of it (it was free anyway).

Please share your experience.

RiveraFamilyCollect · April 30, 2025 2:55PM

Bugging your packages with airtags seems off to me in a way I am having trouble putting into words.
CAC probably won't be very happy to find an Airtag in a package.

You could booby trap your horde with the airtag in case it gets legs and walks off.

AUandAG · April 30, 2025 3:00PM

I have a friend that ships his guns frequently as he's an avid hunter and ships guns to himself at his destination (legally per USPS rules). He uses air tags and has had great success when they get shipped to wrong destination or lost. He tells the PO exactly where they are. He informs the airlines (if he carries when he flies) where his guns are. They work well for him. Saved his and his guns butt several times. Would certainly work for coins I presume.

Maywood · April 30, 2025 3:10PM

If I understand how these work, it would be using my phone to track where it is without me knowing and without my consent.

Proofmorgan · April 30, 2025 3:14PM

From what I understand, AirTags feed off other Apple devices to allow the owner to track the devices location.

PCGS even has a FAQ that explains that they ship AirTags back at the senders cost when they arrive, so it must happen with some frequency at PCGS.

TomB · April 30, 2025 3:14PM

Using an AirTag without telling CAC and without first getting their go-ahead doesn't seem like something I would suggest.

I am not claiming to know the inner workings of CAC, but I can imagine that they might have a package intake or process facility or area that might be separate from other areas and that might not be publicized as to where it is. If one were to place an AirTag in with their coins then perhaps that secure location could be uncovered and it might impact insurance rates for CAC.

I understand the above is a bit of cloak-and-dagger, but there might be something relevant in the thought process.

PerryHall · April 30, 2025 3:23PM

@RiveraFamilyCollect said:
Bugging your packages with airtags seems off to me in a way I am having trouble putting into words.
CAC probably won't be very happy to find an Airtag in a package.

You could booby trap your horde with the airtag in case it gets legs and walks off.

The air tag is not a "bugging" devise nor is it a "booby trap". It's a tracking device. I see no problem with it. One of the forum members here uses an air tag when he sends me an expensive coin and he includes a self-addressed postage paid return envelope so I can send it back to him so he can use it again. With all the postal theft these days, I think it's a great idea.

messydesk · April 30, 2025 3:55PM

I have one customer that sends an Airtag in his submissions to me. He started doing this after his registered package was stolen in the Chicago distribution center. He mentioned he was doing it before sending it. My phone warns me when one is present before letting it phone home so that I can remove the battery if one were to be sent to me without my knowledge.

asheland · April 30, 2025 4:01PM

I have a friend that uses one for large value shipments, and he adds a prepaid mailer, so it can be shipped back to him… It is very handy, indeed!

If someone shipped something to me with one in there, it wouldn’t bother me in the slightest. And I would happily send it back to them.

ShaunBC5 · April 30, 2025 4:19PM

The package (along with air tag) is already going to a known address. Once the package arrives the AirTag doesn’t have to stay with it if it goes to secure locations (because the address was the intended final destination).
I can’t see a business having a problem with it, especially one that deals with such high value/low weight items.

FlyingAl · April 30, 2025 5:18PM

Several clients use a similar system when shipping coins to me for images, and I don't have an issue with it at all.

MetroD · April 30, 2025 6:44PM

@Maywood said:
If I understand how these work, it would be using my phone to track where it is without me knowing and without my consent.

I am not an expert on AirTags.

That said, as I understand it, you can opt-out of the Find My network.

Reference: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/find-my/

winesteven · April 30, 2025 8:06PM

@FlyingAl said:
Several clients use a similar system when shipping coins to me for images, and I don't have an issue with it at all.

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

BigAl · April 30, 2025 10:28PM

Santa stuffed my stocking the past 2 years with Air Tags. Even the cats wear them now. It's not a big spend for some piece of mind, for the most part.

MetroD · May 1, 2025 8:02AM

@Proofmorgan

I am considering doing the exact same thing on an upcoming submission, likely to CAC Stickering. Have not used a bluetooth tracker before. So, like you, it will be a learning experience.

To that end, just got off the phone with CAC (NJ). The rep I spoke with said that incoming Airtags are fine. Just include a brief note asking them to return it with your coins.

telephoto1 · May 1, 2025 8:55AM

@Maywood said:
If I understand how these work, it would be using my phone to track where it is without me knowing and without my consent.

As opposed to the other things your phone does every day without your knowing?
I'm pretty sure the consent is given when you accept their Apple/iOS TOS, if you want to wade through all its endless paragraphs to find it.

Maywood · May 1, 2025 9:46AM

@telephoto1, I thought of that after I posted but it was too late, my foot was already in my mouth!!

Morgan13 · May 1, 2025 11:21AM

Do it!
Let us know how it goes.

GoldFinger1969 · May 2, 2025 7:41AM

Is there an Android/Samsung equivalent ?

lilolme · May 2, 2025 7:51AM

@GoldFinger1969 said:
Is there an Android/Samsung equivalent ?

.
A SmartTag and it uses SmartThings (APP) and which might be found under Connected Devices (where it is on my phone).

winesteven · May 2, 2025 8:28AM

@GoldFinger1969 said:
Is there an Android/Samsung equivalent ?

As noted above, I use "Tile".

Steve

Proofmorgan · May 5, 2025 11:10AM

On its way to CAC with an AirTag. I will follow up with the details after delivery.

P0CKETCHANGE · May 5, 2025 11:34AM

I had a numismatic package delivered recently where the return address was listed as "AirTag Package Monitoring", presumably as a theft-deterrent. The package did not, in fact, contain any tracking devices.

Proofmorgan · May 8, 2025 5:25AM

Update:

I will say, there is definitely a piece of mind knowing exactly where your package is at all times. With a service like Registered Mail where it can be a mystery, it's helpful to know what is going on.

I was able to essentially see my package in transit at all times and also see when it sat a day or two in a postal safe. With all the Apple devices around, the update time is around 5 minutes. You can watch your package go down the highway....I'm impressed.

I will follow up again after it arrives at CAC and when it returns.

BAJJERFAN · May 8, 2025 6:53AM

@P0CKETCHANGE said:
I had a numismatic package delivered recently where the return address was listed as "AirTag Package Monitoring", presumably as a theft-deterrent. The package did not, in fact, contain any tracking devices.

How would that deter anyone? They could just know to look for it and toss or destroy it. Forewarned is forearmed so to speak. Might as well put Joe Blow's Coins n Guns on the label.

BAJJERFAN · May 8, 2025 6:54AM

@winesteven said:

@FlyingAl said:
Several clients use a similar system when shipping coins to me for images, and I don't have an issue with it at all.

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

BAJJERFAN · May 8, 2025 6:57AM

@Proofmorgan said:
Update:

I will say, there is definitely a piece of mind knowing exactly where your package is at all times. With a service like Registered Mail where it can be a mystery, it's helpful to know what is going on.

I was able to essentially see my package in transit at all times and also see when it sat a day or two in a postal safe. With all the Apple devices around, the update time is around 5 minutes. You can watch your package go down the highway....I'm impressed.

I will follow up again after it arrives at CAC and when it returns.

I believe that USP and GPS trackers can do the same. What will really be a deterrent is when they can record the faces and voices of those who handle it your package.

Proofmorgan · May 8, 2025 7:13AM

@BAJJERFAN said:

@Proofmorgan said:
Update:

I will say, there is definitely a piece of mind knowing exactly where your package is at all times. With a service like Registered Mail where it can be a mystery, it's helpful to know what is going on.

I was able to essentially see my package in transit at all times and also see when it sat a day or two in a postal safe. With all the Apple devices around, the update time is around 5 minutes. You can watch your package go down the highway....I'm impressed.

I will follow up again after it arrives at CAC and when it returns.

I believe that USP and GPS trackers can do the same. What will really be a deterrent is when they can record the faces and voices of those who handle it your package.

I bet they could add a microphone and camera to these without much effort, but there's a lot more red tape with that from state to state.

winesteven · May 8, 2025 7:23AM

@BAJJERFAN said:

@winesteven said:

@FlyingAl said:
Several clients use a similar system when shipping coins to me for images, and I don't have an issue with it at all.

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

Apparently not, but who knows? Maybe now they're more receptive to the concept of returning the tracker with the completed work?

Steve

MetroD · May 8, 2025 7:23AM

@BAJJERFAN said:

@winesteven said:

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

The current PCGS policy for "GPS Tracker Tags":

Source: https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins

winesteven · May 8, 2025 7:46AM

@MetroD said:

@BAJJERFAN said:

@winesteven said:

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

The current PCGS policy for "GPS Tracker Tags":

Source: https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins

Thanks for the info. Now that I see that, I recall it, as that has been their procedure when I started using Tile a few years ago. Some comments:

FedEx charges a relatively high fee. Instead, the one-time cost for "Tile" is only about $25, to be used over and over again. Apple Air-Tags are probably similar in cost.
Paying the fee to PCGS each time you ship adds up. This is not the case when I ship coins for photos, to CAC, or to a dealer.
Even if you choose to pay the PCGS fee to have it shipped back right away, that defeats the point of having tracking when your coins get returned weeks or months later. THAT's where you want the tracker - with the coins!

Steve

BAJJERFAN · May 8, 2025 8:39AM

@winesteven said:

@MetroD said:

@BAJJERFAN said:

@winesteven said:

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

The current PCGS policy for "GPS Tracker Tags":

Source: https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins

Thanks for the info. Now that I see that, I recall it, as that has been their procedure when I started using Tile a few years ago. Some comments:

FedEx charges a relatively high fee. Instead, the one-time cost for "Tile" is only about $25, to be used over and over again. Apple Air-Tags are probably similar in cost.

Paying the fee to PCGS each time you ship adds up. This is not the case when I ship coins for photos, to CAC, or to a dealer.

Even if you choose to pay the PCGS fee to have it shipped back right away, that defeats the point of having tracking when your coins get returned weeks or months later. THAT's where you want the tracker - with the coins!

Steve

If you had 3 different grading tiers in one package you would need to include 3 trackers. I can understand why they don't want the hassle of keeping track of hundreds of them. If they did they'd probably have to charge a $50 or more fee.

winesteven · May 8, 2025 8:46AM

But for those with only one tier/service, it could possibly be quite manageable.

Steve

Proofmorgan · May 8, 2025 9:05AM

@winesteven said:

@MetroD said:

@BAJJERFAN said:

@winesteven said:

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

The current PCGS policy for "GPS Tracker Tags":

Source: https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins

Thanks for the info. Now that I see that, I recall it, as that has been their procedure when I started using Tile a few years ago. Some comments:

FedEx charges a relatively high fee. Instead, the one-time cost for "Tile" is only about $25, to be used over and over again. Apple Air-Tags are probably similar in cost.

Paying the fee to PCGS each time you ship adds up. This is not the case when I ship coins for photos, to CAC, or to a dealer.

Even if you choose to pay the PCGS fee to have it shipped back right away, that defeats the point of having tracking when your coins get returned weeks or months later. THAT's where you want the tracker - with the coins!

Steve

I agree with the importance of having tracking on the way back, but I feel tracking from you to them is more important. If it gets lost on the way there, it's on you. If it gets lost on the way back, it's on them.

winesteven · May 8, 2025 9:18AM

@Proofmorgan said:

@winesteven said:

@MetroD said:

@BAJJERFAN said:

@winesteven said:

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

The current PCGS policy for "GPS Tracker Tags":

Source: https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins

Thanks for the info. Now that I see that, I recall it, as that has been their procedure when I started using Tile a few years ago. Some comments:

FedEx charges a relatively high fee. Instead, the one-time cost for "Tile" is only about $25, to be used over and over again. Apple Air-Tags are probably similar in cost.

Paying the fee to PCGS each time you ship adds up. This is not the case when I ship coins for photos, to CAC, or to a dealer.

Even if you choose to pay the PCGS fee to have it shipped back right away, that defeats the point of having tracking when your coins get returned weeks or months later. THAT's where you want the tracker - with the coins!

Steve

I agree with the importance of having tracking on the way back, but I feel tracking from you to them is more important. If it gets lost on the way there, it's on you. If it gets lost on the way back, it's on them.

Actually, it's not, unless you pay them the extra fee for insurance. Some of us have a blanket annual fee to cover insurance for all mailings. Separately, the true goal of having the tracker is to hopefully find the coins if they are lost or stolen. Virtually none of us wants to collect insurance - we want our coins!!!! Admittedly, as I said earlier, if stolen, the chances of the crook finding and quickly disposing of the tracker are higher than we want. if lost, all is good, as long as the package can be found, with the help of the tracker.

Steve

lermish · May 8, 2025 9:24AM

@winesteven said:
But for those with only one tier/service, it could possibly be quite manageable.

Steve

While this is important and I love the idea...they can't even fix Trueviews or the Set Registry. Baby steps for this company.

Proofmorgan · May 8, 2025 9:58AM

@winesteven said:

@Proofmorgan said:

@winesteven said:

@MetroD said:

@BAJJERFAN said:

@winesteven said:

I’m one of those guys. I use “Tile”, a similar product. They cost about $25 each. I’ve also used it with CAC, and they were ok with the process. On the other hand, our host- not so much.

While this should work fine for packages that are misdelivered, my real concern is if the package (or just the contents) are stolen, I believe the thief will “quickly” discover the tracker and then toss it, defeating the whole purpose!

Separately, I tossed one in the trunk wheel well by my spare tire. If my car is stolen, this should work great! My wife just bought a 2025 Lexus - no need for a “Tile”, as the car comes with a built in tracker! Great not only for thefts, but it helps if you park in a giant lot at a sports event, etc.

Steve

Our host doesn't want to bother keeping tabs on it?

The current PCGS policy for "GPS Tracker Tags":

Source: https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins

Thanks for the info. Now that I see that, I recall it, as that has been their procedure when I started using Tile a few years ago. Some comments:

FedEx charges a relatively high fee. Instead, the one-time cost for "Tile" is only about $25, to be used over and over again. Apple Air-Tags are probably similar in cost.

Paying the fee to PCGS each time you ship adds up. This is not the case when I ship coins for photos, to CAC, or to a dealer.

Even if you choose to pay the PCGS fee to have it shipped back right away, that defeats the point of having tracking when your coins get returned weeks or months later. THAT's where you want the tracker - with the coins!

Steve

I agree with the importance of having tracking on the way back, but I feel tracking from you to them is more important. If it gets lost on the way there, it's on you. If it gets lost on the way back, it's on them.

Actually, it's not, unless you pay them the extra fee for insurance. Some of us have a blanket annual fee to cover insurance for all mailings. Separately, the true goal of having the tracker is to hopefully find the coins if they are lost or stolen. Virtually none of us wants to collect insurance - we want our coins!!!! Admittedly, as I said earlier, if stolen, the chances of the crook finding and quickly disposing of the tracker are higher than we want. if lost, all is good, as long as the package can be found, with the help of the tracker.

Steve

Do they cover the declared and/or PCGS retail value? Helpful for me to know for the future if there is something else I need to do. I was under the assumption they insured the declared value (as long as not above the PCGS retail price).

winesteven · May 8, 2025 10:30AM

It's always tricky. Fortunately, I've never had coins lost or stolen, but from what I hear anecdotally, it's not quite "retail" value. I believe it has to do with what a person actually paid, but I'm sure it's not a simple process of determining what the insurer will actually pay.

Steve

PerryHall · May 8, 2025 10:33AM

In the two instances where my coins were stollen, the packages were cut open and the coins were removed with the package then resealed with clear tape and the package sent on its way. In both cases, all a tracker would have done is to track an empty package without the coins inside to its final destination.

Proofmorgan · May 8, 2025 1:06PM

@PerryHall said:
In the two instances where my coins were stollen, the packages were cut open and the coins were removed with the package then resealed with clear tape and the package sent on its way. In both cases, all a tracker would have done is to track an empty package without the coins inside to its final destination.

Double Boxing and fiberglass strapping tape is a pretty good deterrent. That said, you can only control what you are sending out.

justindan · May 8, 2025 5:27PM

I throw an AirTag in with every CAC submission. The updates are near real-time. CAC always sends it back. I place the coins and airtag in a PCGS box. I then put the PCGS box in a box. Then place that box in a USPS express/FedEx box to ship.

Air Tag When Shipping

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