What's Your Experience with "Registered & Insured?"

jmski52 · January 13, 2007 4:50AM

Do you find that your packages shipped to PCGS via Registered & Insured Mail take a long time to get there?

Also, I didn't know that Registered Mail is not always scanned when it is transferred from one point to another, and cannot be tracked online.

Am I being fed a line by my Post Office personnel? Have any forum members had similar experiences?

Barndog · January 13, 2007 4:53AM

if you ship registered, you are shipping with the most secure method the USPS has. Use it, trust it, and rest assured that it is trackable online (by the USPS). Employees who "lose" a registered mail piece typically lose their jobs, so you know they have some incentive to do the right thing with your package. For valuable items, it is the only way to go IMO when using the USPS

goose3 · January 13, 2007 4:55AM

While it may not be "scanned" I do believe that it is literally signed for by each and every person taking possession of the bag, much like Evidence.

PrivateCoinCollector · January 13, 2007 4:56AM

I live in Southern California, and I am amazed how many times it gets to PCGS the very next day. I would ONLY use registered mail for anything over $600 in value.

itsnotjustme · January 13, 2007 4:57AM

If you just buy registered service it is not trackable on-line by you.

It is extremely reliable, but can be slow.

RYK · January 13, 2007 4:57AM

I have had no problem sending or receiving registered mail. There are a few problem stories out there, but they are quite rare. I use it with confidence. Sometimes, the package takes longer than I expect to make it the trip, but more often than not, I am astounded by the speed of the service.

jmski52 · January 13, 2007 5:00AM

I do realize that Registered & Insured is secure. And I also know that it is signed for at every custody transfer point.

But, I shipped my Plats on Jan 5th, and can't get any verification of where they are, except for my local Post Office calling each point by phone and asking alot of questions. PCGS still doesn't have the packages, and it's been over a week.

They aren't lost - they just can't be tracked online, and they are slow as molasses. Has anyone else been down this road?

goose3 · January 13, 2007 5:04AM

yes, depending on where you are and what channels your mail travels in....it can take up to 2 weeks.

I have bought and sold to a member from here that is in Rhode Island. He can get a registered from me in 3-5 days at most. When he mails me something, even a normal letter, it takes at least a week and sometimes 2.

sonoranmonsoon · January 13, 2007 5:17AM

Registered takes longer, but is the safest. I try to use it on anything over $500. Insurance is much cheaper for registered $0.99 per $1000 value. You do not get a tracking number for registered, because the mail is traced. A signature is required everytime it passes through someones hands. I have never lost a registered, but have occassionally lost a priority mail.
Priority mail is the best choice if the item must arrive quicker, or the value is small. Priority is cheaper if uninsured; $4.05 registered is $7-$8.

RotatedRainbows · January 13, 2007 5:21AM

I shipped a Registered package to PCGS last Saturday from the Midwest and it just arrived there this morning.

19Lyds · January 13, 2007 5:22AM

Registered is very secure but can be painfully slow. The last package from PCGS arrived at my PO on 1/8 (A Sunday) but has yet to arrive at my door step. I weather here has been very cold and snowy so I am trying to be patient................

BTW, I have lambasted the PO for being so slow on registered so if you're looking for speed, don't expect it with registered!

Rodius · January 13, 2007 5:23AM

<< I do realize that Registered & Insured is secure. And I also know that it is signed for at every custody transfer point.

But, I shipped my Plats on Jan 5th, and can't get any verification of where they are, except for my local Post Office calling each point by phone and asking alot of questions. PCGS still doesn't have the packages, and it's been over a week.

They aren't lost - they just can't be tracked online, and they are slow as molasses. Has anyone else been down this road? >>

I had the same issue with a $2000 coin I shipped Registered and Insured that was going east to west (NY to CA). After 10 business days I was a little uneasy. It is correct that at every custody transfer point, the item has to be checked in and signed for, making the process much longer, but more secure than any other service offered by the USPS. Be patient.

For anything over $600 use registered starting at $15.00 package.

goose3 · January 13, 2007 5:30AM

<< Registered is very secure but can be painfully slow. The last package from PCGS arrived at my PO on 1/8 (A Sunday) but has yet to arrive at my door step. I weather here has been very cold and snowy so I am trying to be patient................

BTW, I have lambasted the PO for being so slow on registered so if you're looking for speed, don't expect it with registered! >>

but if your package of coins weighs over a certain amount THEY FORCE YOU to pay for PRIORITY MAIL!!!! I got into somewhat of a spat with the local clerk over this. That is a complete Crock.

COINB0Y · January 13, 2007 5:30AM

US Post Office on line tracking is a complete joke and totally useless. It is only good to verify that the Registered # has been entered into the System and accepted by USPOS personal when it is mailed, that is it!

The best way to "track” Registered Mail is to physically go down to the local Post Office like Grandpa did and give them the Registered #. USPOS can give you a printout that is pretty detailed. I do this to verify that the seller is not giving me a bogus # when he emails it to me. Because it takes a helluva a lot longer (up to a week), a shifty seller can use that 'float' time to play games. To “Trust, but Verify” the Sellers’ word, by using the print-out, you can confirm that the shipment he is sending at least coming into your Zip Code and will show an estimated time of delivery.

If anyone knows a better/faster/cheaper/insurable/secure way please, elaborate!

COINB0Y · January 13, 2007 5:32AM

but if your package of coins weighs over a certain amount THEY FORCE YOU to pay for PRIORITY MAIL!!!! I got into somewhat of a spat with the local clerk over this. That is a complete Crock

I'll bet it was because you used a Priority Mail Address Label didn't you? To get out of that, use your own label.

OnlyBuffalos · January 13, 2007 5:38AM

As others have state registered mail is a very secure method for shipping valuables through the mail. Some level of tracking is available through the USPS.com site. Every registered item has a unique registered number which appears at the top of the registered mail receipt and which one enters on the USPS website. Here is an example of the information available:

Label/Receipt Number: RR62 910X XXX US
Detailed Results:

Delivered, January 03, 2007, 8:27 am, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658
Arrival at Unit, January 03, 2007, 5:03 am, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
Acceptance, December 28, 2006, 11:58 am, HURST, TX 76054

Registered mail from some foreign countries can also be tracked on the USPS website.

Insured mail is somewhat less safe. IMO, delivery confirmation is not of much use. It only confirms that the item was delivered to the mailbox of the recipient. Signature confirmation confirms that someone at the receiving address signed for the item.

goose3 · January 13, 2007 5:42AM

<< but if your package of coins weighs over a certain amount THEY FORCE YOU to pay for PRIORITY MAIL!!!! I got into somewhat of a spat with the local clerk over this. That is a complete Crock

I'll bet it was because you used a Priority Mail Address Label didn't you? To get out of that, use your own label. >>

No, it is based on Weight. I argued and argued. That was the only option due to weight that the computer permitted. I absolutely despise the farce known as Priority Mail.

ziggy29 · January 13, 2007 5:45AM

<< No, it is based on Weight. I argued and argued. That was the only option due to weight that the computer permitted. I absolutely despise the farce known as Priority Mail. >>

Priority Mail is, for small packages, a scam. There is rarely more "priority" compared to regular first class. What the rules concerning forced usage of Priority Mail really are, are little more than a disguised HUGE rate hike.

roadrunner · January 13, 2007 5:48AM

I went down to the local PO in Wallingford, CT and they would not let me ship an express mail package of coins with the sender and receiver name the same. Dealers do this all the time for customers.
In any case I ended up waiting until the next day and sent it from another PO location.

Using REG mail for 35 years I've never had a package lost (500+).
At times, it has take up to 12 days to receive one. That one sat in NY City for several days before continuing on its trip.

Insured mail is far riskier. I've lost 3 packages out of about 100.

roadrunner

planetsteve · January 13, 2007 5:55AM

Goose, I'm not sure I understand your beef with Priority Mail. Anything under 13 oz can be shipped "First Class" (the rates for which are determined by the ounce, starting at $0.39); over 13 oz, the same level of service is called Priority Mail (which starts at $4.05 and is determined by the pound). Are you trying to ship by Parcel Post (aka Package Services) instead?

Coinb0y, at least the USPS will give you online indication of delivery with Registered. (Usually -- I've already found this is not completely reliable.) You can go online and set up email notification of events during the package's travel. I just did this task and got an email in the middle of the night indicating that my Plats were received by PCGS on Friday morning. (Five days from the East Coast.) In contrast to Registered protections, I've read here that Fedex and UPS will not cover losses of coins, with the argument that they don't cover "money." Obviously the counterargument should be that these are collectibles, but I don't know how that well that works.

A tip for everybody -- if you're shipping something sold on Ebay and purchased by Paypal, be absolutely sure you send Registered with Signature Confirmation added on. After several transactions, I actually had a clerk argue with me at the end of her day about combining these services. Her position was that Registered would be signed for anyway. Since I was only shipping to PCGS, I gave in quickly. Later I did the research and learned that the Domestic Mail Manual (available online) clearly indicates that you can combine the services.

The reason to insist on Signature Confirmation is that it is the only way you can get an online image of the recipient's signature. Sure, Registered will get a signature, but it is not directly available online. Because of that limitation, Paypal will find that Registered alone is not compliant with their Seller Protection Policy. Get SC added, or if your buyer decides to scam you, Paypal will probably let them.

goose3 · January 13, 2007 5:59AM

My beef with priority mail is that it is a complete Farce and even moreso when I am forced to use it when I am using REGISTERED MAIL because my package of slabbed coins weighed 14 oz. My registered package is not going to get there any faster. It will still take a week to 10 days. Priority mail is touted as 2-3 days. I do not agree with being forced into that tier when that tier cannot provide the service level I am paying for.

One of the local postaldudes told me that the majority of priority mail travels in the SAME channels as First Class and because of that, it is usually a waste of the extra money.

53BKid · January 13, 2007 6:08AM

There have been recent instances on eBay in which the sellers get burned.
They freeze the $$$ in your account, as the process undergoes resolution.
Unless you demonstrate totally conclusive proof this way, you could find yourself out a nice coin and the funds.

DennisH · January 13, 2007 6:12AM

It occasionally takes longer, but it can vary a LOT from area to area of the country. It's the most secure way to ship there is, and I have never had even a moment's concern about a package.

planetsteve · January 13, 2007 6:25AM

<< My beef with priority mail is that it is a complete Farce and even moreso when I am forced to use it when I am using REGISTERED MAIL because my package of slabbed coins weighed 14 oz. My registered package is not going to get there any faster. It will still take a week to 10 days. Priority mail is touted as 2-3 days. I do not agree with being forced into that tier when that tier cannot provide the service level I am paying for. >>

I see your disappointment. I was hoping myself that Registered could be combined with Express just to speed it up. But it can't be combined, because apparently all the security features of Registered necessarily slows it down. It travels along some different kind of path than straight Priority packages.

I can agree that combining it with "Priority" class shipping is misleading, but often the cheap Package Service (Parcel Post) class isn't much less expensive than Priority -- so you're really not losing much money. (In the case of a 13 oz package, it's $3.12 vs $3.27.)

Even without the Registered concerns, it is impossible to send something that weighs 14 oz by First Class. That "service" -- which you point out below is really no different than Priority -- is reserved for items 13 oz and under. Still, the fee for a 13 oz First Class shipment is nearly the same as a 1 lb Priority shipment ($3.27 vs. $4.05), so you're really not losing much money in this case. Also, insurance on Registered is considerably less than that for straight First Class/Priority, so you may be coming out ahead.

<< One of the local postaldudes told me that the majority of priority mail travels in the SAME channels as First Class and because of that, it is usually a waste of the extra money. >>

Agreed. You can combine Delivery/Signature Confirmation and Insurance with lightweight First Class mailings -- so the only reason to send something under 13 oz by Priority is so that you can use those handy free envelopes and boxes.

Blame the PO for doing some marketing for Priority. But hey, for lightweight packages, it's often cheaper than their private competitors.

koynekwest · January 13, 2007 6:31AM

Been using it for over 30 years-never a problem with delivery or loss. It's the ONLY way to go. NEVER use fedex or UPS for this type of package.

fishcooker · January 13, 2007 7:29AM

Your results may vary, but even in January the lines at my PO have been long. Lots of packages. Plus the weather has been delaying travel via air and ground - and will moreso over the next week.

I wouldn't expect today's registered package to get anywhere, fast. I just got one sent before Christmas. But it will get there. And forget the online tracking.... life is too short to waste it on that.

kimon1230 · January 13, 2007 7:36AM

How about USPS Express? It usually arrives the next day and I doubt anyone has enough time to swipe it.

BAJJERFAN · January 13, 2007 7:59AM

<< How about USPS Express? It usually arrives the next day and I doubt anyone has enough time to swipe it. >>

The kicker with Express Mail is that the insurance for expensive coins is pricey and I think there is a $5K limit on insurance.

mr1931S · January 13, 2007 8:00AM

Indeed, "Registered" is one of UPS's best services. My experience with it has always been good. They are real fussy about the package. I can't imagine a postal employee messing with a registered package.

PerryHall · January 13, 2007 8:10AM

<< Indeed, "Registered" is one of UPS's best services. My experience with it has always been good. They are real fussy about the package. I can't imagine a postal employee messing with a registered package. >>

I think you mean USPS.

coindeuce · January 13, 2007 8:30AM

<< My beef with priority mail is that it is a complete Farce and even moreso when I am forced to use it when I am using REGISTERED MAIL because my package of slabbed coins weighed 14 oz. My registered package is not going to get there any faster. It will still take a week to 10 days. Priority mail is touted as 2-3 days. I do not agree with being forced into that tier when that tier cannot provide the service level I am paying for.

One of the local postaldudes told me that the majority of priority mail travels in the SAME channels as First Class and because of that, it is usually a waste of the extra money. >>

Goose- the Priority rate schedule is not so much a farce as it is a service that is advantageous to firm mailers. I regularly ship 50-70 lb. packages in the large(shoe box)flat rate box with registered service for high value items. At an average declared value of $1,000 per package, the rate of $18.35($8.10/flate rate + $10.25 registry) represents a savings on average of $100 per package for postage if shipped simply as an insured parcel. So in effect, the Priority rate schedule, especially when using flat rate packaging is extremely competitive with other parcel/freight shippers. And keep in mind, Priority service has never been advertised as a "guaranteed" 2-3 day service. It is merely a recommended time of delivery for parcels.

COINB0Y · January 13, 2007 10:28AM

A tip for everybody -- if you're shipping something sold on Ebay and purchased by Paypal, be absolutely sure you send Registered with Signature Confirmation added on. After several transactions, I actually had a clerk argue with me at the end of her day about combining these services. Her position was that Registered would be signed for anyway. Since I was only shipping to PCGS, I gave in quickly. Later I did the research and learned that the Domestic Mail Manual (available online) clearly indicates that you can combine the services.

That is a very good suggestion!

Coinhog · January 13, 2007 11:02AM

My registered plat package went from south carolina to PCGS in 2 days. That is a typical time frame for me. I love it.

ddink · January 13, 2007 12:16PM

My problem with registered mail is that the clerks ARE ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS when it comes to it. I had the last clerk insist that it was against the DMM to combine registered with signature confirmation. She also refused to accept it in a priority mail box until she asked several other workers and they told her that was okay. You would think the post office would actually make an effort to train their employees about each service that is offered.

What's Your Experience with "Registered & Insured?"

Comments

Leave a Comment

What's Your Experience with &quot;Registered &amp; Insured?&quot;

Comments

Leave a Comment

What's Your Experience with "Registered & Insured?"