PSA's new shipping methods and pricing - I give it a thumbs down
nam812
Posts: 10,600 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have thanked PSA here on the message board in the past for different things I thought they did well or got right, but unfortunately this thread is going to be the opposite of that.
Before they changed to priority mail many people (myself included) suspected that PSA's shipping was excessive, but now with this new way they ship it is much more transparent, at least to me anyway.
I recently sent in a submission of 63 cards and my declared value was $366.00, so my return shipping charge calculated to $31.45. Today I received the package and it was in a $10.70 medium flat rate box with signature confirmation (and hopefully insured). That all costs about $20.00, and even a few dollars less if you do it online in bulk like I imagine they do.
I understand that there is handling involved, and that there are business costs associated with shipping, but isn't that already built into the grading fees? The $31.45 I paid in shipping probably cost PSA more like $15.00, and to me that is excessive. A 33% mark up to $20.00 would have been much fairer, and acceptable to me.
I know that big companies have to eat, but do they have to eat Fillet Mignon?
Before they changed to priority mail many people (myself included) suspected that PSA's shipping was excessive, but now with this new way they ship it is much more transparent, at least to me anyway.
I recently sent in a submission of 63 cards and my declared value was $366.00, so my return shipping charge calculated to $31.45. Today I received the package and it was in a $10.70 medium flat rate box with signature confirmation (and hopefully insured). That all costs about $20.00, and even a few dollars less if you do it online in bulk like I imagine they do.
I understand that there is handling involved, and that there are business costs associated with shipping, but isn't that already built into the grading fees? The $31.45 I paid in shipping probably cost PSA more like $15.00, and to me that is excessive. A 33% mark up to $20.00 would have been much fairer, and acceptable to me.
I know that big companies have to eat, but do they have to eat Fillet Mignon?
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Comments
whatever so-called advantage that has been built in to the new pricing is being lost due to a lack of volume.
not making excuses for them, just saying, look at the economics.
personally, i've never had a problem with the pricing structure and generally assume that if my sub turns out as i hope, the costs will eventually be covered by the sale of a quality card.
<< <i>......from what i can tell business in down........ >>
My submission was received, but not logged in for about a week. On the phone I was told they were 7 days behind on getting submissions logs in because of all the monthly specials they were receiving.
<< <i>
<< <i>......from what i can tell business in down........ >>
My submission was received, but not logged in for about a week. On the phone I was told they were 7 days behind on getting submissions logs in because of all the monthly specials they were receiving. >>
ok....then what if it were a manpower issue, as there are fewer people handling the responsibility.....i agree with you on this point since i have also waited a few days extra for my sub to be logged in, but then grades pop in less than a week, which to me is highly unusual and it has been a pattern recently.....if the overall volume is down, there's a number of explanations available.
again, i'm only speculating.
Concerning the shipping cost, I was so disgusted with the snail's pace of registered mail (three weeks one time), I'm almost willing to pay MORE money just to get them back faster, even if it comes nowhere near their actual cost. Tell you what, my last sub popped in one day (!) and it was in my possession three days after that. So I am not complaining.
I'm also far less concerned with shipping costs when I'm only paying $4.50 per card.
8 f'n threads on this since february. GET OVER IT!!!
<< <i>I'm also far less concerned with shipping costs when I'm only paying $4.50 per card. >>
yup. if they are reducing rates to accomodate those in what was once the domain of regular bulk submitters, they gotta make up for it somewhere.
"...I'm also far less concerned with shipping costs when I'm only paying $4.50 per card...."
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Very true.
S+H is a legit profit center everywhere except EBAY.
<< <i>Yeah, I think the logjam is not on the grading end but in getting the orders entered.
Concerning the shipping cost, I was so disgusted with the snail's pace of registered mail (three weeks one time), I'm almost willing to pay MORE money just to get them back faster, even if it comes nowhere near their actual cost. Tell you what, my last sub popped in one day (!) and it was in my possession three days after that. So I am not complaining.
I'm also far less concerned with shipping costs when I'm only paying $4.50 per card. >>
What he said...
<< <i>the only thing I can say is to try FEDEX... open a free account with FEDEX online and just put the number on your sub form. I've been very happy with having my subs returned using FEDEX. >>
Leathtech, is the return shipping cheaper when you supply them your FedEx number? or, are you suggesting this because FedEx is faster than USPS?
<< <i>8 f'n threads on this since february. GET OVER IT!!! >>
AGREED!!!!! PSA charges $10 too much for shipping, big deal. I just paid $4.95 to get a single graded card shipped to me; do you know how much the card cost? $5.00. 99% of dealers charge too much for shipping and I am no exception and half these board members are no exception. I know there are a dozens or so "noble" sellers here who offer free shipping on BINs but if I have learned anything from this hobby it is "milk it for all its worth." PSA is a business and Collectors Universe is a publically traded company so if they are trying to find extra change in every possible location then fine. Who cares.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
<< <i> 8 f'n threads on this since february. GET OVER IT!!! >> >>
What Stone said.
Steve
Charge me $10 handling and don't return my cardsavers!
Maybe it is them that should get over it.
Just sayin......
Steve
<< <i>
<< <i>the only thing I can say is to try FEDEX... open a free account with FEDEX online and just put the number on your sub form. I've been very happy with having my subs returned using FEDEX. >>
Leathtech, is the return shipping cheaper when you supply them your FedEx number? or, are you suggesting this because FedEx is faster than USPS? >>
It was faster than then Registered Mail... and is much cheaper than the rates Nam quoted. You pay whatever the Fedex rate comes out to being I don't think PSA can mark up the Fedex rate.
<< <i>I could care less either way, my concern is how some here are annoyed that someone (anyone) creates a thread about it.
Maybe it is them that should get over it.
Just sayin......
Steve >>
yeah, I mean, the shipping is what it is.
"... I know there are a dozens or so "noble" sellers here who offer free shipping on BINs but if I have learned anything from this hobby it is "milk it for all its worth." ..."
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I use "free" shipping on all EBAY items.
Of course, it is NOT really "free."
BUYERS pay for ALL shipping costs. I just add those costs to the
BIN prices. Hopefully, all sellers are doing the same.
<< <i>You pay whatever the Fedex rate comes out to being I don't think PSA can mark up the Fedex rate. >>
lol, PSA doesn't touch the Fedex rates because the account must belong to the sender.....unless you ship regularly with Fedex for other inclusive purposes, there's not necessarily much savings to be had for occasional use.....plus, you need an outside insurer to cover your stuff if it's worth more than $500 to you, because Fedex has limitations on the declared value of commodities in the collectibles market.
I expect PSA and all sellers to make a reasonable profit on shipping.
That's how they stay in business.
What I don't like are sellers who charge $5 or more for shipping, then throw the PSA card in a small mailer without protection at a cost of $1.52 + the 10 cent mailer. To me, that's excessive S+H. If they charged $3-3.50 for this scenario, I have no problem with it.
In any event, I would never ding a sellers DSR's over costly shipping unless the rate isn't disclosed and in that case they charged like $10 to ship a $50 card.
Like most buyers, you just factor the shipping costs into your bid and that way you never overpaid for the shipping charges.
<< <i>so capt. kirk, do they have private insurance? there was no insurance label on the box? >>
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Yup; private insurance.
You should be fine as long as ALL packages require a signature.
<< <i>
<< <i>You pay whatever the Fedex rate comes out to being I don't think PSA can mark up the Fedex rate. >>
lol, PSA doesn't touch the Fedex rates because the account must belong to the sender.....unless you ship regularly with Fedex for other inclusive purposes, there's not necessarily much savings to be had for occasional use.....plus, you need an outside insurer to cover your stuff if it's worth more than $500 to you, because Fedex has limitations on the declared value of commodities in the collectibles market. >>
Very true but for people like myself and the OP the declared value was under $500 so FedEx is a good option. The past 15 or so orders I have done with PSA I've used FedEx and it's worked out great... I like not having to pay PSA's mark up on shipping. But that's just my opinion to each their own!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>You pay whatever the Fedex rate comes out to being I don't think PSA can mark up the Fedex rate. >>
lol, PSA doesn't touch the Fedex rates because the account must belong to the sender.....unless you ship regularly with Fedex for other inclusive purposes, there's not necessarily much savings to be had for occasional use.....plus, you need an outside insurer to cover your stuff if it's worth more than $500 to you, because Fedex has limitations on the declared value of commodities in the collectibles market. >>
Very true but for people like myself and the OP the declared value was under $500 so FedEx is a good option. The past 15 or so orders I have done with PSA I've used FedEx and it's worked out great... I like not having to pay PSA's mark up on shipping. But that's just my opinion to each their own! >>
then i would definitely agree that this is a wiser and more thrifty method.....i don't recall ever declaring a shipment at that low of a value, but i have always tended towards bulk or high value subs.....throughout my relationship with PSA i have used the exact shipping method with USPS to and from each time, so i guess superstition may preclude me from ever changing.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>You pay whatever the Fedex rate comes out to being I don't think PSA can mark up the Fedex rate. >>
lol, PSA doesn't touch the Fedex rates because the account must belong to the sender.....unless you ship regularly with Fedex for other inclusive purposes, there's not necessarily much savings to be had for occasional use.....plus, you need an outside insurer to cover your stuff if it's worth more than $500 to you, because Fedex has limitations on the declared value of commodities in the collectibles market. >>
Very true but for people like myself and the OP the declared value was under $500 so FedEx is a good option. The past 15 or so orders I have done with PSA I've used FedEx and it's worked out great... I like not having to pay PSA's mark up on shipping. But that's just my opinion to each their own! >>
then i would definitely agree that this is a wiser and more thrifty method.....i don't recall ever declaring a shipment at that low of a value, but i have always tended towards bulk or high value subs.....throughout my relationship with PSA i have used the exact shipping method with USPS to and from each time, so i guess superstition may preclude me from ever changing.
Good point if it's not broke - I would not attempt to upset the postal gods!
<< <i>I use "free" shipping on all EBAY items.
Of course, it is NOT really "free."
BUYERS pay for ALL shipping costs. I just add those costs to the
BIN prices. Hopefully, all sellers are doing the same. >>
I have had more success charging $10 and $3.50 shipping for a $10-13 card than I have had charging $13.50 with free shipping. I have tried both ways and the difference was noticable. I understand what you are saying but I have never had much success with it. I personally will offer free shipping for $50+ cards but for less expensive cards I will charge shipping.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
or even that some had the audacity to contemplate the issue...
on another note...
was the kool-aid guy offensive or something?
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<< <i>My shipping costs have not gone down, but have stayed close to the same. But I really like getting my cards in 2 days instead of 2 weeks. >>
Exactly, in my eyes I'm paying the same for shipping, and receiving them MUCH faster with the exact same coverage, if not better coverage. Plus we're seeing a lot more $4.50 specials, which I love!
As for the log in time, my latest 118-card April Special sub was logged in less than 48 hours from shipping it from Northeast Ohio, using Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping. In my opinion, they're doing everything great.
<< <i>8 f'n threads on this since february. GET OVER IT!!! >>
I agree it is overkill, but let an individual seller charge an extra buck for shipping on ebay where he is fee'd to death and the lynch mob will come our in full force with proper utensils to remove ones testicles