Why did PCGS send my completed order this way?

Bruggs · May 7, 2010 10:34PM

So I send in a coin for the last quarter CC freebie. It was a coin that was 50/50 at best on getting in a holder, but a coin with quite a bit of value (AU 89-CC $1). The grade (genuine 94) posts and the coin is shipped. I go to the post office and pick up my package. This is the interesting part...the order was shipped in a USPS medium flat rate priority box. It is my understanding that priority mail can not be sent registered, and I don't think I've ever had a PCGS order returned that wasn't registered mail. On the submission form it clearly states "all packages are returned US Registered Mail". I got charged for it and didn't get it. Now another thing I don't understand, I opened the priority box and pull out a white Fed Ex Express envelope. Inside the Fed Ex envelope is the PCGS blue box and my coin. Why is my coin in a Fed Ex envelope inside a USPS Priority box? Should I contact Customer service or ?
What would you do.
Thanks.
Bruggs

BAJJERFAN · May 7, 2010 11:28PM

I'd guess the FEDEX envelope was an oversight or damaged and couldn't be used for its intended purpose.

<< It is my understanding that priority mail can not be sent registered, >>

This statement is incorrect. Registered mail can indeed be sent priority and priority rates take over when the weight exceeds first class rates. For heavy packages, the flat rate boxes are a blessing. Per the fee schedule, you should have paid around $30 for return shipping. If you paid considerably more than that you should contact CS, otherwise I'd just let it slide.

mrpotatoheadd · May 7, 2010 11:32PM

<< It is my understanding that priority mail can not be sent registered... >>

That's not exactly true. Although registered mail does not always get delivered as quickly as priority mail, priority mail supplies can be used for registered mail.

segoja · May 7, 2010 11:33PM

THis is how ALL packages under a certain value are being returned by PCGS. You must have old forms.

You have the coin, so what's the worry??? It's all insured so who cares how it's sent? It's kind like E-Bay the seller and PCGS have the burden to deliver the coin.

RYK · May 7, 2010 11:35PM

You have the coin, so what's the worry??? It's all insured so who cares how it's sent? It's kind like E-Bay the seller and PCGS have the burden to deliver the coin.

I agree.

PCGS changed the shipping policy, for the better, about six months ago. Look at a new sub form for the details.

WinPitcher · May 7, 2010 11:35PM

I thought it was you were simply paying priority rates at some pint when using registered mail.

After a certain weight.

Priority and registered are two different animals.

mrpotatoheadd · May 7, 2010 11:46PM

<< I thought it was you were simply paying priority rates at some pint when using registered mail.

After a certain weight. >>

With registered mail, priority rates go into effect for all packages over 13 ounces (under that, it's first class mail) or any package regardless of weight when using priority mail shipping supplies.

sinin1 · May 7, 2010 11:47PM

PCGS decided the speed issue is most important to impatient collectors, I think they said

TwoSides2aCoin · May 7, 2010 11:54PM

That's a nice coin, and do you wish to sell it ? As to shipping and all that stuff, I'd order Rosetta Stone and learn Greek.

dsessom · May 7, 2010 11:59PM

You got bumped from coach to first class. I wouldn't complain about it. They did you a favor.

LindeDad · May 8, 2010 2:47AM

Under the old system you might of been getting the coin back in about two weeks or so.

As for insurance any type of shipping can be insured. It just does not have to be insured with the USPS. In fact almost any other type of insurance is cheaper than the USPS.

bushmaster8 · May 8, 2010 5:26AM

That is indeed missuse of Fedex packaging. Other than that, that is the new way of shipping. Your coin was fully insured, just as it was in the Registered Mail days.

BAJJERFAN · May 8, 2010 5:43AM

Thankfully FEDEX won't fine you for misuse of their packaging like the USPS can.

I think that PCGS only uses registered mail for coins over $100K, which isn't the case here.

coindeuce · May 8, 2010 6:22AM

<< Thankfully FEDEX won't fine you for misuse of their packaging like the USPS can.

I think that PCGS only uses registered mail for coins over $100K, which isn't the case here. >>

Submitters can still request Registered service for return shipments of any declared value. Just be prepared to pay a lot, and don't complain because live tracking isn't available for Registered service.

RedHerring · May 8, 2010 6:27AM

<< The grade (genuine 94) posts and the coin is shipped. >>

Are you upset with the grade and that led to this shipping concern?

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<< It is my understanding that priority mail can not be sent registered, >>

Not true. I use Priority Mail boxes to ship registered all the time. Over a given weight the Priority Mail rate kicks in.

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<< I opened the priority box and pull out a white Fed Ex Express envelope. >>

This has happened to me many times also. FedEx padded envelopes get used this way often, whether they should be or not is another matter.

BAJJERFAN · May 8, 2010 6:44AM

<< 

<< Thankfully FEDEX won't fine you for misuse of their packaging like the USPS can.

I think that PCGS only uses registered mail for coins over $100K, which isn't the case here. >>

Submitters can still request Registered service for return shipments of any declared value. Just be prepared to pay a lot, and don't complain because live tracking isn't available for Registered service. >>

Actually, for obvious reasons the post office doesn't want you be able to track it.

frnklnlvr · May 8, 2010 9:50AM

My last few submissions have come back in a priority box and the blue box was also inside a FedEx envelope.

sweetwilliet · May 8, 2010 10:29AM

<< Thankfully FEDEX won't fine you for misuse of their packaging like the USPS can.

I think that PCGS only uses registered mail for coins over $100K, which isn't the case here. >>

I am not sure about this, but I thought the insurance limit on registered mail was 25k. Anyone know for sure?

Rampage · May 8, 2010 10:39AM

Yeah, I guess I do not understand your complaint. You have the coin and you got it quicker than expected. Are you one that is simply never happy no matter what?

Bruggs · May 8, 2010 12:59PM

I guess that some people here took my concern over this as me being a whiner. Not true. I didn't know that the submission forms I was using are old and out of date. I just know that the form I used states all items will be returned registered mail, and this wasn't. I received another order today, shipped the same way. I asked the postmaster if this was registered mail and she said "no, it's not registered. The only thing you have is signature confirmation on this." It's been a while since I sent orders in and if this is the new way, I'm good with it.

Red Herring....if you read my post I was 50/50 on it making it in a holder, so the answer is no, I'm not upset it didn't grade.

Rampage....I'm not a person "who isn't happy no matter what". Real big of you, I must say.

Bruggs

BAJJERFAN · May 8, 2010 1:42PM

<< 

<< Thankfully FEDEX won't fine you for misuse of their packaging like the USPS can.

I think that PCGS only uses registered mail for coins over $100K, which isn't the case here. >>

I am not sure about this, but I thought the insurance limit on registered mail was 25k. Anyone know for sure? >>

It is, but they charge a fee per $1000 for everything over the $25K. The fee is for extra security including following the delivery in an unmarked car if necessary, so basically they guarantee delivery. If you do not declare the extra value and the package gets lost, they will deny your entire claim.

notwilight · May 8, 2010 2:54PM

Many times registered mail is required by 3rd party insurers. Generally a package over 25K will be shipped by the method that the insurance company specifies. --Jerry

Why did PCGS send my completed order this way?

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