The Mint recently shipped by Fedex my order of 10 silver proof sets and 6 clad-sets that I had returned for exchange. I assumed that if I wasn't there, they would leave a notice and have me pick them up. I was very surprised when the tracking information indicated both packages were "left by front door - signature release on file". This means the Mint gave Fedex permission to leave the items without a signature. I'm glad I live in a good neighborhood, but what if the items were something not replaceable, like a sold-out First Spouse gold coin?
I'd call them and tell them under no circumstances should they ever do that again. This is very common for fedex to do.
Never had that problem with my orders, But I would like to do an experiment. Send me all of your proof sets and see if the same thing happens when they arrive here. No.... Didnt think so. But I would check. If a signature was required...yell at FEDEX, if it should have been.....rant at the mint. Honestly it wouldnt surprise me with either company.
All of my mint subscriptions are usually left on my doorstep without a signature. Only in cases of a shipment with a value of over $1,000.00 was a signature ever required.
I've actually had the US post office do basically the same thing on a few occasions. When I buy a better coin I usually request certified and insured. Got no problem paying the extra. I've had people send them to me like that and then when I get home the coins AND the slip are in the mailbox. A note is attached to the slip requesting that I sign it and leave in mailbox. Now, I always have but what if I just took the coins and said I never got them? I believe that would fall on the mail carrier as certified is signed for every time it changes hands. I wouldn't know my mail carrier if I saw them on the street. Seems a hell of chance to take.
Did you folks miss this part of the first post. That means here is a release on file that gives them permission to just leave them without getting a signature. Dreamer9, if you DON'T have such a release on file with them then you should complain to them, and if you do then maybe you should get the release pulled. I believe you are thinking about Registered not certified.
With Fedex, the decision to require a signature for delivery is the sender's decision. That means the US Mint has their release on file. I certainly didn't and never would agree to have coins delivered without a signature. However, I will check with Fedex to see if I can make an arrangement with them not to leave things without a signature in the future.
