I just founds a really nice PCGS slabbed Flying Eagle cent in MS64 on ebay. Then I see this: Important Please Read: Please feel free to write with any questions before you place a bid. I am not profiting off my shipping charges so please try to be fair when leaving your feedback. Thank you. That made me look at the shipping price, and it says $20.00. Trying to give the guy the benefit of the doubt here, so convince me that $20.00 shipping is reasonable here?
He must be using some very nice packing supplies for it to cost him $20 in shipping. That is unless he's driving 1/2 way across the state to hand deliver it. It always bugs me when the shipping is inflated. Is the coin here in the lower 48 states or some where else?
Usually, I'd say no. But depending on how he ships it, it may not be unreasonable. If he puts it registered mail, it could cost him 16 - 17 for the postage, and then there's the cost of the box and packaging. But if he's shipping it first class or even priority with a signature confirmation, then it's probably too much to ask for.
100% correct. Give that man a ceegar. Registered Mail is expensive. International shipments are too. At any rate, just factor the shipping charge into your bid.
Shipping costs do not matter, the total paid is the only important figure. If I am willing to spend $1000 on an ebay item, then they can charge $999 for shipping for all I care. I just bid $1.
I found the auction you were referring to. The BIN price is $1,644.50. Since FeeBay will side with you if the coin is lost in transit, he'd have to eat the cost. So he's going to ship it insured with signature confirmation to cover himself. In that case, shipping and insurance combined could very well be $20. Here's my attempt to try and convince you that $20 for shipping is reasonable: If you're paying $1,644 for a coin, don't haggle over a $20 shipping expense.
@ $1600 insurance with signature confirmation, he would be lucky to get it that cheap. Registered will set him back $24.00. So, yes, $20 is reasonable shipping for that coin.
I agree with what everyone else said. In most cases, it's usually just some guy trying to make a quick buck of unsuspecting bidders. However, for a rarity such as the one you're referring to (MS-grade FE), $20 is reasonable enough (and might not be enough) to protect him against any hard losses.
When it comes to something like coins, shipping at any cost is not reasonable if I ultimately end up paying for it. I determine the amount that I am willing to spend on a coin, and that is what I will spend. It doesn't matter whether the coin is from a coin shop, ebay, auction, or mail order. It doesn't matter if there are auction fees, shipping costs, taxes, etc. The total cost is the only determining factor in my decision. The total price of the coin in the ebay auction is $1644.50+$20=$1664.50. If you are comfortable spending $1664.50 on the coin then buy it, if not then don't. The only way that the shipping cost comes into play would be in the case that you return the item. But, when buying a slabbed coin with good pictures, this shouldn't be an issue.
