I don't understand why CT-er's list Silver on eBay

And I do realize I just jinks myself.

 

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I most certainly do know what I'm talking about. As a matter of fact, it is Paypal policy that the seller provide that tracking, and when you sign up as a seller, you agree to that, and there is no arguing that point, none whatsoever. Yes, I agree, by keeping shipping costs down, increases your bottom line, I get that (basic selling 101), and in a way, think it is the smartest way, BUT, c'mon, out of ALL those who purchase, you just KNOW there are a NUMBER of people that see a transaction w/out tracking, and they are just rubbing their grubby hands, waiting to get the item, so they can file a claim. And with the amount of protection ebay provides the SELLER, well.....

Not trying to be offensive, just stating what I know, and have been through (yes, I've had a couple 'non receipt' claims by shipping cheaply. Now, I charge for shipping simply to provide a tracking number (admittedly, have only sold on ebay half as many items as you have), and my DSR is still a 4.9 for shipping charges. If you've shipped 500 or so coins that way, you should consider yourself lucky, as you've probably found 500 or so of the honest ones. I merely stated it that way because, yes, like it or not, buyers KNOW they have it ALL over the seller. No, it ISN'T right that sellers have virtually no protection. I certainly hope your luck continues, honestly.

To doug444, yes, you are right, I WAS trying to get at the point that selling it here would be MUCH more beneficial to both seller AND buyer (though there is a certain member here I had a verbal agreement with to by more than one coin from me...I went out of my way to have the deal worked out....said member shall remain nameless, but he knows who he is, and it was a great deal for him, which he accepted, then BAM, no word back, not even a simple 'I decided not to, but thanks anyway', like a real gentleman would do (I would have respected that and not thought any less of him), so, there's a SLIGHT risk involved, but not close to the risks that are brought on by thousands, or tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of buyers of coins, like ebay. Though ebay DOES drive ALOT of potential buyers to your offerings, I would much rather deal 'in close quarters', so to speak.


edited for bkozak....DON'T think you've jinxed yourself, just hope you keep having the same honest buyers you've had.

 

I've both bought and sold coins on ct I've bought high end early us type coins that I collect I've mostly sold average coins including silver is usually a bit better than total junk and I try to price it fair and leave a touch of room for negotiation I notice if I price it right it goes have not had much luck with high end stuff but me I'm always a buyer for the right thing

 

Back when I was selling on ebay, the ONE TIME I sent a coin with just a stamp, it was lost.

The ONE TIME I bought a coin that was shipped with a stamp, it was lost.

When I went to the eBay forum to express my concerns, I was laughed at for being a tighwad.

Sticking a stamp on an envelope means it will go letter rate, and that's why it's called letter rate, it's only meant for letters.

Not only do most people advise against it, even the USPS themselves advise against it, the process sends the envelopes through machines that have rollers.

Also, since there is no tracking, 99% of the time a buyer files a case, YOU will get left holding the bag.

You might be able to get away with sending 200 coins this way, but that ONE time you send a coin like that, and it get's lost, it will really end up souring your day.

 

No, it really doesn't. If you send 200 coins and you save 1.70 per coin that equals 340.00. If one gets lost, and I lose 5 bucks, I still made an extra 335 dollars. I think I'm probably in the 4 to 5 hundredth coin shipped not being lost. Basically I'm self insured, so it would take many lost coins for me to feal the slightest effect.

 

You can lower your fees from 10% to 6% if you open an eBay store. Plus they offer lots of other incentives like final value caps on your sales, which further reduce your fees if you hit certain goals. In the last couple months selling on eBay my fees are averaging around 5% since I've been doing larger volume. Add in paypal and my total fees are around 8%.

I've found that most bidders on ebay routinely pay well over spot on silver bullion. Getting the extra exposure, and increased market has more than offset the 5% fees I'm paying. I just sold three beat up Morgans in AG condition for around $75 or $25.00 a piece. Melt value on those coins is about $16 a piece or $48.00.

So even if I could get someone to pay spot for those coins I'm making around $50. Selling on eBay minus eBay and Paypal fees I'm clearing around $70.

It's simple math, in my experience it pays to sell on eBay.

 

I'll bite, and continue this, knowing I may be ostracized by bkozak, but, keep in mind, I'm not trying to break bkozak's u-know-whats for shipping as he does, as when I do ship, even though I charge, it still costs me multiples more than that 49c stamp, so I AM understanding of his logic, but......

Detecto has hit the nail directly on the head, and I couldn't agree more with him(emphasis on 'You MIGHT be able to get away with...). One day, more sooner than later, it's going to happen, and you WILL be called to the carpet on it. The more 'new' buyers you get (especially those with low feedback), the closer you are to having this happen, as more and more buyers are just looking for free stuff, and could care less about the seller. I fully understand trying to minimize shipping costs, especially with ebay PUSHING for free shipping, which MOST ebay buyers EXPECT now (hell, it's just a matter of time before it'll be required).

Shipping in a stamped envelope may work for only one or two '90% junk' coins, nothing of real 'value' (just something to throw in a bag, as opposed to a graded coin, or even a 1 oz bullion coin like an ASE or a BU Morgan). Ship a Maple leaf (which is 'silver') in a 49c stamped letter envelope, and that Maple Leaf is going to have damage and get returned. As Detecto said, it goes through the roller machine, and this shipping method is not good for any coin, unless it's strictly going into a 'junk silver' pile . I received a slabbed coin sent this way, and the slab was in pieces, envelope ripped, coin scratched (coincidentally, all the slab shrapnel was there...I could make a complete slab, and the coin still in the envelope). Was I within my rights to be ticked off, and want a refund because the seller was too cheap to ship it properly, according to ebay rules? You bet. Even though the seller put up a stink, he hadn't a foot to stand on, and ebay and Paypal sided with me due to the seller not following the seller shipping rules, which they accepted when signing up. I got my refund before the seller received the newly ruined coin (shipped back at my expense, no less, with seller refusing to reimburse my return shipping charges). Getting away from slabs, and onto 'silver', if I buy a raw ASE or raw BU Morgan for a Dansco (I don't, just using it as an example), and it gets damaged through those rollers, it's going back, as I don't want that in my album, would anyone? It may work for a VG '64 Washington quarter, or a G '45 Merc, or the like, but that's about it. Personally, as long as the coin is for a junk pile, I'd be cool with that type of shipping, as I know it's only value is in my junk silver pile (though, it should be taped to the envelope to prevent it from breaking through the edge of envelope). If it is strictly for a 'junk silver' accumulation, it may be, well, it IS a good way to save $ on shipping, but for anything else, including that raw bullion coin or BU Morgan, it's just not a good way, and even with that being said, there's more than one buyer that'll b*tch about it, get their $$ refunded due to no tracking, get the silver for free, and WILL result in receiving a neg feedback. Buyers are LOOKING for this type of stuff.

What hasn't been asked of bkozak (to be fair to him) is, do you sell other than junk silver, where it DOES matter if it's shipped/insured PROPERLY (ie, it should not be shipped in a 49c letter envelope, requires a tracking #, which, as has been stated, and is fact, ALL ebay purchases are REQUIRED to have tracking)? And if you do, how do you ship those coins, and how do you calculate shipping charges? I understand this is a 'silver' thread and don't want to derail it, but what about those 'silver' bullion coins (or other coins, possibly slabbed) that are NOT just 'junk' silver? Bullion coins are considered silver, obviously, but should they be shipped in the same manner as a 'slick' for the junk pile (an envelope with merely a stamp)? I may not post a lot here, but do lurk, and do post more on other forums, and have been on ebay for a number of years (mostly buying, but selling off some for new purchases...but I do know ebay's rules AND ropes, though I think the ebay 'Coin Community' could use more knowledgeable members, but it HAS been awhile since I've gone there). On those other forums, if this scenario were brought up, there'd be MANY more posts advising against shipping a coin, no matter the value, in nothing more than an envelope with a stamp. In the case of ebay, unfortunately, ebay is the 800 lb gorilla, and if the gorilla's rules aren't followed to a 'T', eventually you'll get a 'banana in the tailpipe' (to quote Eddie Murphy in 'Beverly Hills Cop'). Again, I FULLY understand keeping shipping costs to a minimum, but one day.....

How many here would be 'enthused' getting their merchandise shipped that way? Don't get me wrong, this is NOT a personal attack to bkozak for how he ships, and NOT trying to start anything in ANY way, just my rambling thoughts and facts as I know them about shipping where ebay is concerned. Detecto agrees....what say you others, would you be very pleased getting your coins/silver shipped (can't even call it 'shipped', it's mailed) in a stamped envelope, whether it be on ebay, or even from someone from these very boards?

 

I have recieved coins shipped in a letter envelope. I never buy from that seller again.

 

Spend the blinkin' 52 cents it costs to buy a padded, bubbled envelope. Then you may spend another two bucks or so to ship it tracked. I always carefully wrap the coins and enclose them securely in the padded envelope so they will not be damaged in shipping and handling. I know it's a foreign concept nowadays...but I call these actions "customer service."

I typically pass the cost onto the customer, most of whom are happy to pay a couple bucks for the peace of mind.

Shipping ends up being about a wash financially, but to me it's worth the peace of mind, and the protection it affords to both buyer and seller to have an assigned tracking#. Plus it's so easy, one stop shopping to buy the postage, print off the label with address and tracking #, tape it onto the bubble wrapped envelope, and drop it in a USPS drop box. So easy I can even do it .

 

Numismania, I'm sorry, but I hardly think that Detecto should be an example of intelligent reference/decisions. An example being his posts #25 and #26 in this thread where he negatively dissertated on my post before engaging his brain. I thought to correct him, but realized the futility of the exercise before his illogic was exposed.
You are correct that if coins are shipped in an envelope first class, unrestrained, in violation of postal regulations, there is a likelihood of damage in shipment However, if the coins are properly restrained by being wrapped in a "Post-It" note taped between 2 recipe cards which strengthen the envelope, and meet regulations, I shipped thousands of coins in that fashion, when selling on Yahoo for many years in the past. I had well in excess of a thousand positive feedback, without a single complaint or loss of product.
Buyers loved the "free shipping", often complimenting the integrity of the package, and a dollars worth of 90% could be shipped for a stamp. I often shipped a roll or 2 of dimes without problems using that method before the flat rate box was available, using multiple stamps on the envelope, and all envelope edges taped with 2" wide tape. You are correct that if "Golden Rule" consideration isn't applied, regardless of shipping manner, the outcome can be less than desirable. I've had flat rate boxes arrive where coins were dropping from the untaped edges/corners.
I did have the occasional buyer that claimed their winnings weren't received, I apologized, refunded their money, and blocked future bidding for them.
I believe you'll find the "self-insured" low or no cost shipping is well appreciated by buyers, as I still use same on eBid without any complaints, receiving all positive considerable feedback.
Just my experience!!

 

I have about a eight dollar cut off for shipping with a stamp or envelope. I also don't ship coins larger than a half dollar that way. I have also shipped coins to a friend in Canada worth over twenty dollars that way. We have a mutual trust, and he has never notified me of coins being damaged. I secure the coins in a 2x2 and are wrapped in index cards or several pieces of paper. I understand that method may not appeal to everyone, and that is fine with me. I'm starting to get burnt out on eBay with how many coins I have to package everyday, many from repeat customers. So I think I'm doing something right.

 

Well, I do apologize if my mental aptitude is not up to par on your level. I thought this was a coin forum, not math club.

Numismania is right, the type of buyers who want 49 cent shipping are not the good type of buyers.

Anyone who quibbles about a $1.80 difference (I charge 2.29 for shipping on etsy) on postage most likely will quibble about the coin as well.

It's one dollar and eighty flipping cents, you would most likely blow that on a soda.

I have not sold on eBay in several years, so I'm not sure if there is a listing fee or not.

However, going to all the work and effort of photographing one little 'ol dime to make 45 cents is a wasted effort.

I've never, ever, have been able to sell just one small coin, by itself, due to the fact that shipping (proper shipping, that is) is not cheap.

That's why I list things in lots from now on.

Free shipping is stupid, and whoever thought of the idea should be guilty of high treason.

For one, free shipping IS NOT free, your are not going to take a package to the post office and have them go "this one's on us".

Free shipping also does NOT allow for discounts on shipping.

For example, if I sold a $8 item (we will call it a coin) with $2 shipping, then if someone buys another coin, shipping is just an extra 25 cents.

If I sold a $10 coin with FREE shipping, then the $2 I used for shipping in raising the price would be made on every item.

So if someone bought 5 coins from me, I would end up with $10 for shipping, and the actual amount might be $2.50.

I try to keep costs low, I factor in actual mailing costs, tape, paper, toner, and envelopes.

Sellers who try to make money on shipping are dumb. Shipping is a service, shipping was not, and is never supposed to be an additional way to make money besides the net profit earned on the item itself.

That's why I will never have free shipping, if I did, I would have to raise my prices, because no matter how many times, they say it, there is no such thing as free shipping.

Also, you do NOT need to use bubble mailers for coins, who's dumb idea was that?

Your shipping thick metal slugs, not a doll house tea set.

Parcel mailing is hand-sorted and does not go through the machinery that letter rate mailing does.

I use normal kraft clasp envelopes and place the coin between two sheets of cereal box board about the size of the envelope.

Bubble mailers might be ok for proof sets, slabbed coins, etc, but it's a waste of money for normal coins.

 

One of the beauties of using "free shipping" is the buyer thinks they are getting something for free. If you have that cost already built into your price...you might get more sales because the buyer thinks they are saving money when they are not. It's actually very good business sense...not high treason.

 

Bubble mailers can also be a good way to disguise the fact that you're shipping coins.

 

Bubble mailers are great for coins. I know if I bought a coin and it came in an envelope I'd be pretty unhappy. I want my coins protected.

 

I ship coins in bubble mailers frequently actually that's the only way I send them and I usually fold in a card wrap in paper etc before I put them in the bubble mailer I don't want people to realize its coins even if it's just junk silver now real money coins like my shipments to pcgs or NGC are wrapped in bubble in a box and onsured for all there worth I've had too many bad experiences from the usps to do anything but

 

Why are they not good? There are thousands of them, and they want to spend money and collect coins. I have never had any problems with people who buy $2 to $5 coins. Probably many of them are young coin collectors.

You say most likely. I have written earlier that I have done over 500 of these transactions and never have had a problem. So you are speaking about something you know nothing about.

It may be a waste of time for you, but you dont know other people situations and they may appreciate that 45 cents. Not every body is pulling in minimum wage like you.

You were kicked off Ebay, and have never sold one thing on Etsy. (remember you asked me to buy something from you cheap, to make it appear like you have coin sales to build your reputation) So why would anyone take advice from you about selling coins.

Lastly you are not an expert. when selling and shipping coins there are many ways to skin a cat. People just need to do what they are comfortable with and have fun.

 

I am sure the people here who bought appreciated you putting them here.

 

The only time anybody shipped me a coin (a Franklin) loose in an envelope the mysterious sorting machine got it. You could tell the corner of the envelope where it came out. The buyer promptly sent me another coin.

When I ship I always use a padded mailer (unless I need a box) and buy them in bulk from (you guessed it!) eBay. You can get them in quantity for about 30 cents each or less. My postage for a single coin runs about $1.70 (through PayPal) so I typically charge $2.50 for postage. Never had a coin lost.