I placed my first order with the US Mint on April 28. I ordered a First Day set of the Jefferson Peace nickels and the 10-coin proof set for 2003. As of today, the order is still processing. The site says both items are In Stock. Is this normal? Sure seems like an awful long time to process what should be a simple order.
Order Processing US Mint My orders from the mint usually take about a week to get to me, unless they are backordered. The mint sends you an email confirmation of your order. I called the mint yesterday about some 50 state quarters silver proof sets which are now backordered. They are very helpful people. I spoke with a lady named Regina, and she told me the silver sets should resume shipping on the 18th. I can tell you I won't hesitate to call them again, very helpful people. The mint should also send you a shipping confirmation email about 2-3 days after you place your order. After you receive the shipping confirmation, the sets should arrive in 2-4 days. At least that is how long it takes coins to get to me from Memphis. They are also sent as confirmed delivery. Jim Lexington, Ky
The mint does a pretty good job overall. As a large mint orderer, we get most of our orders within 2 weeks.
I agree. The mint is now run like an efficient (and profitable) business, with slick packaging, advertising, good customer service and quick delivery (1-2 weeks). Compare that with 25 to 30 years ago . . . The mint rarely advertised, their mailing list promotional material was very bland and "government like", and IT TOOK FOREVER (3-5 MONTHS) to get your proof set or mint set order. You had to get your order in by a spring deadline, and were lucky to get your coins by September. One year I got them around Thanksgiving. So kudos to the Mint for improving their service over the years.
Well, that is totally due to outsourcing. Do you notice where the fulfillment of the service is coming from? RR Donnelly provides the warehousing and fulfillment for the mint out of Memphis, TN. I would bet they also outsource the order taking and customer service. I tried to find validation of those statements, but in the interest of disclosure I could not rustle anything up for those specific ones. The mint does outsource just about everything, though, as I found just about every other element of operations! Cris
They realy do this to keep prices down. At least that is what one mint employee told me on the phone. They do not pay sick leave, maternity leave or vacation time when they use contractors. Also they do not have to contribute to the contract employee's retirement fund. I guess this would be a huge amount every two to four weeks. Jim
Well as it turns out my coins were waiting for me when I got home last night! I have another question concerning the condition of some of the coins I got, but I think that would be best in another thread...
I can tell you that you can return defective coins to the mint for a replacement. The milk spot issue has come up frequently on this list. Be sure you keep copies of all your paper work if you do return items. Please send them insured!!! Jim
