Greetings---I am looking for advice on how to ship coins that I sell on ebay. I found a couple of old threads that discuss this (see links below if interested), but they are pretty old threads. I will be sending coins that are in plastic cases, as well as some that are loose. Some are less expensive (less than $50), but some will be quite a bit more expensive. I'm looking for advice on what packaging to use (bubble wrap envelopes?), and also what type of mail service (registered, insured, etc.). For example registered and insured is obviously important for more expensive coins, but what about a $10 proof set? Any advice appreciated! Old Threads on Shipping Coins: http://www.cointalk.org/showthread.php?t=11228&highlight=shipping+coins http://www.cointalk.org/showthread.php?t=7744&highlight=shipping+coins
Wrap them very well so they don't slide around and clink together. If listing items on a form (such as for customs, etc.) NEVER, I say, NEVER list them as "coins". They are "numismatic items", "metal stampings", or my personal favorite "numismatic teaching aids".
I don't sell and ship coins, but I do buy them and have them shipped to me a lot, so I can tell you how I, as a buyer, expects a coin to arrive. Regardless of value, it should be secure, to prevent rolling around loosly in an envelope or box. It may be worth $1, but I wouldn't appreciate damage due to shoddy packaging. Most reputable dealers use padded envelopes. I always hear people complain they're too expensive, and thus ignore their auctions. They're 99 cents for a package of 20 at WalMart...thats not a huge burden no matter who you are. Inside that the coin should be in a 2x2, or whatever other holder you use. As for mailing, I don't think most buyers care. Even standard USPS can deliver a package from coast to coast in less than a week, and if a buyer can't wait a week for delivery they need to find a coinshop where they can have it in hand that day. These are just my opinions as a buyer...take them as you will. Guy~
Great point Topher! I have shipped coins as "camera supplies" depending on the size of the package. Currency is easier. PLEASE DO NOT BEND PHOTOS ENCLOSED. I do NOT trust the USPS insurance. It varies fom post office to post office EVEN if you know the rules better than they do. Certified is a must on higher dollar stuff. Then you can insure it as well as anything ceritified is tracked 24/7. You do NOT necessarily have to pay for return receipt. You can actually get that (for a few extra bucks) if someone claims they have NOT received package. I never ship a loose coin. Even the cheapest is in a 2x2. I generally tape the 2x2 to any correspondence then secure between cardboard. I have sold a lot of "cheap" coins this way and sent via regular mail. Shipping is cheap (which the buyer like) and if someone says it did not arrive I'll refund all of the money or replace. Never had that happen yet.
Not certified, Registered is though. All certified means is that somebody has to sign for it to acknowledge receipt.
You will get many different opinions for this question. You will need to sort thru them and find what works for you. I like Priority mail and Priority mail Flat Rate. The post office will mail you the boxes for free and if you ”Clip and Ship” your own labels, the U.S.Post Office will pick the packages up from your place and ship them out instead of you having to run down to the post office. You can read all about the particulars here- U.S. Post Office. If I am shipping out a single coin, I put it in either a cardboard 2x2 or a very small 2x2 “zip-lock” type baggie, wrap that in bubble wrap, and finally place it in the shipping box with either shredded newspaper or crumpled up newspaper. DO NOT LET THE COINS RUB UP AGAINST EACH OTHER! Also, not only should you not hear coins rattling around when you shake the box, you should hear nothing. The same principle applies to any number of coins. If I ship bulk, they all go in what ever appropriate sized “zip-lock”, tape the bag tightly onto itself, wrap in bubble wrap…etc,etc. It may sound like a pain, by customers really appreciate receiving their coins in very secure condition. You also have the option of insurance and package tracking. Priority Mail International shipping is automatically insured up to a certain amount but as far as package tracking is some countries….forget about it. I do not like the small bubble wrap envelopes; there small size worries me about getting misplaced too easily. If you are going to use them, I would suggest the 8x11 inch size (or there abouts.) I hope this helps.
The most important thing is to insure anything that has some value Security is key when you’re sending valuables through the mail. Whether you are sending jewelry, antiques or just expensive clothing, getting insurance provides that security. Insure your package only for what its contents are worth; you’re only covered for the actual value at the time and place of mailing. Fee . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Coverage $1.65 ................ $0.01 to $50 $2.05 ................ $50.01 to $100 $2.45 ................ $100.01 to $200 $4.60 ................ $200.01 to $300 $5.50 ................ $300.01 to $400 $6.40 ................ $400.01 to $500 $7.30……………$500.01 to $600 $7.30 plus $0.90 per $100 or fraction thereof over $600 to $5,000. 2. For real high valued stuff you got to go Registered mail Items you send with Registered Mail are placed under tight security from the point of mailing to the point of delivery, and insured up to $25,000 against loss or damage. And you can verify the date and time of delivery and the delivery attempts online Another option is express mail Fee, in addition to postage and other fees: Express Mail Insurance (Amount for Merchandise Insurance Coverage Desired) $0.01 to $100.00 $0.00 100.01 to 200.00 0.75 200.01 to 500.00 2.10 500.01 to 5,000.00 $2.10 plus $1.35 for each $500 or fraction thereof over $500 Without Insurance your blank out of luck Tracking number only lets you know if they got the box
