Hello again everyone - I was thinking of trying to sell some of my coins online (here or elsewhere) but I'm guessing people would want them packaged somehow . That may sound like an obvious thing but really, I don't know what to do to get my coins ready for shipping. Are there specific kinds of coin holders I should use, or other supplies I'd need to do that? Or has this question already been asked and answered somewhere else here? - in which case feel free to redirect me. Thanks! Meg
Thank you, that was helpful. I was already thinking about using padded (bubble) envelopes; I've used them for other things and really like them. I just didn't know what to put the coin in before it went in the padded envelope, and it looks like people are using different things - some of which I think I can do. Some of the envelope terms are confusing me, though. What is an "000"? When I try to search for that I just get standard envelope sites. Also, some of the Kennedy halves I found were in little transparent - I would call it "glassine" - envelopes. They seemed to be fairly protective, because those Kennedies were in really good shape, but I don't think they'd be very sturdy for shipping. The idea of using something stiffer, like poster board or even cardboard, around the coin is appealing. But will it damage the coin, even for the short time it would be in it (for shipping)? Would I need to look for something non-acidic, like the scrapbookers use? Meg
000 is a 4" x 8" padded mailer, like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-000-4x8-KRAFT-BUBBLE-MAILER-PADDED-ENVELOPES-/280831723941?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D290737086865%26ps%3D54 Put the coin in a "flip" before placing in the envelope: http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/products/coin-flips/ You may add a stiff piece of cardboard to insure rigidity, and secure the flip to the cardboard to keep it from moving around.
One type of security item very commonly used these days - particularly to send slabs - is a Safe-T-Mailer. It's a piece of corrugated cardboard with a Post-It Note-type of glue on one side. Once folded, the item is held securely and it's hard to identify from outside the envelope. Their website: http://www.safetmailer.com
I can tell you I have gotten coins just wrapped in some paper and wasn't to thrilled with it especially if I didn't pay a couple bucks for it. One coin did come in a 2X2 and the seller did seem more professional.
I've received coins wrapped in paper too. Another seller delivered proof coins in Air-Tite coin holders. Repeat business can hinge on the quality of the delivery. Paper wrapped coins turned me off on dealing with that vendor again while the one with the Air-Tite holders is a guy I did repeated business with. A packaging trick Eagle Eye Rare Coins uses, other than a deceptive return address, is to mark the package "Fragile" and "Do Not Bend". Coins get stolen from the mail if they are too obvious so the more deceptive the better. Perhaps a return address from "Dottie's Party Supplies"?
Thank you, everyone. (Sorry to be late again, didn't get any notifications of any new messages.) Your feedback on what you *don't* like is especially helpful. If I do have to mail any of my coins I want them to be as secure as possible, but I've never tried to mail coins before, so your suggestions are much appreciated. Meg
To add to this thread, aside from the packaging, I'd suggest getting tracking and insurance on anything valuable. I usually do tracking on items over $15, add insurance on items over $50, and I do signature confirmation (which includes tracking) on items over $125 or so.
Yes, absolutely - great idea! Just wondering - I think I can probably print shipping labels from here, online; I did it with some eBay sales a couple of weeks ago but I think it's available elsewhere if I don't sell on eBay (I've listed the coins here first). Do those shipping labels say what's included, ie insurance amount, etc., that might give someone a clue as to the value of what's inside the envelope? Both of my eBay sales went with delivery confirmation but not any of the other services, so I don't know what the shipping label would show in those cases. I do remember being able to turn off the display of the postage amount... Meg
I'm not really sure, I always go to the post office. I don't think, however it should give any of that info on the label. Maybe, possibly, the insured amount, but I don't think so. Unless it's international, which in that case, will show the declared items inside and the value, and you write that info down. Which I hate. I bought a ring for my wife from Canada and on the outside of the package it said "Gold Ring" and the value. But it did arrive safely.
