I'm really torn about getting subscriptions from the mint for the Silver Proof sets and commems. There are several reasons why, but the big ones for me are, I think the premiums are beyond ridiculous, and the less direct dealings with any branch of the government the better. I realize that some of the items I buy I'm paying a little more than what they sell them for as original issues, but many I've paid a lot less than their pricing. I've also noticed a lot of posts about getting 2nd rate merchandise and I'm not interested in paying for postage on returns and any other additional costs. Can somebody talk me into or out of this??? Please???
I agree that the premiums are excessive Mike and I too am holding off. I bought the silver state quarters as gifts for my nephews for 11 years but I'm done and I'm not starting the national parks series. From reading your other threads I'd say you've got good judgement and taste and I recommend you continue to trust yourself. Those mint sets are going to continue to be available in the aftermarket for eternity if you later feel that you missed something.
I'll pay up if I have to, or if I really want something. I just don't get the $780 for the 1st spouse, or $33 for the silver ATB set??? Where do they come up with this?
People have a tendency to "rant" when things go bad, but hardly utter a word when things go right, so what you normally here on chat boards is all the bad dealings. If they (US Mint/contract handlers) were really is bad as claimed there would be few direct sales. The one thing in your favor with buying off the secondary market is you have your choice and not have to be committed to only what you've ordered and have been sent. It's a balance that can or cannot go in your favor, take a chance and do a direct order and see what you get, you might be surprised. Happy Collecting
I can see the truth in this. One unhappy or dissatisfied customer on average will tell 18 people of a bad experience. One customer that had an exceptional experience will tell .7 people. (I'm not sure if I know any one-seventh of a person people) One general question I want to ask, is it worth it to go the subscription route, or just buy what the offer when it comes out? Not that I'm going to do either, just looking for advice.
The consensus seems to be you receive your order faster via placing the order the first day of release, rather than having a subscription.
You can same money on postage if you group your purchases together instead of having individual subscriptions. BTW: I have ordered from the Mint for years and have never received a poor quality product and have never had to return an item. TC
Ive only just begun ordering from the mint, and so far everything Ive recieved has been top shelf. Of course Im a novice so I could be missing things. But so far Ive been more than satisfied. Even ordering pieces long after theyve been listed, Ive still been pleased with the items.
This is just my opinion, but I think dealer pricing below Mint cost has a lot to do with what they get back ungraded from their bulk submissions. Chris
I too have been ordering from the Mint for many years and have subscriptions. Never been disatisfied .
That's been my experience too. The only way I buy mint products in the secondary market is if they're still in the sealed box (i.e. not cherry picked for the higher grades). I do prefer ordering from the mint because, most of the time, I'm able to return a product, if it's poor quality, until I get what I feel is a higher grade coin.
The real kicker for my subscription is paying once for shipping the uncirulated mint sets and then paying again for the proof sets a week later. Why can't the US Mint offer both sets at the same time. It's not like these sets will sell out any time soon.
it's a money maker for them and i would do the same. They are a business trying to make a living too and I probably do the same thing. I will still keep buying sets from the mint cause they are still lower priced then any dealer I have seen.
People "rant" because they're not supposed to receive a damaged product; they pay a premium for a premium product. I understand that "mistakes happen", but they're not "suppose to"...and the Mint seems to be making an increasing number of these "mistakes" lately. :rolling: ...and, yes, Mint sales have declined over the past few years...although that's likely more due to the rise in PM prices than anything else. It's like the Crack Dealer says when someone complains about his product... "They'll be back...where are they gonna go?" :kewl:
A subscription for a mint product is a convenience and nothing more. You order a subscription for a certain product and you don't have to think about it ever again. The mint sends it on to you whenever the product is released. I've got several. I know I pay more (extra shipping) but I like the program and will continue to utilize it. Onecoinponey mentioned that ordering "first day" seems to get the product to your doorstep earlier but thats never been the case with me. My subscriptions always arrive in a timely manner. In fact, I receive an e-mail a few days prior to the release of a particular product informing me that my order commitment will be fulfilled.
ATB Quarters destined to be classics. The designs are destined to be larger than life. Once the oversized bullion are seen, then the smaller quarters will be sought. The first two are lovely, I think. I will buy often. High grade sets in five years will be VERY costly. A complete set of 70, phwew. A matching bullion complete set to complement it: College tuition for a grandkid.
This has been my experience also. With the subscriptions it reminder me they are now available instead of me trying to remember dates.
