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 Replies: 13 / Views: 3,750 |
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Valued Member
United States
381 Posts |
My only experience with selling on ebay is when I sold some of my silver half dollars. I sold single coins and shipped them in 4x6 bubble wrapped mailers. I'm now ready to sell rolls of coins and I don't know the best way to calculate my shipping costs. I have searched past Forum posts and found out that a roll of nickels weighs about 7 ounces. Using the information from the coin facts page of the Forum, I have calculated the approximate weight of selected rolls of coins. Nickels: ("V". Buffalo, Jefferson, and "War") 1 Roll 7.05oz Kennedy half dollars: 1 Roll 90% 8.82oz 1 Roll 40% 8.11oz 1 Roll Clad 7.97oz Eisenhower dollar1 Roll $20 16.01oz I am wondering what is the best way to ship 2 rolls of nickels or 1 roll of half dollars? I cannot seem to find out the weight limit for a bubble mailer. I understand that if I am shipping more than 2 rolls of coins it should ship in a small flat rate box. Also, any rolls of Eisenhower dollars will need to ship in a flat rate box as well. I'm trying to avoid charging or paying for more shipping than necessary. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1195 Posts |
handy comparison tool for postage: http://postcalc.usps.com/Edit: Playing around with it, using my house to New Jersey, it looks like 13.5 oz is the threshhold for what amounts to "use a small flat rate box instead of first class mail" lately I've been splurging the 85 cents for delivery confirmation. Edited by argentum
12/30/2012 02:43 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3276 Posts |
13 ounces or less can ship in a bubble mailer as first class mail. That'll cost somewhere around $2. So you could ship a roll of half dollars like that. Not too familiar with other shipping methods. I'm sure the pros will come in. But I only ship first class under 13 ounces, then I move to the small flat rate box if it is more than 13 ounces.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
My biggest recommendation for shipping and ebay is ALWAYS use delivery confirmation or tracking. If you print the labels from ebay delivery confirmation is usually free or real cheap if not remember to calculate that into the cost for your shipping as to whether or not to use a flat rate box. Theres another option you can use too, from the USPS store you can order free small flat rate envelopes that are only 4.90 to ship. The kennedy rolls will probably be too fat but the smaller rolls you can easily get more than 1 in there if you stack them and just put a piece of cardboard on each side to pad it. |
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Valued Member
 United States
381 Posts |
Thanks everyone.
With 13oz being the limit, it looks like I can only ship 1 roll of nickels in a bubble mailer. Everything will need to be shipped in a flat rate box or envelope.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36744 Posts |
I'd use the small flat rate priority mail box from the post office (no cost for the box) and use bubble wrap so that they don't move around during shipping. I have used this method many times with no problems.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4212 Posts |
What IGE said, especially if they're nicer coins.
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New Member
Portugal
8 Posts |
I'm a huge fan of USPS Flat Rate Boxes for a number of reasons:
1. My sense is that it's much harder for the Postal Service to lose a box than an envelope.
2. Since weight is not an issue, there's no temptation to cut corners on padding, etc.
3. For on-line sellers, you can charge a flat rate for shipping the first item. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. item ship for free.
4. Pay on line through USPS.com and get a discount + free delivery confirmation.
5. 2 business day delivery (or less).
6. Boxes are free (while padded envelopes at an office supply store are often a rip-off).
HINT 1: Small flat rate boxes when loaded with coins can pop open when handled roughly in shipping. Don't trust the self adhesive flap or the tabs on the sides. A couple pieces of clear packing tape can save your bacon, especially if the box gets crushed in transit.
HINT 2: Use a Flat Rate BOX. Don't use the Flat Rate ENVELOPES. Even though the cardboard envelopes look rugged, they get shredded when loaded with coins or bulky items. Since the postage is the same either way, why take a chance?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36744 Posts |
KenM brought up a good point, Always use heavy duty packing tape on all flat rate boxes around the corners and where the lid closes to make sure nothing will open unless it is intentional.
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Valued Member
United States
381 Posts |
Well thought out KenM. Thanks. I also use Flat Rate Boxes when shipping anything of value. Say, over $20 to $25. My Brother advised me on how to tape it to keep it secure. Since my company buys the tape, I'm not shy on really taping up a box if necessary. I've seen my Brother load a small box full of pennies and not have any problems with it.
How do you feel about using a Flat Rate Envelope for shipping a empty coin album? It will not fit in a small Flat Rate Box.
My main problem is shipping just a couple rolls of nickels or halves. I don't want to unnecessarily charge or pay for a Flat Rate Box if I can ship them in a bubble mailer and stay under the weight limit. The nickels and halves aren't worth much over face value. If I have to ship 2 rolls in a Flat Rate Box, I'm afraid it will be cost prohibitive.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
How do you feel about using a Flat Rate Envelope for shipping a empty coin album? It will not fit in a small Flat Rate Box. For albums use the padded flat rate envelopes. You have to order those online from the post office which are still free and delivered for free. |
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Valued Member
United States
381 Posts |
Thanks basebal21. I didn't know they had padded envelopes. I just ordered some.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
They seem to have a few useful flat rate things on there that for whatever reason they carry inside post offices
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Valued Member
United States
416 Posts |
just a caution...the lowest cost for a flat rate box is still higher than regular priority rates. In your case needing to send rolls of coins you may benefit from flat rate but if you don't have a weight concern send it" regular" priority. there is also a discount for printing your own postage label and you get free delivery confirmation when paying online
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Replies: 13 / Views: 3,750 |
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Posted 12/30/2012 03:47 am
