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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,586 |
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Valued Member
Canada
300 Posts |
I hope this is the appropriate section for this. If not, perhaps the moderators could advise me? I just purchased four coins from an ebay seller, three were winning auctions, and the other was a buy now. I sent a message to the seller, inquiring if they could be combined. Their stated policy was up to three coins at the "economy" postage rate, but I wanted to have them sent by registered mail, which the seller does offer on his/her ebay page. I received an invoice the next day, combining the four coins, but still at the economy rate, rather than registered, as I'd requested. I sent a second message, but have yet to hear anything in response. If I hear nothing, what are my options? I really don't want them sent by economy rate--the combined value is over $100.00 and so I really want some kind of protection. I'm still fairly new to buying on ebay and so am wondering what to do. Rob |
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Valued Member
United States
292 Posts |
Registered is pricey and requires a trip to the PO, standing in line, etc. While the seller can print and pay standard postage right at home through PayPal, and have his mail carrier pick it up or drop it in a collection box. As a seller, I would not want to do that if I had not offered it as an option.
Why don't you request and buy insurace?
Actually special handling should have been cleared with the seller before bidding.
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Valued Member
 Canada
300 Posts |
Harold, I think you misinterpreted some of what I said. The seller *does* offer registered mail as an option on the items. So this hardly qualifies as "special handling".
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Well, the seller offered Registered as a shipping option, so it must be assumed that he's ready to accept the extra workload. I'd remain patient, Ravenzcoin; something else might have held up his reply. Keep in mind, you and the seller both know he's unprotected by Economy shipping. If you want Registered, it's in his best interest to give it to you.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
If the value is close to around or with in spitting distance of it I honestly wouldnt go the registered route. Like dave mentioned if they get lost or stolen its not your problem, ebay will pay for your loss and you wont lose any money. Also mail does get lost but not that often especially when it has tracking. At most I would go with priority mail. Finally and this is most important to me, the added cost of registered is expensive. If you go that route youre paying around 10% of the items value in shipping. If you order 10 times and nothing gets lost you would have been able to make an 11th order for the added cost of shipping. Plus its not your responsibility anyway when you buy off ebay. That said if he offered it he offered it give him some time especially since its friday. Some sellers are businesses and dont check it over the weekend. Edited by basebal21
04/13/2013 04:53 am
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Valued Member
Canada
300 Posts |
Thanks SsuperDdave & Basebal21, all these are good points,and I have to admit I'm the sort of guy who always expects the worst. One thing I maybe should mention, since all of you who have answered are U.S. based, is things aren't necessarily the same in Canada (where both the seller & I are from). The seller's stated cost was $15.00 for registered mail. That doesn't seem too much more to me to deal with. As to waiting for the weekend to be over with, the ebay auction ended on Wednesday evening and the invoice arrived first thing Thursday morning. I'm certainly willing to wait until the weekend is over, but since the first response was prompt, it does make me wonder. (Note to self, keep repeating Dave's words "be patient".) Oh, one other difference. In the U.S. a postal carrier will pick up a parcel from your door, as I was surprised to learn a few years ago, but in Canada a seller must go to either a post office or at least a mail box, whether regular or other delivery--no way will Canada Post pick up letters or parcels! So in this regard, registered/insured mail is not more work for a seller. Rob |
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Valued Member
United States
292 Posts |
Quote:
Harold, I think you misinterpreted some of what I said. The seller *does* offer registered mail as an option on the items. So this hardly qualifies as "special handling". So sorry. I missed that you were both in Canada. |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
I have to admit I'm the sort of guy who always expects the worst Bad stuff does happen but in general for ebay purchases I wouldnt worry about it. The only think you need to be be worried about for shipping is how fast you want to get it to you. If it gets lost or stolen your covered and its in no way shape or form your problem when buying on ebay. The only exception I would say to this is if you find a coin that cant be replaced that are really hard to find (and pricey) insisting on express mail or something like that would make sense. Even then though the chance of something happening is really small. I'm not familiar with Canadian mail but I assume theyre competent at what they do |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1795 Posts |
I have used the postal service for many years and have sent many purchases 3 to 400 dollars through regular mail many times. ebay will refund your money if you don't get your coins; and of all of the times only twice did I not get my coins and I would say probably in a 10 - 12 year period. Life is too short to worry. You will be fine. |
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Valued Member
Canada
300 Posts |
Thanks to everyone for your words of support & encouragement. Just an update for anyone interested. The seller sent me an invoice including the registration cost in the very early hours of Monday morning (the 15th) and I paid him immediately and the system tells me it has been shipped. In fact, the seller has already left me positive feedback, which is kinda nice, since the vast majority of sellers I've dealt with wait for me to give them feedback first before they give it. Nice way to start the week!
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
I'm quite pleased to hear this. Patience is always rewarded, one way or another.  |
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Valued Member
Canada
300 Posts |
And it arrived in today's mail! I find that amazing for Canada Post.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,586 |
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Posted 04/13/2013 02:15 am
