Just sent a shipment out with a bubble package. For just a small 5 coin exchange it was 4 bucks.. Now I find out my shipment to the UK will be about 20 bucks for a 70 coin exchange not even worth 20 bucks. How do you handle shipping.
Ray Muniak Retired artist/sculptor . 79 years old. 4 children 10 grandchildren 2 great grandchildren. Also worked as a wood patternmaker (Foundry industry) for 27 years before becoming a full time artist.
I just send mine by normal mail and take my chances. Little cheaper. Yes, 70 coins are pretty heavy cost more. Have you looked into different methods in shipping? Here in Germany we several companies that's able to send packages. Find the cheapest for the weight and destination. Either way, postage ain't cheap.
I don't exchange less than ~20 coins (unless there's something that REALLY interests me) to make it worth. I can swap less to the US or within CAN as it is much cheaper.
At the same time I try to keep an eye on the weight of the package as, at least in Canada, to send internationally up to 200g is not that bad (11$) but over that the cost doubles. Sometimes it is better to break up the package in two. It is cheaper for me to send one 180gr + one 90 gr letter, than to send just one 270gr one.
By my account, if I get lets say 25 coins for 11$+the coins I'm sending I'm happy.
I have turned down many swaps because the cost per coin would be excessive, more than buying the coin at one of my local stores.
You'll have to learn when it makes sense and when it does not.
Cheers and happy swapping!
Alex.
I totally agree with us. Shipping from the US is unfortunately ridiculous expensive.
Forget about the bubble wrap. Although it's nice and easy for shipping it makes it far more expensive.
I only use regular letters, unregistered, without tracking. That works as long as you don't send expensive coins and a loss of the letter would be reasonable. I had many successful swaps internationally and never had any issues with the shipment.
A good method is to wrap the coins in some paper/aluminum foil and then put them in between some cardboard. This way I can send 20-25 coins (usually I don't go over 6oz for international swaps).
Swaps within the US are even cheaper in the range of $1-2.50.
At least in Finland and I believe in EU area too if you use registered mail, you get the tracking code and if your parcel is lost you get a compensation based on the weight of your parcel. This is from our mailing office's web site: "The maximum sum of compensation is the maximum compensation determined by weight in the applicable legislation, even in cases where the damage suffered is more extensive." Based on the weight the maximum compensation is approximately 30 eur.
Because registered mail costs me +12 eur and if the parcel is lost I get maximum 30 eur, that means I may lost every 3rd parcel without using registered mail. This is if I calculate expenses only but sometimes I use registered mail to see where my parcel is and to show I have mailed them. But registering does not cover the lost items and if they are extremely expensive you should insure them and that also cost more.
In Finland I can use priority mail, which is faster than regular mail and my parcel is on the same bag as all registered and insured mail is, so it is safer too.
Quote: "Limbru"I have turned down many swaps because the cost per coin would be excessive, more than buying the coin at one of my local stores.
In my country, there are various restrictions and customs might confiscate your whole collection. You won't find a store except in the capital city.
So, either we swap or buy from a collector (we'd rather avoid those shop owners who think of nothing but profit )
you have been very helpful. Thank you. Sorry about the guy from Tunisia.
Ray Muniak Retired artist/sculptor . 79 years old. 4 children 10 grandchildren 2 great grandchildren. Also worked as a wood patternmaker (Foundry industry) for 27 years before becoming a full time artist.
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