My first (and only!) experience of sending coins through the post was when I sent 2 to a friend in the USA. I panicked and bought too big an envelope, and then I went to the Post Office to mail it from there. Let’s just say I nearly spent £9, which I was a bit flummoxed about, but thought it was normal.
The Post Office worker asked what was inside, which froze me in my tracks. I had no idea they asked (at least, not for a flat envelope like mine) so I panicked and blurted out it was just a card (which was partially true because sometimes I do enjoy writing a message as well when swapping) Some sixth sense told me I shouldn’t have mentioned coins, so I just kept that hush-hush.
I should have done more research, but there we go ?
Then, I read online that apparently I could send envelopes to basically any country in the world by just dropping them in a postbox? Particular information was hard to find though: some people claimed you could use First Class and Second Class stamps to send to Europe + Worldwide, others were saying you can’t, and you have to use specific stamps instead. So it was very confusing to get a definitive answer.
So I came here hoping to get some info from some experienced swappers from the UK. Could I use normal 1st/2nd Class stamps? And then I can just drop the envelope in a postbox? Do I HAVE to put an ‘Airmail’ sticker on, or it can go without?
Or is it a completely different way?
Any info would be more than appreciated, thank you! ?
The trouble with puting items in the postbox, is weight. If you put something in that is slightly heavier than what you postage stamp is worth, the recipient will have to pay a surcharge, which is a lot greater than if you obtained the correct postage in the beginning.
I always take ALL my packages to my local post office, where it is weighed and they then give me my options, whether it be first/second class, or small/large packet.
When sending overseas, I always add an 'airmail' sticker. Again this will be weighed and postal options given.
I used to always state that 'collectables' were in the package, but now they know me well enough, they already know it's coins, and I have never been refused.
I put 'collectables ' onto any customs form, which has to be attached to the reverse of the package, when sending outside of Europe.
Due to high postal costs, I try and make the exchange as big as possible. Explain this situation to your swap partner, and I am sure they will agree, as they may also have a similar problem their end.
Quote: "COINMAN1"The trouble with puting items in the postbox, is weight. If you put something in that is slightly heavier than what you postage stamp is worth, the recipient will have to pay a surcharge, which is a lot greater than if you obtained the correct postage in the beginning.
I always take ALL my packages to my local post office, where it is weighed and they then give me my options, whether it be first/second class, or small/large packet.
When sending overseas, I always add an 'airmail' sticker. Again this will be weighed and postal options given.
I used to always state that 'collectables' were in the package, but now they know me well enough, they already know it's coins, and I have never been refused.
I put 'collectables ' onto any customs form, which has to be attached to the reverse of the package, when sending outside of Europe.
Due to high postal costs, I try and make the exchange as big as possible. Explain this situation to your swap partner, and I am sure they will agree, as they may also have a similar problem their end.
You also have to think about thickness, as some padded envelope will not pass through their slot calibration sheet, so the postage will be different..
I always just take it to the post office as it is much easier.
Geoff
