Requesting Better Shipping Methods From An Auction House. Tips?

[Prof]

I won a few lots of pre-war things from a small online auction house. I'll be all in for about $600, but I think the items are worth significantly more than what I paid... like, A LOT more. I got an absolute steal, and I want the stuff to be safe in transit.

I believe that they typically ship flat rate through the USPS.

Should I just let them do their thing? Or, should I call and request different/safer/faster shipping than just flat rate?

If so, what would you recommend as a shipping option for something high dollar? Should I do certified mail?

Appreciate any input.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Prof

I won a few lots of pre-war things from a small online auction house tonight. I'll be all in for about $600, but I think the items are worth significantly more than what I paid... like, A LOT more. I got an absolute steal, and I want the stuff to be safe in transit.

I believe that they typically ship flat rate through the USPS.

Should I just let them do their thing? Or, should I call and request different/safer/faster shipping than just flat rate?

If so, what would you recommend as a shipping option for something high dollar? Should I do certified mail?

Appreciate any input.

It never hurts to discuss with the auction house. Many use several types of shippers. However, their maybe extra cost involved.
And if you got some great prices CONGRATS

[Musashi]

I can't imagine that they wouldn't be willing to ship however you requested (and pass any additional cost onto you, obviously), and it doesn't hurt to ask. If safety is your prime concern, USPS registered mail is the safest option. Every person who touches the package in transit has to sign for it, so if it did go missing, the postal inspectors can go right to the last guy who had it. As a result, a) they don't go missing and b) it does take a little longer to get to you

[Rhotchkiss]

They may say no, or make you pay the difference (which is fair), but it can’t hurt ask.

[bnorth]

I will go the other way and say let the company that regularly ships as part of its business do its job without harassing them.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Request Registered Mail. Slow but safe.

[D. Bergin]

If I got something from an auction house that I knew was worth many times what I paid for it...I'd probably be very quiet about it, and hold my breath and assume I will get the package with as little fanfare as possible.

However, not knowing what their shipping practices are, it can't hurt to send them a polite note asking them to pack as securely as possible, as this is a very important package to you.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

If I got something from an auction house that I knew was worth many times what I paid for it...I'd probably be very quiet about it, and hold my breath and assume I will get the package with as little fanfare as possible.

However, not knowing what their shipping practices are, it can't hurt to send them a polite note asking them to pack as securely as possible, as this is a very important package to you.

Not really seeing how requesting a different method of shipment would raise any eyebrows. He did pay $600, not $6.

[toledo_mudhen]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I will go the other way and say let the company that regularly ships as part of its business do its job without harassing them.

+1

Yep - I agree

They been doin shipping for a long time and Im guessin that the vast majority of their items arrive safe and on time.

[packs]

Asking for signature confirmation is an inexpensive way to ensure you receive your items.

I recently had an issue with an AH not requiring signature confirmation on my item. The item was left outside and stolen. Very frustrating.

[Bcwcardz]

I’d just let ‘em ship it the way they regularly do. What is the item?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sycks22]

I have a smaller auction house try and charge $160 to ship my 1 card I won. I told them to waive insurance (I always do) and they refused. I told them I'd send a return label and they literally just slap it on a box. They did and it cost $17.

[MikeGarcia]

Originally Posted by sycks22

I have a smaller auction house try and charge $160 to ship my 1 card I won. I told them to waive insurance (I always do) and they refused. I told them I'd send a return label and they literally just slap it on a box. They did and it cost $17.

. $160.00 to ship one card . No. That is an error .?? If , however , what you're saying is the truth , then perhaps you could give the other members on here the name of your " smaller auction house " so that no other members in here get such treatment .. . Just the initials would be enough , so as not to cause any legal problems. We all thank you .,

..

[sycks22]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

. $160.00 to ship one card . No. That is an error .?? If , however , what you're saying is the truth , then perhaps you could give the other members on here the name of your " smaller auction house " so that no other members in here get such treatment .. . Just the initials would be enough , so as not to cause any legal problems. We all thank you .,

..

I don't want to call out of the AH, but needless to say I'll spend my money elsewhere. I've told people for years that most ahs have to be taking money off of the top with insurance charges. Even when the invoice is in the 5 figures the auction house doesn't take out insurance on every individual package, they have a blanket coverage for everything sent out. It has to cost them 5% of what they charge. I have a 3rd party insurance company that cost me $600/year to cover everything I send out up to 20k / package.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by MikeGarcia

. $160.00 to ship one card . No. That is an error .?? If , however , what you're saying is the truth , then perhaps you could give the other members on here the name of your " smaller auction house " so that no other members in here get such treatment .. . Just the initials would be enough , so as not to cause any legal problems. We all thank you .,

..

Buy a $50,000 card from me and see what you get charged. Everything has a reason, you're not always getting ripped off. Of course I don't know the details in this case, but it's not impossible that it was a fair price.

[Jewish-collector]

Originally Posted by Prof

I'll be all in for about $600, but I think the items are worth significantly more than what I paid... like, A LOT more. I got an absolute steal, and I want the stuff to be safe in transit.

Define "more than you paid, LOT more, absolute steal". Is it worth $1000 ? $6000 ? $20,000 ? $200,000 ?

[RCMcKenzie]

If it's a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, I would fly in and tell them I happened to be in the neighborhood and pick it up.

If it's a Mike Trout, I would let them just ship it instead of trying to explain rBat and wrc+ to the lady.

[Eric72]

Asking them to ship via Registered Mail: sure, I'd ask.

Telling them the package is special and asking them to package carefully: again, sure.

Not sure if I'd ask them to insure it for some staggering sum, though. If you were the only one who noticed a high-value item slip beneath the radar, it might be best to keep that bit of info to yourself until the item is in hand.

[Prof]

Sorry for the vagueness of my original post. I'm trying not to jinx myself or count my chickens before they hatch.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by Prof

Sorry for the vagueness of my original post. I'm trying not to jinx myself or count my chickens before they hatch.

[Removed]

At that big of a steal, don't message them and possibly make anyone take a second look at what they're selling for $600. And don't post this much detail before someone traces it to the auction and tries something lol. Just be patient and celebrate when it arrives

[Prof]

Noted.

Yeah, that's why I don't know how to handle the situation. The more attention brought to it, the more likely something gets sketchy. But damn, I've been stressing about it for a few weeks already, and now I will be until I have the stuff in my possession.

Ideally, I'd fly or drive to pick the stuff up. Just not feasible for me right now.

[jjbond]

Originally Posted by Prof

Sorry for the vagueness of my original post. I'm trying not to jinx myself or count my chickens before they hatch.

Please share pics of your chickens when they arrive.