Advice for Shipping High Value Card

[Fred]

Interesting topic - so... how much does it cost to insure a $25K card for shipment (please include the insurance cost of the carrier and private insurance premiums)? Lets stick with a private collector selling on ebay. What about a $100K and $1M card?

Things have gone rather crazy lately. An assumption is that some of these auction houses self-insure to reduce the cost. Is that a good assumption?

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Fred

Interesting topic - so... how much does it cost to insure a $25K card for shipment (please include the insurance cost of the carrier and private insurance premiums)? Lets stick with a private collector selling on ebay. What about a $100K and $1M card?

Things have gone rather crazy lately. An assumption is that some of these auction houses self-insure to reduce the cost. Is that a good assumption?

If I recall correctly, it is about 1% of the declared value.

[glchen]

I’ll add my two cents here. I’ve shipped a number of packages over 10k, and I personally believe in speed. That is, I’d go for overnight or even two day shipping rather than registered. You’ll know in 1-2 days whether your package arrived safely rather than to constantly check tracking. Of course make sure your item is very well packaged so even if it were ran over by a car, the card would still be safe and sound. And use a pre-printed shipping label rather than handwriting one so there’s no chance the shipper can’t read your handwriting. Good luck!

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by glchen

I’ll add my two cents here. I’ve shipped a number of packages over 10k, and I personally believe in speed. That is, I’d go for overnight or even two day shipping rather than registered. You’ll know in 1-2 days whether your package arrived safely rather than to constantly check tracking. Of course make sure your item is very well packaged so even if it were ran over by a car, the card would still be safe and sound. And use a pre-printed shipping label rather than handwriting one so there’s no chance the shipper can’t read your handwriting. Good luck!

IMO, the less time a carrier has your item, the less chance for them to lose or damage it, Overnight with private insurance is the way to go.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by glchen

I’ll add my two cents here. I’ve shipped a number of packages over 10k, and I personally believe in speed. That is, I’d go for overnight or even two day shipping rather than registered. You’ll know in 1-2 days whether your package arrived safely rather than to constantly check tracking. Of course make sure your item is very well packaged so even if it were ran over by a car, the card would still be safe and sound. And use a pre-printed shipping label rather than handwriting one so there’s no chance the shipper can’t read your handwriting. Good luck!

I sent a package to a fellow member using 2 day last week, it still isn't there.
They all seems to be hit and miss.

[Snapolit1]

Everything has a risk

I sent a very expensive card to an AH this year by fed ex. Next morning delivery. Held my breathe. Set up tracking.

AH had in hand by 11 next day

I agree with what someone said above. The less time in transit the better. The idea of 37 USPS employees laying their hands on my package and passing it around like a hot potato for 3 weeks scares the jejeezus out of me. And then one guy is on vacation and it sits for 3 days. Nope. Get it over with quickly. Like ripping off a band aid.

[notfast]

USPS Express and a third party insurance plan.

If you don’t have that plan, buy a plane ticket and exchange in the airport bar.

[trambo]

Originally Posted by Fred

Interesting topic - so... how much does it cost to insure a $25K card for shipment (please include the insurance cost of the carrier and private insurance premiums)? Lets stick with a private collector selling on ebay. What about a $100K and $1M card?

Things have gone rather crazy lately. An assumption is that some of these auction houses self-insure to reduce the cost. Is that a good assumption?

I do registered for anything over $5k. For pricing reference, I sent a package that way about 3 weeks ago for $16k in declared (insured) value and it was around $55 to ship. Sure it took about 5-6 days longer than a normal package but I wasn’t worried about it being lost. I make sure the other party knows I’m shipping that way and to be prepared for the few extra days.