Requesting Better Shipping Methods From An Auction House. Tips?

[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.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

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

There's not really a lot of details in the original post, so I have no idea what would raise eyebrows.

Should he ask them to insure $600 worth of winnings for $25,000? Don't know. Have no idea what he won.

[markf31]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

There's not really a lot of details in the original post, so I have no idea what would raise eyebrows.

Should he ask them to insure $600 worth of winnings for $25,000? Don't know. Have no idea what he won.

For postal insurance, coverage is limited to the actual value of the contents regardless of the fee paid. The only proof of the actual value would be the bill of sale from the auction house, the actual purchase price. They are also pretty specific regarding their reimbursement policy when it comes to collectibles and artwork.

As others have mentioned, registered mail would be the safest.

[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.

[jjbond]

Originally Posted by 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.

My fedex guy just leaves packages on the doorstep that should have needed a signature. Maybe he signs for me......

[Prof]

Spoke with the auction house today. I asked about their normal process, then agreed with that- to not cause a fuss or extra attention.

I did make sure to request a box for extra protection, just in case they were going to do an envelope/mailer.

Tracking info will be provided by them.

I am on very good terms with my USPS worker, and I'm home when they deliver.

I'll just park myself outside in a lawn chair when the day comes.

I will share an update in ~2 weeks.