Requesting Better Shipping Methods From An Auction House. Tips?

[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.

[BeanTown]

Many times, I’ve asked the AH to ship the cheapest way possible which they do and have lowered my shipping cost. I’ve complained about this for years, but every time I hear an AH saying they are charging me actual cost with insurance I just laugh. They are passing on absorbent costs from the shippers (fedex, ups, usps). All legit AHs need to have a third party private insurance policy where everything ships air delivery w/adult signature.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by BeanTown

Many times, I’ve asked the AH to ship the cheapest way possible which they do and have lowered my shipping cost. I’ve complained about this for years, but every time I hear an AH saying they are charging me actual cost with insurance I just laugh. They are passing on absorbent costs from the shippers (fedex, ups, usps). All legit AHs need to have a third party private insurance policy where everything ships air delivery w/adult signature.

I would guess most companies DO have third party insurance. Ours costs us well over 5 figures annually. We pass that cost on in our shipping at a VERY reduced rate over what your would pay for coverage from USPS, UPS or FED EX, that likely wouldn't even work if you tried to file a claim.

The idea that auction companies should do everything for free never gets old...

[sycks22]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

I would guess most companies DO have third party insurance. Ours costs us well over 5 figures annually. We pass that cost on in our shipping at a VERY reduced rate over what your would pay for coverage from USPS, UPS or FED EX, that likely wouldn't even work if you tried to file a claim.

The idea that auction companies should do everything for free never gets old...

Not saying you're wrong, but let's just say you spend 10k-15k in insurance per year. I can guarantee most auction houses aren't only charging 10k-15k per year to their customers. I'm saying if a larger auction house had 1000 lots and some winners are paying $100-$300 for insurance per invoice that's well over 10k/year and also most larger auction house have 2-5 huge auctions a year.