Advice for Shipping High Value Card

[Brianruns10]

Hey All,

So I find myself in a rather unprecedented situation. I've sold plenty of cards in the past, but they all were under $5000, and the shipping logistics fairly straightforward and without concern.

Well, I've decided to sell my '52 Mays PSA 6, and based on past sales, I think there's a good chance it will sell for more than $25K. I have absolutely no experience with a sale of this size. Honestly, I'm a little freaked just by the idea of taking it in and having to declare a value!

I'm wondering if any of you have advice for me as far as the most secure shipping methods? Do any of the big 3 shippers offer a service especially for very high dollar items? The closest I can think of is USPS registered mail, but USPS is pretty dodgy these days, so I'm wondering if Fedex or UPS offer similar or better?

Any advice would be deeply appreciated. Thanks all!

[bnorth]

USPS registered mail. Just be prepared because sometimes it takes a very long time to get there.

[bobbyw8469]

FedEx and UPS don't value collectibles that high. It is in their fine print. For that reason, I would NOT use them. Sure, they would SELL you the insurance. But try to collect if something goes South.

[Brianruns10]

Originally Posted by bnorth

USPS registered mail. Just be prepared because sometimes it takes a very long time to get there.

Yeah I think this may be the route I have to go. It looks like they insure for up to $50,000, if I'm not mistaken? My card won't exceed that, I know that much, but I have no idea what it might actually sell for. It's insurance that I suppose is the greatest concern.

[conor912]

As Ben said, be prepared, and make sure the buyer knows, that it will take a while....possibly a couple weeks or longer. Registered mail has an insane chain of custody log so it’s as safe as anything, but the wait can be tortuous.

[bks14sr]

Insure your cards prior to shipment (if you haven’t already) and then ship either registered USPS or Fedex express. Shipping companies only insure to a specific amount, but your personal policy picks up the delta. Regarding registered mail, as others have mentioned, it’s painfully slow. Just shipped something registered last week. The shipment was from west coast FL to east coast FL, took 4 days.

[AGuinness]

There's another thread about insurance on a collection, which may cover items in transit. If you have insurance, that might take care of things. If you don't, perhaps reaching out to see your options, such as even a policy to just cover this one item in transit, may be worthwhile.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by bks14sr

Insure your cards prior to shipment (if you haven’t already) and then ship either registered USPS or Fedex express. Shipping companies only insure to a specific amount, but your personal policy picks up the delta. Regarding registered mail, as others have mentioned, it’s painfully slow. Just shipped something registered last week. The shipment was from west coast FL to east coast FL, took 4 days.

FedEx doesn't insure collectibles. Please don't pass along bad info.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by bnorth

USPS registered mail. Just be prepared because sometimes it takes a very long time to get there.

Registered is the ONLY way to go. Deal with the "extra" time to get there, but sleep well.

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

FedEx doesn't insure collectibles. Please don't pass along bad info.

ABSOLUTLEY - DO NOT USE FEDEX!!!! THEY WILL ONLY PAY OUT UP TO $1K FOR COLLECTIBLES.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

FedEx doesn't insure collectibles. Please don't pass along bad info.

He was not passing bad info. He clearly stated your personal insurance would cover the rest. That is if you have collectors insurance, he also stated to get it first if you don't already have it.

[Brianruns10]

Thanks for the great advice all! I'm going to go with Registered mail and get insurance. Plus I've already contacted my insurance agent and I'm arranging to get the card insured through transit, so I'll be doubly covered. It wound up being very straightforward to set up, thanks to all your helpful words. I can rest easy now.

Much appreciated. Have a terrific weekend everyone!

[bks14sr]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

FedEx doesn't insure collectibles. Please don't pass along bad info.

Read my post again. Insure privately. My insurance company, Collectibles Insurance, recommends both USPS specific services (registered and express) and Fedex specific services. I don’t care what a shipping companies insurance limits are, as I insure myself, and the private policy pays the difference. So, stop spreading ignorant info yourself.

[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?

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

FedEx doesn't insure collectibles. Please don't pass along bad info.

Right, was sending some high $ Items to an auction house, FedEx no insurance.

[Johnny630]

Drive There Fly There Take A Train anything but shipping it!!!

I had all three major US Carriers do one or more of the following over the past two years losing a package, damage to item, and or stolen.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

Drive There Fly There Take A Train anything but shipping it!!!

I had all three major US Carriers do one or more of the following over the past two years losing a package, damage to item, and or stolen.

Depending on shipping price it could be worth it. Heck it could even be a nice small vacation.

[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.