Mailing Coins Using Ebay Standard Envelopes

[cafecurios]

I purchased cardboard document mailers to ship souvenir coins via USPS.  The mailers (with coins inserted) seem to meet all the width-length-thickness and weight criteria required to use the "Ebay Standard Envelope"-- which specifically lists coins as an acceptable shipping item.  Except.  Ebay's instructions go on to say the thickness of the envelope must be uniform and the envelope must be flexible for machine sorting.  So someone tell me... how the hell can an envelope with a coin in a plastic sleeve ever be uniform in thickness... and how can a coin be flexible?  In searching through the community threads, I'm seeing lots of warnings about this contradictory message from Ebay, including sellers having their envelopes returned for insufficient postage.  There seems to be no clear consensus on this topic of mailing coins using the ESE.  I don't want to start mailing, have the post office reject the envelopes as too stiff (or not uniformly thick) and earn myself a bunch of negative buyer feedback.  Anyone have a good sized sample of experience in this area?  

[market-centre]

I also use the envelope for coins. The USPS clerk that I should add .30 cents which is the "Non-machinable" surcharge because the coin makes the envelope uneven. He just told me that today and I have sent out quite a few with zero problems. He said that a 30 cent stamp would be good insurance.

[slippinjimmy]

See this page for the exact USPS definitions of "uniform thickness", "flexibility" and when a non-machinable surcharge may apply.

Retail Mail: Physical Standards for Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels

https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/101.pdf

I recommend reading it several times so you get the full understanding of the various nuances.

For example, some things apply to standard paper envelopes which might not apply to your "cardboard document mailers".

For further clarifications you can contact a USPS Standards Specialist:

https://about.usps.com/publications/pub25/pub25_intro_007.htm

[santamonicajeweler]

Why don't you drop the coins into a regular letter envelope #10.  First Class Shipping cost is minimal upto 5 ounce and I am sure you have the exact weight 

Clear tape all the paper envelope to avoid tampering as well as waterproofing 

Mail it First Class and add insurance if you choose

[thehypedretailer]

USPS is stingy if the envelope seems uneven such as thickness. 

You could risk it by adding an extra stamp. I've had a few rejected by the local PO because of the uneven thickness and asked us to pay a little bit more (I believe around $0.30-$0.50). 

[dogchow747]

I get coins that are in 2x2 flips that come in standard mailers. I had someone ship a slabbed coin in a similar mailer once and the slab was smashed. Thick coins may be acceptable, but they may get damaged.

Be cautious, USPS is rough on your stuff.

[cafecurios]

Do you use Ebay labels?  I read in one thread that if the envelope is not machine sortable, the label's tracking number is not scanned.  Sounds a bit screwy.  Any idea if this is true?  Thanks for responding btw.

[cafecurios]

thanks for the reply.  i've heard that if the items are not machine scanned, the ebay tracking labels are useless.  was this true in your experience?

[cafecurios · Accepted solution]

Thanks for all the replies.  In looking into this further, mailing coins with an Ebay Standard Envelope using an Ebay address/tracking label is not an option.  Ebay needs to take a hard look at this because the company is causing confusion for coin sellers.   Bottom line is, a coin makes the envelope non-machinable (too rigid and not uniform in thickness) which disqualifies it from attaching an Ebay address and tracking label.   However, if the envelope fits the USPS guidelines for first class letters (also outlined in Ebay's ESE section) you can still save considerable money over other USPS shipping methods-- you'll just be paying the USPS surcharge for a non-machinable letter (somewhere between 30 and 50 cents).  Hope this helps avoid the same headaches I've experienced due to Ebay's ESE guidelines.

[uschr-zouihkax]

But what about the tracking number 🤔

[johnandceil]

I have shipped out ten coin sales the past month using std envelope and have had no problems. Most coins I put in a 2x2 holder, put that in a thin plastic sleeve and tape it to cardboard (used cereal box cardboard cut to 5 1/2" x 8 1/2") to fit into a 6" x 9" envelope. I've shipped several half dollars with no damage complaints from customers. I don't think I'd try to ship anything as large as a silver dollar.

[orions-attic]

Everyone should avoid the eBay Standard Envelopes! As usual, eBay makes a promise and fails to deliver -- which is exactly what's happening with the ESAs I sent out. Sending out cheap coins for like $1 seems like a bargain -- except that no coin I've shipped has actually reached a buyer yet. Weeks have gone by. I read eBay's requirements five times and measured my envelopes repeatedly to make sure I didn't make a mistake -- yet my shipments are nowhere to be found. Buyers are not happy, to say the least. Just use regular First Class mail for such things. Spending the extra dollar or two will save you from a whole bunch of headaches.

[bbaddboytt]

I agree,,,, then you just need a standard envelopes just had three cases open against me saying the people have not received their stuff     (coins,)   even though my package right paid the extra fee,, for non-mashinable got the tracking number everything.. now I'm in the refunding then even though ebay can't help you a **bleep** tracking number nothing but a big joke

[kh-cathy]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.