I’m considering selling some of my expensive cards, repurchasing them in a lower grade and pocketing the difference. The total market value would be roughly 30k-40k.
From what I understand, insurance purchased through USPS, Fedex, or UPS has a realtively low cap for collectibles and I wouldn’t be able to insure my cards for their market value with a policy from them.
I’ve heard good things about collect insure, but if I understand correctly, they only cover shipping loss if you have proof of sale. Is that accurate? If I were to do this I would use a consignment service so I wouldn’t have proof of sale.
Last year my cards for the sig exchange got lost in the mail and I was bummed. I’d be devastated if these were lost and I was SOL.
Curious how everyone navigates this. Thanks in advance
Closest scenario I’ve had to this was I shipped a pair of PSA 10 Poncho Rays for 6k a few years ago to Hong Kong and bought that much insurance through USPS for like $200 bucks. They ended up losing my box at the LAX hub but after I called and pressed them they found it. They had “fallen out of the bin/tray” (whatever the big bag on wheels is called)
I don’t believe that’s true. Proof of sale allows them to identify the market value easier, but it’s not necessary to put in a claim. Speak to them directly over the phone and ask this question.
My concern is related to risk of the cards getting lost in transit en route to the consignor. Does Z&G offer coverage for incoming cards? If so that would make things easy. I’ve used them before but never thought that was an option.
My contract does not say anything about that. Basically if you use priority mail with signature you get $2500 coverage. If you do express or use FedEx you get full coverage up to your limit
Registered mail is extremely slow but IMO it’s the safest and best way to ship high value packages without getting too crazy. It costs me about $75 to ship a card from PA to CA with $10,000 insurance. (About 2 weeks to be delivered) However, any claim filed with USPS needs to have it’s value proven with an abundance of proof. Photos/Video of the contents of the package and the packing of the package, in addition to receipts.
I’ve never done a big deal in person myself, but I see a lot of videos of people making five figure deals at card shows. Seems like a pretty easy way to go about it. Many vendors I’ve seen do 85% for more liquid cards and thats not far off from ebay fees. You may even be able to trade for the lower grades if the vendor has them and get cash on top for the difference.
The most I’ve ever shipped is about $5k, but I think whenever I’m ready to make a five figure sale, I’ll try to sell at a card show.
If you don’t have collectibles-specific insurance that covers lost packages, another vouch for Registered Mail. Most secure service. Has to be kept in locked boxes and signed for whenever it changes hands. Not good if you need something to arrive fast, but I’ve also heard too many stories of FedEx packages getting lost/stolen to risk that.
I also wouldn’t trust any shipping provider insurance for collectibles, USPS or otherwise.
Registered Mail does put more eyes on your package and it’s extremely slow. Another great option is Priority Mail Express + Signature. That’s 1-3 days (often overnight) depending on how far away you are.
I’ve shipped expensive packages with Ground Advantage + Signature, Priority Mail + Signature, Priority Mail Express + Signature, and Registered Mail. They all did the job perfectly. Stay with USPS and keep your package discrete and well-taped.
I’d recommend shipping in smaller batches to spread our the risk and then self insure. Probably not the advice most others would agree with, but so be it
Idk if they are still doing this, but in the past when I’ve sold through Fanatics auctions, I contacted a customer service rep and they were able to send me a pre-paid FedEx label with insurance for the expected value of the sold cards.
Yep have done the same thing, they paid for the shipping and covered the insurance. Was a fedex express as well arrived the next day. Awesome free feature of fanatics. OP: i would recommend this as an option. Or if you send to goldin, they might offer something similar.
