Considerations for selling chip sets (1 Viewer)

[Talrem]

Greeting, Programs!
I have a few questions about posting chip sets for sale…

1. Is it customary to include the racks with the chips? I’ve heard (from a moderately reliable source) that the sale is for the chips only, not the racks or case.

2. If someone claims dibs on a “barrel”, that’s 20 chips (section in the rack) or 25 chips (typical sleeve amount from retailers)?

3. If you’re looking to sell a large set as a whole but don’t get bites, could you go about editing the listing to a split sale? Would I have to remove the original post and make a new one instead?

4. What should a seller do if someone reneges on a deal? Do I alert admins or is there another way to fling the digital poo at them?

5. What’s the custom for international buyers? I’m located in the USA but would not want to deny my fellow chip enthusiasts overseas.
….
I think that covers my concerns thus far.
Thanks for the help in advance, everyone!

 

[Rieguy]

1) It is not and just complicates the packaging in my opinion.

2) A barrel is exactly 20 chips.

3) Yes. No, just try to be transparent.

4) Start by trying to resolve amicably. If that fails, simply note it in the thread and move on (is the "proper" way to handle it); others would say to fling the digital poo.

5) Up to you, just do your research on international shipping, what that entails, and make sure you list the terms of your sale in the thread.

 

[RichMahogany]

Also make sure you check the shipping tricks and tips thread before your first sale.

Properly packing chips is extremely important

 

[CarlosStorm]

Hi.

I want to answer question number 5, about international buyers.
First of all, I'm glad you don't want to deny selling overseas .
The custom taxes are the buyer's problem, as a seller, you don't have to worry about it. It depends on the country in any case. Here in Spain, you have to pay usually 21% of the declared price, if you declare more than €40 between particulars and €22 for professional transactions.

 

[RichMahogany]

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/poker-chip-shipping-tips-and-tricks.7614/

 

[Kakeesh]

Also make sure you check the shipping tricks and tips thread before your first sale.

Properly packing chips is extremely important

I like @Trihonda 's method with the wire rack and cling wrap:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/poker-chip-shipping-tips-and-tricks.7614/page-6#post-334146

 

[Talrem]

1) It is not and just complicates the packaging in my opinion.

2) A barrel is exactly 20 chips.

3) Yes. No, just try to be transparent.

4) Start by trying to resolve amicably. If that fails, simply note it in the thread and move on (is the "proper" way to handle it); others would say to fling the digital poo.

5) Up to you, just do your research on international shipping, what that entails, and make sure you list the terms of your sale in the thread.

Thanks for the info @Rieguy! Much appreciated!

 

[Talrem]

I like @Trihonda 's method with the wire rack and cling wrap:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/poker-chip-shipping-tips-and-tricks.7614/page-6#post-334146

That’s awesome! Now I know a better way to wrap the chips!

 

[Talrem]

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/poker-chip-shipping-tips-and-tricks.7614/

I’m scrolling through as I‘m thanking you! It‘s great that this site has such resources.

 

[CrazyEddie]

Among chip enthusiasts such as here on PCF, "barrel" always means exactly twenty chips. Outside of chip enthusiasts, the term is not well-recognized, including among casino employees. Casino employees use "stack" to mean exactly twenty chips, but of course the same term is also used to refer to any stack of chips of any amount; the ambiguity is resolved by context. See this thread for some interesting discussion on the topic.

 

[CrazyEddie]

Also note that some chip racks have 4x25 slots instead of the typical 5x20. In chip cases that have removable chip trays (especially vintage cases, but also some modern ones) the trays are usually 4x25. Bud Jones chip boxes are 4x25, but since Bud Jones (or rather, GPI) only sells to casinos it's unusual (but not unheard of) for chippers to have Bud Jones boxes.

But even when packaged in a 4x25 rack, tray, or box, a "barrel" of chips is still always 20 chips.

 

[Talrem]

In terms of shipping, should there be a signature requirement or just add insurance with tracking/delivery confirmation?

 

[Bluegrass Poker]

So what are you looking to sell?

 

[Nanook]

In terms of shipping, should there be a signature requirement or just add insurance with tracking/delivery confirmation?

You mentioned you are in the US. If shipping within the US you can ship usps and it includes tracking & no real need for insurance unless the buyer pays for it.

I'm going chime in on #5
Do as you see fit, but to international buyers that wish we would all ship internationally. Here is the reason we don't all do this:
- shipping conus
Just by the number of chips, I know what shipping will be. I can print up usps shipping from my computer, pack up the chips and drive through the drop off at usps. It is very easy and takes very little time.
- shipping internationally
I have no idea of how much to charge the buyer for shipping because it will vary so much depending on destination. I have to go to the Post Office and usually wait in line for 20-30 minutes. Once there I have to fill out additional information for customs etc. = Total PITA = Sorry International guys. I'm not shipping internationally, but lots of guys here have someone within the US that is willing to re-ship so that is an option.

 

[allforcharity]

- shipping internationally
I have no idea of how much to charge the buyer for shipping because it will vary so much depending on destination. I have to go to the Post Office and usually wait in line for 20-30 minutes. Once there I have to fill out additional information for customs etc. = Total PITA = Sorry International guys. I'm not shipping internationally, but lots of guys here have someone within the US that is willing to re-ship so that is an option.

You can't do all this online? Even Canada Post allows at least quickly get an estimate based in dimensions, weight, and destination. And everything can be printed at home and then dropped off at the local PO without any wait. If packages are small enough they can be pit directly in the neighbourhood post box.

 

[Eriks]

You mentioned you are in the US. If shipping within the US you can ship usps and it includes tracking & no real need for insurance unless the buyer pays for it.

I'm going chime in on #5
Do as you see fit, but to international buyers that wish we would all ship internationally. Here is the reason we don't all do this:
- shipping conus
Just by the number of chips, I know what shipping will be. I can print up usps shipping from my computer, pack up the chips and drive through the drop off at usps. It is very easy and takes very little time.
- shipping internationally
I have no idea of how much to charge the buyer for shipping because it will vary so much depending on destination. I have to go to the Post Office and usually wait in line for 20-30 minutes. Once there I have to fill out additional information for customs etc. = Total PITA = Sorry International guys. I'm not shipping internationally, but lots of guys here have someone within the US that is willing to re-ship so that is an option.

Surely you can print labels for international packages at home too? It takes 1 min extra for me to prepare a non EU shipment vs. an EU one.

 

[OfficerLovejoy]

Surely you can print labels for international packages at home too? It takes 1 min extra for me to prepare a non EU shipment vs. an EU one.

Yup, international shipping takes me another 30sec for filling out the customs form online. Printing and placing the lable on the package takes about the same time.
Try it out my US-mates. It's not as hard as it's made out to be.

 

[Nanook]

Surely you can print labels for international packages at home too?

As far as I know they don't allow it because of Customs. The next time I am there and there isn't a loooooong line ( doesn't happen often) I will ask.

If they do allow it, I can assure you that they do not make it easy....

 

[Talrem]

You mentioned you are in the US. If shipping within the US you can ship usps and it includes tracking & no real need for insurance unless the buyer pays for it.

I'm going chime in on #5
Do as you see fit, but to international buyers that wish we would all ship internationally. Here is the reason we don't all do this:
- shipping conus
Just by the number of chips, I know what shipping will be. I can print up usps shipping from my computer, pack up the chips and drive through the drop off at usps. It is very easy and takes very little time.
- shipping internationally
I have no idea of how much to charge the buyer for shipping because it will vary so much depending on destination. I have to go to the Post Office and usually wait in line for 20-30 minutes. Once there I have to fill out additional information for customs etc. = Total PITA = Sorry International guys. I'm not shipping internationally, but lots of guys here have someone within the US that is willing to re-ship so that is an option.

So do i just go with the slowest/cheapest delivery method and risk something happening to the package, or do I ask $50 for a 2-Day delivery, or $150 for overnight?
I don’t want people paying too much extra to ship, and I don’t want it to take too long to get there.
Should I just set my own method or allow the buyer to pay for the shipping method they want?

 

[OfficerLovejoy]

... or allow the buyer to pay for the shipping method they want?

^this.

 

[Nanook]

^this.

I agree...

With that said if shipping within the US the buyer almost always chooses 1st class padded envelope if it about 20 or less chips for about $4, usps small flat rate box for up to 150 chips for about $9 and usps medium flat rate box for 151-800 or so chips & $16 ish

 

[Josh Kifer]

As far as I know they don't allow it because of Customs. The next time I am there and there isn't a loooooong line ( doesn't happen often) I will ask.

If they do allow it, I can assure you that they do not make it easy....

I've never seen an online customs form, normally they make you fill out that carbon copy packet. It's not very hard. The worst part is not being able to use the automated Postal tellers and needing to use a line. Generally I am happy to do it for the folks who need it.

 

[Eriks]

Everyone is free to do as they like of course. But it does go both ways and we do have some nice chips for sale over here as well from time to time. I will not refuse to send chips anywhere but it does feel better to send to someone that I know would extend me the same favor.

 

[OfficerLovejoy]

I've never seen an online customs form, normally they make you fill out that carbon copy packet. It's not very hard. The worst part is not being able to use the automated Postal tellers and needing to use a line. Generally I am happy to do it for the folks who need it.

That reminds me, you're still holding the world record in US to germany shipping. 6 Days from door to door. That was freaking crazy.

 

[Josh Kifer]

That reminds me, you're still holding the world record in US to germany shipping. 6 Days from door to door. That was freaking crazy.

It's because I slipped the guy an extra five bucks and told him to make it snappy.....

 

[CrazyEddie]

Should I just set my own method or allow the buyer to pay for the shipping method they want?

Certainly you should allow the buyer to pay for what they want, but I've made a lot of small and medium purchases and almost always the seller just sends it to me using USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate in either a Flate Rate Padded Envelope, Small Flat Rate Box, or Medium Flat Rate Box. I've rarely had anyone ask what I'd prefer, and if asked I always say "whatever you think is best" which is always USPS PMFR.

... for US to US, of course. Sorry, I realize now you were asking about international.

 

[Talrem]

Certainly you should allow the buyer to pay for what they want, but I've made a lot of small and medium purchases and almost always the seller just sends it to me using USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate in either a Flate Rate Padded Envelope, Small Flat Rate Box, or Medium Flat Rate Box. I've rarely had anyone ask what I'd prefer, and if asked I always say "whatever you think is best" which is always USPS PMFR.

... for US to US, of course. Sorry, I realize now you were asking about international.

Domestic CONUS surely, but international is a different story.

 

[allforcharity]

My Canada Post packages do not require any special customs form. You just have to declare the contents (which are all free text fields), and the value, irrespective of whether there is any insurance purchased. Boom, done.

 

[cpiaaq]

I generally ship with www.PayPal.com/shipnow and they provide the required customs form for international shipments

 

[Jonstro]

My Canada Post packages do not require any special customs form. You just have to declare the contents (which are all free text fields), and the value, irrespective of whether there is any insurance purchased. Boom, done.

I generally ship with www.PayPal.com/shipnow and they provide the required customs form for international shipments

I had my first international shipping experience yesterday and was able to print everything at home. Shipped USPS to Canada and created the label through paypal shipping. All I had to do was declare the category and value of the contents. I cannot speak to shipping to other countries, but it did not require additional forms, but just printed my customs declaration on the label right next to the recipient's address. In previous sales I was hesitant to ship outside the US due to my unfamiliarity with the process. I assumed it would be much more time consuming and I would have to go into the post office to fill out customs forms, but was pleasantly surprised it only took about 30 additional seconds.