I just sent a trade with someone, 1 shock land of mine for several cards of his (about 12).
I just got home checked my mail and the envelope used had a ez tear side and it was opened... No cards in it at all.
I know I have to declare for customs, and my card I sent to him had a customs info sticker on the envelope, I wrote do not bend etc....does Canada have to do that for sending items to the US?
Pretty bummed as this is my first trade and it was a trusted trader. I've notified him, but this situation Is kind of ridiculous as I recieved open mail....and I've recieved plenty of cards ala eBay...
if it was in a regular envelope with 12 cards of thickness customs has the right to open it while crossing any boarder.. The thing people need to remember is 1) cards are technically worthless 2) you can't submit a loss to mail companies for $0
Who was your trade with?
Actually Rod I mainly wanted to gain advice on how to handle this, that's why I didn't post your name, I'm pretty much willing to accept the loss. Yes it sucks I loss some cards, mainly wanted the hypersonic dragons and helvault for some Timmy theme decks. I just hope my card gets to you safely! I was very specific to tell the PO lady to not bend the envelope as she inspected it.
Also on the value note: if I send cards to Canada/etc I declare them as gifts & record an estimated value. to say these cards are technically worthless is an untrue statement.
I would just advise anyone with international shipping to visit the post office for a customs declaration and to not use envelopes with an easy-tear.
If I use the trade system again I will just request a padded envelope and tracking for my piece of mind with post office receipts or a middle man.
My mother works customs .. I'm not saying you can't insure all your cards, in the eyes of customs, they won't care. If you say it's $80 they'll believe that and charge you whatever. But when the cards get lost, they don't care
It's ways a good idea to put the cards in a piece of paper or two. Puts less stress on the envelope.
Quote from: Rasser on March 02, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
It's ways a good idea to put the cards in a piece of paper or two. Puts less stress on the envelope.
Definitely. I wrap the top loader in two pieces of paper and tape it in the middle so it can't slide around. Probably annoying to take off all the tape but I've seen top loaders cut the sides of envelopes so its worth it.
I've had this exact same thin happen to me as well, it just happens sometimes. As others have mentioned, I recommend wrapping the top loader in a piece of paper to control movement and envelope stress
Quote from: Falcon182 on March 02, 2013, 02:24:59 PM
Quote from: Rasser on March 02, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
It's ways a good idea to put the cards in a piece of paper or two. Puts less stress on the envelope.
Definitely. I wrap the top loader in two pieces of paper and tape it in the middle so it can't slide around. Probably annoying to take off all the tape but I've seen top loaders cut the sides of envelopes so its worth it.
Yeah the cards were definitely nicely packed and the two sheets helped, but like always say if it ain't broke don't fix it. I haven't had a problem yet.