Hello folks: Hope all is nice and dandy! Has anyone over here got their auction won coins shipped from South Africa to the US? If so, which service did you use and how was the turnaround and your feedback on the service? Apparently the South African Postal Service is not reliable like their western counterparts. So need some advice on which service to go with. Many thanks!
I would suggest Fed Ex. A bit pricey but short travel times. I don't like to use regular mail services, unreliable very often. I bought a coin a couple of years ago from a dealer in Chicago. Tracking number said in Los Angeles after 4 days, I live in Tennessee. 7 weeks later it showed even though the tracking number said it was still in L.A. 5 months after I get the package the tracking number said L.A.
I've used both FedEx (as @tibor suggested) and a cheaper route is to use DHL Express Worldwide. No issues with either (other than the Covid-related delays, as expected). Good luck.
@AmishJedi 2 times I had packages delivered by DHL the outer packing was torn to shreds. Thankfully the contents were OK. The dealer choose DHL not me. I'm glad you had better experiences.
I have been lucky (knock on wood) w/International shipping from Ireland, S. Africa & Russia w/DHL. I agree that the FedEx packages are in much better shape when they arrive. Ironically, I have had more trouble w/USPS this year vs. others. The coins I usually purchase are proof sets and/or graded, which helps protect them a little bit:
I purchased a TAG watch from S.A. I would never purchase anything from there again! Long store short I did finally get my watch, it made 3 trips across the Atlantic, Another country that mail system is horrible is the swiss! I sold an 1988 1/4 oz comm to an American there, it took 3 months....and I damn near refuned him as I didn't want bad feed back on ebay. A word to the wise as they say.... run away run....
I have purchased previously from South African sellers; I think it took around a month to get to the US. Please be mindful that the recent surge in COVID-19 there may throw additional delays your way...
