Do you insure knives you buy or trade on BF................

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clockman

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I always insure knives I buy or trade that cost more than $125 that I get on BF. I bought a BM 630 (large skirmish) from a Jerzee Devil member in '10.

I insured the knife. When I got the box it was Empty. Someone from the USPS got a really nice knife. The seller sent me a refund, $255, a few days later.

I sold a Spydie, I don't remember what model, to a BF member that I insured myself a few months ago. The knife was stolen from his house. He filed a claim

with the USPS to get his $ back. I haven't heard from him to find out if the USPS reimbursed him for his stolen knife.


What about you do you insure knives you buy or trade ?....... Have you had knives lost or stolen that you haven't insured ?
 
Yes, I insure anything over $50. USPS Priority includes shipping confirmation and $50 of insurance.
 
Usually do, when I am sending out a knife. If a seller offers, I'll get it, but I haven't insisted on insurance in the past. I may have to consider it, though.
 
If it fits in a flat rate, it gets whatever shipping included. If I get close to my asking price, I pay for any additional. Not that I do, but it would be smart to include those terms in the sale thread. Some people care about insurance more than others, and thankfully I've never had an issue with the post office.
 
clockman said:
I always insure knives I buy or trade that cost more than $125 that I get on BF. I bought a BM 630 (large skirmish) from a Jerzee Devil member in '10.

I insured the knife. When I got the box it was Empty. Someone from the USPS got a really nice knife. The seller sent me a refund, $255, a few days later.

I sold a Spydie, I don't remember what model, to a BF member that I insured myself a few months ago. The knife was stolen from his house. He filed a claim

with the USPS to get his $ back. I haven't heard from him to find out if the USPS reimbursed him for his stolen knife.

What about you do you insure knives you buy or trade ?....... Have you had knives lost or stolen that you haven't insured ?
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How the heck can he file a claim with USPS on a knife that was stolen FROM his house?

If I sell a knife that is $50 or under, I usually send it Priority but if the value is more, I either figure that into my selling price to get insurance.
 
sir_mike said:
How the heck can he file a claim with USPS on a knife that was stolen FROM his house?

If I sell a knife that is $50 or under, I usually send it Priority but if the value is more, I either figure that into my selling price to get insurance.
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I'm assuming that he meant from his mailbox, Sir Mike?
 
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When I'm selling, any applicable fees (PP), shipping, and the appropriate amount of insurance are included in my asking price. That's the cost of doing business.

Always insure on trades as well.
 
If payment is made via paypal goods, as it should be, this is a moot point. Burden of delivery is completely on the seller. You can write whatever you want in your sales terms. It means nothing. If paid with paypal goods, paypal's policies are all that matter. I think it is comical when sellers insist insurance is extra and accept paypal goods payment. They are just screwing them selves if they dont insure and the item is lost or stollen before the tracking says delivered.
 
I insure every knife I send out through USPS, it would be silly not to. Haven't had a problem with any of the 80+ shipments I've sent out over the past two years, although I also smother the boxes in so much tape hardly any cardboard is left untouched. I don't request sellers insure when I buy because it is their job to make sure the item gets to me safely, and if they are willing to take the risk that is on them. I pay with PayPal Goods so I am protected either way.
 
I always insure anything over 50 bucks. I don't charge extra or even mention it usually, just like not charging some stupid fee for using paypal. Thats part of the cost of selling something.
 
Invective said:
I insure every knife I send out through USPS, it would be silly not to. Haven't had a problem with any of the 80+ shipments I've sent out over the past two years, although I also smother the boxes in so much tape hardly any cardboard is left untouched. I don't request sellers insure when I buy because it is their job to make sure the item gets to me safely, and if they are willing to take the risk that is on them. I pay with PayPal Goods so I am protected either way.
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This^^^^^
 
If you send something out, you are responsible for it. Buy the insurance, save all your receipts, and protect you online reputation. Unless you are prepared to personally guarantee/cover any losses, buy the insurance. Also the insurance gets you the shipping company's attention when problems occur. Ask about a missing item and the first question they'll ask is if you insured the shipped item. If yes, they'll investigate. If no, they'll politely tell you to buzz off.
 
I purchase full insurance of the value of any item that I sell or trade on this forum.
 
I used to buy insurance from post office on all shipments. Then I learned about the value of collectibles insurance. For one annual premium all my knives are covered, including shipping and mail loss. If you are actually a dealer I think you buy a different policy but for collector who sells some knives as part of collecting it covers. It has paid for itself many times over in less than a year. For example, I sent three knives to be photographed before I had this policy. They were expensive knives and the shipping and insurance to/from cost more than the photos. I bought this policy before blade show and I saved half the cost of the policy just shipping my new purchases home ( I didn't want to check them on airline). Policies are very reasonable.
 
mwschilling said:
I used to buy insurance from post office on all shipments. Then I learned about the value of collectibles insurance. For one annual premium all my knives are covered, including shipping and mail loss. If you are actually a dealer I think you buy a different policy but for collector who sells some knives as part of collecting it covers. It has paid for itself many times over in less than a year. For example, I sent three knives to be photographed before I had this policy. They were expensive knives and the shipping and insurance to/from cost more than the photos. I bought this policy before blade show and I saved half the cost of the policy just shipping my new purchases home ( I didn't want to check them on airline). Policies are very reasonable.
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Curious now.

Have you ever made a claim w/them?

The proof's in the payout. I mean, is making a claim and getting a full settlement relatively easy...?
 
I haven't personally, but do know of some large loss claims made by dealers and paid. I'm not advocating any one particular company, although I am pleased with the one I selected. They certainly know more about knives and other high end collectibles than the USPO. I have spoken to many other collectors who feel the same way and have save money not buying shipping insurance. The rates for shipping a knife ONE way is really expensive compared to having that same knife covered all year, including anywhere you want to ship it.
 
mwschilling said:
The rates for shipping a knife ONE way is really expensive compared to having that same knife covered all year, including anywhere you want to ship it.
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The most expensive knife I have shipped was around the $250 mark. Shipping it in a USPS small Priority box with full insurance put it around $10 or so. (insurance cost was about $3-4)

How much would the ball park insurance price be on say a $1000 (or whatever amount you are familiar with) item through USPS?

Just an inquiring mind. Thanks!
 
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