I recently sold my first two items over $5000, and it turned out to be a learning experience of sorts, so I wanted to see what others are doing. I have always had good luck with FedEx, and even went through the process of creating a label to generate some rates in FedEx, declaring full value without any issues.

When the funds for the watch cleared and I was able to box it up and ship it, I decided to just go to a local FedEx Office and Shipping Center since it was a Saturday. When I told the person behind the counter the declared value, they immediately asked what it was, and then informed me that they can't insure any watches, jewelry, or antiques for more than $1000, and that although the system allows them to declare a higher value, the most that would be covered in the event of a claim would be $1000.

I scoured FedEx' website with little luck, and decided to call to be informed of the same info. When I called and asked how items over $1000 should be shipped via FedEx, she basically said she didn't have any idea.

UPS and USPS were similar situations, though they do offer insurance up to $5000.

So question for you all that are shipping watches valued over $5000, how are you shipping them, both within the US and internationally? And, how are you insuring the shipment?

To me, it's worth the extra money to declare and insure for full value should something happen, to protect the buyer and the seller, and I know there are a lot of watches valued much higher than $5000 regularly trading hands all over the world, so what did I miss?

And somewhat of a tangent and another can of worms: if it's a vintage piece and a claim needs to be made, how have any of you gone about proving "value" of the watch? They asked me if I had it appraised by a jewelry store or had proof of value - which as many of you know, in the case of specific vintage watches in changing markets, I just kind of laughed when the most accurate way to prove value would be via forums or online price guides.

 

parcelpro

 

Parcel Pro or USPS Registered Mail that can go up to $50,000 of coverage.

 

Parcelpro, described as "precision instrument" and insured by Parcelpro, not FedEx.

 

+1 for Parcel Pro

 

+2 for ParcelPro. Website makes it look like it's for businesses only, but if you call them up and explain your situation they'll set you up in no time

 

USPS Insured for CONUS shipping. Parcel Pro for overseas shipping.

 

USPS registered mail. Lowest loss rate of any carrier, insurance available up to $50,000. Must wrap your package in paper tape, so that it can be rubber stamped at the receiving post office so that any tampering will be evident. Registered mail is also an international service, though non western countries may suffer higher loss rates.

 

When they find out that the shipment is a watch, for which they limit insurance, won't they deny any claim over that amount because of fraudulent declaration?

 

The insurance coverage is being provided by Parcel Pro not FedEx.

Parcel Pro is one of the largest shipping/insurance brokers to the jewelry industry, I'm sure they know what they are doing.

 

ParcelPro actually requires you to declare as a "precision instrument" since it attracts less curiosity from anyone handling it along the way who might have sticky fingers. In fact, when filling out the online customs forms, if you specify that you're sending a watch or even a watch strap, it automatically changes it to "precision instrument"

 

Well, it sounds like ParcelPro is the way to go, and that I have USPS registered as an alternative. I knew there had to be an easier way.

Thanks all!

 

Parcel pro though a segment of UPS generally prefers to use FedEx. It's the way to go.

 

Parcelpro wouldn't let me ship to recipient named Goldstein. Had to change name to Guldstein.

 

Parcelpro . Call them explain what you want (watch collector and some times seller) and they will tell you what form to fill out and what descriptions to apply.You need to submit 3 peoples contact details (address and phone numbers) that you deal with as a reference.I'm sure 3 OF members would be more than happy to oblige .Presto one week later account ready.

 

Good question. Don't know for sure because I never shipped outside CONUS. I'll bet you're right about what you said.

 

They will flag and reject any term in any field that appears to be related to anything of value. This is done for the same reason they describe watches as precision instruments, and that the value on the shipping label is zero. I ship hundreds of watches a year using the service, and have only run across this maybe 2 times...

 

Indeed. Parcelpro also requires that for the goods to be insured, no matter how small they might be (stones, ring, watch etc), be shipped in a medium or larger box. This is required in order further conceal the true nature of the contents. A small box will only have $100 of insurance.

 

Another benefit of a ParcelPro account is being able to email an inexperienced seller or an out of state watchmaker a shipping label for a watch you really don't want to take chances with.