eBay Bidder FAQ
To ensure a smooth transaction for all parties, please review the following before contacting us.
Shipping
How much is shipping?
Shipping is calculated automatically by eBay based on package weight; we do not set it manually. Domestic USA: approximately $5 for packages under 15oz; $9–12+ via Priority Mail above that. International: typically $15–20. We recommend Shipito for international buyers, which provides a US forwarding address.
Do you combine shipping?
Yes, within the USA. International buyers should use a forwarding service such as Shipito to obtain a domestic address, which allows shipments to be combined. eBay does not support international combined shipping.
How do I request combined shipping?
There is a button at eBay checkout to request a combined invoice. If it is not visible, invoices are sent each evening automatically.
Do you ship with FedEx?
On request for orders over $1,000. All other orders ship via USPS.
Can you mail my coin in a plain envelope?
All items ship tracked in a bubble mailer; minimum postage is $5. This protects both parties in the event of a lost parcel. Very low-value lots are priced with combined shipping in mind.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes, via eBay's international shipping system, excluding active conflict zones and countries under US sanctions.
Is my item insured?
USPS Ground Advantage includes $100 of coverage. Additional insurance is available on request, typically $5 extra. We recommend this for higher-value purchases.
The USPS did not deliver my package.
Our responsibility ends once the parcel is accepted by the carrier. For valuable purchases, we encourage buyers to request additional insurance or signature confirmation in advance. USPS allows recipients to file claims directly at their local post office, which is generally the most efficient route to resolution.
Do you do layaways?
No. All items ship within 2 business days of payment.
Fraud & Customs
Can you mark my parcel as a "gift" or undervalue it for customs?
No. We are required by law to declare the accurate value and nature of all shipments.
Can you ship to a different state to avoid sales tax?
No. All orders are shipped to the address on record with eBay.
Bidding & Live Auctions
Can I make an offer on a live auction?
No. The Best Offer function is available on Buy-It-Now listings only.
A lot just sold but has reappeared. Why?
The winning bidder did not complete the purchase. Non-paying buyers are removed from our platform permanently.
Why is my account restricted from bidding?
New accounts with limited feedback are restricted to one item at a time as a precaution against non-payment. Restrictions may also apply if a previous purchase was left unpaid, or if your shipping address is in a country we do not serve. Collectors with an established Instagram presence are welcome to DM @ifobjects to have their account reviewed.
Payment
When is payment due?
Payment is due within 3 days of auction close. Items unpaid after 4 days are re-listed automatically. We ask that buyers do not delay payment in anticipation of combining with a later purchase; please complete each transaction promptly.
Can you reduce or remove the sales tax?
No. Sales tax is calculated and collected by eBay. We have no ability to adjust it.
Inventory & Authenticity
Do you have coins from a specific country?
Possibly. New stock is posted first to our Instagram Story, then to eBay. Follow @ifobjects and send us a specific want-list by DM. Specific requests we can act on: "Fujian province coppers", "hammered silver of Henry VIII", "chopmarked colonial 8 reales". General requests for "anything nice" or "world coins" cannot be serviced.
Are your coins authentic?
Yes, with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity if a coin is rejected by PCGS, ANACS, or another recognised grading service. The sole exception is clearly labelled contemporary forgeries (e.g. ancient Syrian imitations of Greek prototypes), which are identified as such in the listing title.
The title says one thing but the photo shows another.
We list a high volume of coins daily and occasional typographical errors occur. The item shown in the photographs is what you will receive. Please contact us by DM if something appears inconsistent.
What is the silver content / weight / diameter of this coin?
For standard modern types, this information is readily available via Numista or the Krause catalogue. For unlabelled medieval issues or types with known weight sub-varieties, the relevant details are generally noted in the listing title. Please DM us if you have a specific query not covered there.