arphethean

Lovely little piece thanks to @arphethean
 

Hi, Sybilla!
It is very difficult to predict how your silver will sell in the future and how much from the premium you have paid will be recovered when you will sell. It is a lottery.
All of us been fascinated about shiny and beautiful coins and all of us have overpaid at beginning for first ounces of silver.
All of us have learned quick that stacking silver and collecting coins are two different leagues.
Stacking is accumulating for weight at the best price possible, collecting is paying sometimes high premium for our pleasure and/or vanity. 
My advice is to start accumulating first looking at the best price possible, and in time, after gaining more experience in coins and precious metals you can start buying what do you like.
Keep an eye on Buy/Sell UK section. Because it is the most active section on forum, you will check and learn very quick about the real market prices for silver bars and coins. You will see that the correct priced coins will sell in minutes and others will not sell. You will see also in real time the real demand for silver.
Good luck in your journey!🤗
Stefan.
 

Just had a chat with them on the phone. The metals price feed has dropped so it's affected all the prices. They're getting it looked into.
Sorry to spoil the party!

A lovely PL 1888 Crown and 1880 Half crown.

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Most of my questions were semi-rhetorical.
I looked at your other post, and can see, in combo with this thread:
2021 TDC 5 Laurels
2021 Solomon Islands xxx ...
and
2020 xxx ...
So, from the above you could have looked them up. It is still worth trying now for the experience, IMO.
LMO, and numerous other Coin Marketing Companies sell TDC and Solomon Islands new issues to undiagnosed dementia patients, but even though I detest a lot of their marketing, many of the coins are not so crappy they should be melted, although it is better if they still retain their original boxes, certificates, and perfect condition.
I recommend getting an eyeglass (2 or 2.5), it should not cost more than about £5, much better value than a Sigma, and so much easier to use.
Your TSF member supplier should have checked he was giving accurate information, and the "reputable dealer" he bought from should definitely be named, IMO.
There is a "reputable dealer" and TSF member who seems to believe that owning and using a Niton tester guarantees his coins are genuine. I have previously named him.
Owning a calculator does not make someone a mathematician.
😎
 

Yeah, this is my thoughts. 
The different settings on these machines are supposed to be very finely calibrated to those specific coins but they are not then suitable for other coins.
The sigma machines have too much weight attributed to them as the definitive stackers tool for testing.
They are best used as part of a bigger testing regime and what @Abyss has demonstrated here that further testing is always needed even when a sigma indicates all is OK. 
I am glad that you got a refund, if it was me as the seller I would have made you completely whole on postage too. 
There is arguably responsibility here for the seller to ensure what they are selling is correct and of course the buyer to just check before committing too. Who has more responsibility in this case? Difficult to say but I am sure many on the forum will have their own opinions!
Lesson to be learned here: don't rely on the Sigma. It is a tool that should be part of a bigger picture, nothing more. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Just to add as well, sellers should always be organised and take a photo of the parcel and keep every postage receipt for at least 6 months in case of an issue arising. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Just in case there is any doubt, I have Sigma tested all of these and can guarantee they are all 000 fine silver.

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Just to add as well, sellers should always be organised and take a photo of the parcel and keep every postage receipt for at least 6 months in case of an issue arising. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Yes, should have said only if you haven't had confirmation of arrival you should keep it. I have had buyers come back to me months later, and in one case a seller did not provide me with a receipt and disappeared off Facebook. When I finally reestablished contact with him a year later asking where my item was he said he hasn't kept the receipt so couldn't prove he'd posted it. I lost that case anyway but a seller could protect themselves by keeping the proof in case the buyer came back later.

Actually under UK distance selling laws it is the seller's responsibility to get the package to the buyer. 
The peer to peer PM community is at risk of becoming complacent on the issue and assume that it is a universal understanding that the buyer assumes responsibility by choosing whatever service they are comfortable with. In practice it rarely happens that the buyer explicitly states they are taking the risk. 
Just because it is a common approach in this community to take the unorthodox approach of buyer's risk, not all buyer's and sellers agree with it, and the specific terms are not often stated, so the risk of making assumptions during a transaction is that it anything goes wrong, resolving it will become fraught. 
Sellers need to be aware that if they choose to send an item uninsured which doesn't arrive or is damaged, they will legally be required to reimburse the buyer unless prior written agreement was made to the contrary. I doubt it would be sufficient simply to pop a lazy disclaimer in the listing saying "buyer's choice of post". The buyer would specifically have to say that they agree that there will be no compensation if the package were to go missing. Any sensible buyer would also be sensible to accept those terms only on condition that the seller provides proof of posting in the form of a photo of the receipt which shows the weight of the parcel, the address sent to, the tracking number and the date. 
The written contract between the buyer and seller then becomes quite protracted and this becomes impractical to do each time for a £30 package. 
I have personally got round this problem with three approaches.
The first is due diligence. If a seller has a good reputation and I've dealt with them before I will trust they will provide me with their typical service. Without trust and care this whole business quickly crumbles. If an item is of high value and I want it sent 1st signed for I will make sure terms are clear. 
The second is a mathematical understanding that paying for special delivery is only worth for sending high value items. If one in 500 packages goes missing by 1st signed for (a conservative estimate based on my data going back two years), then by saving £4 per package in postage 500 times you are in theory saving against the loss of a £2000 item going missing. Obviously that's quite extreme an example and I would never entrust an item of that value to SF as that loss would be emotionally hard to take and that risk is not factored in mathematically. Each person can instead consider their own attitude to loss and risk and think how much would I be comfortable to lose? Under that value, go 1st signed for. Over, go SD.
The third is through a business insurance which I have purchased, which covers all items I send up to £5k as long as I send at least signed for/tracked. I hope never to have to use it but it means i have that back up and can confidently post knowing i can reimburse the buyer and claim on insurance if tracking shows the item wasn't delivered after a certain time (i now set this as a month as one package i sent arrived a month after!) It is worth it for the number of items I post and I expect many people selling any moderate volume of bullion would be well advised to take out such insurance for peace of mind and the postage savings made which will offset the cost within a couple of months. The insurance also covers the bullion itself when in storage or on your person when out. 
I thought I would add some detail to the topic as it is a really important issue so that buyers and sellers can adequately inform and protect themselves. There are misunderstandings in the community and this can and does lead to big problems, losses and fall outs which nobody wants. 

Look what turned up today.... My ten world 1/10ths conquest has ended with these two absolute belters of coins. 

2022 Sovereign for £370 in Costco this morning. 3 left in Glasgow @11:30 today.