hallmarking....?

[PureGold]

Edinburgh Assay Office (and possibly others) charge to unwrap individually wrapped items. To avoid paying this extra charge I was told by them to lay all items of the same metal standard (eg 925 silver, 9ct gold etc) in a length of bubblewrap and roll it up thus enclosing the items to be hallmarked. Secure this with a length of masking tape because they don't like having to mess around trying to remove sellotape and put your account number on the masking tape to identify the package. Each roll of silver/gold needs a completed hallnote sent with it identifying what items have been sent (usually downloadable from the website). I then enclose it all in a padded envelope and then put this in a heavy duty plastic envelope from the post office. Everything sent Special Delivery with the relevant amount of insurance cover for the value of the contents. It does look a bit shoddy but I have never had any problems...and the Assay Office send it back in a similar state.

[lilia]

that's rediculous! I am registered with the Birmingham one and they don't do anything like this

[mizgeorge]

actually Lilia, they do. Overpackaged parcels (especially those posted rather than handed over the counter) can be charged an unpacking fee - which I believe can be as high as £15.

[lilia]

Oh, I send my items by post, each individually wrapped in a zip lock bag, but never got charged the unpacking fee.

[Minniecat]

I bought a small tupperware type box which I then have some bubble wrap inside to keep items in place. Pop the whole thing in a light jiffy bag. Nice and safe and I haven't had any problems.

[lesley]

I took a day trip to Sheffield Assay Office with my last batch. Each item was in a piece of bubble wrap, in an open padded envelope along with the relevant hallnote. There were three notes, and I was charged an unpacking fee for two, even though they were all wrapped the same way! Go figure.

I queried this, on receipt of the invoice a couple of weeks later. The unpacking charge was refunded - but only as, "a gesture of goodwill".