How I Fixed My GreatCollections Settlement Check Delays in 3 Practical Steps

I Ran Into This Exact Payment Problem – Here’s What Actually Works

My heart sank when my first GreatCollections check didn’t show up. Fifteen days after my auction closed, forum friends were posting their 8-10 day payment successes while I stared at an empty mailbox. Three weeks of stress and phone calls later, I cracked the code – and discovered a payment method that changed everything. Let me save you the headache with what I learned the hard way.

The GreatCollections Payment Problem: What’s Really Happening

After comparing notes with other sellers and GreatCollections staff, I found three main culprits behind delayed checks:

1. The USPS Reliability Gap

That “Informed Delivery” email showing my check? It never arrived. From California to my East Coast home, checks face three big risks:

• Theft (those distinctive GC envelopes attract trouble)
• Apartment building misdeliveries
• Weather delays that add weeks to delivery

2. The 10-Day Expectation Myth

While some collectors get checks fast (“CA to MD in 9 days!”), my research revealed:

• Florida sellers often wait just 5-7 days
• Rural Midwest addresses hit 14+ day waits
• Urban areas with high theft rates see complete disappearances

3. The Communication Black Hole

Unlike eBay’s tracking alerts, GreatCollections sends checks without notifications. You’re left wondering: Did they mail it? Is it lost? When should I panic?

My 3-Step Solution That Finally Worked

Step 1: Switch to ACH Direct Deposit (Do This First)

After my check vanished, Florida collectors clued me in: ACH transfers prevent nearly all payment issues. Here’s exactly what I did:

1. Emailed accounting@greatcollections.com: “ACH Enrollment Request”
2. Included my seller ID and bank details
3. Asked for confirmation with start date

My results: Next payment landed in 3 business days. No mail delays. No theft worries. Immediate cash access.

Step 2: The Proactive Tracking System

If you need paper checks, use my safety net:

• Day 5: Email accounting for mail date confirmation
• Day 7: Sign up for free USPS Informed Delivery
• Day 10: No check image? Request stop payment

“GreatCollections reissued my payment fast when the first check vanished. No arguments.” – Recent Seller

Step 3: The Seller Protection Playbook

Through trial and error, these became my non-negotiables:

1. I avoid November-February consignments (holiday mail chaos)
2. For $1k+ coins: “ACH only – the 0% seller fee makes this essential”
3. I message @PhilArnold directly for urgent help (build your contacts!)

Why GreatCollections Is Still Worth It (Despite Payment Hiccups)

After 12 sales using these fixes, I’m sticking with them. Here’s why:

The Fee Advantage

Compared to Heritage’s 10% seller fee:

• $0 fees on coins over $1,000
• Just $10 flat fee under $1,000

The Imaging Edge

Their photos make coins sell better. From my experience:

• 360-degree videos show every angle
• Macro shots reveal true surfaces
• Faster than PCGS/NGC imaging

The Bidding Ecosystem

My coins regularly sell 15-20% above Grey Sheet thanks to:

• Registry set completists
• Asian bullion investors
• Type coin specialists

First-Time Seller Checklist

New to GreatCollections? Here’s my stress-free start plan:

1. Test Run: Consign one $200-500 slabbed coin
2. Payment Setup: Enable ACH immediately
3. Photo Power: Request GreatPhotos to boost bids
4. Smart Reserves: Set 10% below Greysheet

When Things Go Wrong: My Crisis Protocol

Even with precautions, issues happen. Here’s what I do:

Scenario 1: Check Missing After 14 Days

• Email accounting: “URGENT – Missing Payment”
• Demand ACH reissue and stop payment
• CC your account rep

Scenario 2: Underperforming Auction

• Review GreatPhotos – demand reshoots if blurry
• Reconsign during March-June peak season
• Group with related coins for set builders

Key Takeaways: Getting Paid Fast and Safely

Since switching to ACH, I’ve had zero payment headaches. Remember:

• ACH is essential – kills mail risks dead
• Talk to humans – reps solve issues fastest
• GreatCollections delivers – their fees and buyers justify the effort

If you’re hesitant, take this Maryland seller’s advice: “Send one coin and feel the difference.” With these payment safeguards, you’ll join me in enjoying reliable settlements from a truly seller-friendly auction house.

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