Wow! I had not realized this thread existed. Brenda and I just returned this afternoon from an extended weekend in Atlantic City because of the Trump Plaza chip release this morning.

Upon opening my email, I received an inquiry from Carl Cole regarding my insured bubble package that was apparently ripped open. The package was presented at the Brick NJ post office window and processed by one of the long time employees there whom I am very friendly with. A postage meter was affixed (which does not get hand cancelled) and a rubber stamp "First Class" was applied. The normal blue & white self stick insurance form was attached.... and away it went. That's the last I saw of it. Somewhere between New Jersey and California something happened, and I would have to suspect that it was within the US Postal System. I have no idea who, what, where, or when ... but the package evidently was tampered with in some fashion. I'm truly sorry that Carl Cole did not receive the chip he won ... and I'm also truly sorry that I did not insure the package for the full value. The chip brought in excess of $350 on Ebay, but was insured for only $300. Of course, I will refund Carl's purchase price ... but I know that he would rather have the chip. I'm confident that will be reimbursed up to $300 from the pending claim with the U.S. Postal Service, but I still would have preferred that Carl got his chip.

I've lost a few packages before ... as I do mail out quite a few each month with my new issues service. But very few of my mailings get ripped upon ... especially $300 ones in bubble padded mailers.