Oh great tip! Just checked it out. Definitely makes sense. Thanks.
No worries! It is really useful to have, and for free there is no reason not to get one. In the box from the CGC form pictured below just fill out the bottom section about the self-insured FedEx account and FedEx will ship the books and bill your credit card. I like the fact that I know exactly what it costs to ship, rather than paying CGC (or anyone else, for that matter) a flat rate to ship. Piece of cake!
Have you found much savings in what you pay directly to Fedex, and what CGC Charges?
The savings are quite substantial. 17 books worth 2K shipped back to me by CGC registered mail would be $69. Fedex ground (Make CERTAIN you specify GROUND) was $17. You don't have do this very many times before you have paid the premium on your private insurance. Plus you have the insurance against fire, theft, etc on your collection or inventory.
If you search the web, you can also find a couple of places that sell one time insurance on a particular shipment. Timing is everything. You have to purchase the insurance within a day or two of the package being shipped.
Or you can cross your fingers and do without insurance. FedEx's loss rate is very low, which is why the private insurance is inexpensive. I won't do that, but it is an option.
I'll explore the rates with a Fedex account.
The shipping rates for stuff coming back to Canada at CGC's cost are...
I wouldn't recommend Fedex as they will likely ding you for customs/brokerage/fedexfee/made you up fee etc. USPS was always my friend till I had em shipped to a US address.