Pickup Distance - Would You Do This?

coincrawlin · Mar 18, 2013

Ok, let me preface this by saying that the closest bank that will order boxes for me is about 75 minutes away. I try to do my pickups and dumps on days that I'm out running other errands so as to save on gas to the extent possible. Well, about a week ago I had to drive two hours for some business at my credit union, a branch I had never been to before. While I was there, I naturally asked if they had any half dollars. They said they had $2K in the vault, but came back a minute later and said they were special ordered for someone, but could order for me too if I wanted. So obviously there is another CRH hitting this branch, but I decided to order $2K myself and see what happens. I have always had pretty good luck with my CU, I think because many of the branches have coin machines that collect silver before it can be sniped.

My boxes should be ready for pickup this week. I really don't have any other reason to drive this direction for two hours other than picking up these boxes. So my question is....if you were in my situation, would you continue to do this? I love this hobby so don't mind spending a little gas money even if I don't make it back, but 240 miles round trip really adds up.

Digesting a common clad · Mar 18, 2013

Furthest BAC I buy coin at us about 15-20 miles.

ArkieBassMan · Mar 18, 2013

This is one of those questions that cannot be answered by anyone but yourself. If its worth it to you, then its worth it.

For me, it wouldn't be worth it for only 4 boxes. 240 miles @ 55 cents per mile (standard business deduction) = $132 just to "break even." Thats ~31 40%ers, or over 7 per box just to pay the vehicular expense.

CRHing is a hobby. You have to look at the expense versus the potential reward, and then decide if the reward is worth the expense to you. If it is, then I say go for it. For my money, if I was going to spend the $132 regardless, I'd just buy silver outright instead of driving 240 miles for 4 boxes of halves. I would expect to add much more silver to my hoard that way. As I said, CRH is pretty much a hobby and it doesn't always have to make "business sense." For example, I like to fish. Its not uncommon for me to drive hundreds of miles and pay for a few nights' in a motel in the pursuit of some little green fish that I'm not even going to keep. With that said, I wouldn't drive hundreds of miles to fish for only 30 minutes.

Its your time, your money, and your hobby. Do it your way.

coincrawlin · Mar 19, 2013

ArkieBassMan said:
This is one of those questions that cannot be answered by anyone but yourself. If its worth it to you, then its worth it.

For me, it wouldn't be worth it for only 4 boxes. 240 miles @ 55 cents per mile (standard business deduction) = $132 just to "break even." Thats ~31 40%ers, or over 7 per box just to pay the vehicular expense.

CRHing is a hobby. You have to look at the expense versus the potential reward, and then decide if the reward is worth the expense to you. If it is, then I say go for it. For my money, if I was going to spend the $132 regardless, I'd just buy silver outright instead of driving 240 miles for 4 boxes of halves. I would expect to add much more silver to my hoard that way. As I said, CRH is pretty much a hobby and it doesn't always have to make "business sense." For example, I like to fish. Its not uncommon for me to drive hundreds of miles and pay for a few nights' in a motel in the pursuit of some little green fish that I'm not even going to keep. With that said, I wouldn't drive hundreds of miles to fish for only 30 minutes.

Its your time, your money, and your hobby. Do it your way.

ABM...I hear what you're saying, which is why I'm not really sure. I figure this will cost me around $35 in gas each time, and that's not counting wear and tear on my vehicle, which is brand new. But my pickup options are limited, so I look at it as the price to play. If my 4 test boxes are good, I may try to up it to 8-10. Hopefully will know this weekend.

minkybodl · Mar 19, 2013

Maybe check and see what other Banks might be along the way, if any, and check them out too. There must be some banks within that much distance and maybe a different branch from one of the banks who wont order them near you will order them. While trying the CU, check out as many banks as you can. I drive about an hour round trip to three different towns on three different days near me and dump on the way to picking up. Besides the expense, it is a matter of how much time you can afford to spend. Hope you have good luck with the boxes you ordered. HH

crhstreetwalker · Mar 19, 2013

What part of Southern California are you in to be that far away from your bank?

TimZim · Mar 19, 2013

Way to far that's a haul! I would just buy silver.

CoinFetcher · Mar 19, 2013

Heck no, theirs got to be a closer bank, willing to order.

Just join a new bank, and ask as you deposit some money.

AdDicted2Ag · Mar 19, 2013

No way I would drive that far just for coin..

ArkieBassMan · Mar 19, 2013

coincrawlin said:
ABM...I hear what you're saying, which is why I'm not really sure. I figure this will cost me around $35 in gas each time, and that's not counting wear and tear on my vehicle, which is brand new. But my pickup options are limited, so I look at it as the price to play. If my 4 test boxes are good, I may try to up it to 8-10. Hopefully will know this weekend.

Will any local banks order for a fee? On 4 boxes, you could pay $7.50-$10 per box and still come out way ahead vs. driving 240 miles. Just a thought.