Every post I have read about ordering beans strongly suggest using a separate address to receive the goods. I am reluctant to use a friend's/relative's address because I do not want them implicated in any way. Using a rented PO Box requires ID and verifying my address. Using a money order or prepaid CC also requires ID. I still don't like the idea of using my address and I am thinking about using a local PO Box rental or renting a PO Box with mail forwarding in a state where MM is legal and then having them FedEx'ed to my address. I am considering only private mail box rental companies and not the USPS. Any thoughts?
Using a PO Box can be lots of hassle but some people use them. Better to just have the beans sent to a trusted address away from the grow. Or just order them to your home, thats what I do most of the time
If that is the route you wish to go, go private rental companies (UPS, FEDEX) but for Pete's sake don't forward it. Really what you are trying to avoid here is having things sent to your grow address that are illegal in nature. Private companies are a little less watchful on what is passing through their shipping, that doesn't guarantee that are any less willing to comply with law enforcement should the case arise. So, don't have it forwarded. Just pick it up. FWIW, I had things sent to both USPS PO box, friends and family option, and my own address. The only ones i had problems with where the PO Box (returned shipment after I failed to pick up the package on time) and my friends APT mailbox where my package was "lost". Everything that shipped to my place of residence was A ok.
Wizball, Norcali, Thanks for the posts. I read a lot of posts where people are ordering with their CC and direct home delivery. However, many growing websites recommend using another address for delivery. So it gets confusing. Currently, I would have to give ID and address info to rent a PO Box anyway. So if they wanted to investigate figuring out my address would not be too hard anyway. The same goes for a prepaid visa or money order. I think I will just pay with my CC and ship to my address. I will hold back on growing until I think a safe time has passed. Thanks for the advice.
prepaid cards anymore usually say, and mean it, For U.S. use only. Shipping to a trusted friend's place whether you tell them exactly what it is or use some bit of trickery is looked down on by some people because, well if you're presenting a possibly risk at all then why would you want to pass the blame to someone else? I'm a firm believer of If you're going to order them then just order them like anything else and have it sent to you. Many people do it (me included for my 1 and only order so far) and have not had any problems. Your plan of ordering and waiting is wonderful and paranoia isn't always a bad thing. If I may give 1 piece of personal opinion about it though... If any of the customs/law enforcement were aware of what you ordered they would have just confiscated it, I wouldn't be worried about using them right away but either way your plan is much better then putting the blame on someone else's address IMO.
Jmosley, Thanks for the post. I read one poster who said he while he grows he does not order. When he orders he does not grow. When I look around the web I could find only two cases where there was a bust buying seeds. The seeds were not the issue and in both cases the fuzz found 180 plants growing and a similar amount at the second. If by chance I get a visit for ordering seeds I would plead stupidity. If I have a bunch of weed growing there is no excuse. I will wait a bit before growing after I get my beans. You are right, I am being a little paranoid.
I've ordered quite a few times, plus have sent/recieved seeds from friends, some of whom are in other countries. Never 1 problem. If you're talking 10 seeds they confiscate them at the customs if they are discovered. If you have a shipment of 1,000 or so I'd be a little more concerned.
You can either send cash or MO. I sent cash. Yeah I took a chance but the place has a great rep. it took 3 weeks door to door. Always pay extra for stealth shipping!
Hi nioka, I think it depends on where you live & what your grow is like. If your in a state where it's illegal to grow & your into big numbers then security is a major concern. But if your like me & live in Calif you can relax more. I'm on my 5th or 6th run, forgot which. I grow between 5 & 10 plants at a time & I'm legal so I just have beans sent to my front door but I pay very close attention to growing discreetly so that my neighbors aren't aware. Cheers