So the cost to you is: $1.95 postage $0.85 tracking $2.35 insurance $_.00 blanks chosen plus return shipping. I am thinking you should have two duplicates for under $30-$35 :rockon:
Since I feel we will need the insurance aspect for return of your original key, I will forego my usual request of including a self addressed, postage prepaid return shipping parcel to be included - the post office requires a personal visit in this case. I will refer you to the original thread http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-technical-discussion/103614-laser-cut-key-cutter-options.html that started all this. Feel free to post there, or send me a PM to take this off-line. In any event, all I request from you is to cover my actual costs, and post a meaningful reply in the thread - good or bad - as payment for the services rendered.
For the return trip, we have two options: I can return your original and the duplicates in one package, with tracking and insurance, or split the shipment into two separate packages, each with tracking. You would then receive the duplicates first, and when you advise me they were received and to your expectations/satisfaction, I would immediately send your original back to you. I prefer to ship your original last because in the event of a loss, I can quickly, cheaply, and safely make you replacement duplicates. If you have other options or preferences, I will gladly entertain them. I have several grades of blanks available, and the price range (my cost) is as follows: $4, $6, $9, $29 (OEM from parts.com) and the customized 'flat key' which I will let you have for $15 (my cost plus labor - it's not hard, but time consuming to modify the blanks, the price may change soon.)
Welcome lilliancz to PC! Yes, I would need you to send me your only mechanical 'emergency key'. I cannot (and did not want to) cut to code from the key tag. Cutting from code is referred to as originating a key; I did not want the responsibility that comes from that particular ability. What I can do for members is to duplicate one from a physical key in hand. In the case of the 'only one original key' owner, the only secure means that we (other PC members) could come up with was using the services of the US Postal Service. For a small additional charge, you will need to add tracking ($0.85) and insurance ($2.35 for $100 coverage) on your package to me - signature receipt will be more, but I will gladly oblige. This way, we can track your key to me, and if it gets lost, the $100 insurance should closely cover the stealership or locksmith fee involved in originating a key from your key code (you may insure up to $200, btw.)
