For people used to ordering coins and metal products from the U.S. Mint on a regular basis, or for anyone wanting a special product in the coming weeks, they may experience delays beyond what they are used to as a result of a restructuring of the Mint's website.
The government entity announced that PFSweb will be spearheading an overhaul to its Order Management System that the organization hopes, in the end, will remedy some problems found in the current system. According to Coin News, however, this restructuring will come at the expense of some delays for current customers while the switch is made from the old to the new system. Michael White, spokesperson for the Office of Corporate Communications at the U.S. Mint, issued a statement regarding the process.
"The United States Mint is launching a new retail solution for selling its coin and medal products (numismatics)," White said. "The new system includes a modernized retail website (eCommerce platform), a new Order Management System, enhanced Customer Contact Center and fulfillment operations, related information technology solutions, and support for robust interactive marketing strategies."
His statement comes among several key dates the Mint has released that describe the timeline customers can expect to follow with respect to their ability to place orders on the site and when they can expect operations to return to normal.
Beginning Sept. 12, buyers can expect to see new PFSweb return labels included in their packing slips. Sept. 19 will mark the last day for accepted orders until Oct. 1. Any orders placed between Sept. 20 and Oct. 1 will not ship until Oct. 1. Furthermore, Sept. 23 marks the last day that the Mint will send shipments for orders placed before Sept. 20.
A Mint-provided video about the new website explains that users will gain a new homepage that provides a reportedly cleaner look and the ability to search for items by interest or needs. A product release page will provide an overview of new products, their release dates, pricing, and photos. Individual account pages will include an updated system for users to update their personal preferences, contact information, and wish lists. Logged-in customers will be able to change their product orders through a centralized location, and a redesigned checkout page will seek to provide users with a clearer view of their orders and a simpler method of processing payments.