How to Ship Trading Cards Safely: The Complete Guide

Nothing ruins a sale faster than a damaged card arriving at its destination. Learn how to package and ship trading cards so they arrive in the same condition they left.

You've made the sale. The buyer is excited. Now comes the part that can make or break your reputation: getting that card safely from your hands to theirs. A bent corner, water damage, or crushed package means a refund, negative feedback, and a lost customer.

This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping trading cards—from single cards to graded slabs to bulk lots.

Essential Shipping Supplies

Before you ship your first card, stock up on these essentials:

For Raw (Ungraded) Cards

• Penny sleeves: Soft plastic sleeves that protect the card surface. Always use these first.
• Top loaders: Rigid plastic holders (3x4" standard). The card goes in a penny sleeve, then into the top loader.
• Team bags: Resealable bags that fit over the top loader, sealing out moisture.
• Card savers: Semi-rigid holders, often required for grading submissions. Good shipping alternative to top loaders.
• Blue painter's tape: Secures the top loader without leaving residue.

For Graded Cards (Slabs)

• Slab sleeves: Fitted sleeves designed for PSA, BGS, CGC cases
• Bubble wrap: Wrap slabs for cushioning
• Cardboard or slab boxes: Rigid boxes sized for graded cards

For All Shipments

• Bubble mailers: Padded envelopes for small shipments
• Small boxes: For high-value items or multiple cards
• Packing tape: Seal boxes securely
• Cardboard pieces: Sandwich cards between cardboard for rigidity
• "Do Not Bend" stamps or stickers: Alert handlers to be careful

Where to Buy Supplies

• Amazon: Bulk penny sleeves, top loaders, bubble mailers
• eBay: Often cheaper for bulk supplies
• BCW or Ultra Pro: Direct from manufacturers
• Uline: Boxes and mailers in bulk
• Dollar Tree: Cardboard pieces, tape (budget option)

How to Package a Single Raw Card

This method works for cards under $50 shipped in a plain white envelope (PWE) or bubble mailer.

Step 1: Sleeve the Card

Insert the card into a penny sleeve. Slide it in gently—don't force it or bend corners.

Step 2: Top Loader

Slide the sleeved card into a top loader. The card should fit snugly but not be crammed.

Step 3: Secure the Opening

Fold a piece of blue painter's tape over the opening of the top loader. This prevents the card from sliding out and keeps moisture out.

Step 4: Team Bag (Optional but Recommended)

Place the top loader in a team bag for extra moisture protection. Seal it shut.

Step 5: Sandwich Between Cardboard

Place the top loader between two pieces of cardboard cut slightly larger than the top loader. Tape or rubber band them together.

Step 6: Into the Mailer

Place the cardboard sandwich into your bubble mailer. The bubbles should face inward (toward the card) for maximum cushioning.

How to Package High-Value Raw Cards

For cards worth $50+, upgrade your packaging:

Use a Box, Not a Mailer

Bubble mailers can be bent by sorting machines. A small cardboard box provides rigid protection.

Add More Cushioning

• Wrap the top loader in bubble wrap
• Fill empty space in the box with paper or bubble wrap
• The card shouldn't move when you shake the box

Use Card Savers Instead

Card savers (semi-rigid holders) are sturdier than top loaders and less likely to crack. Many sellers prefer them for valuable cards.

How to Package Graded Cards (Slabs)

Graded cards in PSA, BGS, or CGC cases need special handling:

Step 1: Slab Sleeve

Place the slab in a fitted slab sleeve. This prevents scratches to the case.

Step 2: Bubble Wrap

Wrap the slab in bubble wrap—at least 2-3 layers. Secure with tape.

Step 3: Box It

Place the wrapped slab in a box. If shipping multiple slabs, separate each with cardboard dividers.

Step 4: Fill Empty Space

Slabs should not move inside the box. Fill gaps with paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts.

Step 5: Tape and Label

Seal the box with packing tape on all seams. Add fragile stickers if desired.

Plain White Envelope (PWE) Shipping

PWE is the cheapest shipping method—just a stamp on a regular envelope. It works for low-value cards but carries risk.

When to Use PWE

• Cards under $20
• Buyer accepts the risk
• Repeat customers who trust you

PWE Best Practices

• Use a security envelope (with patterns inside) so the card isn't visible
• Keep the envelope under 1oz to use a single stamp
• Sandwich between thin cardboard (cereal box works)
• Write "Non-Machinable" on the envelope to avoid sorting machines
• Consider paying the extra $0.30 for non-machinable postage

PWE Risks

• No tracking (unless you add Certified Mail)
• Can be bent by machines
• No insurance
• If lost, you eat the cost

Bubble Mailer Shipping

The most common method for cards $20-100. Provides tracking and moderate protection.

Carrier Options

• USPS First Class Package (1-4oz): ~$4-5, tracking included, 2-5 days
• USPS Ground Advantage: ~$4-6, tracking included, replaces old retail ground
• eBay Standard Envelope: ~$1-2 for trading cards (eBay sellers only)

Best Practices

• Always use tracking—it protects you from "item not received" claims
• Ship within 1 business day of purchase
• Upload tracking promptly

Box Shipping (High Value)

For cards over $100, use a box with enhanced protection.

Carrier Options

• USPS Priority Mail: ~$8-15, includes $50 insurance, 1-3 days
• USPS Priority Mail Express: ~$25+, includes $100 insurance, overnight-2 days
• UPS Ground: ~$10-15, reliable tracking, good for heavy packages
• FedEx Ground: Similar to UPS, compare rates

Insurance

For valuable cards, add insurance through:

• USPS: Additional insurance available at the counter or online
• Shipsurance: Third-party insurance, often cheaper than carrier insurance
• Pirate Ship: Discounted USPS rates and insurance options

Signature Confirmation

For cards over $250, require signature on delivery. This proves the buyer received the package and protects against "not delivered" claims.

Shipping Multiple Cards

Small Lots (2-10 cards)

• Each card in its own penny sleeve + top loader
• Stack top loaders together
• Rubber band or tape the stack
• Wrap in bubble wrap
• Ship in bubble mailer or small box

Large Lots (10+ cards)

• Use card storage boxes (100, 200, or 400 count)
• Cards in penny sleeves, organized in the box
• Fill empty space with paper or bubble wrap so cards don't shift
• Place card box inside a shipping box with cushioning

Bulk Raw Cards

For large quantities of lower-value cards:

• Penny sleeves optional for very low-value cards
• Group in team bags of 10-25 cards
• Place in card storage boxes
• Ship in sturdy boxes with padding

Carrier Comparison

Service	Cost	Speed	Tracking	Insurance	Best For
PWE (stamp)	$0.68	3-7 days	No	No	Cards under $10
eBay Standard Envelope	$1-2	3-7 days	Yes	Limited	eBay card sales under $20
USPS First Class	$4-5	2-5 days	Yes	No	Cards $20-75
USPS Priority	$8-15	1-3 days	Yes	$50 included	Cards $75-250
USPS Priority + Insurance	$15-25	1-3 days	Yes	Custom amount	Cards $250+

Common Shipping Mistakes

1. No Tracking on Valuable Items

Without tracking, you can't prove delivery. Always use tracked shipping for items over $20.

2. Card Loose in Top Loader

If the card slides around, it can get damaged. Make sure the top loader is the right size, or use a penny sleeve to fill the gap.

3. Top Loader Not Sealed

An unsealed top loader lets moisture and dust in. Always tape it shut.

4. Not Enough Cushioning

A card rattling around in a half-empty box will get damaged. Fill empty space.

5. Using Damaged Mailers

A crushed or torn bubble mailer doesn't protect anything. Use fresh supplies.

6. Skipping Insurance on High-Value Cards

If a $500 card is lost or damaged, you're out $500. Insurance costs a few dollars—use it.

7. Slow Shipping

Buyers expect fast shipping. Aim for same-day or next-day handling. Slow shipping = bad reviews.

Key Takeaways

• Always use penny sleeves + top loaders for raw cards
• Seal top loaders with tape to keep moisture out
• Sandwich cards between cardboard for rigidity
• Use tracking on anything over $20
• Add insurance for cards over $100
• Require signature for cards over $250
• Ship fast—same day or next business day
• Never skimp on packaging to save a few cents

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Selling made simple. Collectibuild helps you list cards fast with AI-powered recognition and market pricing. Once you make the sale, use this guide to ship with confidence.