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Shipping guide

How to package your cards for shipment

The goal is simple: prevent bending, corner dings, and surface scuffs. Here’s a proven, collector-safe method that works for single cards and bulk shipments.

What you’ll need

  • Penny sleeves (new, clean)
  • Toploaders or semi-rigid card savers
  • Painter’s tape (preferred) or low-tack tape
  • Cardboard (clean, flat)
  • Bubble wrap or foam
  • A sturdy box (avoid envelopes for most shipments)

Step-by-step (single card)

  1. Sleeve it. Insert the card into a penny sleeve. If the sleeve feels tight, don’t force it; use a different sleeve.
  2. Rigid protection. Place the sleeved card into a toploader or semi-rigid. Semi-rigids are great for shipping because they’re snug.
  3. Seal the opening. Use a single strip of painter’s tape across the top opening so the card can’t slide out.
  4. Sandwich it. Put the protected card between two pieces of cardboard (slightly larger than the holder) and tape the edges.
  5. Cushion + box. Wrap with bubble wrap and place in a box with minimal extra space. Fill voids so nothing can rattle.

Packing multiple cards (bulk)

For multiple cards, protect each card individually first (sleeve + semi-rigid/toploader). Then bundle them.

  • Bundle in stacks: Group 5–10 protected cards, then wrap the stack in bubble wrap.
  • Avoid pressure points: Don’t over-tighten rubber bands. If you need to secure stacks, wrap with stretch wrap or painter’s tape on the bubble wrap (not directly on holders).
  • Use a box sized correctly: Too much empty space increases impact risk. Fill voids with packing paper.

Do / Don’t

Do
  • Use tracked shipping.
  • Consider insurance for higher-value cards.
  • Use a box for most shipments.
  • Prevent movement inside the box.
Don’t
  • Use scotch tape directly on sleeves/toploaders.
  • Ship in a plain envelope for anything you care about.
  • Let cards rattle around in a box.
  • Over-pack stacks so tightly that corners take pressure.

Tracking, insurance, and notes

Always ship with tracking. If the cards are valuable, add insurance and consider signature on delivery. If you’re shipping internationally, check customs requirements and use sturdy packaging; international handling can be rough.

If you’re working with Slabworks, we’ll confirm the shipping address after reviewing your photos and before you send anything.