What happens after we receive your cards (intake + chain of custody)
Shipping a card to someone else requires trust. The fastest way to earn that trust is to be clear about what happens the moment your package arrives and how it’s tracked, documented, and kept organized until it ships back to you.
The intake flow (high level)
- Receive: tracking shows delivered; we physically receive the package.
- Open + verify: contents are checked against expectations.
- Document: condition notes + photos for key items.
- Confirm: we confirm intake and next steps (quote/plan if needed).
- Store securely: items are kept organized and protected during the queue.
Condition notes: what we look for
Cards are evaluated under good lighting for surface scuffs, scratches, residue, grime, corner wear, edge wear, dents, creases, and any signs of prior alteration. This helps set expectations and prevents surprises.
Restoration is about improvement with risk management, not miracles. Clear documentation means we can be honest about what’s possible and protect both you and the studio if a package arrives with pre-existing issues.
Chain of custody: keeping items tracked
Chain of custody means we can always answer: where is this card right now? In practice, it’s a combination of labeling, intake records, and consistent handling routines.
- Intake ID: your submission gets a unique internal reference.
- Separation: your cards stay grouped and separated from other orders.
- Protected storage: sleeves/holders and a clean, stable environment.
- Work staging: cards only come out of storage when actively being worked on.
What you can do to help intake go faster
- Include a packing note: your name/email and how many cards you sent.
- Keep stacks reasonable: don’t over-tighten rubber bands or overpack bricks.
- Use consistent holders: semi-rigids/toploaders are easier to process than mixed loose sleeves.
- Share tracking: email the tracking number when you ship.