Packaging Standards
Damaged cards are the most common source of disputes. Proper packaging takes two extra minutes and eliminates the vast majority of damage claims.
Step-by-Step by Card Value
- 1
Penny Sleeve
Place the card directly into a soft penny sleeve. Hold the card by the edges — fingerprints on the surface can scratch the finish.
- 2
Top Loader or Card Saver
Slide the penny-sleeved card into a 35pt top loader (standard) or card saver. The penny sleeve prevents the card from rattling inside the rigid holder.
- 3
Secure the top loader
Place a small piece of painter's tape across the opening to keep the card from sliding out. Do not tape directly on the card.
- 4
Bubble wrap
Wrap the top loader once in bubble wrap or foam padding. This absorbs any flex or impact to the mailer.
- 5
Padded bubble mailer
Place inside a rigid or bubble-lined mailer. Do not use a plain paper envelope — these offer zero protection.
- 6
"Do Not Bend"
Write "Do Not Bend" clearly on both sides of the outer envelope. This instructs postal workers and reduces the chance of machine folding.
- 1
Penny Sleeve
Same as standard — penny sleeve first, always.
- 2
One-Touch Magnetic Holder or Screw-Down
For $50+ cards, use a One-Touch magnetic holder or screw-down case instead of a basic top loader. These are more rigid and protect the card from flex damage.
- 3
Bubble wrap — double layer
Wrap the holder in two layers of bubble wrap. The holder is hard but not immune to drops.
- 4
Rigid mailer or small box
Use a rigid cardboard mailer or a small box. Bubble mailers can still flex under heavy sorting equipment. For cards in this range, rigid is strongly preferred.
- 5
Fill void space
If using a box, fill any empty space with packing paper or foam so the card cannot shift in transit.
- 6
"Do Not Bend" + Tracking
Mark the package and add tracking. For orders over $49.99, tracking is required — see Shipping Guidelines.
- 1
Penny Sleeve + Screw-Down or One-Touch
Use the most secure holder you have. A screw-down case provides the most protection against surface contact.
- 2
Inner box
Place the cased card inside a small inner box with padding. Think of it as a box within a box — the inner box protects against concentrated impacts.
- 3
Outer box with foam or packing peanuts
Place the inner box inside a larger outer box with at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. The card should not be able to move at all when you shake the outer box.
- 4
Tape all seams
Use packing tape on all box seams — top, bottom, and edges. Do not rely on box flap friction alone.
- 5
Signature Confirmation — required
Orders over $200 must ship with Signature Confirmation. This is enforced by the platform. Without it, you have no recourse if the buyer claims non-delivery.
- 6
Insurance — strongly recommended
Add insurance for the full card value when purchasing your label. The platform's Buyer Protection covers buyers, not sellers. Insurance protects you from loss or damage in transit.
Multi-Card Orders
What Not to Do
Team bag only
A team bag (soft sleeve) alone offers zero rigidity. Cards will bend and corners will ding in transit. Always add a top loader or hard case.
Rubber bands around the card
Rubber bands leave pressure dents on the card surface. Never apply rubber bands directly to a card or a card in a sleeve.
Plain paper envelope
Standard envelopes are sorted through high-speed machines that fold and crease anything inside. Use a padded mailer at minimum.
Card loose in a box
Even a box is useless if the card can shift around inside it. Always fill void space with foam, bubble wrap, or packing paper.
Taping directly on the card
Never apply any tape to the card itself, even through a sleeve. Tape residue and pressure marks are permanent.
Overpacked envelope
Stuffing too much padding into a bubble mailer creates pressure points that can crack corners. Match your packaging size to your card.
Packaging & Disputes
When a buyer files a damage dispute, the first thing we review is how the card was packaged. Sellers who complete the in-app packaging checklist before marking an order as shipped have a documented record that they followed the standards.
- Completing the packaging checklist creates a timestamped record in your favour.
- Disputes citing damage where the seller can show proper packaging are typically resolved 50/50 or in the seller's favour.
- Disputes where the seller skipped the checklist or used inadequate packaging are resolved in the buyer's favour.
- Photos of your packaged card before sealing the mailer are the strongest possible evidence — take them for any card over $50.
Recommended Materials
Penny Sleeves
Thin soft poly sleeves. ~$0.02 each. Buy in bulk — always have these on hand.
35pt Top Loaders
Standard rigid holder for most raw cards. Use 55pt or 75pt for thicker relics or multi-card holders.
Card Savers (I or II)
Semi-rigid holders used by PSA and BGS. Slightly more flexible than top loaders — good for mailing, accepted by grading companies.
One-Touch Magnetic Holders
Snap-shut rigid acrylic. Great for $50+ cards. Available in 35pt, 55pt, 75pt, 100pt, 180pt, 360pt.
Screw-Down Cases
Maximum rigidity. Best for high-value cards. Takes a minute to open but provides the best protection.
Bubble Wrap
Padded Bubble Mailers
#0 or #00 size fits a single top-loaded card well. Always use padded (not plain) envelopes.
Rigid Cardboard Mailers
Flat rigid mailers used by eBay and TCGplayer sellers. Excellent for $50+ cards when combined with a hard case.
Small Cardboard Boxes
Use for $200+ cards. 4"×4"×4" or 6"×4"×2" are common sizes.
Packing Tape
Seal all box seams. Don't rely on flap adhesive alone for anything over $50.