📦 How to Ship Collectibles the Right Way!

Whether you're mailing off a prized Pokémon card for grading, shipping a vintage comic you just sold, or protecting a sealed game on its way to a buyer — one thing’s for sure:

If it’s worth collecting, it’s worth protecting.

This guide walks you through exactly how to package and ship your collectibles safely — so your item arrives intact, your buyer’s happy, and you avoid any regrets.

🧠 Step 1: Know What You’re Shipping

Different collectibles need different packaging. Ask yourself:

• Is it graded or raw?

• Is it sealed, fragile, or easily bent?

• Is it worth insuring?

Knowing this upfront will help you choose the right materials — and the right shipping method.

🃏 How to Ship Trading Cards

🔹 Raw (Unslabbed) Cards:

1. Place the card in a penny sleeve

2. Insert into a card saver or top loader

3. Secure in a team bag (to prevent sliding)

4. Sandwich between two sturdy cardboard pieces

5. Use a bubble mailer or small box

6. Write “Do Not Bend” on the front

✅ Pro Tip: Never tape top loaders directly — use painter’s tape or seal them inside a team bag.

🔹 Graded Cards:

1. Place in a graded card sleeve or bag

2. Wrap in bubble wrap

3. Ship inside a rigid box with padding

4. Avoid mailers — slabs can crack under pressure

✅ Grading Tip: Consider adding insurance if the card’s value exceeds $100.

📚 How to Ship Comic Books & First Editions

1. Wrap the book in acid-free tissue or protective paper

2. Place between two stiff boards (or inside a comic mailer)

3. Use a box or rigid mailer for structure

4. Label the package “DO NOT BEND” and “FRAGILE”

📦 CGC Tip: Comics sent for grading should be easy to unpack — don’t tape books directly to anything. Use clean, neat packaging and avoid over-taping.

🎮 How to Ship Sealed Video Games & Boxed Collectibles

1. Wrap in bubble wrap with ½ inch of padding on all sides

2. Use a sturdy box with no movement inside

3. Never ship in soft mailers — boxes can be crushed

4. For rare or sealed items, add tracking and insurance

🎮 WATA Tip: Avoid foam peanuts and static-prone packaging. Clean, reusable, recyclable packing is preferred.

✈️ Shipping Internationally?

If shipping outside your country:

• Mark customs forms clearly

• Always add tracking and insurance

• Check if the collectible is on any import restriction lists

• Declare value honestly — avoid customs issues

❌ Common Shipping Mistakes to Avoid

• Shipping raw cards in just a penny sleeve

• Using newspaper, plastic bags, or re-used food boxes

• Leaving space inside the box for items to shift

• Using excessive tape that makes unboxing risky

• Skipping tracking or insurance on valuable items

✅ Smart Shipping Habits

• Use supplies trusted by collectors (like top loaders, comic mailers, card savers)

• Triple check for padding around the item

• Test shake the box before sealing — nothing should move

• Snap a few photos of the item and packaging before you ship

• Use USPS, UPS, or FedEx depending on value and location

✅ Need supplies? BCW offers collector-friendly shipping gear like card savers, sleeves, mailers, and boxes.

🧾 PSA, CGC & WATA Shipping Tips

• Use card savers for PSA submissions (not top loaders)

• Do not overwrap or tape up comics or slabs

• Include a packing slip or contact info inside the box

• Use a clean box and label it clearly

💡 Want to make it even easier? Contact us here and we’ll help prep your submission the right way.

💬 Final Thought

Shipping collectibles isn’t just about getting something from point A to point B — it’s about protecting value, condition, and trust.

With a few simple steps and the right supplies, you can ship like a pro — whether you're grading, flipping, or just sending a gift.