Author Topic: Shipping Advice (Read 23947 times)

Cpt.Jaeger · « **on:** September 06, 2010, 02:39:13 PM »

I know everyone puts different levels of thought and care into packaging cards, and no one enjoys getting cards that were damaging while in the mail. Thus, I am sharing my experience and know-how regarding this topic.

Jaeger's Guide to packaging cards:

Need:
two pieces of cardboard, 2 thin card sleeves, tape, and an envelope

Visual Guide:
http://gallery.me.com/nickjaeger#100070&view=carouseljs&bgcolor=black&sel=0

Step #1
Gather all of the cards to be shipped and double check that you are shipping the right cards. Also verify that the other trader knows the condition of the cards being traded.

Step #2
place all cards in a thin plastic card sleeve (the more cards in a sleeve the better. you want a snug fit so they don't slide. more than one sleeve may be necessary depending on the number of cards. try to put cards of lesser value on the sides)

Step #3
once all the cards are in a sleeve, slide another sleeve over the first one so the ends of the cards are not exposed, and so that the cards will not slide out of the first sleeve.

Step #4
tape the open end of the outside sleeve so that the inner sleeve cannot slide out of it.

Step #5
get two similar-sized pieces of cardboard larger than the cards.

Step #6
tape the sleeved cards to the center of one piece of cardboard so that the card sleeve cannot slide around

Step #7
sandwich the cards between the two pieces of cardboard

Step #8
tape each side of the cardboard together so they can't come apart

Step #9
place the cardboard package inside an envelope (bubble or standard, whichever fits) and ship. Make sure you use the right postage, and confirm the address

JSB23 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:04:08 PM »

or you could just get one of those hard shipping sleeves

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:05:21 PM »

what's a hard shipping sleeve?

Master KChief · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:08:18 PM »

top loaders, to be more exact.

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:14:18 PM »

Quote from: Master KChief on September 06, 2010, 04:08:18 PM

top loaders, to be more exact.

oooh, that's what you were referring to. I have a couple problems with those.

1. no where to buy them where i live so i have to order them and pay to have them shipped to me.
2. cards can slide out the top and they only hold one or two cards each.
3. last time someone send cards in those to me, they arrived and the cards didn't stay all the way in the sleeve and were damaged. (and that time there were 3 cards per sleeve)

I like them for one or 2 card deals, but for 20 card deals it get's expensive and thick for shipping

besides, 50 thin sleeves are $2 at a hobby store and it's easy to find scrape cardboard around the house (or at a grocery store)

Master KChief · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:16:56 PM »

most people will put the card/s in a penny sleeve or regular card sleeve, then put it in the top loader, then put a piece of tape over the top so it doesnt slip out. i do it that way, then ship it in a small bubble-wrap envelope you can buy at the post office for about a buck.

Crashfach2002 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:24:43 PM »

One thing I've done if I have around 15 or so cards. I've put the cards in one of those clear sleeves TxP or Disciple cards come in. Then put them in a TxP or Disciple pack. Then put them in a bubble wrapped envelope! I've not had any complaints so far about cards getting damaged that way!

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #7 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:26:40 PM »

Quote from: Master KChief on September 06, 2010, 04:16:56 PM

most people will put the card/s in a penny sleeve or regular card sleeve, then put it in the top loader, then put a piece of tape over the top so it doesnt slip out. i do it that way, then ship it in a small bubble-wrap envelope you can buy at the post office for about a buck.

that's perfect, but i usually don't pay all that to ship one or two cards in a trade. Usually it's at least a dozen cards :/

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #8 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:28:54 PM »

Quote from: Crashfach2002 on September 06, 2010, 04:24:43 PM

One thing I've done if I have around 15 or so cards. I've put the cards in one of those clear sleeves TxP or Disciple cards come in. Then put them in a TxP or Disciple pack. Then put them in a bubble wrapped envelope! I've not had any complaints so far about cards getting damaged that way!

that's pretty much the same as what i do, but instead of using a cardboard pack, i use two pieces of cardboard. good idea though! I may start saving empty packs and doing that..... anything that involves spending less money is AIGHT by me

Master KChief · « **Reply #9 on:** September 06, 2010, 04:35:04 PM »

another thing i've done in the past is take a booster pack full of worthless common/uncommon cards and stick the one or two cards im trading in the middle of it. the card pack with the 10 or so cards will keep the entire pack durable and is very unlikely to bend.

TechnoEthicist · « **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2010, 10:28:16 PM »

One thing to be aware of, envelopes can still be ripped up, especially with holidays and lots of mail being distributed. I will ensure going forward that there will not be normal envelopes used for anything other than a hard protector going forward. There might be a small shipping rate increase to offset this charge.

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2010, 10:48:27 PM »

Quote from: TechnoEthicist on December 18, 2010, 10:28:16 PM

One thing to be aware of, envelopes can still be ripped up, especially with holidays and lots of mail being distributed. I will ensure going forward that there will not be normal envelopes used for anything other than a hard protector going forward. There might be a small shipping rate increase to offset this charge.

True, but as long as the cards are in something that cannot be torn (ex- plastic case, cardboard, hard sleeve), it should be ok. I personally, usually put a 5 inch piece of packing tape on the back to unsure the glue/flap does not open.

YourMathTeacher · « **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2010, 10:59:33 PM »

Quote from: Cpt.Jaeger on December 18, 2010, 10:48:27 PM

I personally, usually put a 5 inch piece of packing tape on the back to unsure the glue/flap does not open.

That doesn't protect the front of the envelope.

Automatic sorters have no mercy. I have received several shredded envelopes in my trading days. Fortunately, the USPS was nice enough to put the cards into a plastic bag or new envelope and get them to me. Like the Capt. said, taping the flaps (and I tape the edges too) will reinforce the envelope better than just using your tongue.

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #13 on:** December 18, 2010, 11:02:47 PM »

Quote from: YourMathTeacher on December 18, 2010, 10:59:33 PM

Quote from: Cpt.Jaeger on December 18, 2010, 10:48:27 PM
I personally, usually put a 5 inch piece of packing tape on the back to unsure the glue/flap does not open.

That doesn't protect the front of the envelope.

Automatic sorters have no mercy. I have received several shredded envelopes in my trading days. Fortunately, the USPS was nice enough to put the cards into a plastic bag or new envelope and get them to me. Like the Capt. said, taping the flaps (and I tape the edges too) will reinforce the envelope better than just using your tongue.

well, i also print most of my addresses and return addresses, so those get taped on with packing tape as well

Generally, as long at the cards themselves are thoroughly protected, you don't have to worry about them envelope.
Chances are the envelope won't be ripped to the point where the cards will fall out, and it it is I believe USPS has to "repackage" so that they are still deliverable

EDIT- I'll be making several additions to this guide to include other adequate ways to package

YourMathTeacher · « **Reply #14 on:** December 18, 2010, 11:08:43 PM »

Quote from: Cpt.Jaeger on December 18, 2010, 11:02:47 PM

Generally, as long at the cards themselves are thoroughly protected, you don't have to worry about them envelope.
Chances are the envelope won't be ripped to the point where the cards will fall out, and it it is I believe USPS has to "repackage" so that they are still deliverable

You put a lot more faith in the USPS than I do.

I've seen the USPS eBay auctions, so I know that plenty of mail gets "lost."

TechnoEthicist · « **Reply #15 on:** December 18, 2010, 11:21:16 PM »

Quote from: Cpt.Jaeger on December 18, 2010, 11:02:47 PM

Quote from: YourMathTeacher on December 18, 2010, 10:59:33 PM
Quote from: Cpt.Jaeger on December 18, 2010, 10:48:27 PM
I personally, usually put a 5 inch piece of packing tape on the back to unsure the glue/flap does not open.

That doesn't protect the front of the envelope.

Automatic sorters have no mercy. I have received several shredded envelopes in my trading days. Fortunately, the USPS was nice enough to put the cards into a plastic bag or new envelope and get them to me. Like the Capt. said, taping the flaps (and I tape the edges too) will reinforce the envelope better than just using your tongue.

well, i also print most of my addresses and return addresses, so those get taped on with packing tape as well
Generally, as long at the cards themselves are thoroughly protected, you don't have to worry about them envelope.
Chances are the envelope won't be ripped to the point where the cards will fall out, and it it is I believe USPS has to "repackage" so that they are still deliverable

EDIT- I'll be making several additions to this guide to include other adequate ways to package

Let jc send you a picture of what can happen...I taped all the edges....and the front still ripped off...USPS does not have to repackage anything, especially during the Christmas season...

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #16 on:** December 18, 2010, 11:37:03 PM »

Quote from: TechnoEthicist on December 18, 2010, 11:21:16 PM

Quote from: Cpt.Jaeger on December 18, 2010, 11:02:47 PM
Quote from: YourMathTeacher on December 18, 2010, 10:59:33 PM
Quote from: Cpt.Jaeger on December 18, 2010, 10:48:27 PM
I personally, usually put a 5 inch piece of packing tape on the back to unsure the glue/flap does not open.

That doesn't protect the front of the envelope.

Automatic sorters have no mercy. I have received several shredded envelopes in my trading days. Fortunately, the USPS was nice enough to put the cards into a plastic bag or new envelope and get them to me. Like the Capt. said, taping the flaps (and I tape the edges too) will reinforce the envelope better than just using your tongue.

well, i also print most of my addresses and return addresses, so those get taped on with packing tape as well
Generally, as long at the cards themselves are thoroughly protected, you don't have to worry about them envelope.
Chances are the envelope won't be ripped to the point where the cards will fall out, and it it is I believe USPS has to "repackage" so that they are still deliverable

EDIT- I'll be making several additions to this guide to include other adequate ways to package

Let jc send you a picture of what can happen...I taped all the edges....and the front still ripped off...USPS does not have to repackage anything, especially during the Christmas season...

was everything still in the package?

TechnoEthicist · « **Reply #17 on:** December 19, 2010, 03:17:46 PM »

No, he received nothing more than an envelope...the box (Disciples) that had the cards was nowhere to be found...

Cpt.Jaeger · « **Reply #18 on:** December 19, 2010, 03:24:51 PM »

Quote from: TechnoEthicist on December 19, 2010, 03:17:46 PM

No, he received nothing more than an envelope...the box (Disciples) that had the cards was nowhere to be found...

ooh, bummer

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Author Topic: Shipping Advice (Read 23947 times)