Shipping sports cards safely

The right packaging

Four layers are enough for almost any card:

• Penny sleeve: the thin protective sleeve so the surface doesn't get scratched.
• Toploader or semi-rigid (card saver): the firm holder. Semi-rigids are mandatory for grading submissions; for shipping, both work.
• Team bag or a strip of tape: seals the toploader so the card can't slide out. Never put tape directly on the card or the sleeve.
• Outer packaging: a padded envelope for one to three cards, a small box for slabs and larger quantities. Wrap slabs additionally in bubble wrap – otherwise the corners of the holders crack.

Shipping methods in Germany and the EU

For cheap cards a large letter is enough – without tracking and without liability in case of loss. Above a certain value that is not a good idea: on CARDLEAGUE, tracked shipping is mandatory from €50.00 in value, insured shipping from €150.00. You enter the tracking number in the order; delivery is then detected automatically and the payout gets going.

To the EU you ship as a small parcel or parcel with tracking. There are no customs formalities within the EU. For Switzerland, the UK and other third countries customs rules apply – which is why the marketplace is limited to the EU.

Shipping step by step

This is how it goes after the sale:

• Ship within 5 days – buyers don't like waiting longer.
• Enter the tracking number in the order. The buyer is notified automatically.
• Wait for delivery. If the buyer confirms receipt or reports nothing 7 days after delivery, your money is released.
• Keep proof: the posting receipt and a photo of the packed parcel help with questions.