How to Ship Cards for Grading? | Quick & Easy Steps

In trading cards, keeping them in great condition is important. Collectors often use grading services to verify and increase the value of their cards. An important step is often ignored shipping. How you ship your cards can determine whether they arrive safely or get damaged.

Learning how to ship cards for grading? is not just about packing them well, it is about protecting your valuable cards from damage during transit.

How to Ship Cards for Grading?

Shipping cards for grading is an important process that can affect the value of your collection. It is essential to handle it carefully. Given below are some instructions.

Packing And Shipping Supplies You Will Need

Using elastic bands is very important:. For every 10 cards, wrap them securely with 2 to 4 elastics to stop them from moving and getting damaged during shipping. This keeps your cards safe and helps them stay in good condition for grading by reducing surface flaws.

Protect your cards with cardboard: Cut 2 to 4 pieces that are slightly larger than a Card Saver 1 to shield each card from bends or impacts. Place the wrapped cards between these cardboard pieces for extra protection, especially during rough handling by postal services.

Adding bubble wrap around this setup provides extra cushioning and absorbs shocks during shipping.

Choose a strong shipping box: that is at least 6 x 4 x 2 inches to fit everything comfortably. Make sure the box can handle the stress of transport and leave space for extra padding like bubble wrap or packing peanuts if needed.

This well-protected package will help your valuable cards arrive safely and ready for grading without any damage.

Protecting Your Cards

To protect your cards during shipment for grading, follow these steps to ensure they arrive safely. 

• Select 5-10 semi-rigid sleeved cards. This adds protection and makes them easier to handle.  
• Create a sturdy sandwich by placing two pieces of cardboard on each side of the cards. This will help the cards stay safe from bumps during shipping.
• Use 2-4 elastic bands to secure each cardboard sandwich. This keeps everything stable and allows graders to remove the bands easily.
• After making sandwiches for all your cards, wrap each one in plenty of bubble wrap. The bubble wrap absorbs shocks and keeps the cards from moving around in the box. 
• Use painters tape to secure everything together. Then, fold and attach your PSA submission forms around the bubble-wrapped bundle. 
• If there is extra space in the shipping box, fill it with packing peanuts or crumpled paper. This will prevent movement and provide extra protection while your package is in transit.

Purchasing A Shipping Label

When shipping your cards for grading, choosing the right carrier is important for security and cost. PSA recommends USPS or FedEx, but I prefer FedEx. Their website makes it easy to buy a shipping label, which simplifies the process. Getting insurance with FedEx is also easy; I can add coverage to protect against problems during shipping. 

Using FedEx 2Day service is a good choice because it balances cost and speed. This option speeds up delivery and reduces the risk of theft or damage. The longer a package is in transit, the more likely something could go wrong, like rough handling or accidents.

Tips For Shipping Cards To PSA

• Use strong, rigid mailers and thick cardboard to stop bending or breaking during shipping. 
• Add protective sleeves or top loaders around each card to absorb shock and prevent damage from rough handling.
• Make sure to seal your package tightly with strong tape, and check the edges.
• Keep a detailed record of what you’re sending. 
• Make a checklist with the serial numbers of your cards, their estimated values, and any notes about their condition. This helps you track your shipment and ensures nothing gets lost while you wait.
• Choose a shipping method that includes insurance and tracking. This extra security gives you peace of mind as you wait for the grade that could increase your collection’s value!

Conclusion

We have comprehensively covered how to ship cards for grading? To ship your cards for grading successfully, you need to prepare carefully. Use the right materials, pack your cards securely, and pick a reliable shipping method to lower the risk of damage.

Keep records of your shipment and know the grading company’s requirements to make the process easier. Be patient; grading takes time, but it is usually worth it when you get your graded cards back. 

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