How to Ship a Trading Card Safely (Without Overdoing It)
- GorillaShip Support Team
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
When it comes to shipping trading cards, every collector knows the stakes are high.
ingle crease, corner ding, or water spot can turn a valuable card into a disappointment. At GorillaShip, we see thousands of cards pass through our facility each month — from base rookies to one-of-one grails — and we’ve learned that the key to safe shipping is all about balance. Protect your card, but don’t bury it in layers of overkill.
Step 1: Start with a Clean Card and Proper Sleeve
Before packaging, make sure your card is clean and dust-free. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently remove any surface debris.Slide the card into a penny sleeve — a thin, clear sleeve designed for protection against fingerprints and scratches. Never use tape directly on the sleeve or card; adhesives can leave residue that grading companies will penalize.
Step 2: Use a Toploader or Card Saver & Team Bag
Your next layer of protection should be a toploader or semi-rigid Card Saver.
Toploaders are rigid plastic cases that protect edges and corners during handling and storage.
Card Savers are slightly flexible and preferred by grading companies like PSA and BGS because they make card removal easier.
Team Bags are often overlooked and replaced by other things such as painters tape, regular tape and or something worse. Team bags are there for a reason, utilize them and stop with the tape
Whichever you choose, make sure the card fits snugly. If there’s room for movement,
Step 3: Sandwich and Secure
This is where many shippers go overboard. You don’t need to mummify your card in layers of cardboard and tape — but you do need firm support.
Cut two pieces of cardboard slightly larger than your toploader.
Place the card between them and secure gently with painter’s tape.
The goal is stability, not compression. Too much tape or pressure can warp the case or cause bending.
Step 4: Cushion and Pack Smart
Place your protected card sandwich inside a bubble mailer or small shipping box. If you’re using a mailer, ensure the edges are sealed and that the card doesn’t move when shaken. For higher-value cards, we recommend a small box with bubble wrap or foam padding around the card bundle.
Avoid stuffing excessive bubble wrap or paper inside — over-packing creates uneven pressure that can crack toploaders or warp thin cardboard layers.
Step 5: Label Clearly and Ship with Tracking
Always include your return address, tracking, and if the card has significant value, insurance. At GorillaShip, every consolidated shipment includes complimentary coverage up to $50, with additional protection available through our third-party partner, ShipSmart, for values up to $2,500. Proper documentation ensures peace of mind and accountability from drop-off to delivery.
Why Not to Overdo It
It’s easy to think “the more layers, the safer the card.” But excessive taping, wrapping, or packing often backfires:
Too much tape increases the risk of damaging the card when unwrapping.
Over-stuffed boxes or mailers can lead to bending or edge compression.
Excess weight raises shipping costs unnecessarily.
Collectors and grading companies alike appreciate clean, efficient packaging that’s easy to open and safe to handle. In short: secure, not suffocating.
