Packaging and Shipping Your Magic Cards

This guide provides expert recommendations for safely packaging and shipping your TCG collection to ensure cards arrive in perfect condition.

Quick Reference

Card Quantities & Shipping Costs

• Under 20 cards and under $50: Use plain envelope with inner protection (see below)
• Under 400 cards: Use deck box(es) in bubble mailer (~$3-5)
• Over 400 cards: Storage box(es) (~$8-25)

Weight Guidelines

• 1 Magic card: 1.775 grams (0.063 oz)
• 80 cards: 1-inch stack
• 540 cards: Weight of a booster box (2.1 lbs)

Preparing Your Cards

• Most vendors require a specific sorting order. Do not skip this!
• Do not forget to include your order number with a buylist order!

Card Protection

• Minimize empty space so cards cannot move or shift
• Remove cards from binders and sleeves.
• To protect high end cards, place each between two sleeves
• Ensure cards cannot be bent in package

What NOT to Use

• ❌ Rubber bands (can leave marks)
• ❌ Paper clips (can scratch cards)
• ❌ Excessive tape (damages cards during removal)
• ❌ Newspaper (ink can transfer)
• ❌ Thin cardboard boxes (crush easily)

Storage Containers

Recommended Card Boxes

Small Collections (Under 400 cards)

• Place cards in deck box(es). e.g. Hinged trading card box
• Ship inside bubble mailer
• Cost: ~$5 shipping

Large collection (over 400 cards)

• Place cards in cardboard storage boxes, e.g. Cardboard storage box
• Ship inside flat rate box
• Cost: $8-$25 shipping

Packaging Materials

Essential Supplies

• Bubble wrap: Prevents shifting during transit
• Packing peanuts: Fills empty space
• Packing paper: Cushions contents
• Painter’s tape: Easy removal without residue
• Bubble mailers: Combines bubble + envelope for simplicity

Packing Process

1. Secure cards in appropriate storage containers
2. Fill empty space with bubble wrap or packing peanuts
3. Ensure contents cannot shift when box is shaken
4. Seal with quality packing tape
5. Label clearly with “FRAGILE” and “DO NOT BEND”

Shipping Methods

USPS Plain White Envelope

Advantages

• Lowest cost method
• Best for under $50
• Works up to 26 in cards video guide

Pro Tip: Use TcgTracking.com for tracked and up to $50 insurance on plain envelopes.

USPS Flat Rate (Best for Larger Collections)

Advantages:

• Flat Rate boxes up to 70 lbs
• Free boxes and supplies
• Competitive pricing for card collections
• Reliable tracking

Pricing:

• Small Flat Rate Box: $9.65 (up to ~1,000 cards)
• Medium Flat Rate Box: $16.65 (up to ~4,300 cards)
• Large Flat Rate Box: $22.65 (up to ~6,400 cards)

Pro Tip: Use PirateShip.com for discounted USPS labels and home pickup scheduling.

FedEx

Advantages:

• Professional packing services available
• Excellent tracking and insurance options
• Good for high-value shipments

Pricing: Starting around $9.72

UPS

Advantages:

• Retail locations offer packing services
• Good for large, heavy shipments
• Reliable delivery network

Pricing: Starting around $8.95

Shipping Best Practices

Addressing and Labels

• Print labels clearly. Handwrite in ALL CAPS
• Include return address
• Include order number on exterior
• Add “FRAGILE” and “DO NOT BEND” labels

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-taping: Use minimal tape with pull tabs
2. Under-padding: Cards should not move when box is shaken
3. Wrong box size: Too large allows shifting, too small risks crushing
4. No tracking: Always get tracking
5. Poor addressing: Sloppy handwritten addresses cause delivery issues
6. No insurance: Protect high-value shipments with insurance