Shipping Guide for Sellers
Everything you need to know about packaging and shipping trading cards safely to your buyers.
Quick Reference
Note: The budget stack method uses a toploader as a rigid core - this is different from overstuffing. For individual card protection, stick to 1-2 cards per toploader.
Essential Shipping Supplies
Stock up on these supplies before you start shipping. Buying in bulk saves money.
Thin, clear plastic sleeves that protect cards from scratches and fingerprints. Every card you ship should be in a penny sleeve.
Cost: ~$2-3 per 100 sleeves
Semi-rigid plastic holders that prevent bending. Best for shipping 1-3 cards. Don't overstuff. Optionally use a hinged case for more expensive cards.
Cost: ~$8-12 per 25 toploaders
Clear plastic cases with a snap-shut lid. Available in various sizes (15, 25, 35, 50+ cards). Ensure there are enough cards in a case if you use these, otherwise the cards will bounce around and can get damaged. You can add scrap cardboard buffer to pack the cards tight. With tight fit penny sleeves, you can sleeve individual cards before placing them in these.
Cost: ~$1-3 per case (cheaper in bulk)
Resealable bags that fit over toploaders or wrap around card cases. Adds moisture protection and keeps everything sealed.
Cost: ~$5-8 per 100 bags
Cardboard folding sleeves that hold up to 8 cards (4 per penny sleeve, 2 sleeves per shield). Designed to meet USPS machinability limits for letter mail rates. Some don't have adhesive, so you may need to tape them shut.
Cost: ~$0.08-0.15 per shield in bulk
Padded mailers for shipping. Size #0 (6x10") works for most card orders. Add cardboard backing for extra rigidity.
Cost: ~$0.50-1.50 per mailer
Toploader Method (1-3 Cards)
Use this method when shipping a small number of cards.
Sleeve the cards together
Place up to 3 cards together in a single penny sleeve. This keeps them as a unit so they don't shift against each other in the toploader.
Insert into toploader
Slide the sleeved cards into the toploader. They should fit snugly without forcing.
Into team bag
Place the toploader in a team bag and seal it. This adds moisture protection.
Tape to packing slip
Tape the outside of the team bag to your packing slip. If the envelope tears, the postal service can still identify where it goes.
Into the envelope
Place in an envelope or bubble mailer and add your stamp(s).
Budget Stack Method (3-26 Cards)
A cost-effective method for shipping bulk or lower-value cards. Uses supplies you already have - no hinged cases needed.
Create the rigid core
Put 3 cards together into a single penny sleeve, then slide this into a toploader. This becomes the rigid backbone of your stack.
Add remaining cards
Stack up to 10 more cards and place them in another penny sleeve. Place this sleeve on top of the toploader to form a single stack.
Seal in team bag
Place the entire stack (toploader + extra cards) into a team bag and seal it. The toploader keeps everything rigid while the team bag holds it together and adds moisture protection.
Wrap in paper
Tri-fold a piece of paper around the team bag. This adds another layer of protection and helps the package slide into the envelope without catching.
Into the envelope
Slide the wrapped stack into a regular envelope or bubble mailer. For orders up to 26 cards, you can make two stacks side by side.
Stack Capacity
- Single stack: Up to 13 cards (3 in toploader + 10 on top)
- Double stack: Up to 26 cards (two stacks side by side)
Hinged Case Method (3+ Cards)
Use this method when you want better protection or a more professional presentation. Ideal for higher-value cards or when the buyer is paying for quality.
Sleeve all cards
Place each card in a penny sleeve. All cards should be sleeved before going in the case.
Stack and place in case
Stack the sleeved cards neatly and place them in an appropriately sized hinged case. The case should be full enough that cards don't rattle around.
Secure the case
Close the case and optionally wrap with a rubber band or piece of tape to prevent it from popping open during transit.
Into team bag
Place the case in a team bag and seal it for moisture protection.
Tape to packing slip
Tape the team bag to your packing slip. If the envelope tears, the postal service can still identify where it goes.
Into the envelope
Place in a bubble mailer and add your stamp(s). For larger orders, use a small box.
High-Value Cards ($50+)
Same process as regular orders, but each card gets individual protection and you use a rigid mailer instead of a regular envelope.
- Each card in its own penny sleeve
- Each card in its own toploader
- All toploaders into a team bag
- Tape to packing slip
- Ship in a rigid mailer
- Each card in its own penny sleeve
- Stack cards in a hinged hard case
- Case into a team bag
- Tape to packing slip
- Ship in a rigid mailer
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overstuffing valuable cards in a toploader
Don't cram 4+ cards into a toploader hoping they'll fit. Cards rub together and get damaged on removal. The budget stack method uses 3 cards as a rigid core - that's intentional, not overstuffing.
Cards loose in envelope
Cards should never move freely inside the package. They'll get bent, dinged, or damaged. Tape the Team Bag to the packing slip then trifold around it to prevent movement. Make sure the cards are packed tightly in whatever packaging you chose with no gaps to float around inside a rigid container.
No rigidity protection
Even in a toploader, a flimsy envelope can bend. Add cardboard or use rigid mailers.
Tape touching cards or sleeves
Tape should only touch the Team Bag, never the sleeve or card. Residue damages cards.
Packaging Checklist
- ✓ Every card is sleeved
- ✓ Cards cannot bend or flex
- ✓ Protected from moisture
- ✓ Cards cannot shift inside package
- ✓ No tape touching sleeves or cards
- ✓ Package marked "Do Not Bend"
- ✓ Correct address on label
- ✓ Tracking added (if $50+)
Canada Post Shipping Options
Choose the right shipping method based on order value and buyer expectations.
- Must be under 5cm thick and under 500g
- Write "Do Not Bend" on the envelope
- No tracking = seller assumes risk if lost
- Delivery in 2-5 business days
- Protects you from "not received" claims
- Get commercial rates with Canada Post Solutions
- Add signature for $100+ orders
- Keep tracking numbers until delivery confirmed
Best Practices
Ship Within 3 Business Days
Buyers expect quick shipping. If you need more time, communicate with the buyer before they have to ask.
Add Tracking to Orders
Always add tracking numbers to orders on CTCGX when available. Protects you from disputes and keeps buyers informed.
Match Protection to Value
Don't cheap out on packaging for valuable orders. The cost of proper supplies is tiny compared to replacing a damaged $50+ card.
Related Resources
Have questions about shipping? Check out our FAQ or contact us.