1 · Sleeve
First put each card in a clean penny sleeve. It protects the surface from scratches and fingerprints.
Packing cards safely for grading
So your cards arrive undamaged, the right packaging matters. In this guide we show you step by step how to prepare collectible cards safely for shipping to grading using sleeve, toploader and team bag.
Step by step
How to pack your cards correctly
2 · Toploader
Slide the sleeved card into a sturdy toploader or card saver – this prevents bends and pressure marks.
3 · Team bag
Secure the toploader in a team bag or with a little tape (never on the card!) so nothing slips out.
4 · Cushion & box
Place everything cushioned in a firm box – not a plain envelope. Fill empty space with padding.
Important rules
What you should absolutely avoid
Never put tape directly on the card or seal the sleeve opening together with the card. Avoid overly tight packaging that applies pressure, and loose cards without a toploader. For multiple cards, include a list – this makes your submission clearly identifiable.
Always ship your parcel insured and keep the receipt. Don't forget to enclose the printed order sheet from your order. The complete workflow from sending in to the sealed slab is described on the grading process page.
Material checklist
What you need – and what to avoid
You don't need expensive special material for a safe shipment, but you do need the right one: penny sleeves for direct protection, toploaders or card savers against bends, team bags for fixing, and a sturdy box with padding. Perfect-fit sleeves under the penny sleeve ("double sleeving") provide extra hold and prevent the card from slipping.
Typical mistakes can cost the card in the worst case: a plain envelope without firm protection, tape directly on the card, packaging that's too tight with pressure, or a box that's too large so everything slides around. Also enclose the printed order sheet and always ship insured. That way your submission arrives safely – and the documented journey can be tracked live in the customer portal via the status page.
Read more: Protection in a slab · Is grading worth it? · All guides
Ready to send in?
Packed safely, shipped insured – and tracked live in the customer portal.