Shipping Graded Cards Safely: A Collector's Guide

Shipping a graded card is when things go wrong. Drops, crushes, temperature swings, and customs delays all wait between you and the buyer. Here's the packing method experienced sellers and resellers use to ship PSA, BGS, and CGC slabs safely — and the small details that cut insurance claims to near zero.

What you'll need

• Hard-shell slab protector (a SlabGuard or equivalent)
• Bubble wrap — small bubble, 2–3 layers
• A team bag or zip pouch to keep wrap tidy
• A rigid cardboard box (NOT a bubble mailer) sized close to the slab
• Packing tape and an opaque outer mailer

Step-by-step packing

1. Inspect the slab. Photograph it from both sides under good light before packing.
2. Slide the slab into a hard-shell protector. This is the single biggest factor in safe arrival.
3. Wrap the protected slab in 2–3 layers of small-bubble wrap, taped closed.
4. Place in a rigid cardboard box with no more than ~5 mm of play in any direction. Fill any extra space with foam or paper.
5. Tape the box securely, then place it inside an opaque outer mailer so the contents aren't visible.
6. Label clearly; mark "Do not bend" only if your box is genuinely rigid (it should be).

Shipping method, insurance, and tracking

• Always use tracked shipping. Untracked is not an option for graded cards.
• Insure for full replacement value — including the grade premium, not just the card's raw value.
• For high-value slabs ($500+), use signature-required delivery.
• Keep proof of value (sale listing, recent comp) in case you need to file a claim.

International shipping

Customs forms must declare contents honestly — "collectible trading card, graded" is the standard description. Undeclaring value voids your insurance. Some countries levy VAT or import duty on collectibles above a threshold; let the buyer know in advance so there are no surprises at delivery.

The summary

Hard protector, bubble wrap, rigid box, tracked and insured. Do those four things and your graded slab will arrive looking exactly the way it left.