Packing and shipping
How games, cards, movies, and collectibles should be packed
Practical packing standards for protecting edges, surfaces, cases, slabs, discs, and sealed products in transit.
Match the protection to the item
Cards need surface protection and bend resistance. Disc cases need support around brittle hinges and hubs. Boxed games need corner protection. Slabs need cushioning that prevents hard impacts along their edges. One generic mailer is not suitable for every collectible.
Use a clean inner sleeve or wrap, cushioning, and a rigid outer package with enough room to absorb impacts. Fill empty space so the item cannot build momentum inside the box, but do not compress delicate packaging.
Keep adhesives away from collectible surfaces
Tape should close wrapping and boxes, not touch a card, case artwork, slipcover, label, or factory seal. Use pull tabs where practical so the buyer can unpack without cutting near the item.
Protect sharp corners and protruding parts. Controllers and consoles should not move against each other, and cables should be bundled without pressing plugs into finished surfaces.
Document valuable shipments
Photograph the item’s condition, serial numbers when appropriate, the protective layers, and the sealed parcel. Use tracking, and consider insurance and signature service based on value and marketplace requirements.
Buyers should photograph visible package damage before opening and keep all packing materials until the item is tested. Prompt, specific communication makes shipping problems easier to resolve.
Our editorial standard
These guides are original educational content based on evaluating and selling used games, media, cards, and collectibles. They are not paid appraisals or guarantees of authenticity or value. We revise material when we find a clearer or more useful way to help buyers.