1. Prepare Your Individual Cards

Before packing, take a few minutes to prepare your cards properly:

• Remove cards from binders and binder pages. We process loose cards only — please do not send binders, pages, or storage boxes.
• Do not use rubber bands. They indent and damage card edges over time.
• Sleeve your cards if possible. Penny sleeves or soft sleeves provide basic protection during transit. If you don't have sleeves, that's okay — just make sure they're well-padded.
• Sort by type if you like. Not required, but grouping Pokémon separately from Sports/Other cards can speed up processing.
• Photograph your cards before packing. A quick photo of your collection before it goes in the box protects you in the event of a shipping dispute or damage claim.

2. Choose the Right Shipping Box

The right box makes a big difference:

• Use a rigid cardboard box — never a padded envelope for large quantities. Cards can bend under pressure in soft mailers.
• For smaller lots (under 200 cards): A small flat-rate Priority Mail box or a 6×6×4" box works well.
• For medium lots (200–1,000 cards): A 9×6×4" or 12×6×4" box gives enough room for proper padding.
• For large lots (1,000+ cards): Use a medium or large flat-rate box, or a standard 12×12×8" shipping box. Don't overpack — the box should close without bowing.
• Avoid reusing damaged boxes. Crushed corners and weak seams are a leading cause of damage in transit.

3. Pack Your Cards Into the Box

• Bundle cards in groups of 50–100 using a folded piece of cardboard or a toploader as a stiffener on each side.
• Wrap each bundle in bubble wrap or surround with packing paper. Cards should not be able to shift inside the package.
• Fill all empty space with packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam. Shake the box — if you hear movement, add more padding.
• Place a packing slip inside the box with your name, email address, and order reference number so we can match your shipment when it arrives.
• Seal the box with quality packing tape on all seams. Avoid masking tape or scotch tape — they don't hold under shipping stress.
• Mark the box "Fragile" on at least two sides.

4. Recommended Carriers

We accept shipments from all major carriers. Here's what we recommend:

For collections valued over $1,000 we strongly recommend UPS or FedEx, as they offer higher declared value coverage and more straightforward claims processes than USPS.

5. Purchase and Print Your Shipping Label

You can purchase a label online (often cheaper than in-store) and drop the package at any carrier location:

• USPS: Create a shipment at usps.com — select Priority Mail, enter declared value for insurance, print at home
• UPS: Ship at ups.com — create a shipment, add declared value, print or use the UPS app to show a QR code at the counter
• FedEx: Ship at fedex.com — same process, option to print or drop off with a QR code

Pro tip: When you purchase your label online, your tracking number is generated immediately. Copy it and paste it into the Tracking Number field on your Gradient order form — this lets us confirm receipt of your cards as soon as they're scanned by the carrier.

6. Drop Off Your Package

Once your label is printed and your box is sealed:

1. Drop it off at any location for your chosen carrier
2. Ask for a receipt — this confirms the package was accepted and is your proof of shipment
3. Keep your tracking number somewhere safe until you receive confirmation from us that your cards have arrived

Carrier drop-off locators:

• Find a USPS location
• Find a UPS location
• Find a FedEx location

Questions?

If you have any questions about shipping your cards, please contact our support team before you ship — we're happy to help.