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How to Pack Pokemon Cards for PSA Grading

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How to Pack Pokemon Cards for PSA Grading

This guide walks you through the exact steps to safely package your Pokemon cards for PSA grading, from placing them in card savers to preparing the shipping box. You’ll learn what materials to use, how to protect the cards during transit, and how to avoid common mistakes that can damage your cards or delay your submission.

What You’ll Need

  • PSA Card Saver 1 (or Card Saver 2 for thicker cards) – these are semi-rigid holders that PSA recommends
  • Penny sleeves (soft, non-PVC plastic sleeves)
  • Cardboard or corrugated cardboard sheets (at least 8.5 x 11 inches)
  • Bubble wrap or foam padding
  • Strong shipping tape (packing tape)
  • Shipping box (small to medium size, sturdy)
  • Labels: shipping label and PSA submission form (if using PSA’s online submission, print the confirmation)
  • Optional: gloves or clean hands, soft cloth, rubber bands or large binder clips

Step-by-Step

  1. Prepare your cards: Inspect each card for any loose debris or dust. Gently wipe the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth if needed. Do not use any cleaning solutions or liquids, as they can damage the card.
  2. Sleeve each card: Slide each card into a penny sleeve, making sure the opening of the sleeve is at the top of the card. The sleeve protects the surface from scratches during handling.
  3. Place in Card Saver: Insert the sleeved card into a PSA Card Saver 1. The card should go in with the top of the card facing the opening of the Card Saver. Ensure the card is fully seated in the holder and not sticking out.
  4. Seal the Card Saver: Fold the top flap of the Card Saver over the card. Do not use tape or any adhesive on the Card Saver itself, as it can leave residue. The flap is designed to hold the card securely without tape.
  5. Arrange Card Savers: Lay the filled Card Savers flat. If you have multiple, stack them neatly. Do not place any other items (like coins, toploaders, or extra sleeves) between them.
  6. Sandwich with cardboard: Place a piece of cardboard on the bottom, then the stack of Card Savers, then another piece of cardboard on top. This creates a rigid sandwich that prevents bending. The cardboard should be slightly larger than the Card Savers.
  7. Secure the sandwich: Use rubber bands or large binder clips to hold the cardboard sandwich together. Be careful not to overtighten – you want it snug, not crushing the cards. If using binder clips, place them on the edges away from the cards.
  8. Wrap in bubble wrap: Wrap the entire cardboard sandwich in a layer or two of bubble wrap, securing it with tape. This adds cushioning against impacts.
  9. Prepare the shipping box: Choose a sturdy box that is slightly larger than your bubble-wrapped package. Fill the bottom of the box with crumpled paper or packing peanuts to create a cushion layer.
  10. Place the package inside: Put the bubble-wrapped package into the box. Add more packing material on top and around the sides so that the package cannot shift when the box is shaken. The goal is a snug fit with no movement.
  11. Seal the box: Close the box and seal all seams with strong packing tape. Use the H-taping method: tape the center seam, then tape the edges of the flaps. This reinforces the box.
  12. Attach labels: Place the shipping label on the top of the box, making sure it is flat and readable. If you have a PSA submission form, include it inside the box on top of the package (do not tape it to the cards).
  13. Ship with tracking: Take the package to your chosen carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx) and ship with tracking and insurance. Keep the tracking number until you receive your cards back.

Common Mistakes

  • Using toploaders instead of Card Savers: PSA specifically requests Card Savers, not rigid toploaders. Toploaders can cause cards to shift and potentially get damaged during handling.
  • Using tape on the Card Saver: Tape can leave sticky residue on the holder or the card. The flap is designed to stay closed without tape.
  • Placing cards in sleeves with the opening at the bottom: This can allow the card to slide out and get scratched. Always have the sleeve opening at the top.
  • Not using enough padding: If the package can move inside the box, the cards can get bent or crushed. Use ample packing material.
  • Shipping without tracking or insurance: If the package is lost, you have no recourse. Always use a trackable, insured service.
  • Overcrowding the Card Saver: Do not put more than one card per Card Saver. Each card needs its own holder.

Tips

  • Handle cards by the edges only to avoid fingerprints on the surface.
  • If you have a large submission, group cards by order on your submission form to keep them organized.
  • Write your PSA submission number on the outside of the box, but also keep a copy inside.
  • Consider using a box that is just slightly larger than the package to reduce the need for excessive filler.
  • Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays and potential exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Use a new, clean box if possible – old boxes may have weak spots or residue.

Troubleshooting

If your package arrives damaged or the cards are not as expected, here’s what to do:

  • Card arrives bent: If the card is bent, it may have been damaged during shipping. Contact PSA immediately with photos of the packaging and the card. They may offer a replacement or refund, but this is not guaranteed.
  • Card is scratched: If a scratch appears, it might have been present before submission. Check your pre-submission photos. If it’s new, contact PSA with evidence.
  • Package lost: Use the tracking number to file a claim with the carrier. If you purchased insurance, you can recover the declared value.
  • Card Saver is cracked: This can happen if the package is crushed. The card may still be okay, but inspect it carefully. If damaged, contact PSA.
  • PSA returns card ungraded due to damage: If PSA determines the card is not gradable, they will return it. You can resubmit later if you believe it was a mistake, but you’ll need to pay again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular top loader instead of a PSA Card Saver?

PSA specifically recommends Card Savers because they are semi-rigid and allow for easier removal without damaging the card. Toploaders are rigid and can cause damage during extraction, so they are not recommended.

Should I put the card in a penny sleeve before the Card Saver?

Yes, always use a penny sleeve. It protects the card’s surface from scratches that can occur when sliding it in and out of the Card Saver.

How many cards can I put in one Card Saver?

Only one card per Card Saver. Putting multiple cards in one holder can cause them to rub against each other and get scratched.

Do I need to tape the Card Saver closed?

No. The flap is designed to hold the card securely without tape. Tape can leave residue and is not necessary.

What if I don’t have cardboard to sandwich the cards?

You can use a piece of corrugated cardboard cut from a box, or you can use a magazine or book as a stiff backing, but cardboard is best because it’s lightweight and rigid.

Should I ship with USPS, UPS, or FedEx?

Any carrier is fine as long as you use a trackable service with insurance. Choose the one that offers the best rates and reliability in your area.

Related

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