Selling trading cards on eBay is exciting, but making sure your cards arrive safely is just as important as making the sale. Whether it’s an inexpensive single or a valuable graded card, proper packaging protects your reputation, keeps buyers happy, and ensures the card reaches its new home in the same condition you sent it.
Not all brands in the hobby niche are created equal. At Hobby Armor, we’re collectors ourselves, and we know firsthand the challenges of both collecting and shipping. That’s why we designed our products to make the process simple, safe, and reliable.
Below is a step-by-step guide to shipping trading cards sold on eBay.
For raw trading cards valued under $20, eBay offers the Standard Envelope Program. This program allows you to ship eligible cards at a fraction of the cost of USPS First-Class Mail, while still providing tracking that eBay accepts.
Steps:
Place the card in a penny sleeve, then into a semi-rigid card holder or toploader. (If you use a toploader, secure the top with a small piece of painter’s tape or in a team bag so the card doesn’t slide out.)
Insert the protected card into a Hobby Armor Shell Mailer. These rigid mailers are designed specifically for eBay Standard Envelope shipments. They prevent bending, stay lightweight, and remain compliant with eBay’s rules.
Seal the envelope securely, apply your eBay shipping label, and drop it in the mail.
✔️ Affordable
✔️ eBay-approved tracking
✔️ Lightweight & bend-resistant
For cards worth more than $20, it’s best to use thicker protection. This insures the cards arrive in perfect condition, and the right packaging shows professionalism and care.
Steps:
Place the card in a penny sleeve, then into a toploader. (Don't forget to secure the card in the toploader, as mentioned above)
Insert the protected card in between 2 Hobby Armor Card Shipping Protectors (3.5" x 4.5"), available in both cardboard and plastic. Basically, make a sandwich with the toploader in the middle. Seal with painters tape or inside of a graded card sleeve. These protectors prevent bending, pressure damage, and impact during transit.
Place the card inside either a padded bubble mailer or a small shipping box, depending on your preference. The 3.5" x 4.5" protectors are a perfect fit for #000 bubble envelopes.
Ship using USPS First-Class Package for lighter shipments, or Priority Mail for faster delivery and higher-value protection. Consider insurance and signature confirmation for expensive cards.
✔️ Maximum protection for valuable cards
✔️ Fits bubble mailers or boxes
✔️ Professional presentation
Graded cards are bulkier and come in hard plastic slabs that can crack if mishandled. They need an extra layer of care during shipping.
Steps:
Place the slab in a graded card sleeve to protect the case from scratches.
Insert it into a Hobby Armor Graded Card Shipping Protector (4" x 6"), available in cardboard and plastic versions. As mentioned above, sandwich the slab in between 2 card protectors and seal with painters tape on the sides. These protectors keep the slab safe from bending, pressure, and impacts.
Pack the protected slab inside a bubble mailer or sturdy box with enough padding to prevent shifting. The 4" x 6" protectors are a perfect fit for #0 & #00 bubble envelopes.
Ship using USPS First-Class Package for lighter shipments, or Priority Mail for faster delivery and higher-value protection. Consider insurance and signature confirmation for expensive cards.
✔️ Prevents cracks & scratches
✔️ Works with bubble mailers or boxes
✔️ Extra security for high-end cards
Whether you’re selling budget-friendly singles or high-end graded slabs, the right shipping supplies make all the difference. For cards under $20, the Hobby Armor Shell Mailer makes eBay Standard Envelope shipping quick and easy. For cards over $20, the Hobby Armor Card Shipping Protectors (3.5" x 4.5") provide thicker protection. And for graded slabs, the Hobby Armor Graded Card Shipping Protectors (4" x 6") are the safest way to ship.
All Hobby Armor products are available on our website, designed by collectors—for collectors. Ship with confidence, knowing your cards are protected every step of the way.
