The first step in shipping baseball cards using a PWE is to protect the cards from potential damage during transit. You’ll want to place each individual card in a penny sleeve to prevent scratches. Check that the cards fit snugly but aren’t too tight in the sleeves. Then place the penny-sleeved cards inside a toploader to provide additional structure and rigidity. Make sure the cards slide easily in and out without sticking. Toploaders come in different sizes, so pick the appropriate size based on the size of the cards.
Once the cards are in toploaders, you’ll want to package them tightly together inside the PWE. Place wadded paper or bubble wrap around the toploaders to prevent them from sliding around during shipment. Use tape to secure the padding around the toploaders. Then place this bundled package inside the PWE. Make sure to leave enough room at the top of the envelope when sealing to allow for postage and address labelling.
When addressing the envelope, ensure the recipient address, your return address, and appropriate postage are clearly written. Use a mailing label or permanent marker so the address doesn’t smudge or smear during transit. You’ll want to indicate on the envelope that it contains baseball cards and ensure postage is adequate for the declared contents. Under-paying postage could result in the envelope being returned.
In addition to addressing the exterior of the envelope, it’s a good idea to include a note inside listing the cards being sent. This establishes proof of contents in case of any issues during shipping. Take a photo of the cards in toploaders before sealing for documentation as well. Also consider insuring the package through the post office if sending especially valuable cards.
Speaking of insurance and documentation, you may want to consider using tracking when shipping cards through PWE. While not as rigid protection as a bubble mailer, tracking provides peace of mind and proof of delivery. The cost is minimal for the added assurance. When dropping the PWE in a USPS mailbox or at the post office, request a tracking number receipt as proof of postage and shipment.
Beyond proper packaging and postage, timing is also important when shipping baseball cards by PWE. Avoid sending cards during extreme hot or cold weather conditions which could impact the integrity of the envelope or warp sticky surfaces like penny sleeves. Also keep delivery distances in mind – shipping within the same region or country generally poses less risk than international. Try to ship early in the week to allow for delivery prior to weekends when the odds of damage may increase.
When the package arrives at its destination,Message the recipient to keep an eye out and inspect for damage upon receipt. Have them also confirm the cards match the documentation included. This allows for timely notification should an issue arise. Overall proper preparation including toploaders, padding, postage and tracking can help ensure baseball cards delivered by PWE arrive intact and in the described condition between sellers and buyers. While not as robust as other shipping methods, PWE maintains the lowest costs per package when sending few cards over short distances.
With care given to cushioning, documentation proof and timely shipment – trading or selling baseball cards via plain white envelope is a budget-friendly option. While no method is completely risk-free, following these best practices for packaging, postage, tracking and communication align PWE with providing maximum protection of the valuable collectibles within at minimal cost. When properly prepared, PWE maintains a good balance for basic card shipping needs between hobby enthusiasts.
