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HOW TO PACKAGE BASEBALL CARDS FOR SHIPPING

The proper packaging of baseball cards for shipping is crucial to ensuring the cards arrive safely at their destination. Here are the detailed steps to follow to package baseball cards for shipment:

First, you’ll need to gather your supplies which should include penny sleeves or toploaders for each individual card, a cardboard backing such as a piece of cardboard from a cereal or tissue box that is slightly larger than the size of the cards, plastic sleeves or sheets to protect multiple cards at once, cardboard for the outside of the package at least 3/4 of an inch thicker than the protected cards, bubble wrap, packing tape and a shipping box or envelope.

Place each individual card into its own penny sleeve or toploader to protect it from scratches or other surface damage during transit. Make sure the protective sleeve fits snugly but isn’t too tight, so you don’t risk damaging corners insertion or removal. Similarly sized cards can then be placed back to back inside plastic sleeves designed to hold multiple cards at once for additional protection in groups of 2-10 cards depending on the sleeve size.

The cardboard backing is then prepared by covering it completely with bubble wrap, ensuring there are no exposed edges where the wrapping could loosen or shift during transport. The bubble-wrapped cardboard is placed bubble side down into the bottom of your shipping box. This creates a protective base and cushioning for the layers of cards to be positioned on top of.

Now it’s time to start carefully stacking the groups of sleeved cards positioned right side up on the bubble wrapped cardboard base. Arrange them neatly with consistent spacing between each group. Leave at least a half inch margin around the edge that will be covered by another layer of cardboard. Continue stacking groups of sleeved cards until you’ve used all the cards or have filled the space on the base layer.

Cut a piece of cardboard to snugly fit over the stacked cards with at least 3/4 of an inch hanging over the edges all around. Completely cover this layer with bubble wrap the same way the bottom layer was prepared, with no exposed edges. Carefully place the bubble wrapped cardboard coverage directly on top of the stacked card groups, pressing lightly so it adheres slightly to the layer of bubbles below without shifting the positioned cards.

Cut a third piece of cardboard to fit over the covered stack with at least an inch to spare on all edges. Fully wrap the outside of this top layer with packing tape, going around the perimeter multiple times to reinforce it. The tape should overlap itself as you encircle the cardboard edges.

Select a shipping box only slightly larger than the wrapped and taped package you’ve created. The box should have at least an inch to spare all around the prepared package when positioned inside. Place wadded paper, bubble wrap or air pillows into any open spaces inside the box and on all six sides surrounding the package for additional protection from impact during transit.

Secure the packaged cards inside the box with more packing tape, going around the box overlapping tape at the seams until no gaps remain. Also tape the box lid flaps closed, ensuring a tight seal is formed. Affix complete shipping labels and any required customs forms to the outside of the sealed box. You’re now ready to ship your carefully wrapped baseball card collection safely to its destination. Proper packaging is key to preserving these collectibles undamaged through the mailing process.

1994 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS NEW IN PACKAGE

The 1994 Upper Deck Baseball card set is considered one of the most coveted releases from the height of the baseball card boom in the early 1990s. With its aesthetically pleasing graphical design featuring a golden yellow banner across the top of each card and team logo in the bottom right corner, the 1994 Upper Deck set evokes nostalgia for many collectors of the time. Containing 792 total cards with highly photographic images, collector demand for perfectly preserved packs and boxes of these cards remains very strong to this day.

Some key things to know about 1994 Upper Deck cards that are still sealed in their original packaging include details on print run sizes, chase cards, and overall condition guidelines that affect the value for collectors seeking out near mint examples with strong eye appeal. With smaller print runs compared to mainstream brands like Topps and Fleer at the time, the rarity and preservation of 1994 Upper Deck cards in mint condition straight from the pack is highly desirable for advanced collectors.

According to the main trading card databases and published literature from industry experts, the estimated original print run sizes for the 1994 Upper Deck baseball set included approximately 60 million total cards. The print quantities varied significantly depending on specific player/team distributions within that total figure. Highly sought rookie cards and star players typically had print runs ranging between 500,000 to 2 million copies, while less popular players were potentially in the 100,000 print range or below. Therefore, finding popular sealed wax packs or unsearched factory boxes with chase cards still hidden within is quite difficult since so few may still exist in pristine condition.

Two of the biggest rookie cards and chase cards from the 1994 Upper Deck set that demand premium prices when found in top condition still sealed in wax packs or boxes include Ken Griffey Jr. and Albert Pujols. The Griffey Jr. rookie is widely considered the most iconic card from the entire 1990s decade and frequently earns over $1000 CGC/PSA 10 mint prices when raw copies surface in unopened packs. Meanwhile, the Albert Pujols rookie is another hugely valuable find in untapped 1994 UD product, with PSA 10 examples grading at $500-1000 given his legendary career. Other top stars like Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux and Roberto Alomar had fairly limited print runs making their cards very valuable as well.

In order to maximize value and receive top grades, collectors want examples of 1994 Upper Deck packs, boxes and cases that show pristine preservation from any factory seals and minimal signs of aging, slipping, fading or other flaws after nearly 30 years sealed away. Near mint (NM) condition implies very tight cardboard corners, deep and vibrant color on fronts/backs, and crystal clear photos with no print defects or visible flaws upon close inspection. Ideally, sealed wax packs would remain with crisp factory folds and no dents/creases evident through the pliable plastic wrapping. Factory sealed cases or even just individual wax boxes can often fetch several thousand dollars or more if in top NM condition.

When searching for or evaluating 1994 Upper Deck sealed product, there are some verification steps collectors recommend to minimize risks of potentially resealed or tampered items. Reputable grading services like PSA and Beckett can examine the factory seals and wax/foil wraps to confirm the packs have never been searched. Looking closely at seals and glue points for signs of doctoring as well as ensuring all tamper-evident wrappers are fully intact are crucial. Cross-referencing production codes/dates between the wrapper, box and included packs/cards can lend authenticity. Overall condition, storage history and seller feedback contribute to confidence a collection grade item has survived completely untapped for nearly 30 years.

For investors, 1994 Upper Deck sealed product holds potential as a worthwhile long term asset. Demand from collectors only increases annually as mint examples continue to disappear from circulation. A properly stored and verified near mint factory sealed pack, box or case could gain value at a reasonable pace, especially because the print runs on many key cards were relatively low compared to other 1990s sets. In the rare instance a high value chase card like a Griffey Jr. or Pujols rookie remained sealed away all this time, the monetary reward could be exceedingly substantial. There are inherent risks such as damage or potential resealing not easily evident. Patiently holding a prized 1994 UD collection in truly pristine condition long-term provides the highest probability of appreciation over decades.

The 1994 Upper Deck Baseball card set endures as a cult favorite for collectors and investors fascinated with the trading card boom era of the 1990s. Finding mint-condition sealed packs, boxes or cases from this classic 792-card release after nearly 30 years of storage presents a rare and exciting opportunity. With rigorous verification of authenticity, collectors are willing to pay substantial premiums for the opportunity to potentially uncover Chase rookies like Griffey Jr. and Pujols still untouched in their original shrink-wrapped packs. While condition is critical, properly preserved examples of 1994 Upper Deck sealed product show strong potential as valuable long term holdings.