Shipping Single Trading Cards

[jjf5968]

Any tips for packaging and shipping trading cards using the eBay standard envelope? I've come across conflicting information on what's acceptable. I've shipped over 1,000 small items this year, but too many seem to be delayed or lost, and the tracking isn't always reliable. I realize the system isn't perfect, but I thought I'd see if anyone has suggestions. Thanks! Jason

[jonathanbrightlight]

eBay has some very specific guidelines posted: https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/choosing-a-carrier-and-service/ebay-standard-envelope

My understanding is that machinability is the main thing you need to focus on, so not having it be too stiff or thick.

Things to consider

Flexibility. Shipped envelopes are processed at sorting centers that use machinery with rollers, so envelopes need to be flexible enough to bend accordingly.

Uniform thickness. The maximum thickness allowed is ¼ inch. If your envelope or flat mailer isn’t uniformly thick and/or has bumps or lumps, it may be classified as a package, which could then be returned or subjected to additional postage fees.

Which envelopes qualify? A plain, number 10 envelope works just fine, but it’s not required. You can use any envelope that fits the following specifications:

• No smaller than 3.5” x 5”
• No larger than 6.125” x 11.5”
• No heavier than 3 oz.
• No plastic, strings or closures 
• Recipient address is parallel to envelope’s longest side
• Uniform thickness not greater than .25”

If you need to use a thicker or more rigid envelope to better protect what you’re shipping, check with your local post office to ensure your envelope fits the postage bracket and guidelines.

[pennpicker]

@onefootflipper one of the regular posters to this board has an excellent video posted to YouTube that you may find helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9SPX370_IE

[thelongball]

I have sent out thousands without fail. Standard Business size envelope. fill in 1 oz. 9 x5x1. 

Include a sheet of paper in the envelope with the card in a top loader. I use small piece of scotch tape on the holder to keep the top loader in the middle of the envelope. I put a small piece of painter's tape on top loader to keep from card sliding out. I print the shipping label and tape it to outside of envelope. Yes the tracking # isn't accurate but its close. When a buyer contacts me saying it shows delivered but isn't. I simply explain it was shipped using a digital postage stamp and it's not scanned at the door. It is scanned at your post office for distribution to carrier. It will be there in a day or 2. I remind them of the old fashion way of using stamps and that they never knew when something arrived. I explain all the tracking number is my proof of shipment for eBays purposes. At least you know I sent it. 

Try this and I'm sure your issues will stop. When ebay 1st started this system, I was on the Betta test list and they sent me a card using exactly as I have told you. I had to let them know if I received it which I did. I'm sure that they sent out hundreds like this before rolling it out.

   People who run into issues and slow mail happen when they try to use to heavy of envelope or to much tape. Keep it stupid simple, nothing fancy and it works just fine. Sorry for the long-winded reply. 

Good Luck in the future

[12345jamesstamps]

A standard envelope without tracking for me is making it crossing country 3-4 days with only one supposedly lost in years.

Internationally...shipping time has changed per each country...but so far nothing lost due to the tariffs.

USA to UK I got a feedback it took 8 days to receive...wow!

Australia...7 weeks to receive but buyer was patience per feedbacks.

Japan is 2 weeks per feedback upon receiving.

Thin cardboard of like a 'greeting card' is what I use which sits in 4 corners of the envelope.

I have been able to insert 4 trading cards in the envelope domestic and international without a problem in the past.

There has been an interest in International buyers since the tariffs came into play..big time.

I have had not one buyer complain of not having tracking so far...knock on wood.

I think buyers are generally happy with quick delivery domestically...plus they usually buy something every week.

Key is repeat buyers...like 'gold' to me.

Tracking will of course slow down your shipping.

I suggest reading my feedbacks from real buyers and not automated feedbacks.

[wastingtime101]

@jjf5968 

eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) is a metered machinable letter mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans. The clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it and you can't track it on the USPS website. The envelopes are scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way and tracking will appear on eBay.

Common reasons ESE labels don't get scanned include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers. Envelope should be flexible enough to wrap around a water bottle.
- Using ineligible packing material such as a bubble envelope.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with approx 1/8"-1/4" clearance from edges, just like you'd position a postage stamp. If it's placed too far from the corner (like in the middle of a long envelope) the machinery may not scan it.
- Securing items like coins in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part. It's better to secure single items off to the right (opposite side of label barcode).
- Printer ink is not dark enough, or label color is too bright (stick to white labels if you can).
- Regional issues with sorting machines, volume processing, picky USPS employees, etc.

With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer; sometimes the buyer will receive their order a few days after the delivered scan.

If a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on this page: https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

[bdmh-enterprises]

Grading size semi rigid sleeve in a #6 envelope. I get scans on 99% of my envelopes.

[thelongball]

You hit a nail on the head when you mentioned picky employees. I will never ask at the counter as you not knowing is already more than some of them at the counter know. What always happens is they then ask someone else who again doesn't know and then you have opened Pandora's box. It will not go well to say the least. 

[1786davycrockett]

@jjf5968 

Never -- never -- never hand the eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) to a USPS employee, particularly at any post office counter.  While the ESE is legal official contracted business metered mail, it is not of sufficient familiarity with many USPS employees, who sometimes refer to the ESE as "phony" or "counterfeit," and refuse to accept them, or refer them to a supervisor, who may tell the sellers that the ESEs are showing "insufficient funds," and will attempt to charge you for a full-price Forever stamp.

When possible, simply mail the ESEs in the "Metered Mail" slots located in many post office lobbies, or simply mail the ESEs in any of the USPS "blue" boxes.  These bulk mail drop-off points will be mixed in with other mail, and will be machine-sorted at the next USPS Distribution Center, where the ESEs will possibly receive the initial "scan". 

(These "scans" can NOT be performed by the USPS hand-held scanners at the post office counters -- another reason NOT to hand over the ESEs at the post office counter!)

One of the main reasons that eBay sellers have had issues with the ESE is rigidity -- if the ESE can not be bended nearly in half, it will not be able to be easily processed through the high-speed USPS roller systems.  If the ESE jams up the rollers, the ESE will be removed, and either marked "non-machinable," and either returned to the seller, marked "insufficient funds" -- or (worst scenario) delivered to the buyer marked "postage due."  And some ESEs apparently don't go any further, but wind up in the "dead letter" department.  So using stiff top-loaders is not advisable.

When I mail an ESE, I cut two strips of material from a soda-pop carton, or a cereal box -- the two strips need to fit snugly within a #6 or #10 plain envelope.  I ship my trading card (or stamp, or decal) inside a penny-sleeve or glassine envelope, and slide the item between the two strips of material.

Seal the envelope and weigh -- print off the ESE label -- and tape it SECURELY (along ALL edges) to the #6 or #10 envelope.  Then take it to the post office, and drop it off in the "metered mail" slot or a "blue" box.

Never had even ONE complaint, and NO returns.

Good luck!

[fm2000]

Don't use toploaders. They cause about 80-90% of ESE problems. Make sure your envelopes are flexible and can wrap around a coffee cup. eBay's ESE page mentions using toploaders. It should be changed, they often can''t make it though the automated letter sorting equipment.

Flexible cardstock type cardboard can be used to protect the item inside. Don't use corrugated cardboard.

Use a regular letter envlope, keep it flexible, keep the envelope within the size and weight restrictions and you should be fine.