Protecting Encapsulated Slabs in Shipping
Graded slabs (PSA, BGS, CGC) look indestructible, but the hard acrylic plastic cases can crack, scuff, or split along welded side seams if dropped or crushed during transit. Safe shipping requires specific packaging layers.
Step 1: Fitted Graded Card Sleeves (Slab Bags)
Slide every graded slab into a clear, fitted graded card sleeve (team bag designed for slabs). This prevents the hard acrylic surface from rubbing directly against bubble wrap or other slabs, stopping hairline surface scuffs.
Step 2: Bubble Wrap Cushioning
Wrap each slab individually in 2 to 3 layers of small-bubble bubble wrap. Secure the bubble wrap with painter's tape.
If shipping multiple slabs together, stack the bubble-wrapped slabs and tape them into a rigid block so individual slabs cannot slide against one another.
Step 3: Cardboard Sandwiching
Sandwich the bubble-wrapped slab block between two rigid pieces of corrugated cardboard cut slightly larger than the slabs. Tape the cardboard edges together securely.
Step 4: Box Outer Packaging
- Never Use Plain Envelopes: Never ship slabs in standard paper or thin bubble mailers. Automated sorting rollers can crack acrylic cases.
- Use a Corrugated Shipping Box: Place the cardboard-sandwiched slab block inside a sturdy 8x6x4 brown box or USPS Priority Flat Rate Box.
- Void Fill: Fill all surrounding space with packing peanuts or crushed kraft paper so nothing moves inside when shaken.
For more advice on grading preparation and slab holder comparisons, visit our Card Grading Guide.