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Trading Cards the Way It Was

If you collect sports, entertainment, or gaming trading cards, you know that condition and card desirability are two of the most important factors in retaining value. Long gone are the days when kids used to place trading cards between the spokes in their bike tires to hear the clacking sound it would make. When I was young, I would buy a large binder and plastic sleeves to display and hold my cards. Those binders and sleeves are still around but the industry has changed and people are more aware of ways to protect their investments. Below, I am putting together a list of items that can be purchased that can help you protect your cards from damage during storage or when moving them from place to place.

Ways to Protect Your Investment

Slabguard – If you grade your trading cards with the widely popular PSA service, you most likely will want to protect your most desirable cards with an extra layer of protection. These will provide an extra layer of protection for your standard-sized PSA Graded cards. They offer UV protection and shock absorption.

Top Loaders and Protective Sleeves – There are different types of rigid protective sleeves and soft penny sleeves out there, but this low-cost solution available on Amazon should do the trick if you are looking to protect your Sports or Pokeman cards. It is wise to protect the surface of your card with penny sleeves and use the more rigid sleeve to protect the card from bending while handling, storing, or shipping.

Cardboard Protective Holding and Storage Container – This is perfect for the longer-term storage of your cards. This fairly standard storage box can hold up to 3,200 trading cards and offer protection or an easy way to transport a large portion of your collection if you sell at card shows, flea markets, or swap meets.

Penny Sleeves (soft) – A simple and cost-effective way to protect your cards from dust and superficial surface scratches when handling.

Hobby Armour Cardboard Shipping Sleeves – If you sell or trade cards online, you are going to need to protect your items in transit to their new owners. Many online auction sites allow customers a certain window to return items if they arrive to their destination damaged. These little pieces of cardboard are quite expensive, but they could come in handy if you are looking to protect your items.

Shipping Bubble Mailers – The bubble mailer is intended to protect trading cards from damage when shipped. The bubble mailer is a thin envelope that you fill with bubble wrap (or other packing material). It is sealed with a strip of adhesive tape, which is then attached to the top of the package. They are typically made out of paper and are not recyclable.

Slab Savers – If you are collecting higher-end cards, you might want to consider this product that claims was created to eliminate the common harmful elements encountered day today. If you don’t treat your cards with care, they may start to fade or become discolored. With proper storage and humidity control, however, most cards can last longer than when left to the elements.

Blue Painter’s Tape – If you are selling or shipping individual cards online, you can’t use scotch tape that may cause damage to your card. You must use something like a blue painter’s tape that is far easier to remove without causing damage to the card or sleeve when applied properly. Research the proper way to apply the tape and the location of where the tape should be placed before using the tape.