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TL;DR: Tell the shipping company you’re shipping sports cards or buy a label online. Package securely. Always insure. Select the fastest method the deal allows for. Here’s why.
Shipping sports cards can be nerve-wracking. Should you be upfront about the package's contents, or will that put your valuable card at risk? This guide will help you determine what to tell USPS, UPS, and FedEx to ensure your shipment arrives safely. In future collecting guides, we’ll cover how to package the cards, what service levels to select, and other shipping considerations.
Have You Been in This Situation?
Have you ever found yourself at the post office, UPS, or FedEx counter, unsure what to say about your valuable sports card shipment? You’re not alone.
Example Scenario:
Employee: Hello, how can I help you today?
Collector: I’m looking to ship this package. I’d like it to arrive by the end of the week, but I don’t need expedited shipping.
Employee: Sure! May I ask what you’re shipping and if you want to insure it?
(Collector’s Internal Dialogue): Should I say I’m shipping a $1,000 card? Won’t that make it a target? But if I lie and it gets lost, I’m out of luck. Insurance is expensive, and I’ve heard they rarely pay out...
Collector: Just some family photos. No insurance is needed, thank you.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many collectors struggle with what to say when shipping valuable cards. That’s why I put together this guide—to help you navigate the process safely and effectively.
Why This Matters: Protecting Your Shipment
Nine times out of ten, your item would arrive without issue. But it's the one time that it’s not fine that we’re trying to protect against. When shipments don’t arrive safely, being upfront about your package contents could mean the difference between reimbursement and total loss.
I spoke with a trusted friend who works at UPS, and here’s what he had to say:
Small packages get lost all the time. They aren’t usually stolen; they literally slip through the cracks. Regional distribution centers process millions of packages, and some simply go missing—though many turn up days later. But if you tell us you’re shipping ‘family photos’ when it’s really a Babe Ruth card, you’ll have no proof for an insurance claim.
The biggest reason to disclose what you're shipping? To establish a record that you shipped the card you claim you did.
Can UPS, USPS, or FedEx See What You’re Shipping?
The simple answer: No. Your shipping label doesn’t disclose package contents or say, “THIS IS A SPORTS CARD”. However, certain packaging (bubble mailers, small boxes) can signal that a package contains a sports card.
TIP: Ship high-value cards in a larger box. A bigger package:
Looks less like a sports card shipment
Is harder to misplace in a warehouse or truck
Reduces the risk of theft
Insurance Considerations
Depending on the card's value that you’re shipping, insurance can be a great option. Whether you’re insuring the card through the shipping company or a third-party collectibles insurance policy, both require similar information if you need to file a claim.
What You’ll Need to File an Insurance Claim:
Proof of ownership (e.g., purchase receipt, previous sales records). Proof that you shipped the card (e.g., tracking details, shipping invoice). Evidence of the card’s value (e.g., past sales, professional appraisal).
If you use a third-party collectibles insurance policy, they typically require proof that you used a Signature Required service level and will refuse to pay out any claim above a certain threshold without one.
Pro Tip: Always require a signature for high-value shipments and record the value of your card before sending it.
Pro Shipping Tips to Safely Ship Sports Cards
Avoid the Question Entirely: Want to skip the conversation at the counter? Purchase and print shipping labels online. Platforms like Pirate Ship allow you to buy USPS and UPS labels from home, so no awkward conversations are needed.
Select a Shipping Method that has as Few Touches as Possible: More touches happen with slower deliveries. More touches mean more of an opportunity to lose a package. Select a faster service level and reduce your chances of risk or loss.
Use the Right Gear: There's so many different shipping materials to choose from it can get overwhelming. I put together my favorite shipping supplies over on the Supplies page. Check it out if you need some guidance or recommendations.
By following these steps, you can protect your valuable sports cards and avoid costly mistakes.