Recommended Sports Card Supplies
Supplies by Category
Supplies won’t make or break your hobby experience, but figuring out what to choose can be frustrating. To help simplify the process, I've shared the supplies I personally use for your consideration.
​
We'll keep this page updated as we dive deeper into each product category, ensuring you have the latest insights to make quick, confident buying decisions.
​​
Some links within contain affiliate links and The Smarter Collector may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the site so we can continue to provide you with valuable content. Thank you for your support!
Protection
There's no single "right way" to protect your collection. Different cards may warrant different levels of protection based on their value and significance. Ultimately, card protection comes down to personal preference. If you're not grading or adding cards to binders, here are three commonly used methods for card protection:
​
-
Penny sleeve: Ideal for bulk base cards and inner sleeves for toploaders.
-
Toploaders: Higher level of protection recommended for cards over $1
-
One-Touches: A premium option, while more costly than toploaders, they offer an elegant display for special cards.
​
For my collection, I rely on a combination of all three. I also use outer sleeves to keep my graded cards and one-touches scratch-free.
Penny Sleeves
Card sleeves or "Penney Sleeves" are your first line of defense in protecting your cards. I recommend going with Ultra Pro's Card Sleeves 1500 pack. This option provides a high-quality sleeve at a cheaper rate than the 100 or 500 count packs.
One-Touches
One-touches are expensive, but they offer the clearest plastic and best to display of any non-grading storage options. I really like the frosted edges and smooth top edge of the Ultra Pro One-Touches. Some collectors prefer the Pro-Mold One-Touches instead which come with an inner penny sleeve and are made with slightly clearer plastic.
Outer Sleeves
The outer sleeves from Superior Fit Innovations (Formerly Perfect Fit Sleeves) are my favorite hobby supply. Hands down. Their outer sleeves provide excellent scratch protection for your graded cards, one-touches, and toploaders. With tapered edges, these sleeves fit perfectly, allowing your cards to slide smoothly into storage boxes without any extra material getting in the way.
Storage
Once your cards are protected, the next step is finding a storage box to keep them safe. With plenty of options available, consider these three elements when choosing the right box:
​
-
Graded or Raw Cards: Boxes are typically designed to hold either graded or raw cards.
-
Size: Think about the number of cards you plan to store.
-
Material: Cardboard is more affordable, while plastic offers greater durability at a higher cost.
​​​
For my collection, which includes both graded and raw cards, I use a combination of one hard case and one monster box to keep everything organized.
Trading Card Storage Boxes (Shoe Box or Monster Box)
For many new collectors, a trading card cardboard box is the best storage option. These boxes are easy to assemble and are designed specifically for trading cards. BCW offers both 3-row and 4-row versions, so pick the size that works best for you. The 3-row box is often called a "Shoe box" while the 4-row option is known as a "Monster box". Note that these boxes can sometimes get damaged in shipping, so if possible, try to pick one up from your local card shop or at a card show.
Graded Shoe Box
BCW's Quick Fold Graded Card box
offers a more visually appealing storage solution for graded cards than typical one or two-row white cardboard boxes. It features adhesive side assembly and a magnetic closure lid that snaps securely into place, providing both convenience and style. This box is an excellent choice for collectors with a smaller number of graded cards who want an attractive and functional storage option.
Hard Cases
Hard cases are the most secure way to protect your cards, short of putting them in a safe that's bolted to the floor. Cases typically come with hard foam inserts to snugly fit your cards, or soft foam inserts that allow for more customization. The hard foam inserts stand up to wear and tear better, so I would recommend something like the Fun Guys 4 Row Storage Case.
Storage Bins
BCW's Collectible Card Bin is an underrated storage option. Designed primarily for durability and stackability, the bin is also surprisingly collector friendly. Display windows and included partitions make it easy to organize your collection. It's an excellent option for collectors looking for bulk storage.
Foam Card Dividers
I often have too much space in my storage boxes. When your box isn't full, the cards slide around when I'm flipping through or taking the box out of storage. The easiest way to prevent this is to pick up some foam dividers that are pre-cut to fit the rows of your Shoe boxes or Monster boxes.
Dividers
Dividers are essential for keeping your shoe boxes, monster boxes, or cases neatly organized. These Tall Dividers from BCW are my pick: they’re super convenient and one of the rare options that rise above standard-sized cards while still fitting snugly under the lid of your storage box. I wish I'd switched to these sooner after using index cards as dividers for way too long.
Binders
Binders are a fantastic way to store and showcase your collection, combining functionality with enjoyment. Traditionally the go-to choice for set collectors, they’ve been ideal for quickly flipping through low-end cards. Meanwhile, higher-end cards were relegated to shoeboxes, hidden away in closets for safekeeping. Fortunately, modern innovations like binder sheets for toploaders and graded cards now let collectors of all types enjoy the binder experience!
Traditional Binder
Many sports card binders are essentially the same three-ring binders you might remember from school—just larger to hold more cards. My personal favorite is the Ultra Pro 'Collector's Album', which offers durability and a plain design perfect for collectors. Keep in mind, these binders don’t include the pages for storing your cards, so be sure to grab compatible pages when purchasing."
Binder Pages
Ultra Pro Binder Pages have long been the gold standard for binder pages. Their 9-pocket pages are ultra-clear, made from durable materials, and are designed to withstand unintentional rips - perfect for collectors of all ages, including young ones. While there are cheaper alternatives on the market, these pages are worth the extra investment for their quality and longevity.
Toploader Binder Pages
Toploader Binder Pages are specially designed sheets that securely hold standard toploaders, making it easy to organize and display your sports card collection in a binder while benefiting from the added protection of toploaders. These pages are built to accommodate four toploaders per page, compared to the standard nine-pocket pages designed for raw cards.
Graded Binder Pages
Graded Card Binder Pages are similar to toploader binder pages but designed specifically to hold graded cards. There was a time when these pages were out of production, and collectors had to rely on eBay resellers to find them. Thankfully, they’re now back in production from several vendors and are readily available once again. This version comes with 10 pages compatible with PSA, BGS, and CGC graded cards.
Traditional Padfolio
Padfolios offer a more polished and elevated look compared to traditional binders. With sewn-in pages, they sacrifice some flexibility, but the tradeoff is a sleeker profile and a more compact storage solution. They’re perfect for showcasing specific parts of your collection, whether it’s a smaller set or a focused player PC.
Toploader Padfolio
Toploader padfolios offer the same benefits and drawbacks as traditional padfolios but are specifically designed to hold raw cards in toploaders. This option from ZLCA features 9-pocket pages that can accommodate over 200 standard 3x4” toploaders. It’s an excellent choice for padfolio enthusiasts who want added protection for their cards.
Shipping
Shipping can feel like the biggest hurdle when it comes to selling cards. How do you keep them safe and secure without eating into your profits with high shipping costs and supplies? It might seem intimidating, but there’s no need to worry. With the right tools, you can confidently ship any cards you sell safely and efficiently.
Bubble Mailers
Bubble mailers are essential for safely shipping both raw and graded cards. They provide a quick and hassle-free way to package your cards while adding a reliable layer of protection. I recommend 4x6 bubble mailers—they're the perfect size for sending out a small order.
Shipping Boxes (Graded Cards)
While you can use any small box around the house to ship cards, it’s worth having a pack of shipping boxes on hand to avoid the hassle of searching for one when you make a sale, send out a grading submission, or prepare a consignment. I’ve found that 6x4x3 shipping boxes are the most versatile—they comfortably fit raw cards in toploaders or one-touches, as well as graded cards from PSA, BGS, and SGC.
Painter's Tape
Painter's tape is one of the most versatile tools for card collectors and sellers alike. Use it to secure a card in a toploader by adding a piece across the top, or apply four pieces to firmly hold a card in place between two pieces of cardboard or a shipping protector. Best of all, it does the job without leaving any sticky residue behind.
Shipping Protectors
I used to spend an hour every month cutting cardboard I could use to create a 'cardboard sandwiches' for securing my sports card shipments. That all changed when I received a card packaged with 'Ding Defend' protectors from Storage Standard —they were a game-changer. These protectors are a convenient alternative to cardboard, provide excellent card security, and come in sizes to fit both raw and graded cards.
Security Envelopes
If you’re selling low-end cards, eBay’s $0.99 'Plain White Envelope' (PWE) shipping option is a no-brainer. For just $0.99, you get tracking on single raw cards shipped in envelopes. To keep your cards safe, use a security envelope like the one pictured here. The peel-and-stick adhesive makes packaging super easy and stress-free.
Thermal Printer
If you’re selling sports cards, a thermal label printer is hands down the best investment you can make. Say goodbye to the hassle of printing labels or buying postage at the post office. With a thermal printer, you can quickly print labels in bulk and stick them right onto your shipments. I personally use the Rollo Thermal Printer, and it’s honestly made shipping not just easier, but actually enjoyable.
Grading
Submitting a group of cards for grading is a process that varies slightly from collector to collector, but at a high level, it involves three essential steps:
​
-
Review the Cards Under Consideration: Carefully examine each card’s condition, paying attention to key factors like surface, centering, edges, and corners.
-
Prepare the Cards Chosen for Grading: Clean the cards to remove fingerprints, dust, or any other debris that could affect the grade.
-
Ship the Cards to the Grader: Securely package the cards, include the submission form, and send them off to the grading company.
​
To help you confidently navigate each step, we’ve compiled a list of supplies for the grading process.
Semi-Rigids/Card Savers
Most grading companies require you to submit your cards in 'semi-rigid' holders, also known as 'Card Savers.' These holders are more flexible than toploaders, making it easier for graders to safely remove cards without risking damage. While there are plenty of options out there, I stick with Ultra Pro’s Semi-Rigid holders and usually buy them in packs of 200. If you submit frequently, buying in bulk can save you a few bucks.
Loupe
Don’t be caught off guard by the grades you receive—your naked eye can miss subtle edge or corner flaws that magnification reveals easily. This jeweler’s loupe offers 30x and 60x magnification for just a little more than the price of a cup of coffee. Plus, the built-in LED light is a handy bonus.
Magnifying Ring Light
Normal desk lamps provide decent lighting, but when you’re prepping a grading submission, you need bright, multi-angle lighting to properly evaluate a card’s surface. A tabletop ring light like this one is perfect for the job. Plus, the built-in 10x magnifying lens lets you quickly inspect cards without always reaching for your jeweler’s loupe.
Ultra Pro Sports Card Play Mat
Playmats provide a safe, scratch-free surface for your cards while prepping a grading submission. The last thing you want is a card picking up a scratch from a dusty desk. I like this black playmat from Ultra Pro—it’s simple, rolls up easily, and stores neatly. If plain black isn’t your style, plenty of companies offer playmats with unique designs, and some even create custom prints to suit your taste.
Microfiber Cloth
Prepping cards for grading starts with wiping away fingerprints, dust, and debris, and the safest way to do that is with microfiber cloths. I prefer the type designed for cleaning glasses rather than the heavier kind meant for drying cars. This affordable 6-pack ensures I always have a clean cloth ready to go.
Rubber Bands
Rubber bands and cards usually don’t mix—using them on raw, unprotected cards is a recipe for disaster. But when you’re submitting cards for grading, they’re surprisingly useful for keeping your submission form securely attached. These rubber bands are the perfect size to wrap around a small stack of cards and a folded submission form without causing any damage.
Got a Reccomendation?
We’re always on the hunt for the best supplies to enhance the collector experience. If you have a product recommendation that we didn’t cover, we’d love to hear from you!
Reach out to us on Instagram @TheSmarterCollector or email us at Chris@TheSmarterCollector.com.