SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED FOR THE GRADING PROCESS

Before you sit down to go through your cards and decide which ones to send off to grading – equip yourself with the supplies you’ll need to do the job right. You need to be able to examine and clean up your cards as you go – and you need to avoid doing anything (like adding fingerprints) that will reduce the appearance and value of your cards. You also need to be able to pack and ship your cards safely, so they arrive at the grader looking exactly as they do now.

These are the things that I always keep around when I’m reviewing cards:

Flat, smooth surface for processing and cleaning – e.g., a desk mat or a small dry erase board. I like this desk mat or this folding tabletop dry erase board

Microfiber cleaning cloths – these will be used to remove dust and fingerprints from your raw cards. Always use small, dust-free, non-abrasive cloths. I like this box of 20, so you’ll have plenty of extras and never be tempted to use a dirty cloth.

Soft plastic card sleeves – these are known as “penny sleeves,” and while there are now many companies selling card supplies, I’d caution you to use established brands only. I prefer Ultra Pro card sleeves.

Semi-rigid plastic card holders – “Card Saver I” made by Cardboard Gold is the preferred option for standard sized cards. (Only use Card Saver II for smaller/mini cards – they’re too tight of a fit for standard cards and could cause damage. Likewise, Card Saver IV is available for taller or jumbo-sized cards). I like to purchase one box (200 holders) at a time.

Graded card shoebox or similar taller card box – this will be used to store prepared Card Savers, so you don’t have to stack them on your desk (stacking more than a few prepared Card Savers is not advisable due to scratching and pressure). BCW makes a great box-and-lid combo that can be used for your Card Savers on the way out, and for your graded slabs once you receive them.

Bubble wrap (both small and large bubble) – go to your local Walmart or Target and buy what’s on the shelf. Walmart is usually cheaper. I’d provide an online link here, but it’s ridiculous to have someone ship you bubble wrap. Just go to the store and buy it.

Packing/Shipping tape – I use Scotch-brand “Heavy Duty Shipping” tape. Avoid Duck brand, it smells funny and doesn’t stick as well. Also avoid anything that says “storage” – that’s the less sticky tape, designed for boxes that don’t move much. Use Heavy Duty Shipping tape and you won’t have problems. Buy it off the shelf where you buy your bubble wrap – I buy the smaller rolls for about $3.50 each.

Shipping box – I recommend USPS Priority Mail flat-rate boxes, unless you already have a preference for another carrier. Get extra boxes of every size at your local Post Office, and keep them around for when you need them. The boxes are free. Never compromise on how much you can send or how well you can pack, just for lack of the right size box.

Cardboard slabs, cut to size – I use spare Priority Mail large boxes, they’re nice and thick but also easy to cut. Plus I already have them around, as I ship almost exclusively via USPS. Go to your local Post Office and pick up some extra boxes – only use the large flat rate or large “mailing box,” which have the thickest cardboard, and never use any of the thinner self-seal boxes.

Is my way the only way? No. You can use different boxes, different tape (some people like that blue painter’s tape), and a different surface. Clean cards on your kitchen table if you want, as long as it’s clean, dry, and level. I list these items because I use them, and I’ve had success over time with my approach. I encourage you to give it a try – with these items at hand, your card review process will be far less stressful than it would otherwise be.