OT: Inspired by current events (just like Law and Order), let's talk shipping.

[the 'stache]

After reading Joe's thread about how his beautiful Lou Gehrig got mangled by the USPS, I'd like to start a slightly off-topic discussion as somebody that is looking to start selling cards (just once in a while). I searched on Google to see if there was another fairly recent topic about this, but the only one I could find was from 2006. My apologies if I missed something obvious. Perhaps my choice of wording was wrong. But new members could use this as a nice reference. So, let's fill it up with some good information, please.

I've been on Ebay for years, and have always made it a point to immediately pay for whatever I buy. I communicate with sellers whenever I have any questions before making a commitment, because that is how I would hope people would deal with me as a seller. Now that I am looking to do the occasional selling here, I want to get some feedback from everybody as to what they look for when a card they've purchased is sent to them.

I've received cards shipped in just about every way you could imagine, and thus far, I've been fortunate enough to not have any damaged in transit. But the cards we're dealing with here deserve special consideration, not only because of their monetary value, but because of the sentiment that often attaches with these cards. As an honest man, and somebody whose reputation means everything to them, I want to exceed the expectations of those I might be dealing with. Yet at the same time, I don't want to go overboard.

Typically, I'll be selling if I am looking to upgrade a card I have. And since those cards will be valuable, I'm assuming that a priority mail small flat rate box is a must. And the card itself should be further protected with cardboard on both sides, and bubble wrap. A slabbed card will fit nicely, with these extra layers of protection.

What about ungraded cards? Penny sleeves + toploaders + team bag, cardboard, bubble wrap, and the flat rate box? Or are card saver Is more appropriate? What kind of bags then do you use to wrap the card savers? Graded card bags?

Any card I sell will include insurance for the agreed to price of the card. I'm assuming I will typically pay for that. What other options should I be selecting? Signature confirmation seems to be a must. It includes tracking to show when and where the card was delivered, and the signature is further proof establishes proof it was received at the buyer's home. Would I need anything else?

Let me know what you look for when you get a card mailed to you.

Thanks, guys!