A few things worth knowing

FAQs

When will my order ship?

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 3–5 business days, excluding weekends and U.S. holidays, unless a different timeframe is stated at checkout or in the listing. Carrier delivery estimates are separate. If we cannot meet the promised dispatch time, we’ll explain the delay and give you the option to agree to a new date or cancel the unshipped order for a refund. Read the shipping policy.

Will my order have tracking?

Yes. All orders ship with tracking. Depending on the value or nature of the order, we may also require signature confirmation or additional shipping protection.

Can I change my address or cancel an order?

Check your address carefully before ordering. For an address correction or cancellation request, email orders@thecardboardarchive.com with your order number. Once fulfillment has started, we may not be able to change the order or redirect the shipment.

What if my order is damaged, incorrect, or missing?

For a delivered-order problem, contact orders@thecardboardarchive.com within 30 calendar days of delivery. Include your order number, a description, and photos where possible; retain the item and packaging.

If a shipment has not arrived, contact us within 30 calendar days after its estimated delivery date, or as soon as it appears overdue if no estimate was supplied. We’ll help investigate. A carrier scan does not automatically close the matter.

These routine reporting windows do not limit statutory rights or prevent a later authenticity concern. See the full shipping policy.

Do you accept returns?

Accurately described collectibles are final sale for change of mind, price movements, or disappointing randomized contents. Wrong, materially misrepresented, transit-damaged, or inauthentic items are handled separately.

Contact us before returning anything. We cover reasonable authorized return postage for those confirmed problems; any other return costs must be agreed first. Keep seals and grading holders intact while a concern is reviewed. Read the refund policy for the complete process.

How do you assess authenticity?

Every collectible we offer is reviewed for authenticity before listing. Our Authenticity Standards explain our approach to raw cards, graded items, sealed products, and vintage collectibles, along with what to do if you have a concern.

What do your card condition labels mean?

NM, LP, MP, HP and DMG describe raw-card condition. Near Mint does not mean flawless, and raw condition is separate from a grading company’s numerical grade. Compare the categories and learn what to look for in our Card Condition Guide.

Can I sell you my collection?

Yes—start with a few photos and a rough overview through Sell to Us. We consider a broad range of collections; our published bulk rates apply only to Pokémon and Magic. Wait for approval and shipping instructions before sending anything.

Shipping to the Archive

Wait for approval and shipping instructions before sending anything. Start with our Sell to Us form. We currently purchase bulk from Pokémon and Magic only; other collections can be submitted for individual assessment.

Shipping costs and your estimate

Sellers normally pay inbound bulk shipping. If Cardboard Archive provides a label, we will confirm in writing whether we cover its cost or deduct the disclosed amount from payment. Shipping for other collections or local handoff is agreed individually.

The calculator shows an estimated payout before shipping. Postage can substantially reduce proceeds from a small, low-value submission. Check the packed weight, dimensions and shipping cost before deciding to send it.

Before you pack

Your approval email confirms the address, accepted contents, reference, and submission-specific terms. Keep it handy as you pack.

Published category rates require eligible cards separated by game and payout category; no sorting by set or alphabetically is necessary. For unsorted bulk, send photos and an approximate count so we can agree the pricing method first. Binders, vintage cards and potentially valuable mixed collections receive a collection assessment that accounts for significant individual items and the remaining material.

For condition questions, use the Card Condition Guide or send us photos. The packing methods below cover bulk, individual cards, slabs and mixed collections.

Pack it well. Keep it simple.

Good protection needn’t be expensive. Choose what you’re sending for simple materials, a practical method, and the mistakes to avoid.

Keep the rows still.

How to pack it

  1. Separate the agreed games and payout categories. Label each group with its category and approximate count; put potentially valuable cards aside for assessment.
  2. Fit cards upright in snug rows with smooth dividers. Fill spare row space so cards cannot tip, without bending them or forcing the lid shut.
  3. Close each inner box and cushion it inside a strong shipping carton. Heavy card boxes should not slide into one another.

Skip: rubber bands around bare stacks, loose cards in a mailer, overfilled boxes, and packing material pressed into card edges.

Sleeve. Support. Secure.

How to pack it

  1. Slide the card gently into a clean sleeve, then into a holder that fits. Never force a thick or oversized card into a standard holder.
  2. Use a closed outer bag to stop the card slipping out. Place firm cardboard guards around the protected holder without clamping it tight.
  3. Wrap the protected bundle, then cushion it in a sturdy parcel. For valuable cards or groups of cards, a box provides more protection than an unsupported envelope.

Skip: tape across a card or sleeve opening, exposed adhesive, tight rubber bands, and sending valuable cards in an ordinary paper envelope.

Protect the collection, too.

How to pack it

  1. Wrap slabs individually so their cases cannot knock together. Use an inner box that fits the holders; a raw-card storage box may be too small.
  2. For binders, make sure cards cannot slide out and pages are not pinched by the rings. Secure and cushion the whole binder without crushing it.
  3. Wrap books and sealed collectibles individually, protect corners, and keep heavy objects away from cards. Original boxes and sealed wrapping are part of the collectible—do not attach shipping labels or tape directly to them.

Skip: a slab loose in a mailer, an unboxed binder, loose heavy items above cards, or assuming a “Fragile” label replaces cushioning.

Reuse the right things.

A clean, sturdy reused carton and crumpled packing paper are often enough around a protected inner box. Replace weak or crushed boxes, remove old labels, and leave room for cushioning. Carrier-branded packaging may require a specific paid service.

Before it leaves your hands.

Check for movement, reinforce the seams with parcel tape, and put a copy of the agreed address and your submission reference inside. Photograph the packed contents, use tracking, and keep your receipt. Confirm any insurance or signature arrangements and who handles a claim before shipping.

Assessment and final offer

  1. Submit details
  2. Receive preliminary pricing and shipping instructions
  3. Ship with tracking
  4. Receive our assessment
  5. Accept the final offer
  6. Receive payment under the agreed terms.

Final payment depends on verified quantities, categories and condition. Meaningful differences may increase or decrease the offer; we explain them before you decide. You may ask questions or decline. Return-shipping arrangements and costs must be agreed before shipment, along with any exceptional sorting, inspection or handling cost. There are no surprise deductions.

Send collection and bulk questions to sell@thecardboardarchive.com. Customer-order returns follow our refund policy.

Still have a question? We’re here to help.

Contact the Archive