Shipping Guidelines

User-to-user shipping best practices

Overview

PokéBay facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers. Shipping is handled directly between users. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cards arrive safely.

Seller Responsibilities

  • Ship within 3 business days of payment confirmation
  • Use appropriate protective packaging (see below)
  • Provide tracking information to the buyer via the messaging system
  • Package cards to survive normal postal handling
  • Mark your shipment's value accurately for customs (international)

Recommended Packaging (by card value)

Common Cards (under $5)

  • Penny sleeve
  • Top loader or Card Saver I
  • Regular envelope or PWE (Plain White Envelope)
  • Tape seams to prevent shifting

Uncommon Cards ($5–$50)

  • Penny sleeve + top loader
  • Team bag sealed
  • Bubble mailer (6"×9" minimum)
  • USPS First Class or equivalent

Rare Cards ($50–$500)

  • Penny sleeve + Card Saver I
  • Wrapped in bubble wrap
  • Rigid mailer or small box
  • USPS Priority Mail with tracking
  • Insurance recommended

High-Value Cards ($500+)

  • Penny sleeve + Card Saver I + magnetic case
  • Bubble wrap, placed in a small rigid box
  • USPS Priority Mail with signature confirmation
  • Full insurance coverage required
  • Consider PSA grading before listing

International Shipping

  • Declare cards as "Collectible Trading Cards" on customs forms
  • Always use tracked international shipping for orders over $20
  • Buyers pay import duties/taxes in their country — disclose this in listings
  • Delivery times vary: 7–21 days depending on destination

Disputes and Lost Packages

If a package is lost:

  1. Wait 10 business days (domestic) or 30 days (international) before filing a claim
  2. Contact your postal carrier with the tracking number
  3. Contact PokéBay support with the tracking info and order ID
  4. If insured, file a claim with the carrier

PokéBay is not responsible for lost or damaged packages, but we will assist in dispute mediation where possible.

Tips for Buyers

  • Check seller reviews before purchasing high-value cards
  • Ask for tracking before paying on high-value orders
  • Inspect cards immediately upon receipt and photograph any issues
  • Leave honest reviews to help the community