Frequently Ask Questions

Getting Started

ShipMyCards acts as your hands and feet in the hobby by giving you a secure U.S. address and a personal online inventory for your cards—so you can buy in the U.S., consolidate packages, store safely, and ship when you’re ready.

Here’s how it works

1) Buy cards anywhere in the U.S.

When you purchase cards from eBay, Whatnot, card shops, breakers, or retailers, ship them to your ShipMyCards U.S. address instead of directly to your home.

2) We receive and upload your cards

When your package arrives, we carefully receive it and upload photos of each card to your online inventory—usually within 1 business day of arrival at our Arizona facility.

3) You decide what happens next

From your account, you can:

  • Combine multiple purchases into one shipment to save on postage
  • Send cards for grading
  • Store cards securely in our vault until you’re ready to ship
  • Sell or trade cards directly from your inventory
4) Ship and save

We pass our shipping discounts on to collectors, so you keep more money in your pocket to spend on cards and other memorabilia.

Optional insurance:  We partner with a third-party insurance provider, allowing you to insure shipments (up to $5,000) while still declaring a lower customs value—helping you manage risk without unnecessary fees.

ShipMyCards is more than a shipping address—we are a collector-focused service that helps you buy in the U.S., manage your inventory online, and decide exactly what happens next: store, consolidate, ship, grade, sell, or request additional services.

Many online sellers will not ship outside the United States—ShipMyCards is the solution. If you live outside the U.S., you can use ShipMyCards as your U.S. shipping address when shopping online.

What makes ShipMyCards different
  • Collector-built, family-owned service: Collector-owned, family business with real support and direct communication—personal service designed around how collectors actually buy, store, and ship
  • ShipMyCards is a registered and insured business, built by collectors for collectors.
  • Two U.S. address options, including an Oregon address for eligible tax-free eBay purchases
  • Online inventory with photos so you can manage your cards and collectibles from anywhere
  • Everyday processing of incoming items for consistent intake and uploads
  • Discounted shipping rates are passed on to collectors
  • Optional insurance up to $5,000 through a third-party provider
  • Collector services beyond shipping, including:

ShipMyCards is designed to help U.S. collectors save money on purchases, keep their collection organized, and move quickly when it’s time to ship, grade, sell, or trade.

Key benefits for U.S. collectors
  • Big savings with our Oregon address (tax advantage)
    Use the ShipMyCards Oregon address for eligible eBay purchases to help eliminate sales tax, which can add up fast—especially on higher-value cards and sealed product.
  • A true vault service with faster turnaround
    Your items are not just stored—they are accessible. ShipMyCards is a vault-style service with quicker turnaround times when you are ready to take action, whether that’s shipping, grading, or selling. Many vault services are slower to process requests—ours is built for hobby speed.
  • Online inventory + photos (know exactly what you have)
    Keep everything organized in one place with a photo-based online inventory, so you can track purchases, plan submissions, and manage your collection without digging through boxes.
  • Consolidation + discounted shipping rates
    Combine purchases from multiple sellers and take advantage of discounted shipping rates when you’re ready to send items out.
  • Premium collector services when you need extra support
    Request White Glove handling for special items, use Middleman service for deals, or submit cards for grading—all while your items stay safely in your inventory.
  • Real support from a collector-owned, family-run team
    Collector-owned, family business with direct communication and personal service—built around how collectors actually buy, store, and ship.

ShipMyCards makes it easier to buy from U.S. sellers, manage your collection remotely, and control when (and how) you ship everything home.

Key benefits for international collectors
  • Your U.S. shipping address
    Many U.S. sellers will not ship internationally—ShipMyCards gives you a reliable U.S. address so you can still buy the items you want.
  • Oregon address savings (tax advantage)
    Use the ShipMyCards Oregon address for eligible eBay purchases to help reduce or eliminate sales tax, which can make a big difference on higher-value cards and sealed product.
  • Consolidation to reduce international postage
    Combine multiple U.S. purchases into fewer shipments to help lower overall international shipping costs compared to mailing packages one by one from different sellers.
  • Online inventory + photos (manage remotely)
    Your items are uploaded into a photo-based online inventory, so you can review what arrived, plan shipments, and make decisions from anywhere in the world.
  • Shipping options with tracking + optional insurance
    Choose shipping options with tracking and add optional insurance up to $5,000 through a third-party provider.
  • Extra support when it matters most
    Use White Glove for special handling and Middleman service for important deals or transactions that need trusted third-party support.
Arizona Address (default for most items)

Use this address for all non-eBay purchases (Facebook, Instagram, Blowout, breakers, etc.).

ShipMyCards  C/O Your Username
591 E Plaza Cir, Unit 2294
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Oregon Address (tax-free eBay purchases $50+)

Use this address for card purchases of $50 or more on eBay to eliminate sales tax.

ShipMyCards  C/O Your Username
491 3rd St, Unit 339
Lafayette, OR 97127

 Phone number (use for both addresses): 623-889-4589

Reminder: Always request tracking and make sure your username and unit number are included on the label.

Yes. While ShipMyCards specializes in trading cards, we also accept many collector-related items and memorabilia.

Common non-card items we accept
  • Comic books (raw and graded)
  • Sealed packs, boxes, and cases of cards
  • Pokémon ETBs and collection boxes
  • Sports memorabilia (jerseys, balls, helmets, etc.)
  • Other small collectible items

If an item is collector-related, it’s usually fine. If you’re unsure, please check with an admin before shipping to avoid delays.

Items we do NOT accept

For safety, legal, and security reasons, we cannot accept:

  • Glass, liquids, oils, or gases
  • Flammable items
  • Drugs, medicine, or supplements
  • Makeup or perfume
  • Items containing lithium batteries
  • GPS trackers (including Apple AirTags)
  • Pornographic cards or magazines (including Playboy)

Restricted items may be discarded without return.

Important note on GPS trackers (Apple AirTags, etc.)

To protect collector security, we keep our warehouse location private. If a GPS tracker is found in a shipment:

  • It will be taken to our sister location, Westgate Cards and Collectibles
  • The battery will be removed
  • The tracker will be disposed of

This policy helps protect both collectors and our facility.

Large items and storage expectations (90-day policy)

Because warehouse space is limited, large items must be shipped home within 90 days of arrival.

If a large item stays in storage longer than 90 days, the original incoming processing fee will be charged again. This helps cover additional handling/storage and keeps intake times fast for all collectors.

Service & Storage Fees

ShipMyCards charges a package processing fee plus a fee based on what is inside the package.

Arizona
$2 Package Processing Fee + the following fees:

Cards

  • $1 per individual card
    5 or fewer cards are always processed as individual cards.
  • $5 Card Lot
    Up to one graded card box — approximately 20 slabs or 100 toploaders.
    $5 for each additional box.
  • $5 Box of Cards
  • $20 Sealed Case

Oregon
$5 Package Processing Fee + the following fees:

Cards

  • $2 per individual card
    5 or fewer cards are always processed as individual cards.
  • $10 Card Lot
    Up to one graded card box — approximately 20 slabs or 100 toploaders.
    $10 for each additional box.
  • $10 Box of Cards*
  • $45 Sealed Case*

*Final Oregon pricing for boxes and sealed cases may vary based on size and the postage cost to forward the item to our Arizona facility.

For non-card, oversized, or unusual items, please contact us before sending so we can confirm pricing.

Incoming processing fees are calculated using two parts: the package fee plus the fee for what is inside the package.

For example, if one card is sent to our Arizona address:

$2 package processing fee + $1 card processing fee = $3 total

If a package contains multiple items, the package fee is charged once, then the applicable processing fee is added for each card, box, or sealed case inside.

Oregon fees are higher because items received at our Oregon location are forwarded to our Arizona facility for processing and storage.

The additional fee helps cover the extra handling and forwarding costs. Oregon is generally best for higher-value purchases where the sales tax savings are greater than the additional processing fees.

Your initial processing fee includes up to 180 days of storage.

After 180 days, additional storage is charged at 10% of the original incoming processing fee for each additional 90 days.

For example, if a card was originally processed for $1, the additional storage fee would be $0.10 every 90 days after the first 180 days.

Large Item Storage Policy — 90 Days Only

Large items are different and cannot be stored long-term. They must be shipped home within 90 days.

If a large item remains in storage after 90 days, the original incoming processing fee will be charged again for each additional 90-day period it remains in our warehouse.

There are no outtake fees to remove items from your ShipMyCards Vault.

When you’re ready to send your items home, you’ll just pay the applicable shipping, processing, insurance, and any optional service fees associated with the shipment.

If an item has been in storage long enough to incur storage fees, those charges would still apply.

Sending to ShipMyCards

ShipMyCards provides two U.S. shipping addresses:

  • Arizona: Use for most purchases, including non-eBay orders and larger packages.
  • Oregon: Recommended for card purchases of $45 or more when you can benefit from Oregon’s 0% sales tax.

Always include your ShipMyCards username and the correct unit number on your shipping label so we can identify your packages.

We recommend saving both addresses to your eBay account for easy checkout.

View Our Shipping Addresses & Instructions

The main benefit of using the ShipMyCards Oregon address is sales tax savings. Oregon has no sales tax, while Arizona’s sales tax is 8.8%. For many eBay purchases, the tax savings can offset the $4 forwarding fee (break-even is roughly a $50 card purchase).

When should I use the Oregon address?

Use the Oregon address for eBay card purchases around $50+ (single cards or lots). This is most helpful on platforms that are required to collect state sales tax, such as eBay.

When should I use the Arizona address instead?

Use the Arizona address for:

  • All non-eBay purchases (Facebook, Instagram, box breaks, Blowout, retailers, etc.)
  • Lower-priced eBay items (generally under $50)
How Oregon forwarding works

All items sent to Oregon are forwarded to our Arizona facility via FedEx.

Quick examples of sales tax savings (8.8%)

Here’s what the sales tax would be on an Arizona-taxed purchase (and what you may avoid by using Oregon for eligible eBay purchases):

  • $100 card: $8.80 sales tax
  • $500 card: $44.00 sales tax
  • $1,000 card: $88.00 sales tax

(Reminder: Oregon forwarding includes a $4 forwarding fee, so the net savings depends on the purchase amount and the item/package details.)

Tip: Save both addresses in eBay

If you buy both low-end and high-end cards on eBay, save both ShipMyCards addresses in eBay so you can pick the best option at checkout.

Note on larger/heavier packages

Larger or heavier items have higher forwarding costs. However, the tax savings may still be worth it, please create  an helpdesk ticket on the website so we can help estimate potential savings.

Yes. You can send international packages to your ShipMyCards address.

However, you (the recipient/importer) are responsible for:

  • Clearing U.S. Customs

  • Paying any duties, tariffs, taxes, and carrier/brokerage fees

  • Providing any information needed by the carrier/customs to release the package

Important shipping notes:

  • Ask the sender to complete customs forms correctly:

    • HS / Tariff code for trading cards: 4911.99

    • Country of origin: United States (unless a different country of origin, i.e. Japanese trading cards).

No. Due to the confidentiality and security protocols of our vault, we do not allow GPS trackers such as Apple AirTags or similar devices. If a tracking device arrives with your shipment, it will be taken to our sister location, Westgate Cards, the battery will be removed and air tag disposed of. 

Items sent to our Oregon location typically take 3–7 business days to arrive at our Arizona facility.

During this time, your items will display an “In Transit” icon in your inventory. You will not be able to request shipping or additional services for these items until they arrive in Arizona and the In Transit status is removed.

Most items are uploaded to your ShipMyCards online inventory within 1 business day of arriving at our Arizona mailing address.

Check current intake status

You can view real-time progress by clicking the Workflow button in the left sidebar. This shows where our team is in both incoming and outgoing processing.

A few important timing notes
  • Arizona deliveries: Usually processed and uploaded within 1 business day after delivery.
  • eBay delivery timestamps: eBay may show delivery based on your local time vs Arizona time, which can make it look like delivery happened earlier than it did—often adding 8–12 hours of confusion.
  • Oregon deliveries: Items delivered to Oregon are forwarded daily and typically take 3–5 business days to arrive in Arizona before they can be processed and uploaded.

Normal processing covers the standard steps ShipMyCards takes to receive, document, and store your items when they arrive.

What we do during normal processing
  • Daily mail pickup from the post office
  • Carefully open and document packages (we photograph the package contents)
  • Quick visual check for any obvious shipping-related damage
  • Upload photos to your online inventory at ShipMyCards.com so you can manage your items remotely
  • Secure storage in a safe, insured environment
  • Your items are then ready for you to ship, store, sell/trade, submit for grading, or send to consignment when you choose
Optional upgraded services (additional charges may apply)

You can request additional services through your account, such as:

Storage included + storage fees
  • Cards: The first 180 days of storage are included. After 180 days, you will be charged 10% of the incoming item fee every 90 days.
  • Large/oversized items: Must be shipped home within 90 days. If a large/oversized item remains in storage beyond 90 days, the original incoming processing fee will be charged again.

Yes! You can request additional photos or have our team inspect your cards by following these steps:

  1. Locate the item in your inventory and click Actions.
  2. Select Details.
  3. Under Item Details, create a new Disposition.
  4. Select Needs Assistance and use the comment box to describe what you’d like our team to photograph or inspect.

Our team will review your request and assist you.

Shipping from ShipMyCards

Creating a Shipment

Please watch our videos on our ShipMyCards YouTube page for a quick step-by-step tutorial.

How to Make a Shipment Request in Less than 1 Minute

How to Create a Personalized Shipment

ShipMyCards partners with USPS and FedEx through contracted, discounted shipping rates. These negotiated rates allow us to offer reliable service and significant shipping savings, which we pass directly on to our collectors.

Domestic (U.S.) shipping

Both USPS and FedEx are excellent options for domestic (U.S.) shipments, and the best choice often depends on the receiver’s address, value of package, and package size.

  • USPS First Class is typically the cheapest option for packages under 1 lb
  • USPS Priority and FedEx Padded Packs are commonly in the $10–$20 range (postage is based on weight and dimensions).
International shipping

International options include FedEx, ePost, and ePacket. Availability depends on destination country, package size, and declared value. All shipments include tracking and our contracted rates help reduce postage.

FedEx Benefits

FedEx is our most-used international option because it’s usually the best all-around choice for price, speed, and tracking—and we have strong support if anything comes up.

Why collectors choose FedEx

  • Often less expensive than ePost on many shipments
  • Typically faster with more detailed tracking than other options
  • We have a dedicated FedEx support team to help resolve issues quickly if a shipment needs attention
  • FedEx rates are based on dimensional weight (until actual weight exceeds dimensional weight) To calculate the dimensional weight of your box use formula (L × W × H) / 167
  • We use custom-sized boxes to help keep dimensional weight (and cost) efficient
ePost benefits and restrictions
  • Postage amount is charged per pound.
  • Weight limit of 20 lbs (if over 20 lbs will be split into 2 separate shipments)
  • Max package size: 45″ diagonal
  • Max insurance: $2,000 (purchased separately)

ePost EMS (by request): Not in the dropdown menu—request it in shipment comments. Typically 5–10 day service level and can be insured up to $5,000.

ePacket benefits and restrictions
  • Lowest cost for small packages to 32 contracted countries 
  • Postage amount is charged per ounce
  • Max weight: 4 lbs (64 oz)
  • Max customs value: $400
  • Max insurance: $500
  • Max dimensions: Length 24″ and L+W+H 36″
  • Tracking: https://epgtrack.com

ePacket countries include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom.

Simple Shipping (we choose for you)

Best for collectors who want the easiest and fastest option.

  • ShipMyCards selects the best carrier and service for your shipment
  • Optimized for value, speed, and safety
  • You only choose:
    • Standard or Rush processing
    • Signature requirement
    • Optional insurance
    • Customs value (if required)

How to Make a Shipment Request in less than 1 Minute

Personalized Shipping (you choose)

Best for collectors who want full control.

  • Choose your carrier and service:
    • FedEx – fastest and most reliable international option
    • ePost (USPS) – USPS International Priority option
    • ePacket (USPS) – cheapest postage for small, low-value shipments to select countries
  • Add notes or special handling requests
  • Option to see postage estimates
  • Enter customs values per item (if required)

Ideal for domestic and international shipments, high-value cards, or special requests

How to Create a Personalized Shipment

 Yes. Our shipment request now allows you to view postage quotes based on the estimated size and weight of your package.

Below are sample estimates for 2 lb and 4 lb packages using the most cost-effective options, since many shipments fall in this range.

2-pound package (about 10 slabs or 50 toploaders)
  • FedEx: usually $40–$55
  • ePacket*: $22–$31
  • ePost Priority: around $55
  • ePost EMS: around $60
4-pound package (about 20 slabs or 100 toploaders)
  • FedEx: usually $50–$67
  • ePacket*: $40–$51
  • ePost Priority: $75
  • ePost EMS: $77
Important notes
  • Every shipment is different. Postage is based on dimensional weight.
  • ePacket* is only available to approved contracted countries. Please see the Shipping Options FAQ for eligibility and restrictions.

 Only if the shipment has not been started yet. Once a shipment has been pulled and verified, it cannot be combined with another request.

If your shipment still shows “Requested”, you can add or remove items before our team begins pulling it.

Cancelled shipments (restocking fee): A $25 restocking fee applies to cancelled shipments to help compensate for the time and materials used to double verify and package your shipment.

Yes, we do offer a group shipment option. Follow these steps to make sure that all collectors are shipped in the same package and make a quick easy process for everybody:

  1. All Collectors make shipment request within the same day.
  2. All collectors type in the SAME name and address of where the shipment is going.
  3. All Collectors select “Group Shipment – place ALL collectors in comments” in the drop down shipping Option.
  4. All collector place everyone’s names in the Group in the Comment Box

All Group Shipments will be sent out FedEx for the Carrier Max Insurance for the combined shipment is 5K insurance.

The Group Shipment will not be held back if a single collector doesn’t make their shipment request prior to all shipments being pulled per workflow.

Processing & Changes

Our typical processing time is 3–5 business days, although this may vary depending on shipping volume.

You can check our current progress anytime by clicking the Workflow link on the left sidebar of your ShipMyCards account. This shows which shipment request dates our team is currently processing.

Need your cards sooner? We offer Rush Processing for $1 per item, which prioritizes your shipment for same-day or next-business-day processing.

Need your cards sooner? Our Rush Shipping service costs $1 per item and moves your shipment to the front of our processing queue. Rush requests are typically processed the same day or the next business day.

How to request Rush Shipping:

  • Creating a new shipment: Select Rush under Shipping Speed during the shipment creation process.
  • Already submitted a shipment? Open your shipment request and, under Shipping Service, change Standard Queue to Rush Shipment.

Please note that Rush Shipping speeds up our internal processing time, not the carrier’s delivery time.

Yes. ShipMyCards now allows you to add or remove items from a pending shipment request—as long as our team has not already pulled your items for packing.

When can I edit a shipment?

You can make changes while the shipment status shows “Requested.” This means our team has not started pulling and preparing your shipment yet.

Watch the video on our ShipMyCards YouTube page for a quick step-by-step tutorial.

Yes! You can make changes or cancel your shipment as long as it remains in the Request queue.

Once your shipment moves to In Progress, our team has started processing it, and changes or cancellations are no longer available through your account.

If you still wish to cancel, please contact our support team. A $25 restocking fee typically applies. Larger shipments may incur a higher restocking fee based on the amount of work already completed.

Delivery & Protection

Optional insurance covers loss, theft, or damage that occurs during the final shipment from ShipMyCards to your requested delivery address.

Signature requirement: All packages insured over $500 require a signature. 

What items can be insured?
  • We only insure trading cards through our service.
  • For non-card items, please ask about insurance before shipping.

Not insurable through our service: art prints, posters, framed items, and other large items.

Insurance claims note: For insurance claims, damaged items and original packaging may be required and may need to be returned at your expense.

ShipMyCards offers an optional GPS tracking add-on for $30. We place an Apple AirTag inside your outgoing shipment, providing an additional way to monitor your package while it’s in transit.

How it works:

  • Cost: $30 (includes the AirTag, which is yours to keep).
  • Insurance: A minimum of $500 in shipment insurance is required.
  • Apple ID Sharing: You can provide your Apple ID when creating your shipment request. We will attempt to share the AirTag’s location with you, subject to availability and technical limitations. Apple ID sharing is not guaranteed.

What if Apple ID sharing is unavailable?

You can contact our helpdesk to request location screenshots from our team while your shipment is in transit.

What happens after delivery?

Once your shipment arrives, you can submit a helpdesk request to have the AirTag removed from our Apple account so you can connect it to your own Apple device.

If no request is received, we will automatically remove the AirTag from our account two weeks after delivery.

Please note: The $30 fee covers the physical AirTag, regardless of Apple ID sharing availability.

Shipping insurance protects your investment, while GPS tracking helps you monitor your package’s location.

  • Shipping Insurance: Provides financial protection if your shipment is lost or damaged during transit. Insurance costs $1.50 per $100 of coverage, up to $5,000.

  • GPS Tracking: For $30, we’ll place an Apple AirTag inside your shipment, providing an additional way to monitor its location. Apple ID sharing is subject to availability, but you can request location updates through our helpdesk.

Important: GPS tracking does not replace shipping insurance. A minimum of $500 in insurance coverage is required when adding GPS tracking to your shipment.

If your shipment is lost or arrives damaged, please contact our helpdesk as soon as possible so our team can assist you.

We will work with the shipping carrier to investigate the issue and, when applicable, help initiate an insurance claim.

Important things to know:

  • Insured Shipments: If you purchased optional shipping insurance, your shipment may be eligible for reimbursement up to the insured value, subject to the terms of coverage.
  • Uninsured Shipments: Shipments without optional insurance may have limited or no reimbursement available.
  • Damaged Shipments: Please keep all original packaging and take photos of the box, packing materials and damaged items. These may be required when filing a claim.

We strongly recommend purchasing shipping insurance to protect your collection against loss or damage during transit.

For high-value shipments, we recommend FedEx with optional shipping insurance and signature confirmation for added protection.

  • Shipping Insurance: Available for $1.50 per $100 of coverage, up to a maximum of $5,000.
  • Signature Confirmation: Required for shipments insured for $500 or more.
  • GPS Tracking: Add an Apple AirTag for $30 to help monitor your shipment’s location during transit. A minimum of $500 in insurance is required.

Shipping something exceptionally valuable?

Consider our White Glove Delivery Service, which offers personal, hand-delivered transportation for your most valuable collectibles.

White Glove Delivery starts at $1,000 for domestic deliveries and $1,500 for international deliveries, plus travel expenses.

Contact our helpdesk to discuss your shipment and determine the available options.

International Shipping & Customs

Absolutely! ShipMyCards ships worldwide, helping international collectors purchase, consolidate and ship their cards from the United States.

We offer multiple international shipping options, including FedEx, ePost and ePacket, depending on your destination. Best of all, we pass our HUGE shipping discounts directly on to you!

By combining multiple purchases into one shipment and taking advantage of our discounted shipping rates, you can save significantly on international postage.

Please note: Available shipping methods and rates vary by destination, package size and weight. Customs duties, taxes and import fees are the recipient’s responsibility.

The customs value declared on your outgoing package is the customs value you enter in your ShipMyCards shipment request. Since you do not buy the cards from us, we do not know what you paid for your cards. For all international shipments, a declared customs value is required.

ShipMyCards uses a third-party insurance provider, so you have the option to insure your shipment (up to $5,000) while still declaring a lower customs value.

Disclaimer: The collector is responsible for all customs clearance, taxes, duties, and any charges related to the outgoing shipment, including but not limited to insurance, signature requirements, address changes, return postage, and any other carrier fees charged by the selected carrier.

Yes. International shipments may be subject to customs duties, taxes and additional import fees, depending on your destination country and the declared value of your shipment.

ShipMyCards ships under DAP (Delivered at Place) terms, meaning the recipient is responsible for all applicable customs charges, including any additional fees assessed by the shipping carrier.

Please keep in mind:

  • Customs charges: Determined by your destination country’s customs authorities.
  • Carrier fees: FedEx or other carriers may charge additional customs clearance or processing fees.
  • Unpaid charges: If the carrier bills ShipMyCards for unpaid customs fees, those charges will be passed along to your ShipMyCards account.

We recommend familiarizing yourself with your country’s import regulations before requesting your shipment.

Australia Customs Clearance FAQ

Australian customs may review any international shipment, regardless of its weight or value.

ShipMyCards packages may be classified as Assembly Orders because they can contain items purchased from multiple sellers and combined into one shipment. FedEx may not always provide customs brokerage for Assembly Orders.

When might I need a customs broker?

You will need to hire an independent licensed customs broker if your Assembly Order requires formal or additional customs clearance, including when:

  • The customs value exceeds $1,000AUD (Including Postage) – This amount will always need a Customs Broker and Formal Entry Regardless of the Carrier. FedEx and other Carriers can broker this for you only if it is from a single Seller, otherwise you will need an independent Broker.
  • FedEx or Australian customs requests additional clearance
  • The shipment is selected for an audit or further review

Based on collector’s recent experiences, packages weighing more than 10 pounds may be more likely to receive additional review. However, this is not an official customs threshold, and packages of any weight or value may be reviewed.

Who is responsible for customs clearance?

The recipient in Australia is responsible for:

  • Responding to FedEx or Australian customs
  • Providing requested documents
  • Hiring a customs broker when required
  • Paying applicable duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and government charges

ShipMyCards will provide the shipment information available to us. However, because ShipMyCards did not purchase the items, we may not have the recipient’s original purchase receipts or payment records. 

Can ShipMyCards change the declared value or description?

No. ShipMyCards must provide accurate shipment information.

Collectors should not request that ShipMyCards:

  • Lower the declared value
  • Provide an inaccurate description
  • Divide a shipment for the purpose of avoiding taxes or customs requirements
  • Submit information that does not accurately reflect the shipment

Providing inaccurate customs information may cause delays, additional charges, seizure, penalties, or other consequences.

Important

A package under $1,000AUD or under 10 pounds may still be reviewed and require an independent customs broker. Customs requirements are determined by Australian authories. FedEx will transport the shipment but will not act as the customs broker for an assembly order. 

What happens if a broker is required?

If FedEx or Australian authorities advise that an independent customs broker is required, the recipient must locate and appoint a licensed Australian customs broker.

The recipient should follow the instructions provided by FedEx and the broker. ShipMyCards can provide available shipment documents but cannot act as the importer or customs broker.

Finding an Australian Customs Broker

The following customs brokers have previously been used by ShipMyCards collectors:

ShipMyCards is not affiliated with these companies and does not recommend or endorse one broker over another. This list is provided only as a helpful starting point because other ShipMyCards collectors have reported using these brokers.

Collectors are responsible for researching, selecting, and hiring their own customs broker. Services, pricing, availability, and acceptance of a specific shipment must be confirmed directly with the broker. ShipMyCards cannot guarantee that a listed broker will accept or successfully clear a shipment.

Collectors may also locate another licensed Australian customs broker independently.

What happens if the recipient does not complete customs clearance?

The shipment may be delayed, held, returned, abandoned, or otherwise handled according to carrier and government procedures.

The recipient will be responsible for any additional charges, including:

  • Storage fees
  • Brokerage fees
  • Government fees
  • Return transportation
  • Duties or taxes
  • Other carrier-related charges

This information is general guidance and is not legal, tax, or customs-brokerage advice.

Store Credit & Payments

Yes. Store Credit is used to pay for incoming processing fees, shipping charges and other ShipMyCards services.

We recommend maintaining a positive Store Credit balance, especially if you regularly send items to ShipMyCards, to avoid account restrictions and additional fees.

We understand that your Store Credit balance may occasionally go negative when new items arrive or fees are processed.

However, it’s important to keep your balance positive to avoid the following:

  • Account Restrictions: If your balance falls below -$20, your account will be locked until you add sufficient Store Credit.
  • Overdraft Fees: If your balance remains negative for more than 14 days, a weekly fee of 1% of your outstanding negative balance will apply until your balance is positive.

We recommend adding Store Credit regularly to keep your account active and avoid unnecessary fees.

You can purchase ShipMyCards Store Credit using PayPal (Goods & Services or Friends & Family) or a bank transfer (Wise/Revolut). Choose the option that works best for your location and transfer amount.

Option 1: PayPal (Goods & Services)
  • Use the ShipMyCards website checkout for all PayPal Goods & Services payments.
  • Please do not send Goods & Services as a direct PayPal payment.

Why: It keeps payments matched correctly and processed automatically.

Option 2: PayPal (Friends & Family)
  • You may send PayPal Friends & Family directly to: shipmycards@gmail.com
  • These are updated manually (we pull reports multiple times per day and apply credit)

Tip: PayPal often still applies fees, but Friends & Family is usually best for international collectors when the payment is over $100.

Option 3: Bank Transfer (Wise / Revolut)

We also accept bank transfers—many collectors use Wise or Revolut because they often provide better exchange rates than PayPal.

Yes. You can cash out your ShipMyCards Store Credit using the Cash Out Store Credit link in the left menu bar. Cash outs are sent as PayPal Friends & Family payments.

Cash out fees
  • Over $100: $5 + 1%

  • Under $100: 6% (minimum fee $0.99)

Once your shipment is ready, you’ll receive a notification requesting payment. Your shipment will not be dispatched until payment is received.

If payment isn’t received:

  • First Reminder: We’ll send you a payment reminder after 48 hours.
  • Final Reminder: If payment is still outstanding, we’ll send a final reminder giving you an additional 48 hours to pay.
  • Cancellation: If payment is not received after the final reminder, your shipment may be canceled, your items returned to inventory, and a restocking fee applied.

Your account may also be locked until any outstanding balance is paid.

We recommend maintaining sufficient Store Credit to avoid shipping delays and additional fees.

 

Additional Services

Grading & Consignment

Yes. You can submit cards for PSA grading through ShipMyCards using the website. We handle bulk group submissions and send orders to PSA weekly.

How to request PSA grading (website steps)
  1. Log in to your ShipMyCards account
  2. Go to your Inventory
  3. Click Action button; from dropdown menu select “Details”
  4. Select “+Disposition” link (found top right corner), select “Submit to PSA grading” from Disposition dropdown menu
  5. Fill out required information and click “Update”

PSA current Pricing and options are updated in the Disposition menu at all times. 

All Cards above $4,999 require a Walkthrough Service and would need prior approval.

Store Credit Required: You will not be able to submit actions like grading, shipping, or selling if you do not have enough Store Credit available in your account.

*By submitting cards for PSA grading through ShipMyCards, you grant ShipMyCards permission to photograph and/or video your cards for marketing and promotional use. Customer names, account details, and personal information will not be disclosed.  

If you have concerns about your cards being used in marketing content, please contact our support team.

Step-by-step instructions can be found here: 

How to Submit Cards to PSA Grading Using Your ShipMyCards Account

Prefer a YouTube Video. Check out our video tutorial:

How to Submit Cards to PSA Grading Using Your ShipMyCards Account

ShipMyCards offers multiple ways to sell your cards, from low-fee peer-to-peer sales to show and auction consignment. Options may vary based on card value, grading status, and current partner availability.

1) Card Show Consignment –We take your cards to local/advertised card shows and handle the selling for you.

  • You set the asking price, we do the rest
  • Fee: 10% (only if your card sells)
  • Payout: by Monday after the show

2) PC Sports (eBay Auctions) – Consign graded cards through PC Sports auctions at their terms/rates, plus ShipMyCards support.

  • Fee: PC Sports rates + 1% to ShipMyCards
  • Requirements: Graded cards only, $50 minimum
  • Payout: credited to Store Credit after PC Sports pays (typically 6–10 weeks)
  • ShipMyCards handles the paperwork, accounting, and payout

3) Fanatics Collect- Consign graded cards through Fanatics auctions at their terms/rates, plus ShipMyCards support.

  • Fee: Fanatic rates + 1% to ShipMyCards
  • Requirements: Graded cards only, $50 minimum
  • Payout: credited to Store Credit after Fanatics Collect pays (typically 6–10 weeks)
  • ShipMyCards handles the paperwork, accounting, and payout

If you need to sell or grade a single card from a lot, ShipMyCards makes it easy to separate that lot into individual items.

How to separate a lot into individual items
  1. Go to your Inventory

  2. Click Action button; from dropdown menu select “Details”

  3. Select “+Disposition” link (found top right corner), select “Separate Lot into individual items” from Disposition dropdown menu

Separating a lot will convert the pricing from the lot fee to the individual item fee. This option works best when you need to sell or grade specific cards from a lot.

Card Shows

ShipMyCards attends card shows around the world, giving collectors the opportunity to pick up their cards in person and potentially save on shipping costs.

To request a pickup:

  1. Log in to your ShipMyCards account.
  2. Create a new shipment request.
  3. Select Personalized Shipping.
  4. Choose your desired Card Show Pickup option.
  5. Submit your request before the show’s pickup deadline.

Pickup fees, item limits and deadlines vary by show. Check our upcoming card-show schedule for details.

Once you’ve organized the existing FAQs and added this answer, we can work through the remaining new questions, including Premier Vaulting, Escrow and the Trade Platform.

No. For the safety and security of your collection, only the ShipMyCards account holder is permitted to pick up their items at a card show. We do not allow pickups by friends, family members or other authorized representatives.

If you’re unable to attend, please contact our helpdesk to discuss alternative shipping arrangements.

Specialty Services

Premier Vaulting provides an extra layer of security for your most valuable collectibles.

For $5 per card or small lot, your selected items will be stored in our enhanced-security vault, featuring three barriers of entry and restricted access limited to authorized personnel.

To enroll, simply enable Premier Vaulting for your selected items in your ShipMyCards account.

Collector Mailbox and Vault Services

Absolutely! Our Middleman & Escrow Service provides a secure way to buy, sell or trade cards with confidence.

Both parties send their cards to ShipMyCards, where our team receives, photographs and verifies the items before completing the transaction.

How it works:

  • Buying & Selling: We hold and inspect the cards before releasing them according to the agreed transaction terms.
  • Trading: Both collectors send their cards to us. We verify the items before completing the exchange.
  • Cost: Our escrow service fee is just 1% of the transaction value, plus applicable intake and shipping fees.

Once the transaction is complete, your cards can be added to your ShipMyCards inventory or shipped directly to you.

Interested in using our Middleman & Escrow Service? Contact our helpdesk to get started or email info@shipmycards.com 

Middleman & Escrow Services

The ShipMyCards Trade Platform makes it easy to buy, sell and trade collectible cards with collectors around the world, without the hassle of shipping cards back and forth.

Using your existing ShipMyCards inventory, you can list cards for sale or trade, browse other collectors’ listings and complete transactions directly through the platform.

Why use the Trade Platform?

  • Buy, Sell & Trade: Connect with collectors worldwide.
  • No Unnecessary Shipping: Cards already stored at ShipMyCards can be transferred between collectors without physically shipping them.
  • Lower Transaction Fees: Authenticated collectors pay just 1% per transaction ($1 minimum).
  • Convenient: Manage your collection and marketplace activity from your ShipMyCards account.

Your cards are already here. Now put your collection to work!

ShipMyCards Trade Platform