Quick answer
Use a sturdy box, cushion the item with bubble wrap or foam, seal it securely, and add order protection at checkout for coverage against damage or loss.
Why shipping damage happens and how to avoid it
Most collectibles get damaged in transit because of poor packing or unexpected handling by carriers. The key is to assume your package will be dropped, tossed, or stacked under heavier boxes. Planning for that reality keeps your items safe.
A common mistake is using a box that is too large or too small. Too much space lets the item shift inside; too little means the padding can’t absorb shocks. Measure your collectible and add at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides.
Step-by-step packing process
- Choose a sturdy, properly sized box: Select a corrugated cardboard box that leaves at least 2 inches of space on each side of your collectible. Reinforce the bottom with strong packing tape in a cross pattern. A box that is too big or too small is the most common cause of shipping damage.
- Wrap the collectible in protective material: Use bubble wrap or foam sheets. Wrap the item completely, securing the material with tape. For fragile items like statues or glass cases, use a double layer. Avoid newspaper or clothes as padding—they compress too easily and don't absorb shock.
- Fill empty space with cushioning: Place the wrapped item in the box and fill all gaps with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows. The item should not move when you shake the box. Leaving empty space is the second most common mistake—fill every void.
- Seal the box securely: Use pressure-sensitive packing tape. Apply tape along all seams and edges in an H-pattern. Do not use duct tape or masking tape—they fail under stress. A properly sealed box prevents the item from falling out during handling.
- Add order protection at checkout: When you order the collectible, look for the OrderProtection.com option in your cart. Select it to get instant coverage for stolen, damaged, lost, or wrong items with no extra forms. This step is easy to miss but can save you from losing money on a rare or expensive collectible.
Add an extra layer of protection
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Order Protection: OrderProtection.com is offered as an additional item at checkout. There’s no extra application process or forms to fill out, customers just checkout and are instantly protected against items: Stolen Delivered Not Received Damaged Item Lost in Transit Wrong Item. If your collectible arrives damaged or gets lost, this covers the cost without needing to file a lengthy claim with the carrier.
Order Protection
