In a previous post, I talked about selling comics in general and different things to think about. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to package comic books so that they are protected against damage when shipping them. Learn how to pack comics properly and avoid destruction!
Why Proper Comic Book Packing is Important
As an avid comic collector, you know just how valuable your collection can be. Whether you've been collecting for years or are just starting out, you've likely invested a significant amount of time and money into your comics. Now, I'm sure that you too had the problem of a damaged comic in the mail. That's why it's crucial to ensure that they're packaged properly when being shipped.
Unfortunately, not all shipping carriers handle packages with the same level of care. If your comics aren't packaged correctly, they could be damaged or even destroyed during the shipping process. And when it comes to graded comics, the stakes are even higher. Damaged comics can hurt online reviews, even if it's not entirely your fault, so it's crucial to take extra care when shipping these types of comics.
Supplies Needed for Safe Comic Book Shipping
When shipping comic books, it's important to have the right supplies to ensure their protection during transport. Here are the supplies you'll need:
- Bags: Comic bags are an essential supply for shipping raw comics. These bags help prevent moisture and protect your comics from fingerprints, smudges, and ensures no tape is directly on the comic. Make sure to use one properly sized for your comic.
- Backing boards: Backing boards help prevent the comics from bending and provide additional rigidity to the package. Make sure the backing boards are the right size for your comics. These backing boards should be just slightly larger than the comic.
- A shipping box: The right shipping box is critical for the safety of your comic books. Make sure it's sturdy, rigid, and can withstand handling and transport.
- Something similar to packing peanuts that can fill in any empty space within the shipment box.
If you're shipping graded comics, you'll need additional supplies, including:
- A graded comic outer sleeve: This sleeve is specifically designed to fit over a graded comic. It provides extra protection, security during transport, and ensures no tape is directly on the comic case.
- Foam inserts: Foam inserts provide extra protection to graded comics. These inserts help keep the comic in place during transport, minimizing the risk of damage.
By using the right supplies, you can be sure that your comics will arrive safely and in excellent condition. Taking the extra time to prepare your comics for shipping will help protect them during transport and prevent unnecessary damage. Test your idea first with friends/family or some trial and error to get an idea of your wants/needs and then order your bulk supplies.
Preparing Your Comics for Shipping
The first step in preparing your comic for shipping is to bag and board it safely. This helps to prevent any damage from occurring during shipping, such as bending, creasing, or rubbing against other items in the box. If the comic is already graded, it's already in a protective case.
I recommend placing that graded comic inside a bag and placing (2) backing boards slightly larger than the graded case on either side of the comic. If it's not graded, I still recommend putting (2) backing boards outside the bagged and boarded comic as additional protection.
Next, it's time to wrap the comic in bubble wrap. However, be careful when handling the comic to avoid damaging it. It's best to place the comic bag and board on a flat surface, and then wrap it tightly in several layers of bubble wrap, at least 1" thick on each side. Secure the bubble wrap with tape.
Choosing the Right Shipping Box for Comics
Once you've wrapped your comics properly, it's time to choose the right shipping box to ensure they arrive at their destination in good condition. One option is to use flat-rate shipping containers from USPS or a similar shipping company. These boxes are designed to be durable and are perfect for shipping heavier items like books. Plus, they come with a fixed price, so you know exactly how much it will cost to ship your comics. I prefer this route as it's simple and reliable.
However, if you want more control over the shipping process, or you don't like the sizing of the boxes, you may want to opt for a regular cardboard shipping box. Make sure to choose a box that is the right size for your comics and has enough room for additional padding. Look for a sturdy, double-walled option. Single-walled boxes can be flimsy and prone to crushing or tearing during shipping. It's also a good idea to tape all seams with high-quality tape to prevent accidental openings and water intrusion.
In summary, when it comes to choosing the right shipping box for your comics, the most important factors are durability and size. Look for sturdy, double-walled boxes that provide ample space for your comics and extra padding. By taking the time to choose the right box, you can ensure your comics arrive at their destination in great condition.
Filling Empty Spaces in the Shipping Box to Prevent Damage
So you have protected your comic, wrapped it, and picked out your shipment box. Now it's time to fill in any empty spaces in the shipping box to prevent the comic book from moving around during transit. This is crucial in protecting your comic from damage.
Make sure it fits snugly but not too tightly. If there is any extra space, use packing peanuts or other materials to fill in the gaps. You want the comic book to be immobilized during transport. Alternatively, you can use air pillows or foam inserts to create a cushion around your comic book. These will help keep your comic in place and protect it from any impacts or shocks that might occur during shipping.
You don't want your comic book to move around or get jostled during transit. By taking the time to properly fill any empty spaces in the shipping box, you can help ensure that your comic book arrives at its destination safely and intact. If your comic is sealed securely with a strong box, then it should remain unharmed by the Postal Service.
