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Collector Tips

How to ship a graded comic (CGC or CBCS slab) safely

Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Oct 10, 2026 · 1 min read

Short answerPut the slab in a bag, sandwich it between two pieces of rigid cardboard or foam larger than the case, wrap it in bubble wrap, and place it in a sturdy box with at least 5 cm (2 inches) of padding on every side so it cannot move. Ship with tracking and full-value insurance, require a signature for anything valuable, and never let the slab touch the outside walls of the box. The case protects the comic; the packaging has to protect the case.

What goes wrong

Slabs crack at the corners and along the seam when a box is dropped on its edge and the case is against the wall. Newton rings and shifted books happen when the case flexes. Every one of these is a padding failure.

Step by step

  1. Bag the slab to prevent scuffs.
  2. Sandwich it between two rigid boards (corrugated cardboard, foam board or a purpose-made slab mailer) cut larger than the case. Tape the boards together around the edges so the slab cannot slide out.
  3. Wrap the sandwich in two or three layers of bubble wrap.
  4. Box it in a box at least 5 cm larger than the wrapped package on every side. Fill the gaps with bubble wrap, foam or crumpled paper so nothing moves when you shake the box.
  5. Seal all seams with packing tape.
  6. Ship with tracking and insurance for the full value. For high-value books, add a signature requirement and consider double-boxing (the packed box inside a second box with more padding).

Multiple slabs

Stack slabs with a divider between each, then treat the stack as one item. Do not let cases rub against each other. Keep the total weight sensible; a heavy box gets dropped.

Insurance

Carrier insurance has limits and exclusions for collectibles. For valuable books use the carrier's declared-value service if it covers comics, or third-party shipping insurance. Photograph the slab and the packed box before sealing.

Labelling

Do not write "comics" or "collectibles" on the outside. "Fragile" does no harm.

How we ship

Every slab sold on this marketplace ships in a rigid sandwich inside a padded box with tracking and insurance, and high-value orders require a signature. Details and rates are on the shipping policy.

Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.

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