Submission Guidelines
Accurate condition grading and proper packaging are the foundation of a trustworthy transaction. Here's the standard we hold every listing to.
Card Condition Standards
Near Mint
Card appears fresh from the pack. No visible scratches, scuffs, or creases. Corners are sharp. Minor print lines from manufacturing are acceptable.
Lightly Played
Card shows minimal signs of play. Very minor edge wear, light surface scuffs, or a tiny corner ding. No creases. Still looks excellent overall.
Moderately Played
Noticeable wear across multiple areas — edge whitening, scuffs, or small creases. Still structurally sound. Text and artwork remain fully legible.
Heavily Played
Significant wear: deep scuffs, creases, major edge whitening, or water damage. Playable but not tournament-legal in most formats. Artwork still visible.
Damaged
Card has severe damage: tears, holes, writing, heavy bends, or delamination. Typically only collectible for display or as a placeholder.
Packaging & Shipping
Sleeve every card
Put each card in a penny sleeve before anything else. This is the first line of defense against scratches.
Use a toploader or card saver
Slide sleeved cards into a 35pt toploader (standard) or card saver for graded submissions. Cards above $50 should use a magnetic one-touch.
Secure the toploader
Tape over the open end of the toploader so the card can't slide out. Don't tape directly on the card.
Add a team bag or bubble wrap
Place the toploader in a team bag or wrap in bubble wrap for extra protection during transit.
Use a padded envelope or box
Ship in a rigid bubble mailer or a small box. Avoid plain paper envelopes — postal machinery can bend unprotected cards.
Include tracking
All orders over $20 require a tracking number. Upload the tracking number in My Poke Vault immediately after shipping.