We’ve all had or known someone who has had packages lost/stolen in the mail.  Seems to be a running joke with the post office.  

Just saw a video on @nothinglike90scards Instagram that I shared last video of a FedEx employee stealing 5 of his most important cards en route to PSA.

With PSA re-opening up its economy service I am sure more and more people will be shipping cards out to them.  What are somethings you can do to protect yourself in case something like @nothinglike90scards happens to you?

Not all of this will protect you 100%, but you will feel better knowing you took some of these steps.

Let’s take a look at 10 things to do to protect yourself.

#1 Insurance

Obvious one here, but if you can’t self insure or the items you are sending are irreplaceable, I would add insurance.  It is fairly cheap.  Put it for the replacement value.

#2 Use correct size box

UPS and FedEx are sticklers for that 4” rule around the outside of the materials.  

#3 Take a photo of your shipping label and the cards being sent to PSA before packaging them up.   Make this 1 image.  All together.

#4 Info on shipping label

I never ship anything from Powers Sports Memorabilia.  That makes me a target.  I use a different name on the ship from address.  

If your business name is Joey’s Sports Cards, maybe just put your name on it and remove the sports cards.  

#5 Use CHECK CONTENTS TAPE

This is the tape that tells you to check the contents if seal is broken.  A person opening your box would have to have same exact tape in order to seal it back up again.  Might deter someone.

#6 if shipping expensive items consider an AirTag

What do they do?  According to Apple, Your AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud — then you can go to the Find My app and see it on a map. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy.  Air tags cost about $30.  

#7 Get a receipt

When dropping them off at FedEx or USPS for PSA shipments have them scan the package in front of you and give you a receipt.

Now you 100% know they have the package and your insurance is activated.  Nothing worse that just dropping it off and not seeing a scan for 2-3 days.

#8 Drop them off at PSA yourself.

Again, sending tens of thousands of dollars of cards to PSA you might consider dropping them off in person.  

#9 Wait for the National

PSA is at the National every year and you can drop your cards off and get them back by the end of the weekend.  Of course, other grading companies are at other shows and offer similar service.

#10 Make your return address a business or PO Box
 
Nothing worse than having your cards graded and then someone steals it off your porch.  Get it delivered to a location where only you have access to it.  A UPS Store, PO box, or your place of business.