Condition is the second most important thing to collectors, after the coins or stamps themselves. If that corner is bent, that edge is scuffed or that surface is faded, the value of the card or figure can be lost altogether. That’s what it does to your packaging! It needs to protect accurately, be aesthetically pleasing to keep and not be damaging when opened. Learn how to pick an ideal box for trading cards and collectibles.
Why Collectibles Are Different
The majority of products require to only arrive working. The collectibles must be in perfect condition. That’s a much higher standard, and it will change the way you think about packaging.
The minor crease on a card is NOT a cosmetic problem to a collector. This is a resale value directly affected grading problem. It’s the same with a scratched figure or a dented tin. Condition the product is what is created.
The following is a list of reasons why collectibles are demanding:
- The value is determined by the condition.
- Small defects are very important.
- On arrival buyers carefully inspect.
Collectibles packaging isn’t all about making it to the end. It’s about landing perfect.
Cards must be protected in a flat and snug fashion.
The #1 enemy of trading cards is bending. Corners and edges are first to be damaged and once bent cannot be corrected.
The solution is a box designed to keep cards flat and totally motionless. If there’s a gap in a stack that allows it to shift, it will eventually create a bent corner. This is where sizing is very important since it eliminates the risk of it snugly fitting along all sides.
Your box should provide:
- A flat, supported surface all the way to the end.
- Snug fit without any room to slide.
- Rigid edges which don’t bend easily.
If it’s fitted right, the most common damage just doesn’t occur. Boxes are typically cut this size for box sets of cards.
Figures and Larger Collectibles require cushioning.
Larger items of collectibles present other issues. Thin projecting sections of figures, models and statues are frequently very prone to fracture. Scratch with bare board and paints.
Cushioning and separation is required here, not a tight fit. Delicate parts are protected from walls with a fitted insert. It also prevents two or more pieces from touching in the set.
If you’re searching for figures and larger pieces, check out:
- An insert that fits onto the object.
- Padding around protrusions.
- Dividing of several parts.
Sands and scratches are caused by bare board on painted surface. An insert completely eliminates that contact.
When the doors open, it’s more than you think.
Here is one thing to this market. Collectors take care to open packages when collecting but may film or keep the box forever. The opening of your box can make all the difference.
A box that you have to push or cut open is a problem. A tool slips out and a blade close to a card or figure is a bad thing. The thumb-cut does this nicely, as it provides a convenient push point, and the contents can be removed easily with no tools and no force. That is why custom thumb-cut boxes are popular choices in this market.
The following are characteristics of good opening design:
- No tools needed to open.
- No forces applied in the vicinity of the contents.
- A gradual and steady movement of the drawer.
Safe opening is truly a safety feature, not a convenience.
The Box Becomes Part of the Collection
Collectors keep boxes. This is not common and it alters how your packaging needs to function. A box that is thrown into the trash only has to make one trip. Items in a box that is stored should last for several years.
Collectors will keep things in their original packaging to maintain condition and value. This means the box needs to hold up when it is opened and closed many times, and even look attractive when displayed on a shelf. Sleeve and tuck styles that feature a thumb cut will last longer since they will not tear from repeated use.
A box suitable for keeping should be:
- Strong construction for multiple opening.
- Likable, appealing, good-looking, pleasing, pretty, pleasing to the eye.
- Lasts for years, not weeks.
Once your box is added to the collection, your brand lives long.
Select Board That Holds Its Shape.
In this category, more than in most others, the choice of material is significant. Thin board flexes, and flex is what breaks cards.
The board should be stiff enough to keep the box in shape when under pressure, particularly when in stack. It must also be clean-cut with sharp edges at the thumb-cut or window, and not have frayed edges. Check for board that provide:
- Rigidity so that the box doesn’t bend.
- A clean cut edge that won’t fray.
- Resistance to crushing when stacked.
If you are spending money on a board, it’s cheap otherwise all your other spending is worthless. It really is “the backbone” of the entire box.
The Collectible is displayed in a pictorial format.
Protection is key; but presentation is the key to the sale. Packaging is a part of collectibles, and consumers make their evaluation of quality before opening.
If it is clean, has correct colors and is a considered design, it indicates that there will be a genuine and cared for item inside. Confusion equals lost sales and when you have counterfeits, doubts will cost you sales. Your box tells credibility.
Strong presentation includes:
- Crisp, accurate printing.
- A design appropriate for the collection.
- A finishing piece that is thought out.
Quality packaging helps to convince customers before they open the box.
Final Thoughts
A good box can do 4 things in one. It keeps things flat and motionless, not allowing them to bend or move. It helps protect delicate components and prevents painted surfaces from coming into contact with bare board. It is opened without tools and no blade comes close to the contents. And it remains strong enough to be stored for years.
The first and most important aspect of cards is that they must fit snugly and flat. Figures should have a fitted insert with adequate cushioning. Both require board which will keep its shape, as well as a clean and safe opening. Custom thumb-cut Boxes address that opening issue quite nicely, while retaining the box for reuse.
These get it right, and your packaging will be to protect condition, support value, and be on a collector’s shelf, not in recycling.
About The Author
