Over the past 20 years of collecting I’ve come to learn that the supplies is one of the more underrated components in the hobby. It’s one of those items that can quickly enhance your hot new card or make you feel helpless when you can’t protect that same card! But as with any group of products there are always some gems…and plenty of stinkers. This article is meant as a quick reference for you to purchase the best supplies at the most competitive prices!
Obviously in some cases you may be purchasing these wholesale… but for the average – above-average collector… these prices are aggressive enough to not warrant a wholesale account.
Basic Card Protection
Here are my 3 favorite items for basic card protection.
#1: 1,000 Ultra Pro Penny Sleeves
$11 for 1,000 sleeves w/ FREE SHIPPING
The gold standard for penny sleeves… and you can get these for nearly a “penny” a sleeve. In fact, if you are open to purchasing 3,000 (30 packs) you can get them for much less than a cent!
#2: Ultra Pro 9-Pocket Trading Card Pages PLATINUM SERIES
$17 for 100 pages w/ FREE SHIPPING
I know, I know, I know… aren’t these for the kids? Absolutely not! Every good collector still uses these amazing pages to display, organize, and store their collection. These are the ONLY pages that I will use for my cards.
#3: 400 Ultra Pro Team Bags
$11 for 400 Team Bags (4 packs) w/ FREE SHIPPING
If you ever ship anything within this hobby…. PLEASE stop taping your top-loader and use Team Bags! When you are using Team Bags…. stick with Ultra Pro unless you can get a sweet deal on BCW (usually $0.50 – $1.00 more a pack).
Critical Card Protection
Now that we’ve covered the elementary protection for your cards…it’s time to layout our favorite items for thicker card protection.
#1: Cardboard Gold 200ct Card Saver 1 – Semi Rigid Sleeves
$18 for 200 sleeves w/ FREE SHIPPING
I was introduced to these PSA / BGS card protectors a few years ago. Since that time I’ve leaned on these card holders almost exclusively for the protection of my cards. Obviously these are necessary for sending your cards in for grading…but they are equally useful for shipping and/or storing your mid-to-high end cards.
#2: Ultra Pro 200 Regular Toploaders (Standard) w/BONUS!
$19 for 200 toploaders w/ FREE SHIPPING
(currently there is a bonus that includes 200 penny sleeves!)
If you aren’t a fan of the BGS/PSA card holders then once again I default to Ultra Pro regular toploaders. The best deal I’ve found (and continues to be) is the deal above…. 200 top loaders w/penny sleeve bonus for $19. Extremely aggressive pricing.
#3: Ultra Pro 35pt ONE-TOUCH Magnetic Card Cases (25ct Box)
$38 for 25 Cases w/Free Shipping
These are the essential cases for your classy cards. If you have a top (non-thick) card that needs top protection….this is your case. Best part is… these are only $1.50 each with this great deal!
Storage Boxes
Once again, is there anything worse than that moment when you realize you have no boxes to put those newly sorted cards? Having those stacks sitting on tables or in the corner….just not cool. You need card storage boxes and here are the best deals available.
#1: 5,000ct Monster Storage Box (5-Row)
$5.50 per box
This is absolutely the best value when purchasing through Amazon….with Free Shipping. This is the essential must have for storing cards in your home/shop/office. Best part is you get 10 of these in your order. Enough to handle a few big orders of cards. 🙂
#2: 400 Count Card Storage Boxes — 50 Pack!
$0.70 per 400ct box!!!
(currently there is a bonus that includes 200 penny sleeves!)
I think 400ct boxes are the PERFECT size of box to keep around in quantity. Usually just big enough to handle every set…and small enough to slip into closets/shelves without being obscure. 50 Pack for $35 is an insane deal!
Other Useful Items
Now that we’ve covered the elementary protection for your cards…it’s time to layout our favorite items for thicker card protection.
#1: Ultra Pro Sorting & Dealer Tray (18 slot)
$14 for ONE tray. You should buy a couple!
I’ve used these for 6-7 years and I will NEVER attempt to sort boxes/cases without these trays. This speeds up sort time enormously…and keeps cards in mint condition. You need to have one or two of these on-hand at all times.
Hopefully this is helpful as you stock up on supplies for your collection. There are lots of ways to get supplies (local hobby shop, direct, distributor, etc…) but these are best buys that I’ve constantly banked on over the past few years. Quick shipping, great prices, and top quality!
Anything that I’m missing on this list? Please comment below!
Any other suggestions?