here are ideas of supplies you can use if you do not have any top loaders or penny sleeves!

these are what i used when i first got into trading and have arrived unscathed to its destination. remember! you don’t need fancy or cute supplies to trade! as long as the pc is secure, that’s all that should matter.

• cut up cardboard instead of a top loader

  • i personally think the priority boxes from USPS work best bc it’s thin enough but still sturdy (you can get these boxes for FREE at your local USPS or have it shipped to you for free through their website under “Shipping Supplies”)
  • packaging box cardboard - these are a hit or miss depending on the durability and type of box cardboard it is and sometimes if it’s too thick, it may not pass through mail sorting
  • i usually use 2 pieces of cardboard to sandwich the pc but keep in mind the thickness of it together bc again, it may not pass through mail sorting and may get returned to you or get destroyed 😕

• cut up clear sandwich/ziplock bag instead of penny sleeves

  • measure your pc and add about an inch to an inch and a half when cutting up the ziplock bag
  • if you have extra binder pocket sleeves, you can also cut those up

• scotch tape brand magic tape instead of washi tape

  • washi tape is pretty inexpensive and definitely does not have to be the fancy ones. washi tape is usually preferred bc you can easily peel it and won’t cause much damage if applied correctly
  • BUT!!! if you are unable to get washi tape, scotch tape brand magic invisible tape works as well for as long as you only use it to close the ziplock (penny sleeve) and secure it to the cardboard (top loader)

• envelopes

  • i used to use business size letter envelopes which left a lot of space which can lead to it being ripped open so i would fold it to prevent the pc from moving around
    • there is some risk to this bc depending on your post office, they may be strict on letter size regulations and may ask you to pay for extra postage or return the mail to you

  if you want to start using basic top loaders and penny sleeves, here are my recs! you can also try finding group orders if you only want to buy a few pieces.

  • mayday card sleeves purple label - fits the standard kpop photocard
  • ultra pro soft card sleeves - bigger than the standard photocard but smaller than tour photocards* or any irregular sized photocards
  • ultra pro 3x4 top loader - bigger than the standard photocard but smaller than tour photocards* or any irregular sized photocards

  *tour photocard size reference (bts lys tour)