How To Ship Your Tarot Cards
How to Ship Tarot Decks Safely (and Avoid Damage Claims)
Whether you're rehoming a single cherished deck or sending off a whole collection, packaging your tarot decks with care isn’t just thoughtful—it’s essential. In the world of spiritual tools, presentation and preservation matter.
At AV Tarot Market, we’ve received thousands of decks over the years—and we’ve seen it all. From beautifully wrapped treasures to heartbreaking boxes of crushed cards, we’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to keeping decks safe in transit.
If you’re planning to ship your tarot cards to us—or to anyone else—here’s how to do it right.
🧼 Step 1: Cleanse, Bless, or Wrap with Intention (Optional but Beautiful)
While it’s not required, many of our sellers like to send off their decks with a sense of closure or gratitude. Whether that means cleansing the cards with smoke, saying a goodbye blessing, or simply wrapping them in cloth or paper with care—do what feels right for you.
Energetically, shipping can be a final ritual in the life of a deck. If you’ve worked with it spiritually, saying goodbye with intention can be part of the process.
📚 Step 2: Make Sure All Parts Are Accounted For
Before you pack, double-check that your deck includes:
All cards
Guidebook (if originally included)
Boxes
Any extra cards, booklets, or pieces (titles, certificates, etc.)
Missing items can affect the resale value—and we want to give you the best possible offer.
📦 Step 3: Choose the Right Packaging
✅ Best Practice: Small Box with Padding
A sturdy cardboard box offers the best protection. Wrap the deck in bubble wrap or paper padding, and make sure it fits snugly. Too much room can cause the deck to rattle and damage itself during transit.
⚠️ Use Mailers With Caution
Padded mailers can work if the deck is very sturdy and already boxed. But thin tuck boxes or guidebooks often arrive crushed in mailers. We’ve seen cards arrive bent—even torn—when underprotected.
If you use a mailer, add a layer of cardboard around the deck or wrap it tightly with padding.
✍️ Step 4: Add a Note (Optional)
While not required, a handwritten note or thank-you message can create a lovely touch. We’ve received notes that made our whole team smile—and it’s another way to honor the transition of your deck into new hands.
🚚 Step 5: Ship with Tracking and Care
Use tracked shipping—it protects both you and the recipient. We provide pre paid shipping labels as part of our offer process.
Choose Ground Advantage or Priority Mail for speed and handling care
Keep your receipt and tracking number in case something goes wrong
We recommend dropping packages directly at the post office or shipping counter—avoid outdoor drop boxes when possible.
❌ Common Shipping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Using paper envelopes or unpadded mailers → Always use padding
Letting the decks rattle inside the box → Fill in space with lots of tissue, padding, or newspaper
Sending media mail → It’s slow and not allowed for tarot cards
🌿 Sustainability Tip
We love reuse when it’s thoughtful. If you're reusing boxes or packing materials, just make sure they’re clean, strong, and protective. However, a reused Amazon box may not work if it’s already soft from shipping. While a new box is best, an undamaged used box is perfect—as long as it gets the job done safely.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Shipping a tarot deck is more than a logistical step—it’s a moment of trust. Whether you're sending it to us, a friend, or a fellow collector, your care in packing ensures the deck arrives ready for its next journey.
We receive each deck with gratitude and respect, and we want the transition to be just as smooth and sacred for you.
Have questions about shipping a specific collection? Feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help guide the process.