Complete set shipping - tips and expectations?

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

I recently purchased a small collection from a garage sale last weekend. While 90% of it was the expected mid to late 80's opened junk wax (which I'm just going to dump in the recycle bin) there were a few worthy pieces, including some Topps complete sets from 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981....which I will likely sell at some point.

While I buy and sell singles on ebay from time to time, I have never bought or sold complete sets.

What is the standard packing and shipping procedure for a single set of cards? Should I leave them all in the set box, and maybe put some "spacer" cards at the end to get a tight fit?

Can I just wrap the set box in bubble wrap, then wrap with paper and ship?

Is it expected for me to put the set box in an OUTER box with packing and then ship?

Should I remove the higher dollar cards (1979 Smith rookie, 1980 Henderson, etc.) and put in top loaders and lay them on top of the other cards, or just leave them in order with the rest of the set?

Does anyone have an estimate on what it costs to ship a single 600+ card set in a set box?

Sorry for so many questions, but I was just wanting some feedback from some of you on what you expect is the standard way to ship complete sets in a secure, but cost efficient manner.

If there is already an existing thread on this topic, please point me to it....I tried searching for one, but couldn't find it.

Thanks!

[philliesfan]

I put the star cards in top loaders like you said on top of the other cards. I put junk wax cards on the ends if the set is not tight in the box.
For shipping, I use the medium size USPS Priority Box with packaging peanuts to keep the set box from moving around. The priority box is a set cost at $15.50 no matter the weight.
Bob

[jayshum]

I usually buy the basic Topps set every year. When it is shipped to me, it is usually in a card box with enough cards (or other filler) added to each end so that the box is full. The box is then shipped in another box (often a USPS Priority Mail box) with enough bubble wrap, newspaper or something else to keep everything from moving around.

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like the “box in a box” method is the way to go.

There were a couple other sealed sets in the lot I purchased, but they are 1989 and 1990 Fleer. $15.00 shipping fees are going to make those tough to sell, because they aren’t worth that shipping price