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I know its suggested that people use painters tape when packaging trades, because it is less permanent than other tapes, but it can still ruin a card if it's applied directly to a card!

Sorry, I had to get that out of my system.

Oh no, how did tape get on a card? Did they actually put it on there!?

I have received trades where there was so much painter's or masking tape that it had to take several minutes to carefully remove it all so it would not get in contact with the cards. I understand securing the cards within the PWE or the package but excessive can be harmful in the process of removing it all.

Some people do overkill no matter what suggestion they take!!! It's really annoying when you get one of those crazy-packed packages but when the cards don't come out the way they should, that's insane! I hope you all continue to do like me to educate the shippers on how to do it right!!!

Hopefully this was a newer member, and not an experienced one. I'm sure the reciepients of my first TTMs might have been shaking their heads a little when recieving my trades, but I was quite happy to take cues from how other members packaged cards coming my way. I looked at it as not only growing my collection, but a learning experience on how to be a better trader. We should all continue to speak up, and to continue learning and these issues will correct themselves (hopefully). 

I like the use of painters tape (I recycle what I receive), but some do a bit of overkill. Protection is vital, but sometimes just getting the tape to start peeling off requires a fingernail dig. I try to use small pieces, with an edge folded back for the recipient to to get an easy start on pulling it off. On a similar note, if you are surrounding your cards in (Cereal box for example) cardboard, leave gloosy, printed side outside. The tape peels more cleanly off of it (for reuse), while the unglossed side stickes more to tape, and bends sometimes when peeling tape off. Sorry to sounds so anal about this, but just things I have noticed.

Also, I use a lot of photo mailers and know they can be tough to open, but seem to protect well. To any who receive them from me, I suggest cutting down the right or left edge, just enough to open one end of the envelope, then sliding cards out. I leave buffer at all edges, so if you cut a 1/32 or so you will be safe.

Scotch brand just came out with a new lower tack tape. It's purple. I got some to use in my model building last month. Tape is an essential tool in that hobby. I'd recommend it for packing cards and will be using it in the future. Not sticking it directly to the cards though 

I use photo mailers almost exclusively as well.  I wish they had a pull-tab for opening like some bubble mailers.