The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Shipping Pauses for Card Collectors

Why Shipping Pauses Matter for Collectors

During the holidays, postal services and courier companies handle an overwhelming number of parcels. This surge increases the risk of lost or delayed shipments, especially for small, valuable items like trading cards. To avoid these issues, some shipping providers pause their services temporarily.

This year, CardRevive pauses shipping for both domestic and international deliveries:

• Domestic Shipping Pause (AusPost): December 5th to January 5th

• International Shipping Pause (DHL): December 15th to January 5th

  
  

These pauses help ensure your cards don’t get lost in the holiday rush. Instead of risking delays or damage, your packages will be held safely until normal shipping resumes.

What This Means for Your Card Collection

If you plan to buy, sell, or trade cards during the holiday season, you need to adjust your expectations and timelines. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• No shipments will be sent during the pause periods. Orders placed during these dates will be processed but not shipped until after the pause ends.

• Processing will continue at a slower pace. The team handling your cards will work through orders but at a reduced speed as they take some well-deserved rest.

• Plan ahead to avoid disappointment. If you want your cards before the holidays, place orders well before December 5th for domestic shipping or December 15th for international shipping.

  
  

How to Prepare Your Card Transactions

To avoid frustration and protect your collection, follow these practical steps:

• Place orders early. If you want cards delivered before the holiday pause, order at least two weeks in advance.

• Communicate with sellers or buyers. Let them know about the shipping pauses so everyone has clear expectations.

• Use tracked shipping options. When shipping resumes, choose services that provide tracking to monitor your package’s journey.

• Keep your cards safe at home. If you receive cards before the pause, store them securely to prevent damage or loss.

  
  

What’s Different This Year Compared to Last Year

Last year, shipping operations fully shut down during the holiday season. This year, the team will keep operations partially open to work through the backlog, sometimes called the “bulk queue of death.” While shipping is paused, some processing continues, which means orders will be ready to ship as soon as services resume.

This partial operation helps reduce delays once shipping restarts and gets your cards moving faster after the holidays.

International shipping pause affecting card collectors

Tips for Collectors to Avoid Lost Cards

• Verify shipping addresses carefully. Mistakes in addresses increase the chance of lost packages.

• Insure valuable shipments. For rare cards, consider insurance to protect against loss or damage.

• Track your packages. Use tracking numbers to stay informed and act quickly if issues arise.

• Be patient during peak times. Understand that delays are common during the holiday season, so plan accordingly.

  
  

The Importance of Card Preservation

While we’re on the topic of shipping, let’s not forget about the importance of preserving your cards. After all, what’s the point of waiting for that rare card if it arrives looking like it just survived a tornado?

At CardRevive, we specialize in restoring your cards to their former glory. From removing scratches to cleaning surfaces, our team ensures that every card looks its best. We believe every card has a story, and we’re here to help keep those stories alive.

Final Thoughts on Holiday Shipping for Collectors

The holiday shipping pauses are designed to protect your valuable cards from being lost or delayed during the busiest mailing season. By knowing the pause dates and planning your orders early, you can avoid frustration and keep your collection safe.

So, grab a cup of cocoa, put on your favorite holiday sweater, and get ready to make those card transactions with confidence. After all, nothing says “I love you” like a well-preserved trading card!