Combined Shipping for Two-Lane Direct RI Generation Process

Please Note: This process applies only to sellers included in the first wave of the Two-Lane Direct RI Mailing changes. If you are not part of this initial wave, please disregard these instructions.
The updated RI process may result in multiple RIs generating for a seller in a given day. When this happens, sellers may only combine same-day RIs of the same type, according to the details below. Failure to follow these instructions may result in penalties for noncompliance.

RIs may only be combined if they are of the same type (either Preferred OR Standard) and if they generate on the same day. RIs of different types must NOT be combined. This allows for streamlined sorting at our facility.

RIs will be combined into a “Combo Package” according to these instructions.

These instructions apply only to RIs generating in the Standard and Preferred lanes.

Qualified RIs

The following may be shipped together:

Preferred RIs generated on the same day.
Standard RIs generated on the same day.

RIs generated on different days must not be combined.

Preferred and Standard RIs must not be combined together into the same Combo Package.

Shipping Requirements

The following packing requirements ensure that we will be able to process your Reimbursement Invoices in a timely manner.

Preparing RIs for the Combo Package

Each RI must be packed in its own box or bubble mailer and be clearly labeled before being placed into the Combo Package.
Shipping parts or portions of RIs separately is not permitted
- e.g. mailing the non-foil and foil portions of an RI in separate shipments
Packaging must be compliant with TCGplayer’s standards as outlined in TCGplayer Shipping Guidelines. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in your removal from the Direct Program. Each RI must be clearly labeled. In addition to allowing us to quickly and easily process the material, this helps protect you if the Combo Package becomes damaged in transit.

Each label must display the:

Store name associated with your Direct account
Complete RI number
Card quantity
Generation date
Combo Package’s tracking number

RIs may be labeled using:

Printed adhesive labels – (image 1.1)
The cover sheet or first page of the packing slip adhered to the package – (image 1.2)
- Cover sheets can be printed from your RI’s page in the Seller Portal
- The Combo Package’s tracking information must be written on the cover sheet
Permanent marker
- Writing must be clear and legible. The boxes must be clean and free of other markings that may obscure the label or make identification difficult, such as other RI numbers.

1.1 – RIs with printed labels

1.2 – RI with cover sheet

Combo Package Requirements

The Combo Package containing the collected RIs must adhere to the same packaging standards as an individual RI as outlined in TCGplayer Shipping Guidelines. The Combo Package can be as large or as small as required. NOTE: Shipments weighing more than 35 lbs must be identified with a “Heavy” sticker. These can be acquired at any USPS location, or ordered via their website.

2.1 – Combo package example

You do not need to ship every RI that qualifies for combined shipments in the same package. However, you may not send parts or portions of RIs across multiple Combo Packages. A given shipment must contain all cards associated with an RI.
- Example: RIs labeled STD-001, STD-002, STD-003, and STD-004 generate, but the boxes that you use for combined shipments can only hold 3 RIs. You may ship STD-001 on its own and send STD-002, STD-003, and STD-004 in a Combo Package.

The Combo Package must be sent to the address associated with the RI type that it contains.
- The shipment must have the following information on the packaging:
  - “COMBINED” in visible, legible print
  - The RI numbers of each RI in the shipment
- This information should be labeled or written at an angle or away from the primary shipping label to avoid errors with USPS’ automated system.

3.1 – Combo Package label

FAQ

Is there a limit to the size of the shipment?

No, there is no limit to how large the Combo Package can be.

Can a single RI be split among multiple shipments with different tracking numbers?

No, if an RI comprising 800 cards is generated, then all 800 cards must be shipped in the same package.

What happens if my Combo Package is damaged in transit?

You assume all responsibility for Reimbursement Invoices until they are delivered to the TCGplayer Authentication Center. Purchasing shipping insurance is recommended.

Do I need to email Customer Experience to request permission to combine RIs into a shipment?

No, you no longer need to notify us when you would like to combine RIs generated under the updated lane system.