This Shipping Policy explains how shipping works on TCE, including seller responsibilities, buyer-paid shipping, tracking requirements, shipping timelines, and package expectations.
TCE is a marketplace platform. Sellers are responsible for packaging and shipping the items they sell. TCE does not purchase outbound shipping labels on behalf of sellers at launch.
1. Seller Shipping Responsibility
When a seller completes a sale on TCE, the seller is responsible for:
- Packaging the item safely and securely.
- Shipping the item to the buyer within the required shipping window.
- Providing valid tracking information when tracked shipping is required.
- Using a shipping method appropriate for the item type, value, and package size.
- Ensuring the shipped item matches the listing description, photos, and selected package type.
Sellers are expected to use reasonable care when packaging collectibles, including protection against bending, moisture, impact, and movement during transit.
2. Shipping Timeline
Sellers must ship sold items within 3 business days of the order being placed.
Business days exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.
If the seller does not mark the order shipped within three business days, TCE will notify both buyer and seller. The seller will have an additional 24-hour grace period to mark the order shipped. If the seller still has not done so when the grace period ends, the buyer may cancel the order for a full refund.
3. Shipping Options
Available shipping options depend on the product type, item value, and package type.
TCE may offer some or all of the following shipping options:
- Free shipping
- Buyer-paid untracked shipping
- Buyer-paid tracked shipping
Not every shipping option is available for every listing type.
4. Free Shipping
Sellers may offer free shipping where available.
All listings offered with free shipping must use tracked shipping. The seller is responsible for the shipping cost and must provide valid tracking information after shipment.
5. Untracked Shipping
Untracked shipping is only allowed for eligible raw card listings under the applicable value threshold.
Untracked shipping may not be used for:
- Raw card listings over the allowed value threshold
- Graded cards
- Sealed products
- Lots or bundles
- Any listing where TCE requires tracking
Untracked shipping carries additional risk because delivery cannot be independently verified. Before purchasing with untracked shipping, the buyer must acknowledge and accept that TCE may be unable to issue a refund based solely on a claim that the item was not received. TCE may still investigate suspected fraud, repeated complaints, or other compelling evidence.
TCE may remove or restrict untracked shipping at any time if it creates excessive disputes, buyer complaints, or marketplace abuse.
6. Tracked Shipping
Tracked shipping is required for:
- Raw cards over the applicable value threshold
- Graded cards
- Sealed products
- Lots and bundles
- Any other listing type where TCE requires tracking
When tracked shipping is required, sellers must provide valid tracking information from a recognized carrier. Tracking must show shipment progress and delivery confirmation.
Uploading false, invalid, recycled, or unrelated tracking information is prohibited and may result in order cancellation, refund liability, account restriction, or removal from TCE.
7. Buyer-Paid Shipping Caps
For buyer-paid shipping, sellers may charge up to the maximum shipping amount allowed by TCE for the applicable listing type and package type. Current shipping caps are displayed in the listing flow and may vary by item type, package type, item value, or shipping option.
Shipping caps are designed to keep shipping costs reasonable and transparent for buyers. Sellers are responsible for choosing an efficient and appropriate shipping method. If a seller’s actual shipping cost exceeds the allowed buyer-paid shipping amount, the seller is responsible for the difference.
TCE platform fees apply to the item price plus any buyer-paid shipping amount.
8. Package Type Accuracy
Sellers must select the package type that reasonably matches the item being sold.
Package types may include:
- Envelope
- Bubble mailer
- Small box
- Medium box
- Large box
Sellers may not select a larger or more expensive package type for the purpose of inflating shipping charges.
TCE may flag, edit, remove, or restrict listings that use misleading, excessive, or inaccurate package selections.
9. Large Box Restrictions
Large Box shipping is only available for eligible listings with an item price of $100 or more.
TCE may review Large Box listings to confirm that the selected package type is reasonable for the item being sold.
10. Lots and Bundles
A Lot or Bundle is a listing where multiple items are sold together for one total listing price.
Lot and Bundle listings must use tracked shipping or free tracked shipping. Untracked shipping is not allowed for Lots or Bundles.
Sellers must clearly show and describe the items included in the Lot or Bundle. Misleading bundle descriptions, unclear item quantities, or inaccurate package selections may result in listing removal, order cancellation, refund liability, or account restriction.
11. Shipping Visibility
Shipping costs must be visible to the buyer before checkout.
Buyers should be able to review the item price, shipping price, and applicable taxes or fees before completing a purchase.
Sellers may not use shipping charges to mislead buyers, avoid platform fees, or advertise an artificially low item price.
12. Review and Abuse Prevention
TCE may flag certain listings or orders for review, including but not limited to:
- Buyer-paid shipping over $20
- Large Box shipping selections
- Low item price with unusually high shipping
- Suspicious package mismatches
- Listings using terms such as “mystery,” “random,” “repack,” “bulk,” or “unsearched”
- Repeated buyer complaints related to shipping cost or packaging
TCE may remove listings, cancel orders, restrict seller features, or take other action when shipping settings appear misleading, abusive, or inconsistent with marketplace standards.
13. Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Shipments
Sellers are responsible for packaging items safely and providing valid tracking when required.
If a shipment is delayed, lost, damaged, or marked delivered but not received, TCE may review the order, tracking information, buyer statements, seller history, carrier information, and any supporting evidence.
Refunds, seller liability, buyer protection, and dispute outcomes are handled under TCE’s Buyer Protection Policy, Seller Policy, Terms of Service, and any other applicable Platform policies.
14. Prohibited Shipping Conduct
Sellers may not:
- Upload false, invalid, recycled, or unrelated tracking information.
- Use excessive shipping charges to mislead buyers.
- Select inaccurate package types to increase shipping charges.
- Ship an item materially different from the listing.
- Use untracked shipping when tracking is required.
- Fail to ship after receiving an order.
- Delay shipping without reasonable cause.
- Attempt to move the transaction off-platform to avoid TCE rules or fees.
Violations may result in listing removal, order cancellation, refund liability, account restriction, suspension, or permanent removal from TCE.
15. Changes to This Policy
TCE may update this Shipping Policy from time to time as shipping options, carrier practices, marketplace rules, or platform features change.
Continued use of TCE after an updated Shipping Policy is posted means the user accepts the updated policy.