BMWT stands for Bubble Mailer With Tracking.
It’s an abbreviation that is used often within the card collecting community on Twitter, Facebook, IG, etc., when referencing how a trading card will be shipped. The cards will be shipped to you in a bubble mailer. A tracking number will be provided so you can track the delivery of your sports cards in the mail.
Typically two options available: BMWT (Bubble Mailer With Tracking) or PWE (Plain White Envelope). Prices will differ for each option because the USPS rates also differ. BMWT will ship as a “package” (~$4-5 within the US) and PWE will ship as a “letter” ($0.68 to $1.40 up to 3oz).
A few weeks back, I posted a short video to TikTok showing the shiny bubble mailers I use when I ship BMWT. Check it out below.
Tips when shipping sports cards via BMWT:
- The default package service that eBay uses when shipping bubble mailers via USPS is USPS Ground Advantage
- Regardless if you use USPS, UPS or FedEx for shipping bubble mailers, you’ll find the best rates through websites like Pirate Ship. Companies like Pirate Ship negotiate better rates than what you’d be able to get at a USPS retail store then extend those rates to you. It’s common to save 30% or more when shipping via Pirate Ship.
- Put your cards into a team bag, then use sheets of cardboard on either side of your cards to protect your cards. Secure the sheets of cardboard in place with painters tape. I’ll post a full article on how to safely ship sports cards in the near future.