Got this in today.

[nosterbor]

2004 Bowman Heritage Juan Gonzalez Threads of Greatness Gold TG-JAG Royals 29/55​

Was put in a penny sleeve that was put in a flimsy ultra pro then put in one of those JUNK Armalope. AHHHHHHHHHH

 

[deaconblues63]

That’s horrible.

 

[swish54_99]

Since when did he play for the Royals...let alone have a gu card for them!?

 

[MrMet2.0]

I can’t believe they drew all over it with sharpie too…

 

[Dazed]

Since when did he play for the Royals...let alone have a gu card for them!?

Unfortunately I remember him in KC. Spent most of the time on the IL.

 

[Philip J. Fry]

I can’t believe they drew all over it with sharpie too…

Indeed. If eBay pics didn't show that, file a claim!

 

[banjar]

That's a good point. I saw that too, but honestly couldn't be bothered to question it. But seriously, one photo shows the card, then another shows a closeup with sharpie all over it. What gives, @nosterbor?

Say, that reminds me of something...

I can’t believe they drew all over it with sharpie too…

 

[MrMet2.0]

I didn’t even realize before, I was too confused about the sharpie…but what’s an Armalope? Is that some new hobby thing I haven’t caught on to yet?

 

[LWMM]

I didn’t even realize before, I was too confused about the sharpie…but what’s an Armalope? Is that some new hobby thing I haven’t caught on to yet?

It's a cardboard mailer (see link) that's designed to be used with eBay standard shipping. It's basically halfway between a PWE and a bubble mailer—not quite as much protection than the latter, but cheaper to ship. It helps with cheaper cards, where you don't have to spend $1 on the card plus $5 for shipping. I haven't had any issues with them, although over time, the percentage that gets damaged may well outstrip the percentage for bubble mailers.

 

[mrmopar]

Going to make an assumption here that you paid for ebay standard trading card shipping, however even that can be wrong. Postage is Russian Roulette these days, regardless of what you pay. I have guys charging $4-5 and sending in a PWE and they don't see a problem with that! Come to your own conclusions, but if you charge $4-5 and ship in an untracked envelope, odds are good that the card is going to be "lost" in the mail!

If you are paying ebay standard trading card shipping and either don't ask for an upgrade or at least ask the sender how they plan to ship so you can ask for adjustments, then you are at the mercy of chance.

The only things I allow for that type of shipping now are cheap singles that I can easily replace. GU, Autographs, unique cards...they all get upgraded to ground advantage.