The Table of Contents
How should I pack video games before shipping?
The Old School Game Vault recommends wrapping loose cartridges individually in bubble wrap and protecting disc games in small groups inside a sturdy shipping box.
- Use a sturdy shipping box. Old Amazon boxes often do not protect items well during shipping. If you have a large collection, you can find good boxes at UPS or FedEx stores. The United States Postal Service also sells small boxes.
- Wrap each loose cartridge (NES, SNES, N64) individually in bubble wrap.
- Wrap disc games in groups of about 12, then repeat for your remaining games.
- Always use cushioning around your items. We recommend bubble wrap because plastic parts can break with little effort.
- Newspaper or thin paper is not acceptable as cushioning. Heavy-duty packing paper, like brown kraft paper, can be used along with cushioning materials, but don't rely on it alone for protection.
- Put cushioning on the bottom of the box, since carriers handle packages roughly and may drop them from heights of 5 feet or more.
- Fill any empty space with padding so nothing shifts during shipping.
Want to see it done? Watch how we pack the retro games we sell.
How should I pack consoles and accessories?
Wrap consoles in multiple layers of bubble wrap with at least 3 inches of cushioning below them, and pack accessories separately.
- Never place a console on the bottom of the box.
- Package controllers, cables, and power adapters separately. A large zip-loc bag works well for accessories.
- We receive several broken consoles each week due to poor packaging, so please pack your items securely.
Does The Old School Game Vault offer free shipping?
Yes. The Old School Game Vault has a $100 minimum order, and every order of $100 or more receives a free prepaid USPS or UPS Ground shipping label by email.
- Print the label and securely attach it to your package.
- Drop off your package at any USPS or UPS location, depending on which label you receive.
- In rare cases, we may decline to buy your items if shipping costs exceed their value.
What box size can I use with my shipping label?
Use the smallest sturdy box that safely fits your items, without exceeding the package dimensions approved in your order confirmation email.
- Each free shipping label is approved for a specific box size and weight based on your order.
- Oversized boxes can significantly increase shipping costs, even by just a few inches.
- If your order requires a larger box, email us before shipping so we can review the package size. Do not use a larger box without notifying us first.
- Any additional carrier charges caused by oversized packaging, incorrect dimensions, excess weight, or multiple packages may be deducted from your final payout.
What happens if my package is lost or damaged?
The customer is responsible for any damage that occurs during shipment, and The Old School Game Vault is not responsible for lost packages.
- If your item arrives broken, we are unfortunately unable to offer compensation.
- Our prepaid shipping labels do not include shipping insurance.
- While we provide the shipping label, we have no control over carrier transit. Once your package is in the hands of USPS or UPS, they are responsible for its safe delivery.
What should I include in my shipping box?
Include a copy of your order inside your package, and let us know when you ship it.
We will acknowledge the arrival of your package by email once your games arrive.
