Hi,
1. Tip: send envelopes, not packages, when you can
USPS's temporary holiday price increase is on now, running Oct 4, 2026 to Jan 17, 2027. It averages about 6% and only covers package services: Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and Parcel Select. Commercial Ground Advantage goes up $0.40 to $3.15 a package in zones 1–4, and $0.55 to $7.70 in zones 5–9.
Stamped letters aren't part of it. A plain white envelope is still $0.82 for the first ounce, plus $0.29 for each extra ounce. So for the next three months, every order under about $50 that fits safely in a toploader and envelope saves you more than usual. Keep packages for orders that need tracking (TCGplayer requires it over $49.99) or that won't fit flat.
Sources: www.retaildive.com/news/usps-increase-2026-peak-season-holidays/828858/ · pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm
How to pack a PWE so it stays machinable: tcgspeedshipper.com/blog/how-to-ship-trading-cards-in-a-plain-white-envelope.html
2. What changed: the date to circle, and a new game
- Dec 17 is USPS's last recommended day to mail First-Class Mail (your stamped envelopes) and Ground Advantage for delivery by Dec 25 in the lower 48. Priority Mail is Dec 18. Mailing to APO/FPO addresses or overseas? Those cutoffs are earlier, so check USPS's holiday page for the exact date before you ship. Sources: about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0922-usps-recommends-2026-holiday-mailing-shipping-dates.htm · www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm
- NARUTO CARD GAME is now on TCGplayer. Sellers could list from Sept 22 and buyers could buy from Sept 28. For now that means promo cards from events like Gen Con; the first official set is planned for summer 2027. Source: seller.tcgplayer.com/blog/now-available-on-tcgplayer-naruto-card-game
3. New in TCG Speed Shipper: label, slip, label, slip on your thermal printer
Add TCGplayer's Packing Slip PDF next to your shipping export and pick the 4×6 format. Each order's slip prints on its own 4×6 right behind its label, so you peel, stick, tuck and move on. No sorting a stack of slips at the end. tcgspeedshipper.com/
Reply and tell me what slows down your shipping day.
Sam (Clujkeebs) TCG Speed Shipper