Shipping Policy

ProxyMTG is moving to a print-on-demand model. That means your order is printed and fulfilled after you place it (rather than shipping from pre-made inventory). This page explains our processing times, shipping methods, tracking behavior, and what to expect during peak periods.

The simple formula

Delivery time = Production time + Transit time

Most delays (and most confusion) come from mixing those two together—so we keep them separate below.

Production time (before your order ships)

Standard production time

  • Most orders are produced within ~2 business days (Monday–Friday, excluding postal holidays).

  • During busy periods or for large/custom orders, production can take longer.

Why production time can vary

Print-on-demand production depends on:

  • total card count / larger orders

  • customization (custom backs, custom art, special finishes)

  • peak-volume periods (holidays, major set releases, etc.)

If you have a deadline, contact us before ordering so we can tell you what’s realistic.

Transit time (after your order ships)

Standard U.S. delivery (typical)

  • Standard U.S. transit is typically ~3–7 business days after shipment (carrier-dependent).

  • That’s why many U.S. orders arrive ~5–9 business days total (production + transit).

Expedited options

When available at checkout, expedited shipping reduces transit time (it does not guarantee zero production time). Expedited options and pricing vary by destination and carrier availability.

Shipping methods (tracked vs untracked)

We aim to keep shipping predictable and transparent. The exact options shown at checkout may vary by location and order size, but in general:

1) Economy / Untracked (PWE)

For smaller orders, we may ship in a Plain White Envelope (PWE) with protective packaging (such as a top loader) to keep the cards safe.

  • Untracked shipments do not provide full end-to-end tracking

  • Delivery confirmation may be limited or unavailable

2) Tracked shipping (padded mailer)

For larger orders, we typically ship in a bubble/padded mailer with tracking.

Current threshold note: some ProxyMTG listings have historically used a “tracked above $75” rule of thumb. Your actual shipping option will be shown at checkout.

Tracking updates: what to expect

“Label created” / “pre-shipment” status

If your tracking shows “Label Created,” “Pre-Shipment,” or “USPS Awaiting Item,” it usually means:

  • a shipping label was generated, and

  • the package has not been scanned by the carrier yet (or the scan hasn’t posted).

This is extremely common. The first carrier scan can take 24–48 hours, and sometimes the first scan is missed entirely until the package reaches the next facility.

Why tracking sometimes looks “stuck”

Tracking updates depend on carrier scans. A package can be:

  • dropped off after a label is created but not scanned right away, or

  • scanned later at a regional facility, or

  • delivered with fewer scan events than expected.

Peak periods and holiday notes

During peak periods (for example: November–December, postal holidays, or unusually high order volume), you should expect:

  • production time to extend beyond the usual window

  • carriers to take longer in transit

  • tracking scans to post slower than normal

If you need a firm arrival date, order early and choose an expedited method if offered.

Address issues, returns to sender, and delivery problems

Incorrect address

You are responsible for entering the correct shipping address at checkout. If you notice an error:

  • contact us immediately

  • once an order is in production or has shipped, address changes may not be possible

Lost, delayed, or missing packages

If your shipment is tracked, we can usually help more quickly. For untracked shipments, resolution options may be more limited.

If your order appears stalled or missing, contact support with:

  • your order number

  • your shipping name + email

  • (if tracked) your tracking number and current status

International shipping (by request)

International shipping may be available by request depending on destination and carrier availability. If you need an international quote, contact support before ordering with:

  • country

  • postal code

  • approximate number of cards

Customers are responsible for any customs duties/taxes where applicable.

Contact

For shipping questions or deadlines, contact: