Fulfillment Companies for Playing Card Decks and Uncut Sheets

[CthulhuWho1]

I recently put my first deck designs, which I had planned for my wife and I (both retired) to do the fulfillment on ourselves, on hold, while I took care of an audio project that is taking me several weeks (months?) to complete, and right in the middle of the audio project (which is all seated, computer-based work), my right lower-back, hip and knee, have all started giving me so much pain that I can barely stand up; let alone pick up and move cases of decks of cards!

So if I had finished my in-process decks first, and had been in the fulfillment phase, I, and everyone waiting for my decks, would be out-of-luck!

Which means I will now have to go with a well-respected fulfillment company when I get back to working on my card designs; rather than take a chance on not being able to complete the fulfillment myself.

And I'm now asking for names, addresses, contact information, and most importantly opinions on the fulfillment companies that are well-known for working with playing card decks, uncut sheets, and other card related items.

I'm already familiar with King's Wild, and have received many well-packed packages shipped from them; but most of the other fulfillment companies I've looked up on the Internet don't seem to focus on card-related fulfillment.

Which is why I'm asking everyone here to share what they know; so when it comes time for my Bicycle-Branded, USPCC decks to be released through Kickstarter, my choice for a fulfillment company will add to the confidence level of those pledging for the decks.

Many Thanks in Advance for any thoughts you can share on this matter, that I now realize will be crucial to my being able to put cards safely into everyone's hands!

Will Hart
Fullerton, California
(aka CthulhuWho1 for those who want to see and hear my online efforts)

[Justin O.]

Without any prior experience to draw from for either running a crowd-fund project, getting a product manufactured, self-fulfilling or working with a fulfilment company for any type of product, I would recommend Kinds Wild Fulfilment based solely on the fact that, from a consumer standpoint, I really respect and appreciate where the company came from, the people behind it and supporting a designer in the community who's work I really enjoy and have a strong sense of brand loyalty towards.
The more we can line Jackson Robinson's pockets, the more freedom he will have to be creative and expiriment with his designs and products and if only for that reason alone I would use KWF as my first option if I were to produce a run of decks.

[Card Player]

If I remember correctly, FULLBOATDEALER (Ohio) from ebay has done fulfillment for both Virtuoso and the first Seasons decks. Seasons might have switched to Kings Wild due their friendship but I was very happy with everything I ever received from FULLBOATDEALER.

[runIt]

If I remember correctly, FULLBOATDEALER (Ohio) from ebay has done fulfillment for both Virtuoso and the first Seasons decks. Seasons might have switched to Kings Wild due their friendship but I was very happy with everything I ever received from FULLBOATDEALER.

Virts were done by Pokerstud52.

[Don Boyer]

I know of pokerstud52 and fullboatdealer as eBay retailers first and foremost.  I have no idea how they'd work out as far as fulfillment services, but I can't say I've had or heard any complaints about either company.

Kings Wild Fulfillment has an edge over most other companies for one simple reason - KWF understands the people to whom they are shipping and sends out every package protected to being just short of bullet-proof.  They're specialists in dealing with the playing card market.

Other companies see playing cards, think, "oh, just some cheap-ass playing cards," and the results can often be disappointing to collectors as a result.  Those companies and their employees perceive very little value in playing cards and as a result they treat them with very little care.  Such companies are shooting for business in a variety of avenues, trying to be the lowest bidder in order to get the most work.  To remain competitive on a shoestring budget, such companies will cut corners by using cheaper materials for packaging and hiring the cheapest employees they can find, willing to work at or close to minimum wage.  Such workers are generally not the type to put a lot of pride in their work.

Jackson has pride in his work and that of his staff, and he's aware of how finicky his package recipients can be.  No one would be singing their praises if they were a bunch of screw-ups shipping cheaply-wrapped goods that arrive looking like they went all the way through a shark's digestive system, mouth to...  um...  "stern."

If I was in your shoes and shipping a deck, even as a physically-capable person, I'd probably choose KWF to handle my deck just out of the sheer fact that it's one less headache I'd have to deal with.  I get freed up to do what I enjoy, Jackson makes sure my recipients are happy campers - what more could one want?

[GamblersWarehouse]

@Don: I guess you forgot about Gamblers Warehouse Fulfillment Centre. We  usually ship around 500 packages a day because of having various online stores & therefore possess expertise in fulfilling kickstarter orders with superb packaging. We ensure that there are no damages during transit by using special custom made boxes for shipping expensive playing cards...
Everyone is well aware of our turnaround in fulfilling Kickstarter order plus our fulfillment rates are hard to beat because of our volumes...

[Rose]

I will comment on 3.
1. To begin with KWP never answered my emails requesting fulfillment. Ever. Not great at all.
2. Gamblers Warehouse (from a customer point of view) has immaculate standards. Their decks come bubble wrapped  in boxes, bubble wrapped and in a bubble mailer. Then bubble wrapped again. Maybe not that many times but they have the BEST packaging I have ever had the delight of opening. They completely understand playing cards. Highly recommend.
Only bad thing was when I asked for pricing the table was confusing.
3. EFulfillment is the one I am planning on shipping with soon. They have amazing customer service skills and answered EVERY single one of my questions, almost immediately. Including "How was your weekend?" They actually really care. There is no storage fees as they a they assure me all will be shipped the day they come in. They have really good rates and will ship with USPS or EFS or any other method. They customize the fulfillment based on the persons needs. This does mean that tubes (for un-cut sheets) and other special packaging needs to be provided, but this is the only downside I have encountered. I have not shipped my decks yet, but so far I would recommend them.

[CthulhuWho1]

I have searched high and low on the Gamblers Warehouse site, and by way of Google (regular and advanced), and I can't find any information or comments anywhere about "Gamblers Warehouse Fulfillment Centre."

So it seems that "Gamblers Warehouse Fulfillment Centre" is a very well-kept secret!

Please tell me how and where can I find the links and information about this service?

Will Hart

@Don: I guess you forgot about Gamblers Warehouse Fulfillment Centre. We  usually ship around 500 packages a day because of having various online stores & therefore possess expertise in fulfilling kickstarter orders with superb packaging. We ensure that there are no damages during transit by using special custom made boxes for shipping expensive playing cards...
Everyone is well aware of our turnaround in fulfilling Kickstarter order plus our fulfillment rates are hard to beat because of our volumes...

[CthulhuWho1]

Many Thanks for Your Input on This Topic!

I've just looked at EFS, and found them interesting too; but I have to admit that a Fulfillment Service that does NOT have Tubes and other Special Packaging for decks of playing cards is a deal-breaker for me.  Not having these items tells me they have no experience in handling custom playing card needs; and I wouldn't want to take a chance on ruined decks of cards going out to customers!

I will comment on 3.
1. To begin with KWP never answered my emails requesting fulfillment. Ever. Not great at all.
2. Gamblers Warehouse (from a customer point of view) has immaculate standards. Their decks come bubble wrapped  in boxes, bubble wrapped and in a bubble mailer. Then bubble wrapped again. Maybe not that many times but they have the BEST packaging I have ever had the delight of opening. They completely understand playing cards. Highly recommend.
Only bad thing was when I asked for pricing the table was confusing.
3. EFulfillment is the one I am planning on shipping with soon. They have amazing customer service skills and answered EVERY single one of my questions, almost immediately. Including "How was your weekend?" They actually really care. There is no storage fees as they a they assure me all will be shipped the day they come in. They have really good rates and will ship with USPS or EFS or any other method. They customize the fulfillment based on the persons needs. This does mean that tubes (for un-cut sheets) and other special packaging needs to be provided, but this is the only downside I have encountered. I have not shipped my decks yet, but so far I would recommend them.

[Fess]

I gotta say KWF and GW are the best in the business. A very slight edge is now going to GW in my humble opinion. They've actually made improvements to their already stellar packing recently(noticable by the consumer)and are @*&^#^% FAST. But yea these two are definitely the best, bar none.

Art of Play also has the capabilities of being a fulfillment center btw. They're the very good as well and come in just after the two I mentioned. Try giving them a call too, shipping out of cali may save you some cash.

[Card Player]

1. To begin with KWP never answered my emails requesting fulfillment. Ever. Not great at all.

I don't want to make excuses for KWP not emailing. It seems to me Jackson is able to pick and choose who he wants to work with and provide fulfillment services for. I get that. I'm the same way in many aspects of my life. Jackson has always been nice enough to answer "most" of my questions regarding his projects both here and by email.  I've put him on the hot seat at least once and he still answered me. When I bought a print, I was very happy with the quality of tube he sent it in. I think he does a really nice job. As we know, he's not the only game in town. He might be doing you a favor by not replying.

Art of Play also has the capabilities of being a fulfillment center btw. They're the very good as well and come in just after the two I mentioned. Try giving them a call too, shipping out of cali may save you some cash.

I'm not sure if Art of Play fulfillment requires the deck to be bought by Art of Play and then sold at their price or needs the use of deckstarter.com?

[sprouts1115]

I spoke to Jackson and he can protect a maximum of 10 decks in a tube.  So, if you have an uncut tier on Kickstarter you can load 10 decks. I think the quality of his shipping products is U-Line....

[Rose]

1. To begin with KWP never answered my emails requesting fulfillment. Ever. Not great at all.

I don't want to make excuses for KWP not emailing. It seems to me Jackson is able to pick and choose who he wants to work with and provide fulfillment services for. I get that. I'm the same way in many aspects of my life. Jackson has always been nice enough to answer "most" of my questions regarding his projects both here and by email.  I've put him on the hot seat at least once and he still answered me. When I bought a print, I was very happy with the quality of tube he sent it in. I think he does a really nice job. As we know, he's not the only game in town. He might be doing you a favor by not replying.

It sounds like I am not worthy of a "I am too busy" reply?

I spoke to Jackson and he can protect a maximum of 10 decks in a tube.  So, if you have an uncut tier on Kickstarter you can load 10 decks. I think the quality of his shipping products is U-Line....

Why would you put decks in a tube???

[GamblersWarehouse]

For fulfillment quotes from Gamblers Warehouse please email sales@gamblerswarehouse.com
Thanks for all the compliments guys...
We have a 200k sq feet warehouse in Texas and do not charge any storage fee.

[Fess]

Art of Play also has the capabilities of being a fulfillment center btw. They're the very good as well and come in just after the two I mentioned. Try giving them a call too, shipping out of cali may save you some cash.

I'm not sure if Art of Play fulfillment requires the deck to be bought by Art of Play and then sold at their price or needs the use of deckstarter.com?

I've received CARC orders from CARC in NY, KWF, and Art of Play. The decks I ordered from CARC that I received from Art of Play had nothing to do with deckstarter, and were not at Art of Play prices.

Thanks for all the compliments guys...

Just being honest, but you're welcome.

[Rob Wright]

I recently received a package from a fulfillment company with damaged goods. I requested a replacement. They sent it. damaged again. It wasn't damaged during the shipping. The person packing it, did the damage. I'm not sure who the Fulfillment company is, but it was not one listed so far.

I've received a couple packages from Art of Play and GW, with no problems.
I've received several packages from KWF. Have never had an issue. One package I received, the outside box was all but destroyed. I think they played soccer with it at USPS, but the goods were perfect.

[Fess]

I recently received a package from a fulfillment company with damaged goods. I requested a replacement. They sent it. damaged again. It wasn't damaged during the shipping. The person packing it, did the damage. I'm not sure who the Fulfillment company is, but it was not one listed so far.

Packing box or envelope didn't have the address on it to distinguish who had shipped the parcel to you?

[Rob Wright]

I looked for the envelope, but probably thrown away by the GF

[PurpleIce]

I have received packages from KWP, GW, Art of Play, Pokerstud52. None of which had any problems thus far.

1. To begin with KWP never answered my emails requesting fulfillment. Ever. Not great at all.

I don't want to make excuses for KWP not emailing. It seems to me Jackson is able to pick and choose who he wants to work with and provide fulfillment services for. I get that. I'm the same way in many aspects of my life. Jackson has always been nice enough to answer "most" of my questions regarding his projects both here and by email.  I've put him on the hot seat at least once and he still answered me. When I bought a print, I was very happy with the quality of tube he sent it in. I think he does a really nice job. As we know, he's not the only game in town. He might be doing you a favor by not replying.

Art of Play also has the capabilities of being a fulfillment center btw. They're the very good as well and come in just after the two I mentioned. Try giving them a call too, shipping out of cali may save you some cash.

I'm not sure if Art of Play fulfillment requires the deck to be bought by Art of Play and then sold at their price or needs the use of deckstarter.com?

I am not going to comment on whether KWP replied or not, or why they did not reply. Maybe email issues, maybe something else. I give them the benefit of a doubt.

But what was said here is probably a load of rubbish from a business standpoint.
Irregardless of how much he is to charge or how he wants it done, he still has to reply if he gets an enquiry from a genuine client. If he thinks the order is too small, quote a higher price. If he is too busy with other orders, he still needs to reply on when he can come back to the customer. That is customer service. I have no contact or any word from anybody regarding this issue, but i seriously do not think he is doing Rose "any favours by not replying." If you are talking about designing a deck, then yes, he probably can pick and choose who he wants to work with, because it is a different nature and job scope altogether. But if he is one to pick and choose his customers for a fulfillment job, then i will have to agree with Rose comments about KWP.

For someone to start a fulfillment center to pack cards better, i believe Jackson understands how a fellow card collector/designer feels. Perhaps Jackson can clarify this to help clear his name a little.

[Don Boyer]

@Don: I guess you forgot about Gamblers Warehouse Fulfillment Centre. We  usually ship around 500 packages a day because of having various online stores & therefore possess expertise in fulfilling kickstarter orders with superb packaging. We ensure that there are no damages during transit by using special custom made boxes for shipping expensive playing cards...
Everyone is well aware of our turnaround in fulfilling Kickstarter order plus our fulfillment rates are hard to beat because of our volumes...

You'll have to forgive me for that - you're still a relatively new company, in a sense.  Yours would be another company uniquely suited to dealing with the needs and desires of the card collecting community!

I will comment on 3.
1. To begin with KWP never answered my emails requesting fulfillment. Ever. Not great at all.
2. Gamblers Warehouse (from a customer point of view) has immaculate standards. Their decks come bubble wrapped  in boxes, bubble wrapped and in a bubble mailer. Then bubble wrapped again. Maybe not that many times but they have the BEST packaging I have ever had the delight of opening. They completely understand playing cards. Highly recommend.
Only bad thing was when I asked for pricing the table was confusing.
3. EFulfillment is the one I am planning on shipping with soon. They have amazing customer service skills and answered EVERY single one of my questions, almost immediately. Including "How was your weekend?" They actually really care. There is no storage fees as they a they assure me all will be shipped the day they come in. They have really good rates and will ship with USPS or EFS or any other method. They customize the fulfillment based on the persons needs. This does mean that tubes (for un-cut sheets) and other special packaging needs to be provided, but this is the only downside I have encountered. I have not shipped my decks yet, but so far I would recommend them.

I read this and the later posts - it's not a good idea to ignore a potential customer, regardless of whether you wish to do business with them at that time.  Either take the job or man up and say no - leaving someone hanging is lame and unprofessional.

I've received CARC orders from CARC in NY, KWF, and Art of Play. The decks I ordered from CARC that I received from Art of Play had nothing to do with deckstarter, and were not at Art of Play prices.

CARC used to do their own fulfillment, then shifted to use KWF instead, as did Legends - the majority of any CARC deck order from the printer goes to Jackson and the rest goes to CARC.  Art of Play was probably used for a deck that Dan and Dave Buck were involved with in some manner - they're both on the Board of Directors at CARC, as is David Blaine.

[Paul.Middleton]

Whilst it wouldn't be cost effective at all for us to do worldwide fulfilment, we can offer a great value cost effective UK and EU option for these looking to reduce their workload rather than delegate it completely.

We have a great track record in packaging also (ask anyone that picked up some LUXX) and we're going to be working with KWP in the near future also.

[Card Player]

I've received CARC orders from CARC in NY, KWF, and Art of Play. The decks I ordered from CARC that I received from Art of Play had nothing to do with deckstarter, and were not at Art of Play prices.

You lost me? Dan and Dave Buck (Art of Play) are on the board of CARC. That does not mean Art of Play provides fulfillment on its own for just anyone.

It sounds like I am not worthy of a "I am too busy" reply?

It sounds terrible. I have no excuses for KWF not replying. Action's speak louder or in this case no action. I can only offer some perspective and understanding.

[see_squared]

Sounds like this has been answered multiple times...or at least the top playing card fulfillment options have been listed.  You'll get quality shipping from KWF, GW and Art of Play....I don't know about EFulfillment...but CARC decks are sent out through KWF.  I don't know about Art of Play policies but it would make sense that if your deck is in their store...they would work out a deal with you to fulfill the orders from your webstore also. 

I wouldn't let a no response from Jackson get to you...he's a great friend and a very busy one at that running all aspects of Kings Wild...I can't imagine all the emails he's getting between all the projects and products he's produced.  Don said it best though, KWF will get your decks sent out and delivered flawlessly.  GW also has great packaging for shipping from what Eddie told me.   

For over a year now I've sent the Imps out by myself using bubble sleeves for the decks, inside Indestructo boxes and then inserted into bubble mailer envelopes.  Never had one damaged deck as a result.  Shocked sometimes at just how poorly some decks are shipped to me. 

You won't go wrong with any of your options listed in this thread....Paul at JP will take good care of you for the UK markets!!

[bhong]

Similar to Chris, there's not much I can add to this. There's a lot of great companies listed and honestly, it's worth paying a bit more to ensure that it's done right. I know I've gotten decks where it's just shipped to me with 4 decks rubber-banded together with a few packaging peanuts in the box. I was a bit shocked to see that, but luckily there was no damage.

As for Jackson, I've been helping things out for about the last half year and some change, anyone with issues (whether it be package relating or any thing else) please feel free to email at: brendan@kingswildproject.com . If I can't answer something myself, I can always double check and confirm things for a speedy answer. I got a peek once at Jackson's inbox and it's scary how many messages he gets a day.

[Fess]

Haha, The ole rubber band um together tactic! I've received some decks that way too, the box would have been nice though. Mine were just tossed in a plastic envelope then I think promptly slammed in a door, run over, thrown and finally kicked into my mailbox.

I laugh now, but I was pretty irritated then. Haha, bad shipping experiences may be a fun thread in the conversation area. We've all had them.