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I Received a Damaged Card — What Do I Do?

How to document damage, submit a claim, and get a refund or return for a damaged trading card.

Updated today

If you received a damaged card from your TCG Mark order, you can request a refund or a return to get the issue resolved. Damaged trading cards are covered under TCG Mark buyer protection, and the process takes just a few minutes.

Step 1: Document the damage immediately

Before handling the card further, gather evidence of the damage:

  • Take clear, well-lit photos of the damage from multiple angles (front, back, and close-ups of the affected areas).

  • If the card is still in its original packaging, photograph it before removing it.

  • Take photos of the shipping envelope or package, especially if the damage appears to be from transit.

  • Keep all packaging materials until the issue is fully resolved.

Step 2: Open your order

  1. Go to Orders in the TCG Mark app.

  2. Find and open the order that contains the damaged card.

Step 3: Choose a refund or return

  • Request a refund if you want your money back without sending the card back. You have 30 days from the delivery date. You can choose a full or partial refund.

  • Request a return if you prefer to send the damaged card back in exchange for a refund. You have 14 days from the delivery date.

Step 4: Submit your request

For a refund:

  1. Tap Request Refund.

  2. Select Item Damaged as the reason.

  3. Describe the damage in the description field.

  4. Choose a full refund or partial refund.

  5. Submit.

For a return:

  1. Tap Request Return.

  2. Select Item Damaged as the reason.

  3. Describe the damage in the description field (minimum 10 characters).

  4. Submit.

Step 5: Wait for the seller's response

  • Refund requests: The seller has 72 hours to respond.

  • Return requests: The seller has 5 days to respond.

If the seller does not respond within the deadline, your request is automatically escalated to a dispute.

If your request is denied

If the seller denies your damaged card claim, you can escalate the issue to a dispute:

  1. Tap Escalate to Dispute on your denied request.

  2. Provide additional details and upload evidence photos.

  3. During the dispute, the seller has 7 days to offer a resolution.

  4. If no agreement is reached after up to 3 rounds of negotiation, the dispute is automatically resolved in your favor with a full refund.

Types of card damage to report

  • Bends or creases — visible warping or fold lines

  • Water damage — discoloration, warping, or peeling from moisture

  • Surface scratches — marks on the card face

  • Corner or edge damage — dents, dings, or fraying

  • Printing defects — miscuts, ink smudges, or manufacturing issues

  • Shipping damage — damage from inadequate packaging during transit

Tips for damaged card claims

  • Photograph immediately — take photos as soon as you open the package

  • Do not discard packaging — keep everything until the issue is resolved

  • Be detailed — describe the specific type of damage

  • Compare to listing — note the listed condition versus what you received

  • Act within the deadline — submit within the 30-day refund or 14-day return window

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