Category Archives: Comics Supplies

What Size of Bags and Boards Do I Need to Protect my Comic Books?

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While today’s comic books are normally 6 5/8 inches wide by 10 3/16 inches high, these dimensions were not always standardized. Publishers have made comic books of varying sizes throughout history (learn more from this article).

BCW’s comic book bags and boards can help preserve your comic books, but you should purchase bags and boards sized appropriately for your collection. BCW has simplified these historically different sizes into three distinct groups or ages to help you choose the bags and boards that will best fit your needs.

  1. Golden Age – circa 1938 to 1955
  2. Regular/Silver Age – circa 1956 to 1969
  3. Current/Modern Age – circa 1970 to present

If you’re not sure what size of bags and boards you need, please measure your comics and compare them with the sizes listed below.

 

Modern Backing Boards
Same width as Current comics		6 5/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack
1000/case		1-BBMOD
1-BBMOD-BULK
Current Backing Boards
Slightly wider than Current Comics		6 3/4″ x 10 1/2 inches100/pack
1000/case		1-BBCUR
1-BBCUR-BULK
Regular Backing Boards
Same width as Silver comics		6 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack
1000/case		1-BBREG
1-BBREG-BULK
Silver Backing Boards
Slightly wider than Silver comics		7 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack
1000/case		1-BBSIL
1-BBSIL-BULK
Golden Backing Boards
Slightly wider than Golden comics		7 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-BBGOL
Modern/Current Bags
Fit with Modern or Current Boards		6 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-CUR
Modern/Current Bags
With Resealable Strip
Fit with Modern or Current Boards		6 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-CUR-R
Modern/Current Bags
For Thick Comics
Fit with Modern or Current Boards		7 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-CUR-THICK
Modern/Current Bags
With Resealable Strip
For Thick Comics
Fit with Modern or Current Boards		7 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-CUR-R-THICK
Regular/Silver Bags
Fit with Regular or Silver Boards		7 1/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-SIL
Regular/Silver Bags
With Resealable Strip
Fit with Regular or Silver Boards		7 1/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-SIL-R
Regular/Silver Bags
For Thick Comics
Fit with Regular or Silver Boards		7 5/8″x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-SIL-THICK
Regular/Silver Bags
With Resealable Strip
For Thick Comics
Fit with Regular or Silver Boards		7 5/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-SIL-R-THICK
Golden Age Bags7 5/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-GOL
Golden Age Bags
With Resealable Strip		7 5/8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-GOL-R
Golden Age Bags
For Thick Comics		8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-GOL-THICK
Golden Age Bags
With Resealable Strip
For Thick Comics		8 x 10 1/2 inches100/pack1-GOL-R-THICK
2 Mil Mylar Current Archivals7 x 10 1/2 inches50/pack1-CUR-M2
4 Mil Mylar Current Archivals7 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches25/pack1-CUR-M4
2 Mil Mylar Silver Archivals7 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches50/pack1-SIL-M2
4 Mil Mylar Silver Archivals7 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches25/pack1-SIL-M4
2 Mil Mylar Golden Archivals8 x 10 1/2 inches50/pack1-GOL-M2
4 Mil Mylar Golden Archivals8 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches25/pack1-GOL-M4
Current Premade
Bags and Boards		6 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches50/pack1-CUR-BAGBRD
Current Resealable Premade
Bags and Boards		6 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches50/pack1-CUR-R-BAGBRD
Silver Age Premade
Bags and Boards		7 1/8 x 10 1/2 inches50/pack1-SIL-BAGBRD
Silver Age Resealable Premade
Bags and Boards		7 1/8 x 10 1/2 inches50/pack1-SIL-R-BAGBRD

Do you need larger bags and boards?
Treasury-size comic bags and boards
Magazine and book supplies
Graded comic bags

See all of BCW’s comic book supplies.

Four Methods for Displaying Comics on a Wall

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BCW offers several options for displaying your favorite comics on the wall. Which of the four methods below is best for your needs?

BCW Comic Book Toploaders
Current Size: 1-TLCH-COMIC | Silver Size: 1-TLCH-SIL | Golden Size: 1-TLCH-GOL
BCW Toploaders are designed for storing comics on a shelf or in a box, hence they do not have a hanging mechanism. However, with some simple MacGyvering, Comic Book Toploaders make an economical method for displaying comics on the wall. The simplest method is adhering a BCW Hang Tab on the back of the toploader and hanging over a flat tack or nail. Adhesive backed flat magnets or Velcro work great in many instances. You can also look in the hardware aisle at your local home center or craft store to find hanging systems from 3M and others.

Comic toploaders with various adhesives

BCW Snap-It
1-BCW-SI-CB-BLK
The BCW Snap-It is a modular system designed to create an attractive display for your comic books.

BCW Comic Book Showcase
Current Size: 1-CBS-CUR | 1-CBS-CUR-UV | Silver Size: 1-CBS-SIL | 1-CBS-SIL-UV
The BCW Comic Book Showcase has a crystal clear cover that snaps over a black, wall mountable back. They’re available in standard and UV Protection varieties.

BCW Comic Book Frame
Current Size: 1-CBF-CUR | Silver Size: 1-CBF-SIL | Golden Size: 1-CBF-GOL
The BCW Comic Book Frame is an attractive black frame with a glass front. Your comic is neatly displayed in a mat border you can easily access from the rear.

BCW Distributor Options for Retailers

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Hobby stores and online retailers can purchase BCW products directly from BCW. By ordering direct, you gain access to our full catalog, competitive pricing, and reliable fulfillment from a team focused on supporting your business.

If you are not currently set up as a direct customer, you can apply for a BCW wholesale account. Our goal is to make it easy for you to get the products you need to serve your customers and grow your business.

In some situations, however, working with a distributor may be the better solution. You may need inventory faster than BCW can ship, prefer local pickup, or want to simplify ordering through an existing distributor relationship. To support these needs, BCW partners with distributors across the United States and internationally, providing flexible options to help keep your shelves stocked and your customers satisfied.

If you believe a distributor is the right fit for your needs, please contact the BCW Customer Service team. We will work with you to understand your situation and connect you with the best available option.

Card Shop

Our goal is to support your store directly whenever possible, while also working alongside our trusted distributors to ensure you always have a reliable path to get the products you need.

Dimensional Weight Shipping

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Traditionally, shipping companies established delivery costs based on the weight of a package – the heavier the package, the more the shipping expense. However large packages that are lightweight are not profitable to the shipping companies since these light packages earn very little money while they take-up a lot of space in a truck. Hence a lot of fuel is spent to deliver fewer packages.

By January 1st, 2015, both UPS Ground and FedEx Ground will be charging for shipping based on billable weight. This includes shipments originating from BCW Supplies. There are two factors that determine the billable weight. The first is the weight of the package. The second factor is the package’s dimensional weight. The dimensional weight is the package’s density – how much it weighs for its height, length and depth. The shipping company then compares the package’s overall weight and the dimensional weight. Whichever value is greater is the package’s billable weight.

Worker measuring BCW package

Recording an accurate weight and dimensions of packages is key to efficient shipping.

These changes are expected to impact the shipping costs of BCW products. For example, a box of 200 unfolded BCW trading card boxes (1-BX-660) is lightweight (43.1-lbs.), yet has a relatively large size (5.16 cubic feet). The old shipping cost was based on the package’s overall weight, but the cost for the dimensional weight is greater. Therefore the billable weight for this example has increased.

In general, consumers will see shipping costs increase for large, yet lightweight goods. Smart hobby supply distributors and retailers will be able to use this change to their advantage. Because it will be more expensive for consumers to buy goods online, consumers will turn to their local hobby shop to purchase their hobby supplies.

For consumers ordering at www.bcwsupplies.com, users can select their delivery method and see the shipping costs before checking-out. UPS Ground is our default shipping service based on their cost and reliability to deliver goods on time and undamaged. BCW is constantly evaluating the price of our products, the shipping costs, and the potential delivery methods in order to provide the best products and service at the best price.

For BCW partners utilizing BCW’s Drop Shipping program, they should refer to BCW’s Wholesale Price Sheet (updated 12/1/14) to utilize the most up-to-date dimensional weight data to establish their shipping costs.

From more information regarding shipments from BCW Supplies, please view our Shipping Policy.

NOTE: BCW Distributor and Wholesale Partners should sign-in to their www.bcwsupplies.com account in order to view their relevant Shipping Policy and Price Sheet details.

Is Polyester or Polypropylene the Right Choice for my Sleeves and Bags?

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We make a simple distinction between bags and sleeves. We define the bags as having a flap that wraps over the top, while the sleeves are open on the top.

In many instances, such as comic bags, you can select bags made from polyester or polypropylene. Which material is best for your needs? There are several factors to consider to make the best choice.

Both polyester or polypropylene are considered archival-safe by the U.S. Library of Congress (learn more at the LOC page). The different chemistry between polyester or polypropylene gives them different attributes as sleeves and bags. BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) is a polyester film made from stretched PET (polyethylene terephthalate). BoPET is commonly called Mylar, the brand name of BoPET developed by the DuPont company. Polyester is inert and has no plasticizers or other chemicals that will damage collectible documents. Polyester is almost completely impermeable to liquids and gases. Polyester is transparent and does not yellow with age. Polyester film is the material of choice for archiving many of the United States’ most valuable historical documents according to the Library of Congress. Polypropylene is also archival safe, however it is gas permeable.

Polyester sleeves and bags are more rigid than polypropylene counterparts. This gives polyester bags a brilliant, shiny surface. Polyester bags are strong and unlikely to tear, while the flexibility of polypropylene bags may be a better solution for some needs.

If price is a consideration, polypropylene sleeves and bags are more cost effective than those made from polyester (Mylar). This makes polypropylene the popular choice for large collections.

For all of the bags and sleeves offered by BCW Supplies, we clearly define what material is used in its production. The description is found on the product’s respective webpage.

Sleeves and Bags

BCW Protective Pages

BCW Signage for Your Hobby Shop

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Hobby shops, like all retail stores, are concerned about using their merchandising space efficiently. Every square foot in your store is important! When properly merchandised, BCW products are worth space in your shop. As BCW products have a long shelf life, almost 100% of your BCW products will provide a positive return. With point-of-sale signs to identify your BCW products, you can move your supplies quicker. If your hobby shop needs signs to support your supplies section, BCW offers a sign and a window cling.

The Danger Room of Anderson, IN, with BCW Window Cling
The Danger Room Comics and Games in Anderson, IN

You can find the Window Cling on our website, but you’ll need to be signed-in your wholesale account in order to view this item. If you add a window cling to your online shopping cart, the price of one cling will be deducted from the cart value. If you want additional window clings, please describe what you need in the “Order Comments” section of your online order, or message a BCW Customer Service Rep.

Record Shop with BCW Signage
Fresh Produce Records of Macon, GA with BCW Signs

The BCW signs above are 32 inches wide, and use a system with magnets to mount on top of steel shelves. You can find these 32″ Store Signs on our website, but you’ll need to be signed-in your wholesale account in order to view this item. If you add a sign to your online shopping cart, the price of one sign will be deducted from the cart value. If you want additional window signs, please describe what you need in the “Order Comments” section of your online order, or message a BCW Customer Service Rep.

Historic Library Converting into a Gaming and Comic Shop

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All retail stores strive to find the perfect location for their business to grow. This is especially true for gaming and comic shops where the customers come to hangout in a fun environment. Todd Nightenhelser, owner of TCB Games in Huntington, Indiana is taking the challenge to make the ideal gaming and comic destination by moving his shop into a historic building – The Huntington Free Library.

The Huntington Indiana Carnegie Library

 

The Huntington Indiana Carnegie Library

Located at Warren St. and Park Dr. in downtown Huntington, the library stands where the first permanent hotel in Huntington was built by General John Tipton in 1835, however the original building was destroyed in 1873. In 1901, the School Board of Huntington received an offer from 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie to construct a public library. Between 1886 and 1919, Carnegie’s donations helped create 1,679 libraries, bringing books within reach of millions of Americans. With matching donations from the local community, the Huntington Free Library was built in a neoclassical style and is larger than most Indiana Carnegie libraries.

Huntington originally grew in the 1800′s as a transportation hub as it’s located along the Wabash River. The Wabash and Erie Canal and railroads added to the city’s impact. When transportation methods shifted to trucking, this created a strain on Huntington. TCB Games and other Huntington business are providing creative ideas to help reinvent the beautiful downtown.

To transform the old library into a retail and community space, Todd faces several challenges. First, the building needs to be rezoned for commercial use. Second, the library needs to meet modern American Disabilities Act standards to make the site handicap accessible. This includes adding automatic doors, wheelchair ramps, handicap bathrooms and an elevator. At the same time, Todd is trying to maintain the historical significance of the building and manage the construction costs. Much of the 1903 library is in original condition, including beautiful wood molding, doors and staircases.

Todd Nightenhelser, Owner of TCB Games

 

Todd Nightenhelser, Owner of TCB Games

The main room features original bookshelves with a second level made with a floor of poured glass panels. Preserving the features of the library as it converts into a retail space is key to Todd’s plans.

For TCB Games to strive is a relatively small town, it has plans to partner with the community to make the new shop flourish in the library. In addition to selling video games, board games, card games and comics, Todd has plans to share the library with other local groups. The Huntington Literacy Coalition will utilize a room to support their goals. Additionally, Todd has spoken with Huntington University and the Boy Scouts about organizing activities at the library.

The reopening of The Free Library as the new TCB Games is scheduled for the fall of 2014. Todd has lots of creative ideas to develop this space into a fun gaming and comic shop. BCW Supplies will post a follow-up article after the grand reopening, but you can stay connected with the progress on the TCB Games Facebook Page or stop by their current location at 515 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, Indiana.

How to Protect Your Cards and Sports Memorabilia from UV Light

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Various products with UV protectionVirtually the entire spectrum of solar light can contribute to the fading of colors and the deterioration of collectibles. To keep sports cards and memorabilia in mint condition, it’s recommended to keep them in a place that limits exposure to direct and indirect sunlight. The ultraviolet range of solar radiation, or UV light, is of high concern to collectors. According to the US Library of Congress, “ultraviolet rays can break down the chemical bonds and thus fade the color(s) in an object – it is a bleaching effect.”

To protect valuable trading cards from UV light, BCW offers the popular Pro-Mold Card Holders. All Pro-Mold items offer UV protection, except the plastic boxes and the legacy card holders that include the snap-tite and four screw screwdown. The card holders with UV protection are rated to block 98.5% to 99% of UV rays for 5 years or more. Pro-Mold also makes Baseball Squares rated for 5 years or more of UV protection and another Square rated for an amazing 25 years. The card holders and the 5-Year Baseball Squares are made from polystyrene with a UV absorbing additive, while the 25-Year Baseball Squares are made of acrylic with a UV absorbing additive. To confirm the shielding qualities of this UV protection, the Atlas Weathering Testing Group of DSET Laboratories reviewed the Pro-Mold products. See the results.

To protect collectible baseballs, footballs, basketballs and helmets from UV rays, BCW offers a line of BallQube display cases made from polystyrene with UV stabilizers. According to a K & N Labs analysis, BallQube cases with UV stabilizers block 98% of UV light in the 200 to 380 nanometer range.