It's actually quite an involved process, with the optimal envelope for the job dependent upon a whole range of factors such as the nature of the post contained, the size of the communication, it's fragility, its weight, closure type and aesthetic considerations like colour. Not only a matter of pragmatics, you also need to consider what impression are you hoping to convey through your stationery. In addition sharing your company correspondence, the quality of the envelopes you choose also acts to represent your company. Your stationery including your envelopes says a lot about you as an organisation.
Budget also plays an important role. Astute envelope selection can save you money whilst careless, carefree procurement might end up wasting money unnecessarily. The last thing you want to do is employ an unnecessarily expensive envelope either for large mailshots or on an ongoing basis. Postage costs are now also influenced by package size. Why pay more postage than you have to simply because you are using and oversized envelope? As with many things, once you scratch the surface there's far more to envelope purchasing than might first appear. What at first might seem to be a straightforward, and if we're being totally honest a slightly dull subject, is actually more complex than most people realise.
Talk to a selection of professional envelope suppliers with your requirements in order to gauge their input and get a feel for what they might recommend. Stationery experts deal with a huge range of envelopes every day, weighing up the pros and cons of various envelope size, envelope shape and envelope style against the task in hand. If your feel in the slightest unsure or confused with the variety of options, then do yourself a big favour and take professional advice. In addition to specific envelope advice you'll benefit from price break information, guidance on other matters such as popular brands and styles as well as being able to organise credit terms. Whilst talking with your stationery supplier make a point of making the most of their support and expertise across a complete range of products. Toner, ink, paper or printer labels for example � any office supply consultant worth their salt will be more than pleased to help in any way they can.
Perhaps the best thing to do when trying to identify the best envelope for the job in hand is to first of all decide exactly what needs to be posted and how often. It's likely you'll need a range of envelopes to cover different uses but apply the same principles when choosing. Consider the size and weight and other matters such as the adhesion, windows, contents security and protection.
The most common sizes are C4, C5, C6 and DL, which correspond to unfolded A4, A5, A6 and compliment slips size. Though it does mean that you need to fold your A4 sheet into three, the majority of companies use DL size often in the form of window envelopes that allows you to simply print your letter or correspondence and slip it into the envelope without the need for handwriting the address or adding an address label. These types of envelopes are perfect for mailshots or bulk invoices, although they do lack the confidentiality of a standard envelope. Commonly used weights, measured in grams per square meter (GSM), normally range from 80gsm (light weight) for cheques and invoices, 90gsm (medium weight) to 100gsm or 115gsm (heavy weight) for company reports, with the lightest weight likely to offer best value for money.
Self-sealing and peal and seal envelopes are extremely convenient. Though self-sealers only have a shelf life of around six months (so don't buy too many too far in advance of needing to use them), the adhesive on each flap is pressed together forming a strong seal. Much easier than manually moistening or licking envelopes.
Mark Bartley can help you review office supplies and buy products like
envelopes online to get the best deal for your office. Of all office products, envelopes offer one of the biggest choices. Read Mark Bartley's informative reports for help choosing other items of office stationary.
