You say your business uses a lot of mailers for shipping smaller items or just plain paper products? Then you need to consider two things upfront.

First, where do you get the kind of mailers most suited to your needs, at the cost and quality level you’re looking for? Second, do you plan to do those mailings in-house or does it make more sense to contract a home mailer or bulk mailer—a firm that will handle the whole thing—to do the job for you?

What you’re planning to mail will of course determine what kind of mailer you select. Three of the most commonly used types of mailers include:

1. Bubble mailers
2. Poly mailers
3. CD mailers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

How to find and use bubble padded mailers

A bubble-padded mailer has an inner layer of bubble padding to absorb shock and protect your shipment from damage. Construction of a bubble mailer usually consists of heavier-weight plain paper or a tough, plastic-like material called polyethylene. Bubble mailers are a cost-effective shipping solution because they require less postage than cardboard containers.

I recommend: Using padded mailers for anything that is potentially damageable if it bumps around too much in transit. Royal Mailers offers economical mailing solutions and free shipping on all orders. Purchasing from Action Envelope, which sells a wide range of recyclable mailers and is an EPA “Green Power Partner," is a great way to support the environment.

Use of poly mailers for extra-strength protection

A poly mailer is made of a tough yet lightweight polyethylene material that's resistant to moisture and especially puncture-proof. Poly mailers have extra-strong seams, too, making them dependable even if your package is over-stuffed. Many companies offer bubble-padded poly mailers for even more protection. If you want your package to call attention to itself, you might opt for the so-called glamour mailers, which come in a wide range of flashy, metallic foil colors.

I recommend: Using poly mailers for any shipment that needs the extra-strength packaging that plain paper envelopes may not provide. Some companies, such as Fast-Pak, offer a great range of colors as well as just the everyday manila and white. Check Shipping Supply for their “deal of the day” specials.

Protecting media using CD mailers

You have many choices when you're shopping for CD (compact disc) mailers or other media mailers. Packaging made of strong, unbendable cardboard is available in various sizes and configurations. Another popular CD mailer is the fiberboard sleeve, good for economical shipping. Many types also include convenient tabs to ensure your package stays tightly closed.

I recommend: Cdrom2go or TigerPak, Inc., for the sturdy, cost-effective media mailer styles they offer.

Who is going to ship mailers?

Consider a home mailer or bulk mailer company to do your shipping for you. These are companies that specialize in 'fulfillment'; they do all the work of stuffing and sending your mailings or products. Some bulk mailers and home mailers also have the ability to pinpoint the geographic locations and consumers from which you're most likely to get business.

I recommend: Checking with the Mailing & Fulfillment Service Association if you’re considering this option. Their page titled “What to Look for in a Mailing or Fulfillment Service Company” gives excellent advice for finding a reputable and reliable bulk mailer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Has your company gone green yet? When selecting mailers, think about using products from companies that offer biodegradable packaging and even soy inks, which have less impact on the environment.
• •  Self-sealing mailers are a must for saving on time and effort. They also provide more security against tampering.
• •  Some home mailers also do hand-stamping--recommended if you'd like to give your mailings a more personal touch.