Media mailers are specialized packages most often used for mailing CDs, DVDs and photos, and also for brochures and pamphlets.

When choosing a media mailer for your business, be sure to consider not only cost, but also take into consideration your method of shipping and distribution. When comparing media-mailer options, keep in mind that:

1. Water-proof media mailers will protect the contents of a package from water damage.

2. Purchasing from companies that specialize in media mailing supplies can be cost-effective when media mailing is an integral part of your business and is done on a regular basis.

3. When shipping photos, brochures, or disks that are not in a case, choosing rigid media mailers will ensure that bending or creasing of contents will not occur.

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

Appearance should play a role when selecting a media mailer

Finding a media mailer that will meet the needs of your business is the main objective. However, it is important to also find a mailer that will be appealing to customers. With the large number of different types of media mailers and packages, finding clean-looking packaging that won't crease or bend isn't hard.

I recommend: Choose a professional, clean-looking media mailer when available. White envelopes and boxes provide a cleaner look for customers than basic cardboard or manila envelopes. Often, the price difference in colored mailers is minimal, if there is any. OnTimeSupplies.com offers corrugated media mailers in white, while Office Max sells similar photo and CD/DVD mailers that come with the added bonus of being foam-lined and water resistant.

Buy CD and DVD mailers from general packaging suppliers

If mailing CDs or DVDs is an integral part of your business, purchasing in bulk will save money, as buying in large-quantity packs can provide discounts for your business. There are plenty of options to compare when looking into CD or DVD packaging.

I recommend: Check PackagingSupplies.com for a wide selection of CD and DVD packaging materials, where you can find a case of 200 basic CD mailers for approximately $30. Pricing is cheaper when ordering 3+ cases. Similar options are available for basic DVD mailers. Also check out PackagingPrice.com, Inc. for more options.

If your business has the appropriate media mailing materials on hand, make your own

If media mailing is not done on a regular basis at your business, a cost-effective alternative to purchasing media mailers is to make your own. Most media mailers simply consist of some form of protective insulation and a box or envelope.

I recommend: By taking a quick look around your business, you may find the necessary supplies for media mailing. If not, you can purchase large rolls of bubble wrap or bubble wrap bags from office supply stores such as Staples. Then find or purchase appropriate packaging, which can be as simple as ordering Priority Mail Flat Rate Box’s free of charge (note in this case that the use of USPS's Priority Mail service is required.)

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look into customized packaging with your business' logo or icon if media mailing is frequently utilized.