Business Envelopes and Mailers | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

Every day you open them and then throw them away because they've served their purpose. But just because most envelopes end up in the trash, don't discount their function or value. The right envelope can make a statement about your business or can hold a statement. But no single type of envelope can do everything.

All businesses need a variety on hand at any given time to send:

Correspondence to clients and prospects.
Statements and invoices to customers.
Product or service information about your company.
Items that won't fit in a standard-sized envelope.

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

Window envelopes

Companies that send out statements or invoices each month benefit from window envelopes, which cut down on labeling and processing.

I recommend: Single window envelopes allow you to imprint your company logo and address in the upper left-hand corner and let the addressee show through the window, whereas double window envelopes show both the return address and addressee through windows. Envelopes Direct offers multiple choices of imprinted #9 and #10 sized envelopes with self-sealing and tinting features.

Security envelopes

Window envelopes can be an instant giveaway that a check is enclosed. To safeguard transactions, opt for no-window security lined envelopes.

I recommend: Order a sample from NEBS, which offers custom imprinted security lined envelopes.

Letterhead envelopes

Your envelope is like a calling card for your business, and it needs to reinforce your brand and your image. For everyday business correspondence, your envelopes should match your letterhead stationery.

I recommend: Get four-color letterhead and imprinted envelopes at Liquid-Print, which allows you to either create your own design and upload it to their site or get help from their graphic design department.

Shipping envelopes and specialty mailers

When you send out catalogs, sales materials or small merchandise, custom-imprinted shipping envelopes are essential.

I recommend: Choose from bubble envelopes, corrugated, plastic or paperboard mailers at actionenvelope.com then choose your printing options. Uline – a shipping supplies specialist -- carries a vast assortment of envelopes and mailers.Options include padded mailers, rigid mailers, presentation envelopes, glamour mailers, corrugated mailers and vinyl envelopes, among others.

Blank envelopes

Some correspondence doesn't require the extra expense of imprinting your logo.

I recommend: Have a healthy supply of envelopes in a variety of sizes on hand by shopping the multiple options at Quality Park.

Envelope design

Designing envelopes requires knowing how they are printed and constructed before you send artwork to the printer especially if you want the artwork to bleed to the edge of the envelope.

I recommend: Learn the construction and terminology of an envelope along with postal requirements before you print your envelopes. Outsource the design of your company letterhead and envelopes at thelogofactory.com.

Customize your own envelopes online

Pitney Bowes, the postage meter company, has created a custom envelope design center that's a great option if you are already a PB customer

I recommend: Visit the Pitney Bowes Envelope Design Center.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Avoid dark colored paper or busy designs on the front of your envelope. Remember that the post office machines automatically read address and postmark information and if the machines can't pick it up, the mailing process can be slowed down.
The return address should never go beneath the top third of an envelope.
The bottom right hand corner (4 3/4 inches wide by 5/8 inch high) of an envelope needs to be free space for barcode readers to be able to read them.
When sending bills to customers, always include a return address envelope or a window envelope that fits the remittance slip. This will ensure your address is correct and you receive payment in a timely manner.

The official source of Business Envelopes and Mailers is the Envelopes page at Business.com

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