Purchasing resources for Mailers

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.