Ten Essential Elements For The Printing Of Your Envelopes
Your envelopes create the first impression your potential customers get of your business.
Custom printed envelopes can add the right image of respectability and credibility; a unified stationery design has a strong impact on repeat and first-time customers alike.
To be a success, you need to consider the following elements in your design and marketing plan before contacting your printing company.
- Size and shape.
For a standard sales letter, you’ll need a (DL) OR #10 envelope. There are different types of standard sizes, if you want a custom size, expect to pay more. You’ll also pay more in postage if you choose to use an irregular size, or shape like square envelopes. - Weight.
Your printer can suggest the standard paper weight that goes with the size of envelope you want; custom paper choices are available if you want a heavier paper. Envelopes that are handled frequently or are carrying heavy items may use 32 to 40 pound OR 80 GSM to 100 GSM paper. - Logo.
If your budget will allow, print your company logo in the appropriate colour. - Ink colour.
Make sure your address will be printed in a colour that is easily readable by the postal staff! If your envelope can’t get to its destination, you’ve wasted some of your printing budget. - Return address.
You can place your return address in the upper left hand corner of the envelope or on the back flap. - Do you prefer addressable or window envelopes?
Using window envelopes can save you the time and effort of printing your address list — if the mailing address is already on your correspondence. - What type of flap do you want to use?
You have several choices: a traditional pointed flap, a square flap with lots of room for printing, a wallet flap with room for printing and rounded edges, or a commercial flap which works smoothly with many types of printer. - What type of closure do you want to use?
Some sort of adhesive is traditional — you can choose between the type of adhesive that needs to be moistened or a peel and stick adhesive. Envelopes that are used repeatedly may use a string and button closure — think of inter-office envelopes. For personal information, you may want to look into tamper-evident closures, like tabs that must be torn to access the information inside. - Update Your Mailing List
Envelopes aren’t going to do you much good without someone to send them to! You may already have a large customer database or you may be purchasing a mailing list from another company. Make sure the information you have is correct — too many mistakes in the recipient information means a lot of returned mail and wasted time and effort.
- What kind of postage will you be using?
Will you be hand stamping your mass mailing? Would you like to pre-print your postage? Ask your printer for suggestions — they are the printing experts!
Now that you have all your envelopes’ essential elements covered, here is an alternative way to send out your message.