Custom envelopes are more than just envelopes to protect your letter or paperwork. They may well be the initial thing a visiting customer/client/recipient will notice prior to opening the door of your mail. By designing the envelope with your business' branding, you can help make your company look professional and reinforce its identity.
How to select the correct custom envelope, though? All sizes, types, finish and design is important. Here are some of the critical factors to consider when making the right decision.
Why it is important to select the right custom envelopes
Consider an envelope as the envelope where the message is in. Just gauge the size of the document, correct papers will make the right impression and perfect finishing can place your letter in the spotlight.
Custom envelopes can be beneficial for businesses in so many ways that it's hard to list them all, such as in the case of an invoice or statement, a promotional campaign or invitation and so much more. A uniform-looking envelope can also also make a more identifiable company brand.
Your letter needs to be in the right envelope size.
The size is probably one of the first factors to take into account. First think about what you will include in the 'mailbox'.
Different size custom envelopes may be needed for the different materials
This is good practice as it avoids having to fold or re-fold documents and ensures that they remain organised and professional.
Common Custom Envelope Sizes
Envelopes with the common dimensions refer to the #10, #9 and the 6-3/4 envelope size. The #10 envelope is quite popular for use for business letters and letters that are a little smaller might also be utilized for return mail and very compact documents.
Custom size or custom large options might be appropriate if you are using a brochure, invitation, catalog or odd-sized material for mailing.
Choose the best paper that matches your envelopes from the Best Paper List.
The quality of paper you use influences your envelope's look and quality. Sometimes lightweight paper would be handy for business letters, and sometimes heavier paper would lend an even more businesslike appearance for large mailing campaigns.
Think about the uses and handling of the envelope. In normal mail you might prefer to use regular paper. If it's a special event or something that is important, a higher quality paper will have a greater impact.
Standard vs. Premium Paper
For high volume mail, routine letters, statements and invoices use standard paper. Invitations, executive correspondence, certificates and luxuriously made promotional materials might be appropriate for premium paper.
But texture is also a factor. Use smooth paper for a sleek look and for a textured look, use textured paper for envelopes.
If you want to personalize your truck, choose a matching paint job.
Finish is the finish. This satin finish can give a subtle and more professional look; or, a shiny finish can give a brighter and more pronounced look.
Textured finishes can also bring about class without optimal extra planes of flair to create a complex look. The most important thing to remember is to choose a finish that will act as the support of your brand and not detract from your message.
What are Specialty Finishes?
Specialty finishes can be used wonderfully to accent your wedding invitations, high-quality promotional mailers, event invitations and upscale business envelopes.
However, more isn't always better. A clean, simple print on a good piece of paper can win the sale more often than an envelope bursting at the seams with ornaments!
This item is located in the printing room, specifically in the area of design work.
Once you've set your size and materials, you'll need to design your envelope. Your text including your logo, your brand colors, your Business name, Contact details and other key information should be placed in an organized fashion.
Consider your envelope a small business asset – MARKETING REAL ESTATE. All the elements need to be purposeful.
Make your design practical
Even an envelope has a use left in the economy of doing things: it must pass safety muster in the process of getting to its recipient with unravelling damage.
Ensure that vital information is easily legible and well displayed. Do not include required information in locations that will clash with addresses, postage and/or mailing requirements.
If in any doubt, order a sample or a digital proof when ordering in bulk. Addressing a minor issue with a design first, before printing thousands of envelopes, indicates a time and money saver.
Last But Not Least: Ordering Custom Envelopes
These are some points to take into account before ordering:
Find the proper envelope size.
Select the appropriate paper for your needs and budget.
Choose a finish that is suitable for your brand.
Do not clutter the design in terms of graphics.
Be sure to examine the quality of the printing.
Make sure you order the number of items that you actually need.
Get a proof copy prior to large print production.
Do some shopping around for the lowest possible rates, turnaround time and customization options.
Although purchasing in bulk lots might make envelopes less expensive, do not order in bulk if not practical or necessary.
Conclusion
Custom envelopes can be no more complex than selecting any other envelope. The key to success in creating a presentation: using the proper size and paper type and applying an appropriate finish. Next design a clean and usable design which lets people recognise your envelope.
As long as these components share the ball with each other, even a regular email can be the ultimate professional brand experience. A custom envelope is not only a means to contain your message, its the first step to making a message stand out.
