!: Get This Quickie Guide to Finding the Right Envelope - Even If You Don't Have a Clue

Envelopes come in many different sizes. But you knew that, didn't you? But what you may not know is that paper qualities vary too. It may not be readily obvious and maybe you can't tell the difference. So, why pay more than you have to for the envelope you need?

If you have a small project and need less than a box of envelopes, your best bet is to go to your local print ship and ask them if they have some leftovers sitting in the stock room that you could buy.

Or, you can go to any office supply store and find small packages of 250 or less. Chances are that for the convenience of having a small package of envelopes will cost you more than if you picked up some extras at the print shop. So, there's your micro tip for the day.

Consumer Nugget #1

Most print professionals don't market/advertise sales of blank envelope stock. That is because they are in the business of printing. As such, printers buy many different kinds, sizes and quality envelopes. Believe me when I say every printer has some shelf stock that may never be used again. If you aren't too picky, you may get lucky.

Printing presses are not perfect and loss during production is planned so printers almost always buy more envelopes than the client has ordered. Hence, unused extras may be sitting on the shelf in exactly the right quantity you need for your personal project.

Consumer Nugget #2

There are a couple of miscellaneous things you ought to know. For example, if you are looking for a 6"x9" or larger envelope you can buy catalog or booklet envelopes. Generally the only difference is that a catalog envelope opens on the end and a booklet envelope opens on the side. So when you are shopping, make sure you observe how the envelope opens.

Consumer Nugget #3

Next, let's say that you want to buy an envelope that matches your stationery but you don't know what color or texture will match it. Buying stuff online could give you a surprise if you know exactly who manufactured the paper stock. Colors of paper stock certainly vary by manufacturer, even if they call it the same name, e.g. natural white . My advice if you find yourself in that situation is to contact you local printer.

Why, well they have thousands and I do mean thousands of paper swatches available from hundreds of paper styles for you to view. You'll likely find exactly what you are looking for.