Mailing research shows that a larger envelope will increase the response rate by 53%.
With odds like that, carefully considering which envelope you want to use for your mail is important. However, with so many types of envelopes, how do you know which one to choose?
Keep reading to find the perfect envelope for your mail.
Commercial Envelope
A commercial envelope is a great option if you need to ship direct mail, statements, invoices, or checks. People also use these envelopes for any private correspondence or for personalized letterheads.
These envelopes have a top edge opening, along with a diagonal seam. They're a great size for sending letters that are on typical 8.5 x 11-inch printer paper.
Standard printer paper can easily be folded into thirds, which will make it fit perfectly into a commercial envelope.
Wallet Envelope
A wallet envelope has its name because it is folded like a wallet. This envelope size is most often used in automated mailers.
It has a straight flap, which makes it easier for automated mail insertion. This makes it an efficient loading envelope and is why this envelope option is commonly selected for direct mail.
Wallet With Window Envelope
These envelope types are just like wallet envelopes, but they have a front window. This transparent window allows you to print the address and recipient on the contents of the letter, rather than writing it on the envelope.
In turn, this saves you money and time; especially when sending a lot of mail. The custom window is also a great way to catch people's attention when they're sorting through their mail.
A-Series Envelope
If you're going to be sending out an announcement, you'll likely use an A-Series envelope. These have deeper flaps, and instead of a straight seal, they have diagonal, pointed flaps.
These can be used for a commercial or social announcement. Such as sending baronial cards or even informal mail. This envelope is often made from thicker paper cardstock, which feels nicer and more unique.
A-series envelopes range in size and can be as small as A-2 and big as A-10.
Catalog Envelope
If you're going to be sending out larger mail, like a catalog, you can use an open-end catalog envelope. The envelope flaps open on the long side, which makes it easier to slide a catalog inside.
These envelopes are great for catalogs, but they're also perfect for:
- Manuals
- Books
This envelope type has sticky flaps that you can seal to hold the contents.
Square Envelope
The name of the square envelope can be deceiving because the envelope itself doesn't have to be square. The flap is straight rather than diagonal, which makes it easier for high-volume mail sending.
If you're getting a square envelope with a single card, like a birthday card, it'll likely come with a diamond flap instead of a straight one.
Office Envelope
Office envelopes are a broader type of style, but they're typically used for any office documentation. They can be used for an average document or you can use a larger envelope to send CDs, jump drives, and other materials.
If you're running an office, you should have a wide variety of office envelopes on hand.
Banker Envelope
Banker envelopes are perhaps the most commonly used type of envelopes. They have triangular flaps, and they're great for sending:
- Internal business letters
- Greeting cards
- Personal letters
You can find banker envelopes at almost any store and they come in different sizes and colors to accommodate an array of projects. White is typically used for office purposes. Banker envelopes used for greeting cards come in many different colors.
Tuck Flap Envelope
A tuck flap envelope is a special type of envelope where the envelope's throat is cut off. Instead of looking like the typical diamond shape, the flap can be placed in the throat of the envelope.
You don't have to worry about licking and sealing the envelope. Instead, you just need to stick the flap back into the envelope. Most people will use this type of envelope for invitations to special events.
Airmail Envelope
An airmail envelope is used if you're going to be sending urgent mail internationally. Airmail envelopes tell the delivery personnel that this piece of mail needs to make it to the destination quickly.
These envelopes have a fixed pattern on the envelope; because, when shipping mail abroad, it needs to be consistent.
Pocket Envelope
A pocket envelope is a smaller envelope, but there are different types of pocket envelopes. They're smaller than banker envelopes and have opening flaps that are placed on the short edge.
There is enough space for paper, but many people will use these envelopes to store things like coupons, photos, or mementos.
Certified Mail Envelope
A certified mail envelope is a special type of envelope that is used to send Certified Mail.
These envelopes have a window so that you can see the sender and recipient's addresses through the clear cellophane. There is also a green banner on the front of the envelope that designates it as Certified Mail, so the postal employees know that this is an important piece of mail.
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