Mailing envelopes are a type of packaging material that is commonly used to send documents, letters, and small items through the mail. They have become an essential component of modern communication and commerce.
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Whether you need to send a birthday card or a business letter, they offer a convenient and reliable way to get your message or package where it needs to go. These envelopes can come in different sizes, colours, and materials such as paper, cardboard, or plastic.
Here are a few things you should know about mailing envelopes:
The UK follows the standards set by the ISO when it comes to envelope size. The Royal Mail deviates from this standard, but using an envelope no larger than C5 is a safe bet.
When it comes to sending mail, choosing the right envelope is crucial. There are several types of mailing envelopes that you can choose from depending on your specific needs. Let's take a closer look at each of them:
Standard envelopes are the most commonly used envelopes for mailing letters, invoices, and other important documents. They are usually made from paper and come in different sizes, with the most common being the DL envelope. These envelopes typically have a rectangular shape and a gummed flap that can be sealed.
Window envelopes are similar to standard envelopes but have a transparent window on the front that allows the recipient's address to show through. These envelopes are convenient for businesses that send a large volume of mail and can save time because you don't have to manually write or print the address.
Padded envelopes are a great option for sending fragile items such as jewelry, CDs, or DVDs. They are made of padded material on the inside to protect the contents and usually have a self-sealing flap.
Bubble mailers are another type of envelope for sending fragile or delicate items. They have a layer of bubble wrap inside that cushions the contents and protects them from damage. Bubble mailers come in different sizes and styles and can have anywhere from one to three layers of bubble wrap.
Choosing the right type of mailing envelope can help ensure that your mail is delivered safely and securely. Consider your contents, recipient, and postage requirements before selecting the best envelope for your needs.
Mailing envelopes are a great choice for many purposes. Here are some scenarios where you should consider using them:
Mailing envelopes are perfect for sending letters, documents, or other similar items. They come in various sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your needs. For instance, if you need to send a legal document, you can use a legal-sized mailing envelope to ensure that it fits perfectly and stays neat.
Mailing envelopes are also great for lightweight items such as photographs, books, and small items like jewelry or small clothing accessories. They offer a cost-effective way to send these items, as you can often send them through regular mail without having to spend extra on shipping.
If you're sending flat items, such as artwork, certificates, or posters, mailing envelopes are the perfect choice. They are designed to be flat, which makes them ideal for these types of items. Plus, they offer protection during transit, ensuring that your item doesn't get damaged.
Usage Benefits Letters/docs Various sizes to fit needs Flat items Cost-effective shippingMailing envelopes are perfect for letters, documents, and flat, lightweight items. They offer a cost-effective solution for shipping and provide protection during transit. With a mailing envelope, you can have peace of mind knowing that your item will arrive safely at its destination.
Mailing bags are large, flexible bags made of lightweight materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene. They are used for packaging and shipping various goods, documents, and envelopes that do not require extra padding or protection. Generally, mailing bags have a self-sealing strip that makes them easy to use and secure.
Mailing bags offer several useful benefits that make them popular for shipping various items. Here are some of the advantages of using mailing bags:
When it comes to mailing goods, envelopes aren't always the best option. Sometimes you need something sturdier, more spacious and versatile. That's where mailing bags come in. There are several types available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones:
Type of Mailing Bag Features Polythene Mailing Bags Lightweight, waterproof, affordable, recyclable Bubble Wrap Mailing Bags Cushioning, shock absorption, range of sizes Tamper-Evident Mailing Bags Special seal, secure, great for valuable items and confidential documents Gusseted Mailing Bags Expandable sides, extra depth, great for bulkier items Paper Mailing Bags Eco-friendly, made from natural materials, strongPolythene mailing bags are the most popular option for ecommerce retailers. They are lightweight, waterproof and affordable. They come in a range of sizes and colors, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. They are also recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Paper mailing bags are an excellent choice for businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Crafted from robust, single-ply kraft paper, they provide the same level of protection during transit as their counterparts. These bags are also biodegradable, offering a more sustainable solution for your business.
P.S. Our paper mailing bags have an expanding block bottom. You get the strength of a polythene mailing bags and the room of a gusseted in one.
Bubble wrap mailing bags are a great choice if you need extra protection for your items during transit. They feature a layer of bubble wrap lining on the inside, providing cushioning and shock absorption. They come in a range of sizes and are perfect for fragile items like glass, electronics and ceramics.
Consider paper bubble wrap mailing bags if you want the same protection, but without the carbon footprint.
Tamper-evident mailing bags have become increasingly popular in recent years due to security concerns. They feature a special seal that shows if the bag has been opened or tampered with. They are great for sending valuable items and confidential documents.
Gusseted mailing bags are perfect for sending bulkier items, such as clothing or soft toys. They feature expandable sides or a 'gusset', which give the bag extra depth and room for the items to move around. They are available in a range of sizes and colors.
While mailing bags have their benefits, it's important to note that they're not suitable for all items. If you're shipping something valuable, fragile or that requires extra protection, always opt for a box or a padded envelope.
Here are some scenarios when using mailing bags might be the best choice:
Mailing bags are not suitable for fragile items or those that require special handling. However, they are ideal for shipping items like books, documents, and small electronics that can withstand some movement or handling during transit. They're perfect for shipping clothes, especially lightweight fabrics that don't require extra padding.
Mailing bags are great for flat items that can be easily inserted into the bag and don't require additional assembly or preparation. This makes them a perfect choice for shipping items like stickers, prints, and posters.
Mailing bags are typically lighter than boxes, which means they can save you money on shipping costs. They're also easier to store and pack, which makes them a great option for small businesses or online sellers.
When it comes to mailing items, whether for personal or business purposes, choosing the right packaging can make a big difference in ensuring your items arrive safely and intact. Here, we will look at the differences between mailing envelopes and mailing bags to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
When planning to send mail or packages through the postal service or courier, it's crucial to choose the right type of container to ensure that the contents arrive safely and undamaged.
We've put together a list of questions to help you decide:
When it comes to choosing between a mailing envelope and a bag, the content you're shipping is your biggest factor. For those sleek documents, precious photos or other flat treasures, a snappy mailing envelope fits the bill perfectly. On the other hand, for your chunkier goodies like clothing, shoes, or soft items, a flexible and roomy mailing bag is your best bet.
Here's a quick snapshot to help you decide based on the item you're sending.
Mailing Bag Mailing Envelope Clothing items (e.g., t-shirts, sweaters, socks) Letters, documents, or legal papers Books or magazines Greeting cards or invitations Small electronic devices (e.g., headphones, chargers) Brochures or pamphlets Soft goods (e.g., pillows, blankets, towels) Photographs or prints Sample products or promotional items Small flat items (e.g., stickers, patches, bookmarks) Light-weight sports equipment (e.g., balls, bands) Thin or flat jewellery items (e.g., earrings, pendants) Non-fragile cosmetics or beauty products Gift cards or vouchersWhen it comes to sending valuable items like electronics, jewellery, or even cold hard cash, security becomes a top priority. The answer? Padded envelopes or secure bags equipped with tamper-evident seals, offering an extra layer of protection against the unwanted hands and potential damage during transit.
As the world is increasingly tilting towards environmental sustainability, your choice of packaging containers can make a huge difference. Mailing bags, often crafted from recycled plastic, offer a greener alternative to the conventional envelopes. These eco-friendly warriors are not just about saving the planet, they're also about showing your customers that you care.
SmithPackaging sells both fully recyclable mailing bags and envelopes. With us, it doesn't matter how you want to send your package, you'll be doing your part for the world regardless.
Who doesn't love a good bargain? When it comes to the battle of costs between mailing envelopes and bags, envelopes typically come out on top. Particularly when buying in bulk, they're usually a thriftier choice.
But hold on! Before you rush off to stockpile envelopes, let's talk value. Mailing bags might cost a little more, but they often pack a punch in terms of bang for your buck. So, the question is, are you looking for the cheapest option or the one that offers the best value?
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In the grand scheme of things, choosing between mailing envelopes and mailing bags may seem inconsequential. However, as we've discussed, each option brings its own merits to the table. Whether it's the cost-effectiveness of envelopes or the customisability of mailing bags, your choice will largely depend on the your products and your business's specific needs.
Always remember: It's not just about cost, but about delivering your products safely and professionally to your customers. After all, the satisfaction of your customers directly impacts your brand's reputation and, ultimately, your bottom line.
So, envelopes or bags? There's no definitive answer. But now, armed with the right knowledge, you're empowered to make an informed decision. Keep your products, customers and business considerations in mind, and you'll choose the packaging that best for your customers.
eCommerce is about cutting costs, and the type of packaging you use will determine how much you will pay to get items to the customer's doorstep. To get a positive return on their customer acquisition cost, retailers need to drive shipping costs down.
One way to do this is to choose the right packaging for shipments that will protect items from getting damaged on transit at a reasonable cost. While cardboard boxes are excellent for mailing delicate items, they may be unnecessary and expensive when sending less fragile items such as apparel and shoes.
That is why poly mailers have gained much popularity in the eCommerce shipping industry as an affordable alternative to standard packaging. They enable eCommerce merchants to strike the delicate balance between keeping buyers items safe and reducing shipping costs.
In this article, we define what poly mailers are, the common reason retailers use them, the type of product they can ship, and where to get them. We will also look at some of the shipping solutions that Easyship offers to eCommerce retailers to help them drive down shipping costs further.
Poly mailers are lightweight, sturdy plastic bags that are designed to ship light and less fragile items. They are a great alternative to standard packaging. They help eCommerce sellers cut back on packaging and shipping costs because they are affordable and take up less space on carriers' vehicles while on transit.
They have a self-sealing fold-over lip and require no tape. A shipping label can also be affixed directly to the bag. This makes them easier to pack and ship, hence making for an excellent alternative for shipping non-fragile items that don't have to be shipped in big bulky boxes.
Whether you want to add more protection to your buyer's items, lower shipping costs, be eco-friendly or showcase your brand, you are sure to get the exact type of poly mailer to achieve your goals.
Basically, there are four types of poly mailers available. They are:
Related: Packaging & Shipping Fragile Items
As we have already seen, poly mailers provide an affordable alternative to standard packaging. Here are the common reasons why online sellers use poly mailers.
So, what eCommerce products are ideal for shipping with poly mailers? Well, poly mailers are perfect for shipping non-fragile items that cannot be crushed, or items that are already in sturdy packaging. Apparel and shoes are good examples in these categories.
If a product won't get damaged if thrown about or heavy boxes are tossed on top of it, then it can be shipped in a poly mailer bag.
However, you should avoid using poly mailers on fragile items made of glass, or any other items such as foods that can be smashed and crumbled. It is safe to stick with boxes when mailing such items. If you want to ship such products in a poly mailer bag, first ensure that they are in sturdy packaging before you wrap them with a poly mailer bag.
Top categories of items that you can ship with poly mailers include:
So far, you know what poly mailers are and the type of products you can ship with poly mailer bags. But where can you buy them? You can find poly mailers for purchase at any of the major carriers' retail locations or online, and any other store that sells shipping supplies.
Common places include:
It is important that you find the right poly mailer that makes for a snug fit for the item you are sending. For example, an extra small t-shirt will need a different poly mailer size than an XXL t-shirt. The table below gives you a ballpark of common poly mailer sizes and the products that are best suited for them.
While standard packaging such as cardboard boxes is ideal for shipping certain products, it may be unnecessary sometimes. For example, it won't make sense to put a product that is already packaged in a sturdy box inside another cardboard box.
Remember that carriers use both the actual weight and dimensional weight -whichever is greater to calculate the shipping rate of your package.
Take for example a pair of shoes, that is already packaged in a strong cardboard box. Putting it inside another cardboard box adds both the actual weight and the dimensional weight of the package. This increases the shipping rate.
If you ship your pair of shoes inside a poly mailer bag, you are not only reducing the actual weight of the package, but also the dimensional weight. That means you will significantly save on shipping costs.
Therefore, it is advisable that you use poly mailers to ship products that are already in sturdy packaging, and any other items that cannot easily be crushed or broken, and only use boxes to mail fragile items that are susceptible to damage if sent without a box.
Poly mailers are a great option when it comes to saving on shipping costs because they are lightweight and occupy less space on delivery trucks. To make sure that your buyers receive their packages in pristine condition, there are some things you need to consider for your shipping process with poly mailers.
Here is a quick rundown:
Poly mailers are commonly shipped with USPS. To that end, there are some USPS rules and guidelines that you should be aware of when shipping poly mailers.
They include:
Poly mailers are an excellent option when shipping products that are already in steady packaging or non-fragile items that cannot be easily crushed or broken. They provide an affordable option to standard packaging, hence helping eCommerce sellers save on packaging and shipping costs.
Easyship can help retailers up their shipping game with poly mailers in the following ways:
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Can I put a stamp on a poly mailer?
Yes, you can put a stamp on a poly mailer.
What can I use instead of a poly mailer?
You can use paper mailers or shipping boxes as an alternative to a poly mailer.
Is a poly mailer eco-friendly?
Yes and no. Plastic poly mailers contain polyethylene materials, which can be harmful to the environment.
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