Our top 10 tips when ordering custom envelopes.

When ordering custom bespoke envelopes, it’s important you, and we, get everything right. Envelopes are little pieces of engineering, so there’s always room for errors to creep in that could spoil your presentation. We can make dummies so you can visualise the end product, and we can advise on any aspect of envelope customisation.

However, here’s some of the commonest tips we find useful for customers:

1. Get your dimensions right
   When ordering, please note that the second dimension refers to the opening edge of the envelope.
2. Short or long edge opening?
   Envelopes can have their openings on the long or short edge. Check which one you need before ordering.
3. Specify the flap type
   There are several types of flap – gummed, double gummed, un-gummed, peel and stick, peel and seal, string and washer or topless.
4. Is your envelope strong enough?
   Check that the material to be used is sufficiently strong for the envelope to do its job. Is the material sufficiently opaque to conceal contents? Would having it printed inside or tissue lined help?
5. Is your window big enough
   If a window is to be fitted, check that it is positioned so that the address will remain visible however much the contents are able to move. If in doubt, send us the enclosure so that we can make up a dummy for you.
6. Does it have wiggle room?
   Check that the enclosure is not too tight a fit for the envelope. This will not only make it easier for your recipient to get the contents out, but if you are hand-filling, it will take you longer to squeeze into a tight fit.
7. Only supply suitable materials.
   If you are supplying materials to be processed, please check with us to make certain they are suitable. If in doubt, contact us for a made-up dummy.
8. Send us a laydown sheet.
   When sending us pre-printed materials to process, please ask us in advance for a laydown sheet to ensure that type-matter falls in the correct position and that any solids do not fall in the gumming areas on the made up envelope.
9. No cutting or folding marks please
   Make sure that no cutting or folding marks appear on your printed sheets.
10. Call us… we’re here to help
    After all this, if you’re still in doubt about any detail of your planned envelope requirements, don’t hesitate to ask us for advice by email on enquiries@baddeleybrothers.com or phone us on +44 (0)20 8986 2666