I have a thing for manila and clasp envelopes. I have them in a lot of different sizes and like using them to mail out things that would shred or destroy normal paper envelopes. The sizes that I use most are the 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 and the 7 1/2 x 10 1/2 but I also have this size, 5 x 7 1/2, on hand for photos and floppy discs. I still get some funny looks when I go into the office supply store and buy floppies - call me old fashioned but I never had much luck using rewritable discs. These types of envelopes are stronger and sturdier than standard paper envelopes and give you two methods of sealing them - the gummed area and the metal prong. The one thing that I like about this one is that the hole area on the tab of the envelope is reinforced so if something gets shoved in the crease it won’t rip the tab apart. This increases the life of the envelope so if you are using these in an office type setting to circulate things you can use them over and over again without them showing many signs of wear.

Quality Clasp Envelopes Kraft 5 x 7-1/2

These aren’t the most popular size on the market but they work well for my needs. I use these to mail out photos and a lot of computer related discs but they are also nice to have around for storing things like index cards, recipe cards, pictures and Lego instructions. The boys like this size for their older Lego instruction sheets and they keep them from getting ripped or torn but they are still easily accessible to them when they need them. These are about the same thickness as manila envelopes but the surface seems to have a little more grain to it so writing on them is a little easier. You can use address labels on these or write on them but if you are going to be using any kind of a stamper on them, make sure the envelope is empty or you won’t get a clear crisp impression.

These are a little darker than the yellow manila envelopes so you’ll want to use a blue or black ink when addressing these so the information is easy to read. When I mail them overseas there is a little problem with the Customs form that needs to get attached to it but most of the time I can get away without one if it’s just a disc or pictures. When you get into the larger sized envelopes it’s usually a judgment call as to whether or not you have to use a form or not. This size might not be the best pick for most people or for larger offices that send out high volumes of mail. Most places opt for something that requires only one fold in paper or for mailing out mid sized catalogs. I like these because the size keeps things from rattling around and the strong bond of it keeps it safe when in route to its destination.

Size

These measure five inches wide by seven and a half inches long; this isn’t the most popular size on the market so that might be why they don’t sell for a high price. These are the perfect size for sending photos, floppy discs, Zip discs, compact discs and other things in that size range but you will want to make sure that you reinforce the envelope with something like cardboard so it doesn’t get destroyed while in transit. I like having this size around for sending out things to my boys while they are at school; I can send them discs in a size that protects the disc or CD. They have email at their school but it’s dial up and dreadfully slow so I just mail them what they want or need on a disc instead of having them get all frustrated trying to download things.

Price

I used to buy these but the ten count packets at Target and Wal-Mart but I was going through them pretty quickly so I opted to pick up a box of them at Office Depot for $9.99. I was paying about $1.50 for the packages of ten and when I did the math I was saving a nice little chunk of change buying them by the box. The nice thing about these is that they come bundled in packets of ten so if the box gets damaged they are still packed inside the plastic bags so they stay dust and dirt free until you need them.

The Bottom Line

If you are going to use these to mail out discs or floppies and you want to use the United States Postal Service’s Media Mail option you have to mark the outside of it “Media Mail”. They are getting pretty strict on offenders so don’t try to send stuff this way unless it fits into their classification [printed material, computer discs, audio discs, DVD or VHS tapes ect]. I like using these for a lot of different things when I need to mail something out but want to make sure it is going to get their in one piece. All types of discs fit into this nicely and there is enough room to reinforce what you are sending to ensure that it doesn’t get bent. I also like the fact that there are two methods of sealing this - sometimes those gummed labels just aren’t enough to protect what’s inside!


As always, thanks for the read!

~^V^~ Freak ~^V^~

© 2005 Freak369


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