Often, envelopes are overlooked as being a component in the marketing of a company. It is true that they usually are thrown out soon after they are opened. However, think of an envelope in terms of your "handshake" to your customers or prospects. It may be the very first contact your prospect has with your company. Just as a firm handshake can get a business relationship started in the right direction, so, too, can your envelopes! Here are a few basic suggestions for you to consider when printing/designing your envelopes.

The Post Office Rules! Let us confirm that the design of your envelope is compatible with postal automation equipment. A poorly designed envelope could result in your mail getting delayed.

Match your #10 correspondence envelope with the paper stock of your letterhead. It looks more professional.

Use your envelope as a mini "billboard" for free company advertising or news. It does not add any cost to include a marketing message or other information on your envelope ­ as long as you are using the same colors and the positioning is correct.

On your existing printed envelopes, use a different color to imprint a special message or promotion for a specific mailing.

When using window envelopes, make sure that the address on the document inside appears in the middle of the window, with a minimum of 1/4" clear space between the letters and the edges of the window. Also, make sure that your document will not "shift" inside the envelope so that part of the address disappears from the window. These guidelines will help the envelope be machine automated for the post office and expedite your mail.

What size is an A-6?? View some common envelope sizes.