Envelopes Explained at LA Office UK!
Envelopes can be a tricky item to purchase when you have little knowledge of what the sizes mean. If you’ve been assigned the task of purchasing business envelopes to stock up for the year ahead, you could be out of your depth here! Ok, maybe I’m under estimating you, but I’m basing this theory on myself. Before I started work for LA Office I knew absolutely nothing about the names of the different sizes of envelopes and the different style closures, which would have made buying them online extremely difficult. Yes, I may have worked with them every day, but it’s not like their sizes are marked on them anywhere! The funny thing is though, is that it’s rather simple to remember once you’ve been told; in fact, if you know your paper sizes, then it’s a doddle!
Below is a chart which illustrates the envelopes and their sizes for quick reference. In basic, C4 envelopes are intended for use with A4 paper UNFOLDED. This is perfect when you are sending a document that mustn’t be creased. C5 envelopes are intended to be used with A5 paper UNFOLDED or with A4 paper FOLDED IN HALF ONCE. C6 envelopes are for use with A6 paper UNFOLDED, A5 paper FOLDED IN HALF ONCE, or A4 paper FOLDED TWISE INTO QUATERS. DL envelopes are one of the most popular envelope sizes in business and holds A4 paper FOLDED INTO THIRDS or A5 paper FOLDED IN HALF.
After choosing the correct size, you will then need to decide the style of envelope you are looking for. Wallet and banker envelopes have the opening flap placed on the long edge of the envelope which is what defines the envelope as a wallet or a banker. These are probably the most commonly used envelope styles. Pocket envelopes have their opening flap positioned on the short edge which is what defines the envelope as a pocket. There are other less commonly used envelope styles such as gusset envelopes which expand to hold their contents, or padded and protective envelopes which are reinforced with either board, foam or bubble wrap.
Your final decision is which type of seal would work best in your office (or home). For many the taste of a gummed envelope doesn’t put them off, nor does the risk of paper cuts to the tongue (ouch!). If this applies to you, then why pay the extra for a more ‘convenient’ seal? Alternatively, press and seal envelopes do not require any added moisture. To seal, simple apply the two glued flapped together. The last option is the peel and seal envelope which has a glued strip protected by a plastic strip. Simply fill the envelope, then peel back the plastic strip and close.
Now you are equipped with the information you need, you will be able to make an informed decision, ordering the right envelopes for the job in hand. Remember, although our prices are already very low, if you buy in bulk (which is always useful with consistently used products such as envelopes) you will enjoy a further reduced price. Just ask for a quote!
