Envelope stuffing businesses that will get higher paying clients are the one that can get jobs completed quickly and error-free. If you are folding and stuffing envelopes by hand, you may find that it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with companies that use technology to their advantage.
Investing in a quality automated folding and inserting machine is advisable for all envelope stuffing, or direct marketing, companies. These machines have numerous features and methods that get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Because of these options, you have numerous things to consider before investing in your machine.
The first thing you must consider is how much money and space you have for the machine. Some folding and inserting machines can fit on a small table. These are usually the least expensive, but can usually only fold from one to three sheets of paper at a time. Other machines are the same size as a full sized floor model office copy machine. These machines are the most expensive, some of which can cost as much as $20,000. Some of these can copy, collate, fold and insert large packets of paper.
Once you decide on those factors, you have to decide if you want a fully automated machine or a hand fed machine. The kind you choose should depend upon your main type of mailer and the amount of time you have to spend for each job.
A fully automated machine allows you to load anywhere from 100 to 10,000 sheets of paper and envelopes into the machine at one time. If you decide on this type of machine, you must ensure that you place the paper and envelopes in the machine properly or all of the materials may be ruined.
A hand fed folding and inserting machine allows you to load the machine continuously with one to ten sheets of paper, depending on the model. In most cases, as many as 100 envelopes can be loaded into the machine. These machines are usually less expensive than fully automated models. With hand fed machines, you must stay by the machine to ensure continuous production.
Another important consideration is the fold type of the machine. Some machines have multiple attachments so you can produce single, double or triple folded mailers. These are ideal for companies that have clients with different fold style preferences.
Many of the more expensive machines offer other features that address and seal the envelopes. While this may seem like a necessary feature, it can spell trouble for your business. You have the opportunity to inspect the quality of each mailer if you address and seal the envelope yourself. As you seal the flap, you can take a quick look at the visible part of the flyer to ensure it is properly aligned. When you use an automatic address and seal feature, you lose this opportunity.
Some folding and inserting machines have optional stamp printing software. This option will save you time since you won’t have to put the stamp on by hand. You will have to join an automated postage service to use this feature. Some clients may not want you to use these programs, as they may prefer the personalization of having an actual stamp on their mailers.
Even a simple, basic machine can benefit most envelope stuffing businesses. This is especially true when you consider the amount you make per hour doing all the work by hand and the amount you make with automated assistance.
First impressions are everything and even though whats inside the envelope counts the most, having custom envelope printing done can really start you off on the right track. Custom envelops are perfect for many applications including businesses, weddings, parties and general mailing.