Window envelopes come in all different colors and sizes. You can find an envelope to meet your every mailing need. Using colored window envelopes can add flair and make your mailings stand out to recipients. Additionally, having your window envelopes custom printed can enable you to maintain consistency in all of your marketing products by using your company colors and logo design.

The style or size you choose should depend upon the specific window envelope need. Keep this in mind as you consider using window envelopes in the following ways:

1. Business window envelopes with the return address preprinted will make the invoicing process go smoothly.

2. An envelope with a window for both addresses will help make sure your checks get to the right place.

3. A 9x12 envelope with window will make product samples more appealing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a custom window envelope for invoice distribution

Most invoicing programs allow you to design an invoice with the recipient's address perfectly aligned with a size 10 window envelope. Due to the fact that each invoice will have a different mailing address, using window envelopes will save you from having to print each address twice. Additionally, you can have envelopes custom printed with your business logo and address in the upper left corner and a window for the client's address.

I recommend: WindowEnvelopes.com can recreate your logo from any product or can design a logo for you to put on your envelopes. Savvy-Business-Correspondence.com explains how to create invoice templates and fold documents correctly for use in window envelopes.

Implement a double window envelope system for accounts payable

If you pay all of your business's bills using a program that prints your checks for you, then you can use double window envelopes to send out those payments. These envelopes, designed specifically for check mailing, have a window in the upper left corner where the company name and address appear on your check. The other window corresponds with the payee's address that check programs automatically print near the memo line.

I recommend: Advantage Laser Products offers pay envelopes with double windows for programs like Quicken. Use a business check company like Check Advantage that provides double window envelopes that are compatible with their checks.

Send sample products in a 9 x 12 window envelope

If you choose to mail out sample products to win over potential customers, consider mailing them in large window envelopes. This allows the recipient to see what the product is and will make it more likely that he or she will open the package and try your product. For example, if your company makes hair care products, seeing that the soft contents of the package are shampoo samples will entice recipients to actually give the product a try. You can purchase them in bulk from manufacturers to save money.

I recommend: Find full face window envelopes at Action Envelope or in a variety of sizes at EnvelopeSuperstore.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When using a double window envelope to send out checks for payments, it's a good idea to staple the check in place. This will help prevent someone from moving the check around in the envelope in order to view your checking account number through the window.

Window envelopes produce efficiency in time and cost by not having to address the outside envelope. Popular sizes include check (3 5/8 x 8 5/8 inch), #9 (3 7/8 x 8 7/8 inch) and #10 (4 1/8 x 9 1/2 inch). Much of the industry refers to these sizes as commercial envelopes. These envelopes come with a single, double or full face window. Customize your envelope with company logo or return address. Also, check out different colored envelopes to take your mailings way beyond white.

When selecting an envelope consider the type of adhesive seal. Latex, self-seal envelopes have a sticky substance on both flap and envelope back. The standard gum adhesive needs moisture to activate the flap. Peel and seal has a paper strip seal over the adhesive for quick sealing when removed.

Match window envelopes to your mailing needs:

1. Use single windows for general business mailings.

2. Choose double windows for checks and invoices with return address showing.

3. Move up to large size envelopes for booklets, brochures, annual reports or catalog mailings.

4. Create a custom window envelope with company logo, return address or promotional aspects for the customer to see.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the popular single window envelope for regular mailings

The #10 remains the most popular size for correspondence and invoices. Create a custom window envelope to highlight your business when you order.

I recommend: Order 500 to 100,000 of the #10 window envelope with bulk pricing at EnvelopeSuperstore.com. Get 24 lb. #10 with price breaks on 5 or more boxes of 500 at Uline. For a full line of single windows with your logo or return address, go to NEBS.

Use a double window envelope to show your return address

Double windows give your bulk mailings the benefit of showing your address. Get lighter weight non-security envelopes for normal correspondence at lower prices.

I recommend: For normal mailing needing a #10 in 24 lb. stock and price breaks on 5 or more boxes of 500, see Uline. Look at a full selection of size and window placement at NEBS. For orders up to 50,000 of 3 5/8 x 8 3/4 everyday envelopes see ActionEnvelope.

Get double window security envelopes for checks and invoices you issue

Your Quicken, QuickBooks or other software used to print your invoices or checks typically needs a secure double window envelope that fits the template. Check your software specifications for the correct size.

I recommend: See Check Crafters for either business size 8 3/4 x 3 3/4 inch or 6 1/4 x 3 5/8 inch for your laser printed checks; order 300 to 1800. Find security envelopes for checks with orders between 250 to 2500 at LaserPrinterChecks.com. Click “Double window Envelopes” to order 250 to 2500 regular or peel and seal check size at Compuchecks.com.

Find special size business window envelopes for larger mailings

Select a 6 x 9 booklet or catalog 9 x 12 window envelope with regular or full face window to eliminate folding your documents.

I recommend: Buy booklet window envelopes at 4envelopes.com. Find a large 9 x 12 window envelope with self-seal and security tint at 4envelopes.com; also full face window envelopes in various sizes at 4envelopes.com. See NEBS for booklet size with optional imprinting.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many of the listed companies offer special pricing on window envelopes from time to time. Before you order, check the websites for these limited time offers.

Window envelopes allow you to print your address information as part of your document and have that information peek through, saving you the step of added printing on the outside of the envelope and/or the cost of additional labels for the outside of the envelope. This envelope style can be both a time and money saver especially when you combine it with bulk purchasing discounts.

Business window envelopes come in many shapes, typically the two styles are one window or two. One window allows you to put the address of the person you want to receive the mail. The two-window style allows you to add your return address.

For help saving money on window envelopes:

1. Look for a cheap double window envelope by making a bulk pricing purchase.

2. Consider purchasing a security window envelope for your mailings.

3. Go for double window envelopes to add your return address to your mailings.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find bulk deals on window envelopes

Go for large quantities on window envelopes for the biggest cost savings. Plan ahead and save up for at least a year's worth of purchase instead of making smaller weekly or monthly purchases.

I recommend: Order quantities of 1,000, 2,500, 5,000 or 10,000 window envelopes from Quality Envelope & Printing Company. Their envelopes come in size #10 right window, #10 left window, #9, #7 3/4 or #6 3/4. The #10 and #9 window envelopes are also available with a tinted window. They also offer a custom window envelope in a 9 x 12 window envelope version. Purchase # 6 3/4, #7, # 7 3/4, # 8 5/8, #9, #10, #11, #12 and #14 envelopes from WindowEnvelopes.com. Their bulk quantity breakdowns are at 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 7,500, 10,000 and 20,000. They also offer double window envelopes.

Spend less on your security window envelope purchase

Buying an envelope with a security tint gives you greater privacy of your contents. Keep your documents safe and secure buy investing in the slight cost increase, but still take advantage of the cost savings by purchasing in bulk.

I recommend: Purchase Security Tinted Redi-Strip Window Envelopes in #10, 24 lb., White 1000/Packs from Indoff Material Handling Direct. Even better than having to lick them closed, they come with Redi-Strips. BettyMills also offers tinted security envelopes in #10, 24 lb., White, 1000/Packs.

Save money on double window envelopes to add your return address

Purchase double window envelopes if you want add your return address in addition that of your addressee. Many distributors that sell an envelope with window will also sell the double windowed version as well.

I recommend: Check out the quantity discount on the self-seal recycled double window envelope from EGP Business Solutions. Their quantity breakdowns are at 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 2,500, and 5,000. Action Envelope offers large discounts from bulk envelope orders. Their price break quantities are 50, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000.

Window envelopes provide a time efficient way to mail promotional material, invoices and other statements to your customers. The price you pay for these envelopes depends on the size of the envelope, the quantity ordered and the features desired.

Because most businesses use more than one style of window envelopes, consider all of the following window envelopes pricing and costs to prepare your budget:

1. Use single window envelopes for customers to remit payments or send in other correspondence.

2. Eliminate the need to place address labels or write the return address on the envelope.

3. Remember to purchase envelopes for special correspondence such as prospectus reports or contracts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase single window envelopes

Single window envelopes are ideal to use for customers to remit payments or other information to you if your business uses pre-printed payment cards that contain your address. You can also use these to mail statements, invoices and other forms as long as the paper is folded so the mailing address shows through the window. Full face windows are ideal to use if you want to show off an advertisement that is printed to show the customer's address.

I recommend: Business Supply sells single window envelopes. You can expect to pay around $25 for 500 white envelopes. Action Envelope sells various types of single window envelopes. Prices vary according to the style and size. For full face window envelopes, prices start at around $25 for a set of 50.

Upgrade to double window envelopes

Double window envelopes are ideal for a business that includes its return address on all correspondence. These envelopes eliminate the need to have address labels printed or having an employee hand write the return address. These envelopes are commonly used for payroll checks and tax forms.

I recommend: If you are looking for a double window envelope, check out ReStockIt. Prices range from $8 for a pack of 24 tax 1099-R envelopes to higher than $80 for a case of 1,000 security tinted pay envelopes. Miracle Envelope sells a custom window envelope by the case. Each case has 2,500 envelopes. You can expect to pay around $125 per case.

Order a 9 X 12 window envelope to mail catalogs

Catalog size window envelopes are used to mail a variety of publications besides catalogs. Prospectus reports, employee manuals and contracts are often mailed using these envelopes.

I recommend: WindowEnvelopes.com sells business window envelopes to mail catalogs. You can expect to pay around $110 for 1,000 envelopes; however, this company offers quantity discounts that can reduce that amount to around $75 per thousand. EnvelopeSuperStore.com sells a 9x12 envelope with a window. These are sold in packs. For a pack of 100, prices start at around $30. Orders of 500 or more can be printed with your company's information. Printing costs vary according to quantity. For 500 printed envelopes, you can expect to pay around $100, which is around $60 for the envelopes and $40 for the printing.