Packing the envelope...

[nednarb3]

Hi!

I mailed out a few athlete 8x10 photos. I used a 9x12 catalog envelope, since an 8x10 was a bit too small. I included a LOR and either a photo or 2, in a manilla (spelling) folder or 2 folders for 2 photos. Confused?

Is there a better way because it is still bendable. Also, I don't want to go with Ultra Pro toploaders (rigid) because shipping is a lot more, but also protects the photo. What do each of you do?

What type of envelope do you use and what methods do you take to protect the photo?

I know this sounds stupid, but I am very curious. I send out about 8. So, we will see.

[RYAN J.]

I use 9x12 orange envelopes made by Ampad (www.ampad.com). {thumb2} if you don't want your photos bent, then your going to have either send smaller ones, or pay the extra postage and include a stiff piece of cardboard in there to keep it from getting mangled. I've never had a big problem with my photos getting destroyed, they may get a little bent but it's generally the long way so it flattens out eventually.

One thing I do know is not to send them in top loaders, So many celebs just sign the top loader and not the photo.

Hope this helps!

RYAN J.

[annie985]

I use a 9X12 SASE and put it in a 10X13 envelope (it fits perfectly inside without having to fold the SASE). I also take file folders and cut them in half and put one half in the 9X12. Also you could write "DO NOT BEND" and "PHOTOS" on your SASE. Good luck! {thumb2}
~Annie

[khackdrums]

I only included a piece of cardboard with a few early requests, but haven't since. All I do is write "Photo - Please Do Not Bend" on the envelope. I haven't recieved a damaged photo yet. The postman is very good with my mail and my mail box is very large.

Khackdrums

[nednarb3]

Seems like a lot of different options and methods each person uses. I guess I will learn and do a trial and error. Stinks, but oh well. What 9x12 Ampad envelopes are you talking about (Ryan)? Do you mean the ones that have some bubble wrap inside? I didn't see any on their site. I do like the self sealer envelopes though. Those are nice, I will have to get those. Do you guys (gals) prefer to send a 5x7 then? The sports pictures usually are an 8x10, so that's why I went with those for starters. Also, I had them already printed (Photo File) from a seller from eBay. Hope all goes well. They are only going to Chicago, which I am not too far from.

[harrypotterfan.]

hey i use a 9by 12 yellow envlope

[RYAN J.]

Seems like a lot of different options and methods each person uses. I guess I will learn and do a trial and error. Stinks, but oh well. What 9x12 Ampad envelopes are you talking about (Ryan)? Do you mean the ones that have some bubble wrap inside? I didn't see any on their site. I do like the self sealer envelopes though. Those are nice, I will have to get those. Do you guys (gals) prefer to send a 5x7 then? The sports pictures usually are an 8x10, so that's why I went with those for starters. Also, I had them already printed (Photo File) from a seller from eBay. Hope all goes well. They are only going to Chicago, which I am not too far from.

I don't use the 9x12 bubble kind, the front of the box says EVIDENCE Ampad Clasp Envelopes - Kraft Paper - Brown - 25 envelopes.

I only send out my 6x9's when I'm requesting a playbill or sending a DVD/VHS Cover. 9x12's I use some of the time, generally when I'm requesting an 8x10 photo. I don't usually send out my own. And the #10's are my most used ones for my 4x6's.

Hope this is what you were looking for. {thumb2} I'll scan the boxes in so you can see what they at least look like. Maybe that would help you better. {thumb2}

RYAN J.

[RYAN J.]

Here are the scans. Unfortunately I didn't have the 6x9 box anymore as that got tossed, but it basically looks like the 9x12 only in the 6x9 shape. Go figure! Anyway, when I do get another pack of 6x9's I'll scan that one in too.

9x12's
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j201/ ... elopes.jpg

#10
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j201/ ... elopes.jpg

RYAN J.

[Niko4631]

This is what I do.....

I have a 9 by 12 inch manilla envelope, I write the celeb address on that envelope. Then I have a self addressed envelope the same size I put return postage on it. I fold that envelope and put it in the envelope to the celeb. I put a piece of card board in the envelope to the celeb. When they open the envelope they always put the card board in the envelope back to me. This method I use works the best for me. Its cheap and easy.

I haven't had any problems yet. try it out.

Niko.

[johnnylightning]

I always send a rigid photo mailer for the return envelope and i send it in a slightly larger regular envelope because its worth paying a little more to get it back perfect,you can buy the rigid photo mailers made for pictures and documents for about 50 cents each at wal mart and they also have a tighter better seal on the flap and they open easily without damaging whats inside and already have do not fold or bend printed on them.