Direct Mail is an effective marketing medium for some industries but the costs can build up if you don't source the correct suppliers. You ideally would like to send out a final promotional mailer that is sent out on time, has high visual impact and stays within your budget. Creative mail packaging is only effective if it is delivered with these three aspects in mind.

Whether you are looking for mailer bags or envelopes you will need to source a style that looks great and protects the contents within. Buying mail packaging direct from the manufacturer makes sense if you want expert advice on durability and the different types of finishes available. Are you looking to convey energy with bright colours or calm assertiveness with opalescent luxury finishes? Do you want flashy metallic envelopes, custom branded containers or protective bubble bags? Most manufacturers have a range of samples and will be able to advise on the best way to balance budget and impact.

For the best budget options when it comes to creative mail packaging ask about over-runs and clear out stock items. Quite often a manufacturer will have such items available at discounted prices. Why reinvent the wheel when you can get a bargain? Using items that are already in stock also means that you can expect a speedier turnaround time for envelopes and mailer bags.

If in stock items are not 'your bag' then you might want to ask about bulk packaging discounts and whether or not the mail packaging supplier provides delivery discounts. Printing branding or sales messages directly onto standard sized envelopes can be cheaper than making custom envelopes. Similarly you may wish to consider printing in one colour or two colours to reduce costs. It must be noted that black is also considered to be a 'colour'. So in essence an envelope printed with different shades of the same colour blue as well as having black printed areas is a two-colour project. 2 colours do not have to be boring and finding the right manufacturer/printer can make your money go a lot further.

Creative mail packaging needs to be functional. If it is not memorable, durable and affordable then your hard work could go to waste.