s we’ve been told forever, small business is the prime driver for economic growth in our economy. While the numbers employed by the Fortune 100 are huge, they tend to plateau at those exalted heights and remain relatively stable once they get there taking into account new hires and layoffs on a net basis. Large companies tend to grow by buying smaller companies which often results in a net loss of jobs due to the consolidation of resources.
It makes sense that when you start a company with a staff of one, the potential for exponential growth is large. And in a country as big as the United States with the world’s largest economy (maybe second to China these days but if so, not by much) the sheer number of people starting businesses on a daily basis accounts for most of the new jobs created in the economy and it has been that way for quite some time.
What has changed however is the types of small businesses. While there are still plenty of gas stations, hair salons, dry cleaners, café’s and the like, the new economy has spawned a huge number of start-ups which require little more than a home office, a computer and some software along with a clever idea. Many of these need envelopes for sending or receiving products which they distribute; a t shirt, a candy bar, a greeting card, etc.
Elite Envelope gets many hits on its website each week from companies looking for a special envelope for a certain type of application – mostly some type of packaging envelope. In my last post, I mentioned a company in New York City which was looking for something to mail diapers. Just this past week I got a request from a company looking for something like a photo store envelope but for the purpose of returning used ink cartridges. We’re in the process of putting together a template for him. The piece will have consecutive numbering in two different spots in addition to printing on both sides. The flap will have a tear off strip and will have a peel and seal strip to close after the tab is torn off.
There are many other envelope solutions for shipping, fulfillment and other applications that small businesses need. Some examples:
Expansion envelopes: These have a fold or gusset on the side which allows them to open in an accordion-like fashion in order to accommodate thick contents like papers or cloth material. Expansion envelopes can be made in heavy-grade kraft paper (white, brown and grey are the most common colors) as well as in tear-resistant and water-proof materials. (For more specific information on expansion envelopes, click on the keyword in the right hand column of this blog page.)
Tyvek, Herculink, Fiberkraft and Tri-Brite: All of the items are virtually impossible to tear which makes them a good choice for sending bulky or uneven items through the mail or shipping channels. On Tyvek the sizes range from a standard #10 size all the way up to jumbo sizes of 18 x 23 inches. All of these are durable and can be printed with just about any type of graphic design you’d like. They are also water resistant and very light which can mean savings in shipping and especially postage if you send them through the US Mail.
Bubble lined envelopes: These are also commonly used to transport fragile or odd-shaped items that require extra protection. They come in paper or all plastic. Elite supplies its own version called “Smart Bubble” which features a removable bubble sleeve that can be re-used to protect the item after it arrives or simply recycled.
Fiberboard – These are often referred to as “Fedex” envelopes but they come in heavier weights – very stiff, coated-one-side board which provides an extra level of protection as well as preventing the items inside from folding or creasing; very important for important documents.
