FAQs

We appreciate that at times the only thing that will do is a sample, you need to see the actual colour of the envelope.

We provide swatch samples of any of our colour range and you can specify up to 4 different colours in each swatch pack. Our swatch samplers are free to UK addresses, simply click here to fill in your details and we can get your colour samples mailed out to you right away.

We use secure payments operated by NoCHEX and Paypal, both highly reputable online payment providers. The information you supply to pay us is dealt with securely (see the little padlock symbol on the browser and the https:// url) using 128 bit SSL encryption, and has recently been updated to the latest level of on-line security with the introduction of 3D Secure (so far only for Maestro cards). We will continue to adopt latest and best practice in this important area. The information you supply will only be used to process your transaction.

We are subject to the Data Protection Act, and take our responsibilities under the Act very seriously. The information supplied to us to process an enquiry or order will only be used by us for those purposes and for internal sales promotions. We reserve the right to inform you about other products, which we supply that we feel, may interest you. Specifically your details will not be passed to any third party for any purpose except for credit card processing.

Unlike envelope brokers, the majority of the envelopes we stock are manufactured exclusively for us. This means we hold significant stock in our Sussex warehouse, additional stock is held for us by finishers and paper mills in the UK.

We are unique in stocking envelopes in the widest range of colours. Our extraordinarily comprehensive range includes stronger, more exotic and more vibrant colours than others can offer. It is our mission to try and hold stock of every colour and popular size in both gummed and peal and seal. However, manufacturing problems with certain types of paper occasionally defeat us. In addition, we stock special finishes, including metallic, pearlescent and translucent, in a number of popular colours and sizes.

We make no apologies for being more expensive than some apparent competitors! We supply 17 sizes of envelopes in 46 colours and 2 seal types, which means over 1200 coloured envelope product lines available!

Competitors typically offer colours in at most three sizes, and at most ten colours. That is 30 coloured envelope product lines, and even then they are often out of stock!

We deliver from stock promptly and repeatedly. Logistically, we are a complex business. We cannot afford to be out of stock. That has huge financing implications. We have commercial orders to consider in the literally millions of envelopes and smaller orders in the 50s or less.

We price to make a small commercial profit given our business model and to pass on savings directly to our customers. We have many repeat clients for whom consistency of stock, colour, product range and delivery matter far more than simply the headline price, but you will notice that for bulk orders we offer an ever decreasing price scale to give the best value possible on the web.

Our quality is superior to any other UK manufacturer / supplier. Additionally, we will refuse to use Third World sweatshops. We ensure we use mills that take steps to limit the environmental impact of paper production, both in choosing the raw materials, and in avoiding pollution.

Envelopes are made from various “weights” of paper, usually from 80gsm to 135gsm. (gsm = grams per square metre). As a rule of thumb, the larger the envelope the more important the weight becomes; without the additional weight they become floppy and tear easily as you put papers or card inside.

• Gummed Envelopes are usually produced in weights from 90gsm – 100gsm.
• Peal & Seal Envelopes are produced in weights from 100gsm – 110gsm.

At Rainbow Envelopes, we choose paper for our envelopes that behaves as though it is at the upper end of these ranges. Weight is not everything; some 100gsm papers feel and behave as though they are 120gsm. This is due to the manner in which paper is produced, and to the precise chemical and bio-chemical composition of the constituent pulp. The manufacturing process can result in fibres being laid in differing fashions, which can lead to greater or less bulk, and consequent differences in rigidity and strength.The key issue is quality – perceived quality as the client (and more particularly the intended recipient) handles the envelope, and actual quality as the envelope is filled and travels through the postal system. We only employ papers which meet our stringent test criteria as to their:

• Resistance to tearing
• Resistance to marking
• Ability to take ink, biro, gel, and stick to standard labels
• Perceived quality when viewed and handled as made up envelopes
• Ability to take colour dyes consistently and to deliver up colour and vibrancy

We never offer a true weight of less than 100gsm for any of our envelopes. Most of our envelopes have a perceived “equivalent weight” of between 100 and 135gsm. They are superior products designed to meet functional “engineering” requirements and to be aesthetically extremely pleasing.