GCC Printing and Graphics

When it comes to envelopes, the difference between plain and printed can seem small until you look at the results. Sure, a blank white envelope gets the job done. But when you're sending marketing campaigns, invoices, appointment reminders, or donor appeals, “getting the job done” might not be enough. Here’s how a simple branded envelope can outperform its plain counterpart in ways that directly impact your bottom line. Marketing Mail: Get It Opened, Not Ignored Plain envelope result: Your beautifully designed mailer arrives in a blank envelope that looks just like the last 10 pieces of junk mail. It ends up in the trash—unopened. Branded envelope result: Your mail arrives in a professionally printed envelope with color, a return address, and teaser text that sparks interest. It stands out in the stack and gets opened. Why it pays for itself: If your goal is engagement, the envelope is the gatekeeper. Getting even a 10% bump in open rates could ...

When nonprofit organizations plan fundraising events, every element matters, from the message to the materials. But what if your beautifully designed invitation never gets opened? That’s exactly what happened to a nonprofit much like HopeBridge Foundation, a fictional organization in this example, based on a real buyer's experiences. Despite having a compelling invitation and a targeted donor list, the response rate from their mailing campaign was underwhelming until one small change made a big difference. The Problem: A Great Invitation Hidden in a Forgettable Envelope The nonprofit had been using the same mailing format for years: a standard white envelope, no design, and no copy to spark curiosity. It looked like another bill—or maybe a generic business letter. The issue wasn’t the message; it was that recipients never saw it. And in mail marketing, the envelope is the first (and sometimes only) hurdle to engagement. The Strategy: Redesign the Envelope W...

Choosing the right envelope isn’t just about fit and function; it’s about designing a print piece that works as hard on the outside as it does inside. If you’re creating a printed marketing envelope, you’re not just buying office supplies. You’re shaping the first impression of your entire campaign. And the decisions you make about format, finish, and message can dramatically affect how your mail is received (or whether it gets opened at all). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you design an envelope that does more than carry your message; it amplifies it. Step 1: Know Your Purpose Start by answering this: What action do you want the recipient to take after opening this envelope? Are you driving traffic to an event or offer? Choose a layout that gives you room for teaser text or a QR code. Are you sharing information with a high-value client or donor? Opt for a thicker stock and custom printing options that show attention to detail. Whe...

Let’s be honest, print marketing has a bit of a reputation. Not bad. Just... old-school. Or at least that’s what some people think. But here’s the thing: while marketing trends come and go, print is still here. And if you’ve ever quietly wondered, “Do people even read this stuff anymore?”—you wouldn't be the first. We hear these questions all the time. From savvy marketers. From nonprofit directors. From small business owners who don’t want to waste a single dollar. So we thought we’d answer them. Honestly. Without the jargon or pressure. Just real answers to real questions—maybe even one or two you’ve been hesitant to say out loud. 1. Do people still read printed brochures and mailers? Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: They read them when they’re done well. Here’s what we know: when a piece of print marketing is designed to be helpful, visual, and easy to absorb, it gets attention. Especially in...

In direct mail, first impressions happen fast, sometimes in the few seconds it takes someone to sort their stack of mail. The envelope is your campaign’s opening act. If it falls flat, everything inside may never get seen. That’s why a strategic envelope isn’t just a finishing touch, it’s a lead actor in your campaign’s success. Here are seven ways custom envelopes help your mailings get noticed, opened, and acted on. 7 Ways Custom Envelopes Boost Response Rates 1. They Help You Stand Out in the Mailbox. Plain envelopes blend in. Custom envelopes stand out. A splash of color, a unique size, or even a bold teaser line can make your envelope impossible to ignore. The right design piques curiosity and makes the recipient pause. That pause is the first step toward engagement. 2. They Establish Immediate Brand Credibility. Your envelope says a lot before it’s even opened. A polished design, logo placement, or consistent brand colors bui...