I've heard about the flat mailers. These are cheaper than using bubble mailers. What exactly are flat mailers and where do I get them?

Flat mailers are manila envelopes. They come in a few different sizes. The binder page of LTCs can be folded in 3rds. The cards don't fall out of the binder page and clump in the envelope when you use this folding technique. :-)

I've bought them at OfficeMax, but also seen them at Meijer and WalMart in the school and office supply section, probably called "document mailer". Just need a 9x12 or so if you want to put a trading card binder page in it. I also frequently use a 5x7 one. Some people remove the metal grommet, I just tape over it. The postage seems to be the same regardless of whether it's large or small, but definitely cheaper than a bubble mailer!

Flat mailers are manila envelopes. They come in a few different sizes.

Okay, I've got some of those. I've actually used one once for an LTC tracker. I just didn't know that I was using "flats".

I think most of us use a 9x12 manila envelope, covered with clear tape to make it reusable, and slip in a 9-up trading card sleeve. The pockets can each hold 1 or 2 finished cards in individual sleeves if there aren't thick embellishments.

I have also used a regular #10 business envelope when the swap is for 9 or fewer cards. A 9-up sleeve will tri-fold and fit inside. I also include a self-addressed stamped envelope (sase) because I don't expect the host to reuse the original one. Always be sure and follow the swap host's preferences if they are stated.

I cut the binding edge (three hole punched tab) off the 9-up sleeve to save room. I also almost never use individual sleeves anymore unless I feel something might get damaged like an applique or embossed area. I never use glitter, but really appreciate it when someone who uses it puts their card into a sleeve.

I just used a cardboard envelope mailer, and since I didn't need it protected, it cut the price from $3.50 to $1.48. It's the 5x7 or whatever size we normally use in bubble mailers. It uses non-machinable stamps (the blue butterfly).

I finally broke down and made a flat mailer tonight. Even though I find them kind of a pain to use, I've been spending $7 for each swap I'm in because I've been using padded envelopes. That adds up quickly when you're in multiple swaps.

I finally broke down and made a flat mailer tonight. Even though I find them kind of a pain to use . . .

I don't like them much either, but the whole taping thing drives me nuts! And they often still come back barely usable. So when I use the large flat envelopes, I skip all the hassle of trying to make them re-usable. I just address and stamp the plain envelope, and enclose a second stamped, self-addressed envelope folded in half. It usually doesn't add any more weight than all the tape. Easy, peasy . . .

So when I use the large flat envelopes, I skip all the hassle of trying to make them re-usable.

I like that idea a lot!! Thanks, WW!! :^)

I buy the flat mailers at the Dollar Tree. They used to have them 7 for $1 but now they are 5 for $1. Much cheaper than Target and I don't worry about having to tape them up. I just pop them in the recycle bin when I am done with them.

Patty

Good to know! Thanks, Patty!

That's one thing I do miss in Alaska...no dollar stores...