From: dahoov2@cox.net   
      
   I've sent out 6x8 or 6x9 envelopes and put 5x7 photos in there with   
   NOTHING to keep them from bending and I'd say maybe 2-3 items out of   
   200 came back damaged.  I did turn around and resend to replace, but   
   the cost savings overall is still a ton less than doubling the price   
   (essentially 84 cents regularly without cardboard and 160 or little   
   more with it.  So sending three times would be under 2 bucks whereas   
   and extra 197 times 80 sents exta give or take is a LOT more!   
      
   So I recommend cutting the size of what you send and collect something   
   smaller. I have a great Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and Pirates   
   of the Caribbean album that is more than half 5x7;s.  I can fit more   
   into the albums too.  You can buy 5x7 avery sheets so you get 4 items   
   on a page instead of two so it's double the amount as well.  And it's   
   cooler for people to thumb through as they see four at a time...   
   instead of two.   
      
   On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:36:34 -0500, "Gummby3"    
   wrote:   
      
   >I've been out of the loop sending requests in 9x12 envelopes for the   
   >last two postal hikes.  I'm just now getting back into it, so I talked   
   >to a postal worker to clarify some of the myths.   
   >   
   >The metal clasp increases the price:   
   >False.  He said it has no basis at all.   
   >   
   >"Do note bend":   
   >True.  He did verify that putting this on your envelopes will increase   
   >the price as it has to actually be handled by a postal employee.   
   >   
   >Cardboard:   
   >True.  This is kind of a no-brainer, but he said that the standard   
   >brown 8x10 backers will increase your postage.  He recommended using   
   >manila folders and placing the picture and contents inside it.  It's   
   >not as thick, but it still provides enough protection that the mailman   
   >will have to use some effort to bend it.  Office Depot sells a   
   >100-count box of their generic brand for $6.29 and tax.  As a test,   
   >I'm planning on writing "please return" on the folders in an attempt   
   >to reuse them.  I don't know if it'll work though. :-)   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)