Real world question - Mailing and packaging: supplies?

Alexis Adair

For those real-world mailings (where e-mailing an mp3 is for whatever reason not an option or not preferred), is there an industry standard for packaging?

Are CDs and production houses going to put jewel cases they receive on a shelf somewhere handy, or listen once and throw away, or something else?

I'm using a full-size (rather than slimline) jewel case in order to have front insert, back insert, and label on both spines, with name, phone and e-mail on all four. I've been told you need all four labeled so that your demo is easily identifiable/find-able when on a shelf or floating around an office. I find it very difficult to get a spine label on the slimlines.

That said, what's the best mailing method, padded 6x9 mailer?

Also, now that I'm in Texas for a while, a number of the agencies say to send headshot and resume as well as VO demo if submitting for acting and voiceover rep. If I'm putting all of that in one package, what's the right way to package it? A 9x12 envelope with the padded mailer containing the CD inside? A 9x12 padded mailer for all of it (if they make that size...).

What do you experts use? Wink

Thanks for any suggestions or information.

Alexis

Erik Sheppard · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007, 21:04 (GMT) Post subject:

I have done mailings with head shots before and always put everything in a folder. I get the ones with a space for your business card on one of the pockets and I put a sticker with a logo and contact info on the front and send them in a regular envelope marked fragile.

Maxine Dunn · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007, 23:50 (GMT) Post subject:

Bob Bergen

Alexis Adair · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 15:30 (GMT) Post subject: Thanks all for the input

I'm still not sure which way I'll go.

Max, do you find that your "fancy" supplies are worth the extra cost? Actually, I think it's clear from your description that they are worth it, at least for you. Maybe what I want to know is if you were already pulling in decent income from VO before you started spending more for nicer mailing supplies? It just sounds expensive when I don't yet have a broad network or lots of regular income. Or did you take a chance and start with good stuff and find it paid off?

Thanks again everybody!

Best,

Alexis

Bob Bergen · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 15:41 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Thanks all for the input

Maxine Dunn · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 18:46 (GMT) Post subject:

Alexis Adair · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 18:51 (GMT) Post subject: Thanks again guys!

Thanks for all the input for my silly little question Wink

Much appreciated to get different takes on things.

Alexis

Maxine Dunn · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 18:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Alexis Adair

You're quite informative, and seem to be an amazing self-marketer!

Incidentally, I think I transposed a couple words, I meant to say "Thanks all for the input...", meaning thank you to yourself and the others, rather than implying your post was lengthy Wink

Alexis