TIP: Go Standard…Standard Paper Sizes for Print Projects
January 12, 2007Vanessa Wood
Design to Spec LLC - Website Design in Darien, CT
One of the first decisions about any print project is the size. There are standard U.S. sizes that can save you a bundle on paper, printing and postage, and even increase the odds that prospects will keep your marketing materials. 
Standard Paper Size. The choice of a standard paper size will save you money on specialty papers and may even save you time from delays that can occur when you have to special order unusual papers. Staying with a standard paper size keeps your options open for printing on your office PC. Opting out of a standard size brochure, flyer, etc. may go hand in hand with your envelope selection. Your costs can skyrocket if you are unable to use a standard envelope.
Standard Printing Size. Printing costs will always be cheaper if your design fits a standard paper size. Going with a standard size checks the expense of cutting or die cuts for shapes. Internet printing companies who specialize in one or just a few print products keep their prices competitive by gang printing (printing a large quantity of one product in a standard size).
Standard Postage. As a rule of thumb you can send up to five sheets of computer paper in an envelope for the price of a first class stamp. While gorilla-size postcards are enticing to showcase your business, remember that super-sizing will cost you in printing and postage—the larger postcards do not qualify for the postcard rate, but require a first class stamp. At the current postal rates super-sized post cards will add $1.00 to your postage budget for every 10 cards you send.
Standard Storage. If you want your prospects to save your marketing materials or to pass them on to other prospects, remember wallets, Rolodex® systems, and other files and office systems are designed for standard sizes. Will someone else be able to find a file or an envelope that fits your marketing materials?
