Size matters in fundraising

When you see this direct mail envelope that showed up in my mailbox, you might ask, “What were they thinking?”

The thing is huge. 11″ x 13.75″. It had to be folded in half to fit in the mailbox.

In direct mail, big envelopes do well.

This one is not for a nonprofit, but something like it could work for us. (See Wacky envelopes work in fundraising)

Big envelopes stand out in the mail.

Here are some sizes you might consider using:

• #11: Just slightly bigger than a standard #10. You’d easily mistake it for that unless it’s next to a real #10. It stands out in the mailbox.
• #12: Looks like a #10 in shape, but it’s 4 3/4″ x 11”.
• #14: That same shape, but bigger yet: 5″ x 11 1/2”.
• 6 x 9: More common in the mail, but can still be effective.
• 9 x 12

I’ve had good results from all these sizes.

But what about cost?

That’s the downside of large envelopes. They cost more. If you aren’t mailing very large quantities, the cost might be too much for you. But look into it!