Buying tips: folder/inserters
OfficeSolutions

Folder/inserters automate mailings by folding and inserting materials in envelopes for postage processing. These units minimize the amount of time spent by office, department, and mailroom personnel when preparing volumes of outgoing mail. Typical materials handled by folder/inserters include statements/invoices, billing notices, checks, and advertisements. Folder/inserters are available in various sizes and price ranges. Look for a unit with features that will help you process your mailings even more effectively, and consider the following:

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Type of machine folds. Folder/inserters can make various kinds of folds, including a standard business-letter fold (called a c-fold), an accordion fold (a z-fold), double folds, and single folds. Make sure the unit you're interested in can make the folds you need.

Type of paper. Consider the type of paper you'll be using. There are many different types of paper. Paper can be thick, thin, or even glossy. Also, will you be folding mostly letter-size (8 1/2 X 11-inch) sheets or larger, legal-size (81/2 X 14-inch) sheets? Take paper size and type into consideration as folder/inserters all have different capabilities. Make sure the folder/inserter you select can fold and insert the paper you use now and in the future.

Paper handling. Folder/inserters can fold sheets of paper together and include a return envelope or other additional inserts. However, document feeders usually have trouble handling stapled sheets. This means that you might need to feed stapled sheets through the folder/inserter by hand. Look for equipment that supports a "Daily Mail" feeder, which allows hand-fed insertion.