envelopes – Baseball by The Letters

Envelope Art? Art-elope? Here’s one hobbyist’s fan mail tip for getting opened!

Tom Owens — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:24:00 +0000

I love sequels.

Have you checked out the great comment received from the Thursday post about envelopes?

No?

It’s okay. Go now. We’ll wait.

Welcome back!

The artist in question is Zenus Barnes. Here’s an example:

Or, this one:

Zenus adds:

“My art on these has been an ongoing thing as I didn’t start out as the best artist. They have been a fun project though that at times the daughter helps with.”

FUN?

I think a fun deficit is one of the prime reasons collectors drop out of the hobby. Sending out letters becomes a chore. And, if you’re having fun, the person opening the envelope might feel the same.

Also, Zenus uses the phrase “best artist.” Envelope decorating isn’t done to win awards or earn a gallery exhibition. Forget fear and embarrassment. If you want your envelope to look like all the other envelopes, your letter might get treated like all the other letters. As in, getting ignored.

Thank you for the inspiration, Zenus!

What Publishers Clearing House Can Teach Collectors

Tom Owens — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 16:28:00 +0000

Learn from the pros how to
make the best use of that
real estate on your envelope!

Love ’em or hate ’em, there’s no doubt what’s in your mailbox.

PCH knows how to use every inch of an envelope (front AND back). You get their message long before you start to tear open that flap separating you and an almost-guaranteed jackpot.

(No, I haven’t received my giant cardboard check yet, either…)

Collector Dan Brunetti’s success with Alan Trammell got me thinking. There’s so much space on that two-sided envelope.

Why not summarize what your letter’s about? The best letter in the world doesn’t work if it’s unread.

For instance:

“Was At Your 1st Game!”

“Saw 3 HR Game, 2004.”

“Fellow Alabama native.”

Does the player speak more than one language? Add a brief non-English “good luck” or related greeting.

I’ve never felt that “Payment enclosed” on the envelope is a good idea. Keep the added notation about the person, not the process.

Most of all, be honest. If your envelope enticement doesn’t match your letter and contents, get ready for life in the recycling bin.

Sadly, some current and former players may be seeking reasons not to read your letter. Your envelope is competing with a mountain of fan mail for someone’s attention. Take your best swing.

Real Men Use Pink Envelopes!

Tom Owens — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:13:00 +0000

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone.

Tomorrow, Feb. 15, all the stores selling racks of greeting cards will start purging excess, leftover envelopes.

A few will sell the envelopes for a penny apiece. Most will be throwing the envelopes out.

Ask. Ask. Ask! I get free piles each year.

Clubhouse attendants. Family members. Often, they’ll sort or pile envelopes for anyone who gets a regular amount of fan mail.

Be different. Different is good. Different stands out.

You want your envelope opened. If it’s opened, why not read the letter? Then, why not give the person the autographs they want or the answers to the questions they asked?

You can still use the standard white envelope for your SASE.

St. Patrick’s Day cards have green envelopes. Easter cards have yellow or purple envelopes. No one wants the pink and red.

Trust me. It works.