3 Uses for Custom Printed Folders
Manufactured writing materials are called stationery. Folders are stationery used to store or distribute documents. Manufacturers use heavier card stock paper to ensure folders are durable and hard to bend.
Today, consumers can order foil-stamped presentation folders, print text and logos on custom folders, or purchase textured presentation folders. The global stationery industry generated over $192 billion U.S. in 2020. Let’s look at some common ways consumers use custom folders.
1. Presentation folders are ideal for tax returns.
Individuals and businesses must file state and federal tax returns every year. Some prepare their returns, while others hire tax preparers. Both individuals and tax preparers may opt to use custom presentation folders.
Individuals can store tax documents in custom printed folders, enabling them to keep track of their tax documents. Employees will have W-2s from their employers and receipts for work-related purchases they can claim. Individuals may also need to prepare a Form 8283 identifying their charitable donations. Using a folder to store this information throughout the year is an excellent way to ensure your tax documents aren’t lost or overlooked. The production time for custom folders varies, and folders can be ready for consumers in three business days after the artwork’s approved. Folders with foil stamping take up to seven business days.
Tax preparers may use custom folders to present returns to clients. Pocket folders make storing copies of forms and the filed return easy. Tax preparers can also use custom folders featuring their business information. Since folders come with horizontal business card slits, tax preparers can place a business card in the card slits on the inside pocket.
2. Academic institutions use custom folders to distribute information.
The United States was home to over 19 million college students in 2019, and those numbers are expected to reach 20 million by 2025. Many college students send out multiple applications, ensuring they have options if they don’t get into their dream school. It’s also common for prospective students to visit campuses during their senior year of high school to evaluate colleges and decide which school they want to attend.
Many academic institutions use promotional folders to relay information to potential students. Including custom images on the folder’s exterior and printing essential information ensures applicants know who to contact with questions. Academic institutions can take advantage of the options to expand the pocket folder’s capacity to hold 170 sheets of paper instead of 30, enabling them to provide information about academic programs, financial aid, student housing, and school programs. Colleges can even add information about the local community or special events that may appeal to applicants. For example, students applying to fine arts programs may be interested in local art festivals and opportunities to display their work at local galleries.
3. Real estate professionals benefit from using printed folders.
Real estate agents can use presentation folders to compile essential information for clients and use the folders to distribute documents. Real estate agents may put presentation folders out during open house showings. Potential clients can use the business information supplied on the folder to contact the realtor after the open house if they’re interested in making an offer.
Realtors can also use folders to hold listings suitable for clients. Suppose you’re looking for a house and told the realtor what features you’re looking for and your budget. The realtor can fill a presentation folder with relevant listings for you to review. Placing listing sheets inside a promotional folder is also helpful when realtors show clients several homes. Clients can make notes on the listing sheets and use the pockets to sort listings based on their level of interest in the home.
Printed folders are practical promotional tools because businesses can print their contact information on the folder and use images to promote their services. Tax preparers, college admissions officers, and realtors use promotional folders to present information to existing and potential clients.
