FAQs

Envelopes are measured from the shortest dimension first. When the envelope is placed with the seal flap at the top, the measurement from the bottom fold to the top fold is the height, and the measurement from left to right is the width. Learn more here.

Window size is specified as height x width, regardless of orientation. Window position is measured from the left edge of the envelope and from the bottom edge, with the flap considered the top of the envelope. Learn more here.

If you provide plain or printed paper, we will convert it into your custom envelope. Converting projects should be discussed in advance to account for sheet size, grain direction, printing layout, bleeds, coatings, setup requirements, and manufacturing tolerances. Specialized converting layouts are provided at no charge. For more info, see our envelope converting tips.

Although not all of our envelopes are machine insertable, we carry a wide variety of machine insertable commercials, catalogs, booklets, and announcements. See all of our machine insertable products.

Special orders (anything that requires custom manufacturing) typically have a minimum quantity of 1,000 envelopes. However, if special paper is used, this is subject to change. Special paper often has a minimum quantity of its own, which can raise the minimum quantity of an order drastically.

To ensure that your envelopes are printed and cut correctly, it's crucial that you contact us for a layout rather than creating or using your own. The equipment and die-cutting process used can significantly affect how envelopes need to be positioned on the sheet. You can also read our converting tips to make sure you get the highest quality product possible.

Common envelope styles we offer include commercials, A-series / announcements / baronials, catalogs and booklets, collections / dual purpose / church offering, coin / packing list / small specialty, office and professional envelopes, along with letterhead and card stock. Learn more here.

Standard envelope sizes vary by style. See our size charts for detailed dimensions and maximum enclosure sizes.

We offer and stock remoistening seals, split seals, flip-stik seals, Pres-Stik®, Kwik-Tak®, Multi-Tak™, clasp closures, and string & button closures. Seal selection depends on how the envelope will be stored, filled, and sealed. See our seals and closures page for more details.

Envelope seams refer to how the sides and back of the envelope are constructed, while the seal flap is the portion used to close it. Bottom and side flaps form the envelope body and are typically permanently bonded during folding. Common seam types include center seams, diagonal seams, side seams, and weld seams. Flap shapes vary by style and may include bankers, pointed, square, hub, wallet, and other options depending on the application. Learn more here.

Yes! In addition to stock products, Western States manufactures custom envelopes with options for size, style, construction, printing, converting, and special operations. Learn more about our custom envelope capabilities here.

Start by reviewing label basics, including label dimensions, materials, adhesives, face stocks, shapes, and printing options. Our online Label Resource Guide and Labels 101 page provide helpful information to get started.

Our standard method of printing produces labels on rolls. However, our labels can also come on sheets or can be fan-folded and packaged in cases, inner packs, clamshells, dispenser boxes, zip-lock bags, shrink wrapped, polybagged or banded. Please specify your exact needs when you place your order.

Yes! This is called the label rewind - take a look at our rewind options.

The label's intended use, the substrate the label is applied to, and the environment all play an important role in its performance. To get started, you can take a look at our most common label stocks, or browse through all our available face stocks.

Many people feel that a pressure-sensitive label can be applied successfully to everything. Not true! There are some surfaces to which pressure-sensitive labels will not adhere at all. The key to success in any label application is to test the face material and adhesive prior to placing your label order. This simple process will help prevent problems later. Learn some adhesive basics.

Western States offers laser label sheets, large laser label sheets, integrated labels, pressure-sensitive labels, adhesives, face stocks, and custom label formats in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes.

Our start-to-finish label capabilities include in-house graphics, digitally automated printing and laser die cutting, slitting and coating procedures, and computerized shipping and package tracking. We also offer laser die cutting, conventional die cutting, flexographic and digital printing, and finishing and packaging services. Learn more here.

Before ordering, review your label dimensions, material selection, copy orientation, color specifications, and whether protective coatings are needed. These characteristics help determine how the label will perform in its intended application. Learn more about label characteristics here.

See our diagram for the standard method of measuring labels and rolls.

Yes! We can mix and match sizes, shapes, substrates, adhesives, and styles to design a label for your specific application. We can also produce one or two samples to ensure the label fits as intended. Contact us for pricing.

Becoming a customer is easy—just contact us to get started.

A broken carton price applies when you order less than a full carton of a product (ex: 1 box). However, if ANY product on your order contains a full carton, you receive full carton pricing for all products in that order. You cannot combine multiple broken cartons to get full carton pricing; you must have at least one full carton of a single product on your order to receive the discount.

We have a variety of ways for you to send us your files. You can send your artwork via email to prepress@wsec.com. If you're attaching your files, please be sure they are under 10mb. If your files are over 10mb, please use one of our other options.

To pay for your order, you can either:

• Supply a credit card number (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) for credit card payments.
• Apply for open terms, allowing you to pay for your products within a specified time period after delivery.

To supply a credit card number or apply for open terms, please contact our customer service department by calling us at 1-800-558-0514 or emailing us at customer.service@wsel.com.

Yes! We have a convenient online ordering site for our customers to order any of our 1,500+ stock products. For more information check out our online ordering page.

You can request a quote by completing our envelope quote form or label quote form. Please provide as many details as possible to receive the most accurate pricing. Our team will contact you regarding your request.

You can view and download digital copies of our envelope and label resource guides here.

For envelope inquiries, email customer.service@wsel.com. For label inquiries, email customerservice.label@wsel.com. You can also contact our customer service team at 1-800-558-0514.

Stock products can be ordered through our online ordering page. For custom envelopes or labels, contact our team.

Please provide as many product details as possible, including quantities, artwork (if applicable), and any special requirements, to ensure accurate pricing and processing.

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Western States is a wholesale manufacturer for the printing, mailing, and office supply industries. If you're outside of one of these industries, we may refer you to your local printer to order our envelopes.

Western States operates five locations, including our Corporate Headquarters in Butler, Wisconsin, our Label Division in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and division locations in Toledo, Ohio, Erlanger, Kentucky, and Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. Learn more about our locations here.

Western States was founded in 1908 by George French Moss in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Western States manufactures envelopes and labels, with both standard inventory and customized options for printers, distributors, and mailers.

Yes. Western States is committed to environmental responsibility through initiatives such as SFI® Certification, eco-friendly product offerings, reduced ink usage technologies, company-wide recycling programs, and energy-efficient facilities. Learn more here.

Our Label Division, established in 1994, produces standard and custom labels, including multiple stock options and 4-color process laser die-cut labels. The division is located in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Contact us here.

Western States operates five plants that work around the clock to produce premium envelopes, and we apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices to consistently refine our processes and product quality. Learn more about our commitment to quality.

Yes. Western States has received multiple industry awards, including PEAK Awards and Graphics Excellence Awards. See our full list of awards.

Yes. Western States supports a variety of community initiatives, including cancer fundraisers, food drives, educational outreach programs, holiday giving efforts, veterans support initiatives, and local community development projects. Learn more here.

Yes. We maintain over 200 million envelopes in inventory, ready to ship immediately.