Here are a few sources for great custom stamps, envelopes and more!
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To make sure your Slotbox is folded properly and not overstuffed, fitting the Canada Post 20mm slot.
1) Here on the SLOTBOX website you can buy a wood template that has the 20mm Oversize letttermail slot.
2) If you prefer acrylic, RAINETTE DESIGN - offers a really nice acrylic slot template that has both the 20mm Oversize slot and the 5mm standard slot. You can order from their Etsy shop. www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RainetteDesign
3) CANADA POST - The Official template used by the counter clerks. Product # 540008029. It is acrylic, has both the 5mm and 20mm slot as well as the length and width template.
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You can always go to the post office for Postal Indicia, but if you wish to skip the line and apply stamps, here are a few combinations that get you close the value required. Rates as of January 13th, 2025.
Under 100g is a $2.61 stamp that exists that you can buy,
….but from there you have to get creative.
>100-200g $4.29 / $2.61 + $1.75 or 3 x $1.44
>200-300g $5.98 / 3x $1.44 + $1.75
>300-400g $6.85 / 4 x $1.75
>400-500g $7.36 / 6 x $1.24
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Dress up or brand your box. Find a stock stamp or get a custom logo stamp made. Stamp the box before you fold it into a box to get best crisp image. If you are looking to have a custom stamp made, here are some Canadian companies you can support.
Vancouver Island Stamp
Return to Sender Co.
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To send your Slotbox in when mailing
The end opening style “catalogue envelope”is preferred. Do not use a bubble mailer.
Small Box Envelope - 5 7/8” x 9 5/8" or 6” x 9”
Small Plus Box Envelope - 5 7/8” x 9 5/8” or 6” x 9”
Medium Box Envelope - 5 7/8” x 9 5/8” is a snug fit on the width but fine for length. A better option for a little more room is 6” × 9” or a 6.5” x 9.5”.
Large Box Envelope - 9” x 12” or 10” x 13” are both great choices.
XL Box Envelope - 10” x 13” is a squeeze for sure but can work, best to go a little larger.
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To weigh your mail for accurate postage
When it comes to buying a scale, you do not need a fancy expensive one. A standard kitchen scale meant for lighter items will do the trick.
Canadian Tire, The Bay, or any kitchen store will have scales. Of course, you can find them on-line too.
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A great brand starts with a great logo
Design your own on a platform or hire a local graphic designer to do it for you.
CANVA - www.canava.com
FIVERR - www.fiverr.com
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TROUBLESHOOTING
The SLOTBOX is the deepest box mailer offering the most internal capacity of all box mailers on the Canadian market that fit the 20mm Canada Post slot regulation. Every millimetre counts!. When folding into a box, please follow instructions to ensure a nice and square 18.5mm deep box. If you encounter issues, here are some tips to help you out.
a) If the box gets “hung up” at the edge or corner passing the template, it is not quite flat. Fix = tamp corners down. You can use a hammer to gently tamp the edge flat or use the back of scissor handle to smooth it out.
b) If the middle of the box is bulging and gets “stuck” passing through the template, then the box is overpacked or item is too big. Rearrange items, take out some of the packing material, close the box up and try again. Studs sometimes fit better when off the display card and lying on their side. If you still don’t fit, your item may be too large to mail as lettermail.
c) If tabs pop out of slots, the box is not square - usually the culprit is the perforated side edge is not flat. Fix: Smooth it down flat. The handle of scissors works well as a hard edge to aid this step. When box is folded correctly the tabs stay in place.