Industry Trends

EcoEnclose Mailers: 9 Questions I Wish Someone Had Answered Before My First Order

If you're looking into EcoEnclose mailers, you probably have a bunch of specific questions about sizes, shipping, and whether their stuff actually works for what you need. I do print and packaging ordering for a small e-commerce brand, and I've made enough expensive mistakes to fill a small dumpster. So instead of a generic overview, here are the real questions people ask—answered with things I learned the hard way.

Does EcoEnclose offer free shipping, and are there catches?

Yes, they do offer free shipping on orders over $75 (as of early 2025). But here's where I screwed up: I assumed that meant "free shipping, no questions asked." It doesn't. It's free standard ground shipping within the contiguous US. If you need it faster or you're shipping to Alaska or Hawaii, that's a different price. I once had a $200 order where the expedited shipping added $45 because I waited until the last minute. The mistake cost us both the rush fee and the credibility with our customer. So: free shipping exists, but plan ahead.

What's with the EcoEnclose Louisville CO address I keep seeing?

That's their headquarters and main fulfillment center: Louisville, Colorado. Not Kentucky. I assumed all packaging companies were based somewhere like Ohio or Illinois. Didn't verify. Turned out their location matters if you're trying to figure out transit times. Orders ship from Louisville CO, so if you're on the East Coast, add a day or two compared to a West Coast supplier. I learned never to assume shipping times based on "US supplier" without checking the actual city.

Can I print custom artwork on EcoEnclose mailers, like vinyl wrap decals?

This is a common misunderstanding. EcoEnclose sells mailers—poly mailers, paper mailers, etc. They are not in the business of printing vinyl decals or car wraps. If you're looking for vinyl wrap decals, you need a specialized print shop that handles adhesive vinyl. I once had a client ask if I could "just add their logo as a vinyl decal to the mailers." That's two entirely different manufacturing processes. EcoEnclose mailers are great for branding via print, but not for vinyl overlays. For vinyl decals, you're looking at a separate vendor. The lesson: don't assume one supplier does everything.

Does Depop send you a shipping label, or do I need my own mailers?

If you sell on Depop, here's the deal: Depop provides a shipping label if you use their integrated shipping. But that label is for a Depop-branded (or generic) poly mailer. You don't have to use EcoEnclose mailers for that. However, if you want to use your own branded mailers (like EcoEnclose), you can—just buy the label through Depop and then use your own packaging. The mistake I made was thinking I had to use the Depop label's packaging. Nope. You can use whatever mailer fits. The label is just the postage. Just make sure your mailer meets the size/weight for the label you bought. Otherwise you'll get hit with a surcharge.

What's the best EcoEnclose mailer for shipping a t-shirt?

I recommend their 100% recycled poly mailer in size #0 or #00. But if you're dealing with a heavy or bulky shirt (like a hoodie), go up to size #1. Here's where I messed up: I ordered a batch of #0 mailers assuming all tees fit. They did—barely. But packing was tight, and the shirt arrived looking crushed. The customer complained. So I now keep both sizes. The cost difference is pennies, but the appearance difference is huge.

Are EcoEnclose mailers actually compostable?

Some are. Their paper mailers are curbside recyclable and home compostable. Their poly mailers are recyclable (check local facilities) but not compostable. I made the assumption that "eco-friendly" meant everything was compostable. It's not. The poly mailers are made from post-consumer recycled plastic, which is great, but they don't break down in your backyard compost bin. If you need compostable, go with their paper mailers. I seriously recommend checking the product specs before assuming.

Can I get a sample pack from EcoEnclose before ordering in bulk?

Yes, they offer sample packs. I didn't know this for my first order. I bought 500 mailers of one size, and they were way too small for our products. That mistake cost us about $120 in wasted inventory plus the hassle of returning. Now I always order samples first. It's a no-brainer.

How long does shipping take from EcoEnclose?

For standard orders, 5-7 business days within the US. But this varies. I've had orders show up in 3 days and others take 10. Their Louisville CO location means ground shipping to the West Coast is faster. To the East Coast, it's slower. Don't wait until the last minute.

Is EcoEnclose actually good for small businesses, or just for big brands?

They're good for both. I run a small operation—under 100 orders a month—and their pricing works. You don't need a massive volume to get the free shipping threshold ($75). Their minimum order quantities are reasonable. But here's the honest limitation: if you need ultra-fast turnaround or custom sizes, they might not be the best fit. Their strength is standard sizes in eco-friendly materials. If you're a small shop looking for sustainable packaging without the hassle, they're a solid choice.