Fig. 23. Addressing Card File. Addressograph Co.
Folding Machines. One of the most practical labor-saving devices for the mailing room is the folding machine. Direct advertising, by means of circular or form letters, and printed circulars, is becoming more and more popular. Where such communications were formerly mailed in hundreds, they are now mailed in thousands; it is not uncommon for a concern using this form of advertising to mail a million circulars or letters on one proposition in a single season.
Fig. 24. Folding Machine Operated
by Electric Motor.
A. B. Dick Co.
To fold these letters and circulars in the ordinary way is an expensive task. Not only is the labor cost involved, but the question of space, which in many offices is of even greater importance. While a plant occupying buildings owned by the company may be in a position to provide plenty of space for offices, the great majority of businesses are conducted in cramped office quarters; the modern office building with its high rents tends to reduce office space to a minimum. As a result, many a business, lacking room in which to work a large force of folders, has been obliged to hire its extensive circularizing done outside of the office.
These difficulties have to a great extent been overcome by the folding machine. For many years printers have made use of machines for folding, but it was not until a comparatively recent date that a machine adapted to office use was perfected. Now there are several practical machines on the market.
One of these machines will fold from 4000 to 7000 letters or circulars an hour, depending on the size and weight of the paper, and the number of folds. This is equal to eight persons folding by hand, and the machine and operator occupy no more space than one hand folder.
The best machines are so made that they can be operated by hand or electric power. Wherever electric lights are available, the power machine can be used. Including the cost of power, the maximum cost of folding with one of the machines is from 3 cents to 5 cents a thousand. One of the well-known types, with motor attached, is shown in Fig. 24.
Mailing Machines. To a concern mailing large quantities of circular matter, an envelope sealer or mailing machine is indispensable. Envelope sealers which worked in a more or less satisfactory manner have been on the market for several years. These machines have been improved, and their best features combined with new ideas, until now machines are to be had which work perfectly.
Several of the machines seal envelopes only; one both seals the envelopes and attaches the stamp. The combination sealing and stamping machine seals, stamps, and counts envelopes at an average rate of 8000 an hour, doing the work of from eight to ten clerks.