Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't find the answer you are looking for please contact us.


1. How do I find the right size bag for my needs?
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Several methods are available. If your product is a standard photo, art, or stationery size, chances are we carry the size. Check our Standard Sizes Page for reference. If your product is an unusual size or shape try the Search-By-Size tool or the generic search at the top right of this page. If you still have problems finding the correct size please leave a message at our clearenvelopes.com message center. We return all calls in a timely manner. Custom sizes are available and if we don't carry a specific size.

2. How accurate is the sizing of your products?
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Crystal Clear Bags™ are very accurate with a variance of +/- 1/16".

3. How do I know which side of the bag opens?
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The first dimension displayed next to each product is the width; which is always the opening side for Crystal Clear Bags and Crystal Clear Boxes™.

4. Can I see a sample of your product before I make a purchase?
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Clearenvelopes.com does not offer samples. Please visit our wholesale site at www.ClearBags.com for product samples.

5. Is it safe to order online?
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Absolutely! To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the appropriate use of information, we have implemented physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. This site uses the latest in internet security to ensure your personal information is safe.

6. Do you have a minimum order?
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No. ClearEnvelopes.com was created for small orders. It supports small order quantities, flat rate shipping and no minimum fee.
For large wholesale orders visit our parent site at ClearBags.com

7. Do you sell card stock and paper envelopes?
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We have pre-cut and pre-scored card stock and matching envelopes in many colors, sizes, and styles. Prepare a mailer or make your own greeting cards and package them for resale using the packaging options listed on the Bags for Greeting Cards or the Vinyl and Boxes for Greeting Cards page.

8. Are your bags USPS approved?
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ClearBags is a USPS approved Poly wrap manufacturer for Crystal Clear Bags™ and Envelopes, and 1.6 Mil Eco Clear Bags. Remember to use self-adhesive stamps on the outside of the bag when mailing in plastic envelopes. See the Clear Mailers page for more information.

9. I already know what item numbers I want, where can I enter them in?
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At the top of every page is a link named Enter Items. At that page, you can enter multiple item numbers in the box provided and click "Next" to start the checkout process.

10. How do I find my account number if I have forgotten it?
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Returning customers may contact one us via email or voice mail and provide the billing information from your last order to retrieve your account number. It is not necessary to have an account number to place an order online; however, we strongly encourage you to provide it to ensure proper organization of your order history. New customers receive an account number once they have placed their first order.

11. How much will shipping cost?
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ClearEnvelopes.com features flat rate shipping for $4.95 regardless of order size or weight. Please note that USPS is not trackable and may take up to 30 days to arrive at your location. Next Day or 2nd Day air shipping is available for an additional fee.

12. How long will it take for my orders to ship?
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Twenty-four hour and expedited shipping is available for an additional fee. Most orders are shipped within one business day. Depending on the volume of orders, some orders may ship on the second business day. Orders for products that require custom cutting, such as backing or foam board, may take longer.

Overnight or 2 day cut off times for same day shipping:

2 p.m. Pacific Time.

If you need your order shipped the same day and missed the cut off time call to place your order. Visit our Contact Us page.


13. How do I track my order?
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Go to the Track Your Order page and enter in the order number that was assigned to you. The order number will be provided on the receipt and is also e-mailed to you as part of the order confirmation process. Only orders shipping via UPS and FedEx can be tracked.

14. What is your return policy?
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You are required to obtain pre-authorization from a Customer Service Representative if you choose to return any product. If product is being returned by no fault of Clearbags, a 20% restock fee will be applied towards the credit. We do not accept returned product over three months old. To read more about our return policy visit our Customer Service page.

15. Are your prices wholesale or retail?
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ClearEnvelopes.com features small order sizes with no minimum fee and flat rate shipping. For this reason, products are priced near retail levels. For large wholesale orders visit our parent site at ClearBags.com

16. How do I become a reseller of your products?
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To become a ClearBags Premier Reseller please complete the Premier Reseller application at our parent site ClearBags.com. We offer several programs to fit various business needs. If you are using Crystal Clear Bags or Crystal Clear Boxes for packaging your product, you will not be eligible for Premier Reseller status. Only distributors that are re-distributing the product will be considered.

17. I can’t seem to find the size I need, do you make custom-sizes?
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ClearBags offers custom sized and printed products. Visit our ClearBags.com Custom Products Page for details.

18. Can you print my logo on your product?
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ClearBags offers custom sized and printed products. Visit our ClearBags.com Custom Products Page for details.
19. Are your bags safe for archival purposes?
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Crystal Clear Bags™, Clear Colored Envelopes, as well as their adhesive, and Crystal Clear Photo Boxes are all safe for conservation and archiving purposes. These products have passed the PAT Test (Photographic Activity Test ISO standard 18916). Except for our Eco Clear Bags, all Crystal Clear Bags are naturally acid and lignin-free, which means that no chemical processes are needed to remove these harmful elements. Eco Clear Bags are made from starch-based PLA (polyactide), which is not acid-free.

20. Can your bags be recycled?
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Most all plastic materials are recyclable so long as the plastic is identifiable and relatively clean. Crystal Clear Bags are made from Polypropylene resin identified by the recycle symbol "5". Contact your local recycling center to see if they accept #5 Plastic Bags. We also carry products made of PVC, PLA, HDPE, and LDPE.

21. Why should I use your products?
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Crystal Clear Packaging is the best choice when you want to Promote, Protect, or Preserve your creation. Customers consistently report increased sales when using Crystal Clear Bags or Crystal Clear Boxes. In addition, Crystal Clear Bags and Crystal Clear Photo Boxes are PAT tested and approved for long term photo or document storage. Packaging that is not acid-free and PAT tested may discolor and damage your product. Enhance and protect your valuables by using Crystal Clear packaging!

22. What does "acid-free" mean?
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The term acid-free is generally accepted and employed to describe products that are pH-Neutral to Alkaline (7 or slightly higher on the pH Scale). There are few papers remaining that are not buffered to a neutral pH using additives like Calcium Carbonate and by taking other steps during production processes. The pH levels should only be accepted when cold water extraction or better methods are used. Also, please note that acid testing pens are not reliable for either a pass or fail reading.

23. What is lignin-free?
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Lignin is an integral part of the cell walls in plants. If this lignin is not removed when making pulp-based products they are not lignin-free. Over time, lignin breaks down causing paper products to yellow. Acid free paper can become acidic as the lignin breaks down.

24. What are archival and conservation-grade products?
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In general, archival or conservation grade products are acid-free, lignin-free, and free from anything else that can damage your artwork, photography, or other items intended to be preserved. Manufacturers who supply archival or conservation grade products should be able to provide documents describing these archival characteristics at the very least or have test results on file for you to review. Although acid-free products might not cause any initial damage, it is possible for them to break down relatively quick; becoming a danger to the item you are trying to protect. Like everything else there are varying degrees of archival. Depending on your need for preservation you may require higher-grade materials for use in and along side your items. Crystal Clear Bags™ and our Crystal Clear Photo Boxes are high grade "museum quality" products. They are 100% virgin polypropylene which is naturally acid and lignin-free.

25. I love your products, how can I tell more of my friends about your Web site?
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Send them an email using our Recommend Us to a Friend page. You can post our logo on your Web site and advertise for us! Select one of our graphics from our Media Kit page. You can also e-mail them our catalog.

26. Are your products recyclable?
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Crystal Clear Bags™ are made from Polypropylene (PP) plastic. Crystal Clear Boxes™ are made from Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and PolyEthyleneTerePhthalate (PET). Polyethylene (PE) bags are also available. All ClearBags plastic products are recyclable, however local and state recycling systems vary widely. Contact your local recycling center to determine if they accept the product in question.

27. Do I know if a product is biodegradable or compostable?
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There are many claims in the marketplace for biodegradable and compostable products. Look for third party certifications from BPI or DIN CERTCO to industry specifications ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 to determine if a plastic product is biodegradable or compostable.


28. What is the shelf life of Eco Clear Bags or Eco Shrink Film?
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ClearBags recommends a shelf life of 6 months or less for Eco products, however, when maintained at normal temperature and humidity levels these products have an indefinite shelf life. Temperature extremes of hot and cold should be avoided. Recommended storage range is OF-120F maximum, ideally 72F. Keep away from heat and sources of ignition. Avoid extremes and sudden changes of environment. Avoid direct immersion in water. Failure to maintain these conditions will cause the material to begin to breakdown to a lower molecular weight material. These are not extraordinary conditions, they are the same conditions we apply to other plastic film products like Polystyrene, Polypropylene, HDPE, etc. The material can withstand excursions up to 140F but not in a continuous fashion as after a few hours in the presence of high levels of heat, high moisture and bacterial exposure the material will begin to compost much like the lettuce you would package in bags. Field testing has produced a maximum temperature of 117.7 F in a truck when the outside temperature was between 105 to 107 F.

29. Where can I find clear greeting card display stands?
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ClearBags recommends www.cleardisplays.com for clear greeting card stands. This company is not affiliated with ClearBags.

30. Where can I find conversion charts for the various specifications you use at ClearBags?
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Conversion chart are available here

31. How do I best store your products?
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We recommend storing your product packaged as it was shipped to you. We use heavy paper between layers to avoid scratching and rigid, closable boxes to protect edges and reduce exposure to the elements. Please be aware that extreme moisture, heat or cold can cause bags to become warped or brittle. Use climate control for extreme humidity. Bags should lie flat and not push against walls or shelves, which can crinkle the edges. Please call us if you have storage questions.
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