Get a quote

Envelopes in South Africa

Free quotes from stationery suppliers across South Africa. One request, no obligation.

Get free quotes
Boxes of white and brown envelopes in DL, C5 and C4 sizes with a few padded envelopes on an office mailroom table
Catalogue
PP-05, Paper & print
Usually sold
By the boxe
Cost to you
Free quotes

Envelopes are still essential for invoices, statements, official letters, payslips and parcels, even in a mostly digital office. StationerySupplies.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form with the sizes and quantities you need, and we pass it to independent stationery suppliers and printers near you, who quote you directly. We do not sell, print or deliver envelopes ourselves, and there is no fee or obligation to accept a quote. Tell us sizes, colours, quantities and your address.

Envelope sizes: DL, C5, C4 and C6

  • DL (110 × 220 mm): takes an A4 sheet folded in three, the standard for letters and invoices
  • C5 (162 × 229 mm): takes an A4 sheet folded once, or an A5 sheet flat
  • C4 (229 × 324 mm): the A4 envelope, for documents that must stay flat
  • C6 (114 × 162 mm): takes an A5 sheet folded once, used for cards and small notes

Larger B4 and pocket sizes are available for thick reports and files. Gusseted envelopes expand to hold bulky documents, while board-backed envelopes protect certificates and photographs from bending in the post.

Brown envelopes, white bond and window envelopes

Brown envelopes (manilla or kraft) are tough and cheap, ideal for internal mail, salary slips and documents. White bond envelopes look smarter for client letters and print well. Window envelopes show the address printed on the letter, saving time on high-volume mailings. Check that window position matches your invoice layout, because a left or right window that does not line up with the address block leaves part of it hidden.

Closures matter too. Self-seal (peel and seal) envelopes are quick and clean; gummed envelopes are cheaper and suit mailing machines.

Padded envelopes and plastic courier bags

For posting goods, choose padded or bubble envelopes for small fragile items, and plastic courier bags for clothing and soft goods. Plastic envelopes A4 and larger come with a permanent adhesive strip and often a document pouch. Online sellers usually buy courier bags by the hundred or the thousand alongside other packaging supplies.

Courier bags come in several sizes and thicknesses, in grey, white or black, and some are opaque for privacy. Printed courier bags with a logo are possible on larger runs, usually from a few thousand bags.

Envelopes for sale in bulk and printed envelopes

Envelopes are usually sold in boxes of 250, 500 or 1,000, so it pays to buy a quarter's supply at once. Printers can add your logo and return address to printed envelopes, usually from a few hundred units, and match them with letterheads. Ask whether prices include 15% VAT and delivery, and whether there is a minimum order for free delivery. Regular buyers can usually open a 30-day account.

What to include in your request

  • List each size and colour you need
  • Say plain or window, self-seal or gummed
  • Give quantities in boxes or units
  • Mention if you want your logo printed
  • Include delivery address and deadline

Envelopes for different buyers

  • Offices and small businesses: DL window envelopes for invoices and statements, plus C4 for contracts and reports
  • Schools: brown envelopes for reports, fee letters and notices sent home with learners
  • Universities and colleges: C4 envelopes for applications, certificates and departmental internal mail
  • Government and municipalities: brown manilla envelopes for official correspondence, payslips and registry dispatch
  • Shops and resellers: plastic courier bags and padded envelopes for online orders and returns
  • Factories and warehouses: C4 and padded envelopes for delivery documents, samples and spare parts
  • Weddings, conferences and events: C6 and square envelopes for invitations, cards and conference welcome packs

Frequently asked questions

Which envelope fits an A4 sheet without folding?
A C4 envelope holds an A4 sheet flat. For a few thick documents or a small booklet, a slightly larger B4 or gusseted envelope gives more room. A C5 takes A4 folded once.
Does StationerySupplies.co.za sell envelopes?
No. We are a free quote service and do not sell, print or deliver envelopes. Independent local suppliers and printers receive your request and quote you directly.
What is the minimum for printed envelopes?
Many printers start from about 250 or 500 envelopes per design, although digital printers can do shorter runs at a higher price per unit. Larger quantities lower the cost per envelope.
Are self-seal envelopes worth the extra cost?
For hand-filled mail, usually yes, because they are faster and cleaner to close. For mailing machines and very large mail runs, gummed envelopes are often preferred and cost slightly less.

Envelopes by province and city

More from the catalogue

Paper & print

Copy paper, cartridges, printing, cards, envelopes and labels

Writing & filing

Pens, books, files, desk tools and boards

School & art

School lists, packs, art supplies and tenders

Office & business

Office consumables, furniture, packaging and branded print

Supply services

Suppliers, wholesalers and stationery shops

Stationery requisition

List what you need and where it must go. Stationery suppliers, printers or distributors who deliver to your area quote you directly. Free, no obligation.

4 November 2026

Items

LineItem and size, colour or modelQtyUnitRemove
1
2
3
Up to 20 lines. Not sure of quantities? Leave them out and describe the job instead.

No items yet

Free and no obligation. By sending you agree that we may share your request with a suitable supplier. See our privacy policy.

Get free stationery quotes