Customize your email with your brand

Buyers Guide Checklist:  Things to know BEFORE buying any email stationery or email letterhead product!

Display.  Is it email stationery or is it email letterhead?  Only consider email letterhead.  Email stationery is framed with sides and a bottom (footer)….and the frames “break” in replies and forwards (email threads) which can look like a real mess.  Same thing with email templates:  they will break because they are framed.  Email letterhead does not have any sides or a bottom to break in the first place, and will not have any of these display problems.  A great example of this would be Fabusend.com’s “Smart Letterhead”

Deliverability.  Are the graphics embedded or non-embedded?  Only consider non-embedded graphics.  Embedded graphics will greatly increase the file size of the email (as much as 1000%) and today’s spam filters may send it to junk mail or reject it altogether.  Well designed, non-embedded graphics will not have any of these delivery problems.

Compatibility. Are you certain the email stationary/letterhead will work with the kind of email you use?  If you have an existing email signature or email disclaimer, will there be any problems?  Confirm it works with your particular email system in advance, as well as any email signatures you may already have.

Guarantee.  Make sure they offer a full money back guarantee! It is VERY common that people are very unhappy with their purchase. Don't get stuck with somethig you can't use! All of the reputable companies offer a full Money Back Guarantee!

Ease of Use.  Is it easy to install and use?    Make sure you understand how to install and use the email stationery/letterhead in advance. 

Support.  Is there a technical support or help system in place if you need it?  Does it cost anything?  With any email letterhead or email stationary product, make sure there is free technical support available in case you ever need any help.

Functionality. Can it be turned on or off at will, or are you forced to use the email stationery / letterhead every time?  Can you see, or preview, your branded email in advance of sending it?  Make sure it can be turned on or off with ease and that you can preview your email branding before sending.

Links.  Email stationary or letterhead can be used to carry/host links that email recipients can click on, and get taken directly to your web pages; a great potential benefit.  Confirm the email letterhead-stationery offers links that can be connected to your website or social media pages. 

Designs.  How is the design quality?  Is it do-it-yourself, or full service?  If it is full service, do you have final say on artwork approval?  Are custom designs available, or do you have to use pre made email templates or boilerplates?  Is professional layering available for your picture, or is it just a square placeholder?  What about editing and changes if you need them later on.  Is there a cost?   Whether it’s self serve or full serve designs, be sure you have final say and that you can make change in the future without being charged again.

Price.  Is it a one time cost or is it a subscription?  Are there any contracts?  Is the price competitive?  Is there a free trial, or a money back guarantee?  If you have a partner, can they share your e stationery or letterhead for the same price, or do you have to pay more?  At the bare minimum, make sure that the price is competitive and that there is either a free trial period, or a real money back guarantee if you are dissatisfied for any reason.

Other Concerns. 
- Does the email letterhead or email stationery have a Referral program that    you can benefit from? 
- Can you see real testimonials or success stories from others?  
- Can you view a selection of actual samples of their work? 
- Have you “Googled” the product to see what others might be saying? This   can be VERY informative! 

Email letterhead, email stationery, email templates…call it what you will, but this checklist is essential due diligence for anyone who is serious about harnessing all of the advantages that professional branded email has to offer.