Frequently asked questions about clear checkbook covers?

1. What is the best clear material for clear checkbook covers to be made from ?

 

Clear checkbook covers work the best and last the longest when made from a very soft 12 mil vinyl material that is not center scored in the area where the checkbook cover works. We call this the flex area and it is in the exact center of the checkbook cover where the cover folds over to the closed resting position. The softer cover material also allows for the pockets that hold the checkbook and the checkbook register to have a slight elastic give making the pockets less likely to tear at the weak point where they join the softer cover when the check register or check book is being inserted, replaced or is subjected to movement under normal use and working conditions such as tearing out checks or turning and writing on the registers pages.

 

2. Why are some checkbook covers wider allowing more movement in the area where the checkbook and register fit into the pockets and does this effect the life of the checkbook cover ?

 

Checkbook covers made with firm material have to be wider to keep the pockets from tearing due the cover stock on the checkbook and check register putting pressure on the edges of the pockets where they are sealed to the cover. They tear very easy. Some checkbook covers have wider pockets to allow for the use of both top tear and side tear checks depending on what the end user requires. Many clear checkbook covers and the duel purpose checkbook covers are made this way so that a less expensive, firmer material can be used and will wear out faster because there is not sufficient flex. A firm material clear checkbook cover is also easier and faster to manufacture. A soft flexible 12 mil clear checkbook cover will out last a firm clear scored checkbook cover 4 to 5 times longer and only cost a few pennies more.

 

3. Why are some checkbook covers made of very thin material and do they last ?

 

Many clear checkbook covers are made from very thin materials because the material costs less, it is usually a firmer material but feels softer and flexible because it is thin, it is easy to manufacture the covers, costs less to ship to the factory and out of the factory and does a excellent job for those industries that do not need a long lasting durable nice looking product such as banks, fund raisers, give a ways, gift check applications, coupon books and other applications that do not require the quality, and durability of the top grade checkbook covers.

 

4. Why do clear checkbook covers with a center score or number of center scores that allow it to fold over to the closed position wear out so fast?

 

The center score is about 1/2 the thickness of the cover material due to the scored area being so thin and that is what allows it to fold over. The thinner material simply wears out faster. Also firm material breaks and cracks much easier due to less plasticizer being used in it's manufacture. Softer materials have more plasticizer and do not crack or break even in cold or cool weather.

 

5. What caused the inserts placed into some checkbook covers but not all checkbook covers to move around inside the covers after being decorated with art ?

 

Clear checkbook covers made with firm clear plastic will not conform to the insert placed in it due to it being firm and slippery where as a soft clear cover will conform to the insert and any embellishments placed on it holding it in place.

 

6. Is there a easy way to tell if a clear checkbook cover is more durable and will also hold up well in cold or cool weather?

 

It is easier to tell on the heavy 12 mil covers than the thinner covers. Place your checkbook and register in the cover and with out prescoring the flex area that is or is not prescored from the manufacture in the center of the cover and see if it will close with out any help or forcing it to fold in the flex area. If it folds over under it's own weight you will probably have a longer lasting cover provided it is not prescored. It is best to compare 2 or 3 different covers and the one the works the best and fastest will usually last the longest, keep in mind that if it is a prescored cover that it won't be long lasting in that the material in the score is only about half the thickness of the rest of the cover. The same test will work on thinner materials but it will be more difficult to make a accurate conclusion but that usually is not a issue with the thin cover or thin score in that they are not designed to last. This test should be done at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit or less .

 

7. Why is it so hard to find the side tear clear checkbook covers?

 

Side tear clear checkbook covers are not as popular as the traditional top tear check book covers and the very few requests for the side tear does not warrant the tooling cost and the volume of business required to justify keeping it in inventory at this time for most companies.

 

8. What do you recommend as a general purpose insert material for the clear checkbook covers?

 

The insert material used can vary depending on the application and results one is trying to obtain. We feel that

a good starting point would be for you to try a 110 LB crisp white card stock that is ideal for use in printers that accept index weight paper that is ink jet compatible. Almost all ink jet printers will work well for this application.

 

 

Rush orders available ON MOST BUSINESS DAYS if paid by and cannot be to a P.O. Box. Next day is available but you must e-mail us and check stock b/4 placing your order.

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