I'm doing agency mailings, and I accidently forgot to write down a zip code for a certain agent. I got the package back from the mail, and when I opened it, My HEADSHOT was SCratched Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sent my h/s, cover letter, and resume in a regular manila envelope. Do I need to buy the sturdy kind that costs like 3 bucks an envelope? What do you guys do?

I can't imagine how it would have gotten scratched up?!?! I use the regular 9x12 manila envelopes from Staples (like $6 for a box of 100) and I've never had that problem.

Don't spend extra $$$ on sturdy envelopes. This was probably just a fluke of some sort.

I have to agree with Diane totally here. I think it was just a odd thing to happen. If you are concerned though, don't spend the extra money on expensive envelopes. A sheet of plain white paper on the top head shot should do the trick.

Sometimes the inside of the clasp can scratch a picture so I just make sure to face the resume side towards the clasp.

I don't think what happened to that particular envelope is typical.

Have you considered hand delivering them? The New York market is such a small area and easy to navigate. That's what I did when I lived there and it worked well for me.

tuffcat, do you think that agents don't really look at the submissions sent to them? Where did you intern?

Tuffcat, although you're probably right in many cases, we have received "no thank you" letters in our SSAE back so apparently some do open them.

Well that's dissapointing to hear since I've always mailed in headshot/resume. Never thought of showing up and dropping them off. Didn't think that was an option since the ross reports will say no phone calls or eamils next to the agency name I just assumed (silly me) that you couldn't visit them as well.

Kaysmom, I like the idea of including a SSAE, maybe I'll try that. It would be nice to know if they are receiving the package even if not interested.

I have had that happen as well.

I think the thing is that once it's "sent back" it goes through the whole process double time, therefore it looks alot shabbier than when it gets to its destination on the first try.

I received a Christmas card back this year and it looked VERY worn out as well. But the ones that made it though to our friends didn't get there looking bad.

I always use 9x12 manila envelopes to mail submissions, etc. I used to buy the hard envelopes for photos but it got to be to pricy so I just use regular envelopes now.

Also, I have personally called agencys and specifically asked them how they want their submissions. Most of them want hard copies mailed in, they specifically tell me, please no drop offs. Give them a call and ask. It can save you wasted time going in in person if they won't accept it.

I use white envelopes that are the same size as the yellow ones' size and they don't have the clasp on the back. I did use some one time that were neon pink/purple color and put a piece of tape inside of the clasp and then put a piece of paperon the headshot.

I also can't imagine what would be scratching them. Were the scratches all over them, or just by the clasp (which has been suggested above). I have received a few of my submissions back over the years, and they have always been fine (and they were in standard envelopes).

Yeah mine came back all RAPED up! BUt try teeling the post office people to put "do not bend" on the envelope works for me.