2 Pocket Folders

2 pocket folders are a very useful item to have handy around your home or office, as they can double as both great organization tools and also function as excellent presentation folders when you need to deliver a report or proposal to a client or business partner.

Depending on your needs and budget, there are several options available to you when purchasing two pocket folders.

First of all is the material the folders are made of.  Probably the most common and also the cheapest is some form of paper or cardboard.  These are lightweight, easy to find and handle, and don’t cost very much, so they’re an excellent general option.  Of course, they will tend to disintegrate over time with extended use, so if you plan to keep papers and other items in your folders for a long time, and especially if you’re planning to use them regularly, you may want to consider investing in something a little more durable.

Of course, not all cardboard and paper 2 pocket folders are made equal either.  Some have a higher paper weight, meaning they are thicker, heavier and sturdier.  Some have an embossed or textured cover pattern while others are completely smooth.  In addition, some two pocket folders allow papers to sit very loosely in the pockets, while other have pockets that go right to the sides of the folder and may even be closed on the sides as well.

Two additional features to look out for or consider are fasteners and a business card slot.  Fasteners are not standard but many brands of two pocket folders will include them.  As the name suggests they allow you to clip down and fasten papers inside the folders, rather than having them sitting loose and potentially falling out, especially if the folder is turned upside down or otherwise disturbed.  A business card slot is quite standard, and is usually included on either the right or left pocket.  It is a small transparent pocket which allows you to insert your business card so it’s in plain sight whenever anyone opens the pocket.  This is obviously very valuable if you are planning to send anything to clients or business partners in your folders, but probably less so if they are simply for storage around the home or office.

If you want something a little sturdier than simple paper folders, the next step up is some kind of plastic folder.  Available in a wide range of colors and styles, plastic two pocket folders are far more durable than paper ones and could potentially last a lifetime.  Plastic folders sometimes come with pre-punched holes along one edge for use by students or inclusion in larger files.

The top of the line range of two pocket folders are made of linen or metal.  The look very impressive and are built to last, and may be worth considering if you are sending a something to a high value client or you very much want to impress somebody.  Of course, the downside is cost, with a single linen two pocket folder often costing more than 25 or more paper or plastic ones.  However, if you want to create a strong impression in business or you have some valuable memories to store at home, the investment may be worthwhile.

Some of the top brands in these kinds of folders are Smead, Avery, Oxford and Esselte.  All of these brands are well known and trustworthy and you should not encounter any problems if purchasing their products.  Of course, cheaper generic versions of two pocket folders are also available, and as always, the buyer should beware when purchasing them.  Remember that often these products are cheaper because their manufacturing processes are not as good as brand names, or the materials used in manufacture were not as high quality.  For simple storage around the home, they may suffice, but for any kind of presentation or even office storage, you should spend the little bit extra and get a quality product.