File Folders: Product Overview

Since the dream of the truly paperless office has proven elusive, file folders continue to play a big role in any modern office. Folders come in many varieties that can help organize loose paper, flyers and brochures, presentations, receipts, and almost any kind of document you can imagine.

There are several types of folders to choose from. The most basic are file folders, simple tabbed folders of heavy-weight stock. File folders are tabbed in one of several styles: half, third, or full cut folders have tabs in differing locations. Multi-colored folders can be used to distinguish different types of files.

We recently came across a line of file folders that have erasable tabs: the tab area is covered with a plastic film, so anything written with a ballpoint pen can be removed with a standard pencil eraser. For people who constantly reuse or re-title folders, we can see where this would be useful.

Hanging folders, designed for use in file drawers, are most often used to hold multiple file folders. They're usually made of tougher stock than file folders and include gussets on the bottom that allow them to expand to hold much more than other types of folders.

Hanging folders often have detachable plastic tabs that hold a small label, making renaming or reorganizing easy. For complex filing systems, folders that include color-coded labels can make quickly finding the right folder easier.

Some folders have additional features that can be useful. Some hanging or file folders have slits for business cards – very useful for folders used to hold information about a client or supplier. Others have "media pockets," smaller pouches that can hold a disk, CD, or other small, flat object.

One hint for buying folders: make sure you match the size folders to a) the documents you'll be keeping in them, and b) the drawers or shelves where you'll be storing them. Standard letter-sized folders are the most common, but if you work with legal or other larger size documents, make sure you choose folders that match.

BuyerZone is the leading online marketplace for business purchasing.

• Founded in 1992
• 2 mil+ registered users
• 5 mil+ requests processed
• 8,500+ active suppliers