My last article on tips to find the right office supplies was on classification folders, which are probably the most complicated file folder product of all to shop for. There wasn't space or time to elaborate on the cousin of classification folders, so here's a "Part II" in the series that covers how to shop for hanging classification folders.
The first question I usually get is where is the best place to buy hanging classification folders. I'll let you decide what's best for you, but this office products expert never shops at the big superstore chains. I get lower prices and better service from independent online office supply companies, and like to support small business. I have also found a great office products firm that gives back to great charities and does good work, and I always look for companies that practice conscious capitalism.
Now to the products. First you need to determine if you want standard classification folders, or really need folders that literally hang in file cabinets. Most people use hanging folders in offices today, and classification folders do come with built in hangers that fit easily on the hanging file folder rails of most all filing cabinets and file drawers.
There are many brand choices out there, and Smead is known for having the biggest selection and probably best quality. They tend to be the brand of choice at heavy users of hanging classification folders like lawyers and doctor's offices. Other brands like Pendaflex, ACCO and Universal have good selection and are sometimes lower in price, and the quality difference is negligible. My recommendation for the best priced folders is Universal brand. They are typically 5 - 40% less than other brand name folders, and the quality is very good for the price.
The next question is what size is right for our filing needs? It's a simple question as there are only two sizes - legal size for 14" documents and letter size for standard 11" size documents. Now we need to make sure the folder we select matches the right filing system used in the office. End tab systems have the tab on the short side of the folder, and are used with alphanumeric filing systems that use coded labels for alphabetizing. Top tab systems are actually the most popular, like regular file folders, and they have the tab on the horizontal, or long side of the folder.
After you determine brand, size and type of tab, you'll need to decide what size of expansion you want your hanging folder to have. An advantage with hanging classification folders is they have gusseted expansions made from Tyvek that allow your folder to expand. This means they can hold more papers than a normal file folder, often times 4 times more paper than a standard hanging folder. Expansion sizes can range from 3", 2", 1-1/2'" and even 1" for smaller filing needs.
Ok, we're getting close to the light at the end of the tunnel. The next choice is how many filing sections we want in our classification folders. 6 section and 4 section are most popular, but there are other choices available. And last we come to color. No longer do you have to stick with boring grey or light green. Today's office supply companies have several options including bright blue, yellow, emeral green and ruby red. Once you've gone through the following steps carefully, you should have the hanging classification folder that is just right for you and your office.
That wasn't so hard was it? We can put a man on the moon so we should be able to search out the right hanging classification folders for our needs. Once you've found the right item, save it in the favorites list of your office supply company, or keep the box top for future reference, (we don't want to go through this again). And for what it's worth, support small independent companies and those that give back to the community and do good work.
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