Collecting Netflix Envelopes

For some of us, when those little red envelopes arrive, there is more than just the excitement of receiving our latest queue topper. There is a rush of exuberance, similar to ripping open a pack of baseball cards. We are the geeks that collect Netflix envelopes. Here is a brief primer on the basics of collecting Netflix envelopes. This is by no means a complete guide. It is just a glimpse into the various areas of collecting.

Netflix Flaps (NFF’s)

This is probably the most popular niche for the average collector. Since Netflix began adding flaps to their envelopes, promos on the inside have varied from coupons to movie ads. Like any movie memorabilia fan, NFF collectors seek out favorite stars, movies, shows, etc…

Drop Point Collectors

Some Netflixphiles like to collect envelopes with far away drop point locations on the address. One of the most popular is Hawaii. There are close to 50 Post Office Box drop points around the country and collectors strive to have one of each. These are commonly traded between collectors and there are various checklists out there. I will try to post one in the future. Drop points are not to be confused with distribution points. Drop points are the P.O. Boxes the return movies are mailed to. Netflix then trucks the movies to their distribution centers and back again.

Evolution Collectors

These collectors examine the famous envelopes for changes to the general design. CNN has a great slide show of the various designs Netflix has tried.

Whole Envelope Collectors

Some collectors do not separate the flap from the re-mailer and collect it as a whole. Correlated flaps and re-mailers are usually kept whole. What is a correlated envelope? It is when a flap and the drop point address have something in common. For example, the recent Dexter flaps that went out with a Florida drop point are desired because the setting of the show is Miami. It is even better when the flap correlates to the drop point city. Collecting correlations requires research and a love of movie history.

Well there you have it, a quick foray into collecting the red crack. You will never be able to rip open your latest delivery without think about us geeks.