Folding, although it seems simple, is an important part of the direct mail preparation process. If the piece is not folded properly, it will cause problems in the next part of the automated process. Usually, after your piece is folded, it will be sent to a different machine - tabber, addresser, inserter, stamping machine, meter, etc. It is important for a mail piece to be folded straight and tight before it reaches the next machine to prevent jams which could destroy materials.