An alternative for Neenah Avalanche?

[Alan G]

I have a project in hand I've spec'd as Neenah Avalanche White (120DTC), because the laid look and slightly "natural" feel is right for this piece. Turns out it's hideously expensive, and with die-cuts I'm only going to get two 9x12 pocket folders off a sheet. The budget isn't going to stand the expense, alas.

Can anyone point me to a decent alternative, or am I going to have to rethink this thing completely?

[budafist]

The best thing is to go to your printer with the same question. Be sure to bring a sample of the correct weight with you for them to have a feel and compare.

They know what they have in stock and they have an idea of similar papers they can order (if they need to order at all). There are always paper alternatives.

[Alan G]

Yes indeed. I have five vendors bidding on this job, and I've asked all of them the same question. So far, the silence has been deafening, so I thought someone here might have a suggestion.

[budafist]

You gotta ask in person. Many people don't know the name of every stock out there but if you show them a sample they can see and feel they can let you know.

[Alan G]

Yup. Face-to-face meetings with all the potential vendors, since it's quite an expensive and somewhat complex job. I'm already considering some completely different design options to give me the look and feel I need (expensive, up market, "natural") without committing Gross Bodily Harm on the budget.

It's what I get for having delusions of grandeur in the first place. :D