Clipboards are an easy way to keep papers together. If your company ever has the need to write outdoors, a clipboard is an ideal way to keep the papers from flying away.

Choosing a clipboard for your needs means that you will have to sort through various clipboards types and styles. Consider the following suggestions to help you choose your clipboards:

1. Start off with a basic clipboard.

2. Upgrade to a clipboard that has storage space.

3. Make calculations and abbreviations easy for nursing staff.

4. Prevent littering the roadway with citations by using a law enforcement clipboard.

5. Explain plays using a coaching clipboard.

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Consider the basic office clipboard

A basic clipboard is just a board that has a paper clasp on it. These designs are commonly used as a way to keep papers organized. Some businesses use these to hang documents on the wall. Others use this type of clipboard to have a firm writing surface to complete documents while standing.

I recommend: OfficeDiscountClub.com and Office Depot both sell basic clipboards. The plastic clipboard models are available in a varied selection of colors. Both companies offer free shipping on qualifying orders.

Add storage to the clipboards

Some professions, such as people who collect payments and debts in the field, need a place to put receipts and other documents. However, because privacy is a concern, a storage area that is hidden from public view is ideal.

I recommend: Clean Sweep Supply sells acrylic and aluminum clipboard models, many of which have storage. MFG Direct offers metal clipboards. Some of the models have an antibacterial coating, which makes them ideal for people who use them in public or for those who share the clipboard with a group of people.

Get a medical clipboard for nursing staff

A medical clipboard has abbreviations and conversions printed on them to make it easier for nursing staff to ensure that patients receive the proper care and medication doses. However, because some abbreviations vary from facility to facility, check the clipboards to ensure they are the ones your facility use.

I recommend: Clipboards.org and Standris both sell medical clipboard models that have a calculator and a light available. Some of the models have an optional storage tray.

Order law enforcement clipboards

Law enforcement clipboards are made for writing citations. These clipboards often feature a magnifying glass and light to make reading a license at night easier.

I recommend: Saunders offers a personalized clipboards for law enforcement, which includes a license holder and an LCD screen with upcoming court dates and times. Cops Plus offers clip boards that are sized for citations. These are available in bottom opening or side opening options.

Plan plays with a coaching clipboard

A coaching clipboard has a pre-printed diagram of the field, court or diamond on the board. Because of this, the clipboards are sports specific. These are usually a dry erase board, which enables the coach to plan plays and explain them to players easily.

I recommend: The Coaching Store and Robbins Sports are both sports clipboard suppliers. Both companies offer discounted prices and fast shipping.

Clipboards are part of many businesses. The clipboard is a key organizational tool for field staff in many industries and professions. The concept is simple, but today clipboards have evolved to handle specific tasks and accommodate workers in specific industries, from public outreach types of jobs, to the medical environment where paperwork is often at the center of the patient care process.

Managers buy items like clipboards to assist field staff and streamline in-house processes. Business operators look for office clipboard models:

1. for staff going out in the field for surveying, interviewing or soliciting donations for a business or nonprofit;

2. for medical staff to manage charts and patient information;

3. for shipping or warehouse workers to organize shipping papers and bills of merchandise on metal clipboards.

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Get classic wooden clipboards

There are a wide variety of wooden office clipboard models for sale online, from the simplest particle board contraptions to more stylish treated wood surfaces. Look around and find wooden clipboards your staff will love to use; these should last you a long time and add style to your operations.

I recommend: Clip boards from Berea College Crafts stores "ease the intimidation of the most daunting to do list." Berea offers walnut or cherry wood styles. Porter House Crafts features interesting wooden clipboard designs with interlocked glued pieces.

Get personalized clipboards

If you're looking for ways to brand merchandise and promote your business, you can kill the proverbial two birds with one stone. Personalized clipboards will serve your field staff while putting your logo or business name in the public eye.

I recommend: Motivators offers "branding opportunities that work": The online site has plastic or metal clipboards in different sizes and styles, ready to be printed up to promote your business. Epromos also features several styles of promotional clipboards to fit your needs in different sizes and with extra tab or clip features. Browse products and order conveniently online, and wait for your customized shipment to arrive.

Get office clipboard models complete with storage

If your staff is dealing with a lot of paper, you may want to look for business clipboards that feature handy collection spaces. Heavy duty metal clipboards or plastic office clipboard models with interior space will help control loss of important documents in the field.

I recommend: Clipboard suppliers like Rapid Supplies.com offer various types of clip boards with storage space. Find more storage clipboards at MyPencil.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Figure out how many clipboards you will need to make sure everybody gets one. Long-time contributors who don't get a clipboard may feel slighted and begin to slack off. Keep tool disbursements fair across the board, and plan for contingencies like clipboards that, like anything else, may eventually go missing somewhere in your facility. Ordering a few extras is probably not a bad idea.

Many employees use clipboards on a daily basis, therefore it is important that you stock up on ones that will stand up to frequent use. While you don’t have to break the bank buying clip boards, it is important to purchase the type that suits your company; for example, if you are in the medical business, choose a medical clipboard that will hold the many pieces of paper in patient charts.

When looking into clipboards pricing and costs, research the prices of the type of clipboard that will best fulfill your needs. Here are some examples to consider:

1. Spend a little more and purchase metal clipboards that will withstand frequent use.

2. Save some valuable money and buy clipboards in bulk in colorful plastics.

3. Make your marketing budget go further with promotional clipboards to hand out to potential customers.

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Invest in sturdy and long-lasting metal clipboards for your office needs

Metal clipboards are a popular type of clipboard as they are sturdy and long lasting. They also tend to be the most expensive type as well, even for the plain ones. Many times these metal clip boards have an additional storage area, making it more than just a place to write.

I recommend: MFGdirect.com sells an assortment of metal clipboards for prices that range from around $7 all the way up to about $40 depending on the style and amount you order. Check out Professional Equipment when you’re looking for quality metal clipboards that range in price around $25 up to about $55.

Go the economical route and settle on low cost plastic clipboards

A plastic clipboard is among the most economical to own. They are also about the most popular as they come in a rainbow of colors and sizes. If your business requires the frequent use of plastic clipboards, then it may be a good idea to buy clipboards in bulk; volume discounts will save you money.

I recommend: Keysan has a number of plastic clipboards to choose from in a variety of colors and sizes. Prices start at around $6 up to around $14 per clipboard, with a volume discount if you purchase a case. RI Plastics is the right clipboard for your needs. Clipboards such as this one range in price from about $2.50 up to about $3.50, depending on the quantity you order.

Stretch your marketing dollar and pick up customized clipboards with your company name and logo

If you're looking for clip boards that will do the double duty of being an advertising vehicle as well, then you're in luck, as there are many companies that offer personalized clipboards. The prices of these promotional clipboards depend on a few factors such as material, size and the size and color of the image you want on them. For example, a personalized aluminum clipboard will be more expensive than a custom plastic office clipboard.

I recommend: Custom clipboards are their specialty at ClipboardFrenzy.com. They will imprint a clipboard with your company name and logo for prices that start around $4 and go up to about $12, depending on the style and quantity ordered. You will certainly make a statement with promotional clipboards from ePromos Promotional Products. Depending on the style, size and amount you order, they will start at around $4 and go up to about $12.

Clipboards are simple office supplies that make a big impact in many businesses. Clipboards are useful for storing, organizing and working with papers, no matter where you are. They also provide a hard, flat surface for writing. If you need to work on the go, you simply need a clipboard. Today’s clipboards are far more sophisticated than the simple wood clipboards of days gone by. Master some clipboards key terms so that you can sort through the options.

Action Steps
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Clipboard

A clipboard is a flat, thin board made from metal, wood or another hard surface. The clipboard usually has a clip near the top for holding papers in place. Clipboards typically are slightly larger than a paper or notepad.

I recommend: OnlineOrganizing.com has a good discussion of clipboards.

Storage clipboard

A storage clipboard has pockets, or more typically, larger compartments for storing papers and documents. The compartments open by lifting the writing surface, allowing you quick access to your papers. Storage clipboards are useful if you take your work outside, as the storage areas keep your papers safe from rain and weather. Some storage clipboards also have a storage area for pens and writing instruments.

I recommend: MyPencil.com has illustrated examples of storage clipboards and examples of some of the more popular storage clipboard styles.

Aluminum clipboards

Aluminum clipboards, as their name suggests, are clipboards made from aluminum. These clipboards are very popular because they are affordable and extremely durable. They are also very light, which is important if you are moving around or walking around with your clipboard. Most aluminum clipboards are coated to protect them from weather and moisture. Many people consider aluminum clipboards to be among the most lasting and sturdy clipboards available.

I recommend: WiseGEEK has a comprehensive guide to aluminum clipboards.

Wood clipboards

Wood clipboards, as their name suggests, are made of wood. The least expensive are made from pressed board. However, there are some designer clipboards made from decorative solid wood. Solid wood clipboards will virtually last a lifetime. The clip can be replaced, while the solid writing surface will stay in great shape for many years.

I recommend: Lee Chesson has examples and illustrations of wooden clipboards.

Promotional clipboards

Promotional clipboards are clipboards that have a company logo on them. They often are used for marketing and frequently are given away free by companies.

I recommend: IdentityLinks offers an illustrated look at promotional clipboards.

Calculator clipboards

Calculator clipboards are clipboards with a solar calculator attached to them. They are very useful if you need to do simple math while out and about with your work.

I recommend: QuEssentials has a good example of a typical calculator clipboard.