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Amy Gesenhues

Guide to Getting Great Business Stationery

How to get business stationery that impresses prospects and clients.

By Amy Gesenhues, Director of Marketing, Autodemo LLC

Your business stationery is often the first impression you make on prospects, clients and vendors. The more professional your stationery looks, the better you look. To create a professional library of business stationery, you have to:
  1. Know what pieces of stationery you need.
  2. Know how to design your stationery for easy, cost-effective printing.
  3. Determine how many pieces you should buy.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Start with the basics and keep the look consistent

Standard business stationery includes letterhead, envelopes and business cards. You may want additional pieces, like second sheet letterhead, invoice and receipt sheets, labels and note cards. Each piece of your business stationery should have a consistent look to reinforce your company name and brand.
I recommend: My Print Shop Online offers a complete Business Stationery Guide to help determine what pieces you need to start your business.

Choose appropriate paper weight for a professional look

Standard weight for letterhead is 20-pound or 24-pound, while business cards are commonly printed on 65-pound or 80-pound "card stock” type paper. Your printer will be able to recommend what paper weight you need and the best print process to support your stationery design and layout.
I recommend: MacMillan Graphics, Ltd. has an online cheat sheet to help determine the paper weight for a variety of stationery pieces.

Determine how much to buy

You'll receive more bang for your buck when you order in large quantities. But, if you foresee your business address, phone number or any other contact information changing in the near future, order only what you need.
I recommend: Hillside Printing provides a Top Ten List for Saving Money on print orders (see Tip #9 for ordering appropriate quantities).

Where to buy your business stationery

There are thousands of online printers delivering professional business stationery for affordable prices. Keep in mind that the vendor relationship you have with your printer is one of the most important.
I recommend: You can easily upload your print files and have your business stationery delivered to your front door when you purchase from VistaPrint, KoolPrint or PrintingforLess.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • While most businesses design their stationery before going to the printer, it is actually more cost-effective to talk to your printer first, then design your stationery around what fits your budget.
  • Make sure the paper you choose for your letterhead is compatible with your office laser printer and copier.

The official source of Getting Great Business Stationery is
the Business Stationery Printing page at Business.com

Fine Business Stationery from Crane & Co.® - Since 1801
Make a Perfect, Polished Impression with Quality Business Stationery, Business Cards and Paper from Crane & Co.
www.Crane.com
Business Stationery Printing
USA Printing Online is your source for Stationery Printing. Low Minimums and Great Prices. Visit our website for instant online quotes.
Letterhead
www.USAprintingonline.com
Business Stationery
Custom Letterhead, Note Cards, Pads, Envelopes & More! Upload Your Logo.
Business Cards | Postcards
www.Vistaprint.com
Business Stationery and Letterhead Custom Printed
Custom Printing - Business Stationery & Letterhead, Professional Custom Designs from Wrigley's Custom Print Offering Great Corporate Discounts.
Fine Paper | Recycled Paper | Economical Paper | Classic Paper
wrigleysos.com/CustomLetterhead-Stationery

Recommended Solution Providers

Logoworks: Stationary Design
Business cards, stationary, and brochures.

Elite Design Labels & Printing: Custom Printing Services
Business printing and custom printing services for business cards, stationary, and envelopes.

Crane: Fine Stationery
Features cotton paper for social and business correspondence.

iPrint: Business Stationery
Offers custom printed rubber stamps, letterhead, envelopes, and printed business supplies.

MyExpression: Business Stationery
Business and corporate stationery, letterheads, and brochures,

American Stationery Company: Business Stationery
Monogrammed and embossed invitations, correspondence cards, tags, and labels for business stationery.

Best Sites to Learn More

About: Business Publishing
Articles and resources on business cards and stationery.

BuyerZone: Printing Buyer's Guide
Information on purchasing commercial printing services, including stationery.



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