bizSimple

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Monday 6 September

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Business stationery

You must show your name, or all partner's names and your main trading address on all your letterheads, invoices, statements and order forms. (This information must also be clearly displayed at places of business visited by customers).

FAQs

Is it OK to make my own letterhead?

If you are a very small business, with a local client base you are unlikely to need formally printed business stationery, and can generate your own on your computer as you need it.

However you do it, you must make sure that you have the business address and the name of the proprietor or partners in the letterhead, as this is a legal requirement.

If you have had a colour logo professionally designed and need to portray a professional image when you communicate in writing with your customers, then we strongly suggest that you have your letterheads, compliments slips and business cards professionally printed.

Is it true that I will pay extra for colours?

Generally no. Today's printing techniques have made full colour printing very cost effective, and coloured paper should be no more expensive that white.

You pay extra for a heavier paper, or card, a special finish on the paper (e.g. glossy), or the size of the print run (as this uses more paper). Sadly, recycled paper is very expensive, as well, but hopefully this will change in the future.

Is it cheaper for me to have less printed?

Print runs of less than 500 are not really cheaper, and some printers might not do them. It is worth noting, however, that it is not double the price to have double the amount of printing.

It's best to get a price from a printer for, say, 500 sheets and then a 'run on' price per 500 as you will then only pay for the additional paper.

As long as you don't change any of your letterhead details, it is often worth getting a larger amount printed at one go, which will last you quite a while.