First impressions count.
Business Stationery Essentials: Cards, Letterheads, Stamps And More. When a client receives your card, opens your letter, or signs a docket, they form an opinion about your professionalism in seconds. The right business stationery makes that moment work for you. If you are starting up in Ireland or giving your brand a refresh, this guide will help you pick the essentials, decide what to include, and choose finishes that feel as good as they look. You will also find simple steps for ordering personalised stamps and docket books, plus eco-friendly options that reduce waste without reducing quality.
The core stationery every business needs.
Start with a tight, consistent set. Build from there when needed. Business cards, the everyday essential for meetings, deliveries, and introductions Letterheads and matching envelopes, for quotes, proposals, contracts, and formal communication Docket books and invoice books, for service calls, deliveries, and on-site sales where signatures matter Custom company stamps, for fast approvals, paid/received marks, and return addresses Compliment slips, a friendly touch for samples and small parcels Branded labels or stickers, handy for packaging, returns, and asset tagging Presentation elements, simple folders or a clean cover sheet when you hand over reports If you handle face-to-face sales or field work, add carbonless docket books and a clear stamp system. If you send a lot of post, prioritise quality envelopes that match your letterheads. You can explore a full range of office stationery online or in-store. If you prefer to browse, see office stationery.
What makes a good business card.
A good card is clear, legible, and aligned to your brand. It also survives a wallet pocket without scuffing. Focus on the following. Size and stock, standard credit card size on a sturdy 350 to 450 gsm board; consider a protective matte or soft-touch finish Layout, keep breathing room; align elements and respect margins; avoid clutter Logo and colour, use your brand colours with enough contrast for text; avoid heavy ink coverage at the edges if you dislike edge wear Typography, one or two clean fonts; minimum 8 to 9 pt body text; test at print size Details to include, name, title, company, phone, email, website; optional QR code to your contact card or booking page; avoid long vanity URLs Back of card, use for a tagline, service list, or QR code; keep it readable Special finishes, consider rounded corners, spot UV, foil, or extra-thick stocks sparingly; the finish should support your brand tone If you need a simple way to act fast, upload your artwork and print business cards with local, reliable turnaround. If you do not have artwork, a printer can set up a clean template in minutes based on your logo. Tip, keep one version per role or department to avoid scribbling edits, and reorder before you run out so the design remains consistent.
Letterheads, envelopes, and everyday documents.
Your letterhead carries your legal identity and your brand. Include: Registered business name and trading name if different Registered office address Company registration number and VAT number where applicable Phone, email, and website Logo and brand elements kept light so text remains readable Choose uncoated paper in the 100 to 120 gsm range for a crisp, professional feel that also works in your office printer. Matching DL or C5 envelopes keep the set consistent. If you need to attach terms or a schedule, ask your printer to pre-collate or provide short-run sets so you are not overstocked. For proposals or onboarding packs, add a simple cover page and, if you need bound documents, consider document printing and binding for a tidy finish that sits flat on a desk.
Docket books and invoice books.
Carbonless docket books are the unsung hero of on-site work. Use them for service calls, deliveries, or any job that needs a signed copy. Key choices: Format, A5 for portability, A4 for more detail; portrait is easier for clipboards Sets, duplicate or triplicate depending on the number of copies you need Numbering, sequential numbering adds control and traceability Perforation, clean tear-off for customer copies Cover and wrap, sturdy cover and a wraparound insert to protect the next set Branding, logo, contact details, VAT lines, and spaces for PO numbers and signatures
How to order personalised docket books: 1. Share your logo and details, phone, email, address, VAT number if required 2. Provide your fields, line items, quantities, rates, signature lines, and any legal text 3. Confirm size, duplicate or triplicate, start number, and colour sequence 4. Approve a digital proof 5. Print, finish, and ship or collect in-store If you need a fast restock, talk to your printer about rush options and repeat-order setups.
Company stamps and how to order.
Self-inking company stamps save time on forms, parcels, and paperwork. Typical uses include company name and CRO, paid/received dates, return addresses, and signature boxes. To order: 1. Choose the stamp size based on your content 2. Send your text or logo and confirm the layout, all caps or mixed case for readability3. Approve a proof; check spelling and numbers carefully 4. Confirm ink colour, black or blue are the most legible for scans 5. Collect or get delivery once produced If you are building your set, order two, a return address stamp and an accounts stamp for invoicing and receipts. You can browse company stamps as part of your wider stationery order.
Modern design trends that still read well.
Trends come and go, but clarity lasts. If you want a current look that does not date quickly, try these. Minimal colour palettes, one primary brand colour plus a neutral Soft-touch laminate for a refined tactile feel on cards Subtle texture, uncoated or lightly textured paper for letterheads Rounded corners on cards that travel in wallets QR codes that add value, vCard downloads or appointment booking Micro-branding, small secondary mark on the back of a card or on envelopes Avoid overly heavy backgrounds, tiny text, or edge-to-edge dark ink if longevity is a concern. If you are redesigning, keep your wider collateral in mind. Your brochures and website should feel part of the same family. When the timing is right, extend your look to brochures so your proposals and sales packs stay consistent.
Eco-friendly stationery choices.
Yes, you can go greener without compromising print quality. Recycled stocks, choose certified recycled paper for letterheads and envelopes FSC certified paper, supports responsible forestry where recycled is not suitable Soy or vegetable inks where available Sensible finishes, avoid plastic-lamination on items that do not need it; consider aqueous or soft-touch coatings instead Right-sizing, order realistic quantities so you avoid waste and reprints after small updates Durable items, if a card will be handled daily, a protective finish may reduce reprints over time Ask your printer to recommend recycled options for each product and to advise on compatibility with your office printers. Many Irish businesses now standardise on a recycled letterhead stock for everyday use and reserve premium textured paper for formal documents.
How to place your order with confidence.
A smooth order comes down to clear files and quick proofing. Supply high-resolution logos in vector format where possible Include full contact details and legal requirements once, then reuse across items Request a printed sample or paper swatch if colour or texture is important Approve digital proofs on a calibrated screen and check small print carefully Plan your lead times, simple items can be fast, larger runs or speciality finishes may need extra days If you need help preparing files or want the team to set layouts for you, choose a provider that offers hands-on support. JayCee Print Shop in Galway provides in-store assistance and nationwide delivery. You can order online for most items and get guidance on custom printing when required. If you are restocking frequently, save your approved designs to speed up repeat orders.
Summary.
Professional stationery is a small investment that delivers daily. Start with cards, letterheads, envelopes, docket books, and company stamps. Keep your information clear, your finishes durable, and your brand consistent. Order personalised stamps and docket books by sharing your details, reviewing a proof, and confirming sizes and quantities. Choose eco-friendly stocks and sensible finishes to reduce waste. When you are ready to set up or refresh your set, a trusted Irish printing company can help you print business cards, letterheads, and more, with fast turnaround and friendly support. Explore stationery options online, or call into the Galway print shop if you prefer to order in person.