How to choose a stamp pad?

An ink stamp, also known as a company stamp, has many uses and is not just for dating or numbering a document. Whether you use it to mark a text, a date, a number or a visual, it is a must-have in terms of office supplies. Why buy a stamp pad and how to use it? Find out the answers in this article.

How to buy a stamp pad?

Buying an ink pad is essential if you know all the uses it promises. It allows you to standardize your markings, especially when it comes to affixing the same date, in the same format, on different administrative documents.

The ink stamp also makes it possible to authenticate a document but also to simplify administrative tasks. There are several models available:

- The personalized stamp pad is certainly the most widely used model. It allows the company to authenticate its documents by affixing its business name, registration numbers, etc. As the stamp is fully customisable, the company is free to give it the marking it needs. The logo, company name or any text on several lines can be affixed, depending on the model chosen. You can also put your practice's contact details on the appointment cards given to your patient for the next appointment. 

- The standard formula stamp is what is generally used to affix standard text formulas (confidential, validated, reminder, paid, urgent, payable, etc.) to personalised envelopes and company documents.

- The numbering stamp is not the most essential, but it is essential for numbering company documents. There are two types of numbering stamps, namely the automatic and manual incremental stamps.

- The date stamp is essential to ensure that a document was issued or received on a particular date. It is usually equipped with a manual anchoring system, a thumbwheel and an adjustable numbered imprint.

- The loyalty stamp, which allows you to affix a symbol, pictogram or brand to loyalty cards and thus keep a record of your customers' visits to the checkout.

How to choose and personalise your stamp pad?

There are many models to choose from, and when planning to buy a stamp pad, the choice should be dictated mainly by the purpose for which it will be used.

The different types of buffers

•       Wooden models are the most traditional. They have a simple design and take up little space, but it should be remembered that this type of stamp requires a separate inker.
•       The metal self-inking pen is robust and is intended for more intensive use than the traditional wooden model. It allows for quick and clean marking, but on the other hand, it is heavy and cumbersome. This is why it is strictly recommended for office use. This type of stamp is especially recommended for marking mail and afterprinting an A4 invoice, for example, to include specific information.
•       The plastic self-inking pen is lighter, more manageable and just as practical. It takes up very little space and is just as quick to mark as its metal counterpart.
•       Finally, the pocket stamp is light and compact. It is easy to carry around and is therefore very practical compared to other models. It should be noted that this type of stamp is only suitable for occasional use and buying a pocket stamp is not recommended for office use, especially for intensive marking.

Criteria to remember before buying a stamp pad:

Before buying a stamp pad, consider these criteria:

- Ease of maintenance: A stamp pad should be easy to clean, especially the rubber part. If you are planning to buy an automatic stamp pad then make sure that the cassette can be replaced to refill it with ink.

- Ease of use: this should be considered along with the frequency of use of your stamp when you are planning to buy a stamp. If the company stamp is intended to be used several times a day then it is best to opt for a model with an easy grip. If it's for occasional use then opt for a more standard model such as the wooden stamp.

- The shape of the stamp: When it comes to shape, remember that the rectangular shape is the most common, but you can opt for a square shape if you plan to use it for your loyalty cards. Buying a round stamp pad is perfect for originality or for putting your logo on, as is the oval stamp pad.

- The number of lines: Medium size stamps range from 4 to 6 lines of characters and are the most commonly used corporate stamps. If you don't need to insert many characters, then a 5-line template will suffice. On the other hand, if you want to insert a lot of information, then use the 7 to 9 line templates. The 1 to 3 line templates are more suitable for very simple markings such as "Invoiced + date"...

- The colour of the ink: There are four standard colours (black, red, green and blue), but it is still possible to customise the ink according to the desired effect.

Discover the entire Office & Stationery range to complete your personalised office supplies. With our advice, buying customisable stamps becomes easier. Whether you use it occasionally or intensively, the stamp pad will help you sort your files, draw up your invoices, personalise your business card or manage your loyalty cards.