The custom stamp is the single most cost-effective tool for physical branding – from packaging and labels to loyalty cards and envelopes. Whether you’re customizing paper bags or sending marketing materials, business stamps can help optimize your workflows, saving you time and money while taking your branding to the next level. This guide will cover everything from the different types of business stamps and how to make a custom stamp (with design and technical tips) to stamp templates that make designing a stamp easy!
- Custom business stamps are an affordable way to enhance branding and streamline tasks.
- Types of business stamps include self-inking, pre-inked and signature stamps.
- Stamps are used for branding packaging, loyalty cards, office tasks and marketing materials.
- To make a custom stamp, first define its purpose, then choose the right type and upload your artwork.
- Ensure your artwork has the right line thickness and font size, and fits within the safety and bleed areas.
What is a business stamp?
A business stamp is any kind of stamp – from logo stamps to signature stamps – that helps you brand materials or accomplish business tasks, such as filing, recordkeeping, mailing and invoicing. You can customize stamps with your brand name, logo and business address, depending on its use. Branding stamps help to create a cohesive image across packaging, postcards and marketing.
Do I need a business stamp?
Custom stamps help businesses create a polished brand and professional feel. Whether you’re selling a product, running a service-based business or an entrepreneur, you can upgrade your brand with a custom logo stamp to use on everything from labels and packaging to marketing materials and business cards.
Different types of business stamps
There are several types of business stamps for different purposes. Whether you want to make office tasks more efficient or make your branding more cohesive, here’s how to find the right stamp for your goals.
Self-inking stamps
Self-inking business stamps are an excellent option for quick and repetitive office and administrative tasks. Streamline your filing and create a more professional image with custom self-inking business stamps that don’t need an ink pad. Consider this type of stamp for simple designs and minimal text. VistaPrint’s custom self-inking rectangular stamps and circle stamps come in three colors and three sizes and can be used up to 10,000 times.
Use self-inking stamps for:
- Speeding up repetitive office tasks like filing, invoicing and mailing
- Adding quick labels or return addresses to letters and packaging
- Branding small items such as tags, postcards or thank-you cards
- Marking documents with approval, date or status messages
- Stamping loyalty cards or marketing materials
Explore self-inking stamp templates and circle stamp templates to see how your text or logo will look across different shapes and sizes.
Pre-inked stamps
Pre-inked stamps are best when more detail is needed. So if your logo design is more complex or you want to add a more professional feel to your branding, this type of business stamp is for you. VistaPrint’s customizable pre-inked stamps are available in four sizes and five colors.
Use pre-inked business stamps for:
- Custom logo stamps
- Attractive visual branding
- Security stamps
- QR codes
- Complex images
If you’re working with detailed artwork or intricate logo elements, browse pre-inked stamp templates for inspiration.
Pre-inked stamps take longer to ink between uses than self-inked stamps, but they can print more complex designs.
Signature stamps
If you’re responsible for signing documents regularly, save time and eliminate writer’s cramps by creating a custom signature stamp. Use self-inking signature stamps to save time signing documents, letters, paperwork and greetings cards.
This type of pre-inking stamp is a favorite for professionals across many industries. Upload your signature once and stamp with an exact copy in seconds every time. Signature stamps are available in 3 different colors.
Use cases for business stamps
There are many uses for business stamps, from branding to stationery. Every industry from financial services to hospitality businesses can build a cohesive brand image, simplify workflows and promote a business using custom stamps.
Use a business stamp to:
- Create eye-catching business cards with custom logo stamps
- Add branding to custom packaging
- Stamp your logo onto loyalty cards
- Customize invitations, holiday cards and stationery
- Address mail, envelopes and business correspondence
- Explain care instructions for clothing or handmade items
- Brand menus, coasters, cups and other paper products
How to make a custom stamp in 5 easy steps
Now that you know how versatile business stamps can be, it’s time to turn your design ideas into reality. Creating a custom stamp is the next step in bringing your brand to life, whether you’re adding your logo to packaging or streamlining your office processes.
Step 1: Define your purpose and stamp design concept
The purpose of your stamp will influence its design, so start by asking yourself: What will the stamp be used for? For example, a logo stamp for packaging should have bold, clean lines, while a loyalty card stamp can be smaller and more intricate.
Before designing your stamp, consider how it will align with your visual identity, specifically:
- Your brand typeface
- Your brand colors
- Your brand imagery
Step 2: Choose the right type of stamp
Next, decide on the stamp type that best fits your needs:
- Self-inking stamps: Best for high-volume, repetitive tasks like addressing mail or stamping invoices.
- Pre-inked stamps: Great for detailed logos, these require a little more time to recharge but offer precision and sharp artworks.
- Circle stamps: Perfect for smaller applications like loyalty cards, labels and product packaging. Their compact design makes them easy to apply to tight spaces.
Step 3: Prepare and upload your artwork
It’s now time to prepare your design so it’s ready for print. A high-contrast design will yield the best results, so avoid gradients or light gray areas.
For the best results, upload your design in a vector file format, such as .AI, .SVG or high-resolution .PDF to ensure your edges stay crisp and your artwork looks sharp on any material.
Ensure lines are at least 0.3 mm thick and text is no smaller than 8 pt.
In VistaPrint’s editor, you’ll see helpful guides like the safety and bleed area – so you can make sure your design fits properly and avoid any key elements being cut off.
Step 4: Review your proof before printing
Before clicking “order,” always review your digital proof. Zoom in to check lines are crisp and ensure your text or logo fits comfortably within the stamp’s border. Check alignment, pixelation and contrast on light and dark backgrounds.
Step 5: Check off your pre-printing checklist
Before you submit your stamp design for printing, use this checklist:
- File format: vector (.AI, .SVG, .PDF) or high-res .PNG (300 dpi)
- Minimum line thickness: 0.3 mm
- Font size: at least 8 pt
- High-contrast artwork (dark text on a light background)
- No fine details or thin lines
- Review your proof for alignment and sharpness
Once you’ve ticked everything off, you’re ready to place your order!
Tips for branding and promoting your small business
Creating a brand image can be challenging at first. Use these tips to help you brand and promote your small business confidently.
Tip #1: Establish your brand identity
What defines your brand? Figure out what you specialize in, what sets you apart and what solutions you offer customers. Understand how you want your brand to make your customers feel. What elements best represent your brand identity? Is your brand fun or serious? Warm or cool? Simple or complex? Know what makes your business stand out from the rest and highlight your brand’s unique qualities and personality.
Tip #2: Design your unique look
Once you establish your brand identity, use colors that evoke it and choose visuals that represent your look and personality. Play around with different color palettes and fonts and search for patterns you’d like to use in your designs. Gather your ideas and create a brand style guide to keep all your visual elements in one place.
Tip #3: Determine which visual elements to use
Your visual elements should make your brand easy to recognize and remember. Simple is often the most memorable. Play around with a few different versions and options, then decide which elements best represent your brand. Think about how your visual elements will look on everything from mailer boxes to business cards.
Ready to make a custom stamp for your business?
Whether you’re a new startup or an established business, custom stamps can make your work processes more manageable and branding more cohesive. Entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals across different industries can use custom stamps to streamline their tasks and create branded marketing materials. VistaPrint’s customizable business stamps are the perfect, cost-effective solution for your business branding and promotion.
