7 Tips for Choosing Stationery Suppliers
Today, we live in a mostly digital world, constantly typing up text messages and emails. Unfortunately, this has caused many of us to forget about the beauty of handwritten letters.
The truth is that it takes time to write things out by hand, which is why recipients treasure such things. So whether you want to make an impact on loved ones or (potential) clients, using your penmanship can be a fantastic choice.
Of course, you should pair it with beautiful stationery, which can give it that extra special touch. But when it comes to stationery suppliers, who should you trust? Keep reading for seven tips.
1. Assess Your Stationery Needs
There are several personal and business stationery options, and not every single one will be optimal for your purposes. In addition, not every supplier carries those products, so it's good to be clear about what you need before wading through your choices.
The types of stationery that are available include:
- Office supplies (pens, paper, notebooks, sticky notes)
- Custom-branded stationery (letterheads, business cards, envelopes)
- Art supplies (sketchbooks, markers, specialty paper)
- School supplies (binders, folders, planners)
- Specialty stationery (luxury pens, embossed notepads)
2. Check the Product Quality
It's easy to check product quality if you can visit suppliers in person. For example, you can see the ink with your own eyes and feel the thickness and weight of paper with your own hands. If this is possible, then you should do this.
However, if you're buying online, it's tougher to gauge how good a stationery supplier selection is. This is where you have to have a sharp eye and be thorough.
Search for suppliers that have detailed product descriptions and images. The more detailed the descriptions are, the better. Plus, the images should be sharp and high quality so you can inspect the smallest details.
Most importantly, the product descriptions should match what you're looking at. If not, then there's a chance that the supplier is being disingenuous about its stationery and is exaggerating the quality.
If possible, request samples so you can check the durability, texture, and print quality. When you receive the samples, ensure that the ink doesn't smudge and that the paper weight is appropriate.
3. Compare Pricing and Bulk Discounts
Getting the best stationery deals can mean the difference between staying within your budget or going massively over. So you should compare prices across multiple suppliers to make sure you're getting competitive rates.
While going over the prices, look for discounts on bulk purchases since many suppliers offer tiered pricing. Also, they may have loyalty programs or subscription-based discounts, which can help you save even more money if you plan on using these products frequently.
Don't just consider the base price either. You have to think about the total cost, including shipping fees, taxes, and potential handling charges.
4. Evaluate Customization Options
For occasional handwritten letters, regular stationery is fine. However, those who want personalized stationery for branding or special events will have to go over the customization options.
The supplier you pick should have custom printing for logos, monograms, or unique designs. Not only should they handle these things, but they should also have excellent printing quality, including:
- Color accuracy
- Embossing
- Foil stamping
Do note that because customization takes more care and effort, these orders may take longer than standard items. Double-check the turnaround times to avoid disappointment.
5. Assess Delivery Speed and Logistics
Speaking of turnaround times, read the shipping policy page to review the estimated delivery times and shipping costs. Ideally, if you're buying huge quantities of stationery, you should find a provider that offers free shipping on bulk orders. That way, you can save even more money.
Reliable stationery providers will also refuse deliveries to PO Boxes. In addition, they'll require a signature on delivery to ensure that your order is safe in your hands.
Another key thing to look for is when your order will go into print. For example, it's a good sign if a supplier will only print after they've received your approval for the proof.
6. Verify the Supplier's Reputation
Does everything check out fine, and you're interested in purchasing from a particular supplier? Before you do so, check their reputation and reviews.
There may be reviews on the provider's own website, but look beyond those. Use Google Reviews and third-party platforms like Trustpilot to see if there are any discrepancies in reviews.
You can also go on social media to see user feedback and any reported issues. If there are inquiries and concerns, how does the customer service team handle them? It's a green flag if they're responsive and courteous.
7. Check Return and Refund Policies
We can do our best to pick a stationery provider that's reputable, but bad orders can still happen. In case that happens, you need a good return and refund policy to fall back on, so it doesn't hurt to check this now.
Verify that returns are accepted in case of defects, incorrect items, or just plain dissatisfaction. Review how long you have for returns and if you have to cover the shipping costs yourself.
If getting the money or replacements fast is a priority, then you should see if returns and refunds are processed quickly. Do remember that banks and credit card companies may process refunds slower though, so it may not be completely in the provider's hands.
Choose the Best Stationery Suppliers for Your Needs
It may be daunting to consider all your choices for stationery suppliers, especially since the internet is full of them. However, it's definitely possible to narrow things down and choose one that'll exceed your expectations.
Take the time to weigh your options, check reviews, and read the fine print. The more informed you are, the more likely you'll select a stationery provider that has good stock and can fulfill your orders accurately and on time.
Are you ready to find the best stationery deals around? Then check out our collection now. Pemberly Fox has been providing the world with bespoke stationery equipment ever since 2011.