(hi! I updated this post in November 2020 with more resources that I currently use.) I get the same few small business questions in my email inbox often. I don't mind, it means I get to feel like an accidental expert in custom rubber stamps and paper stocks (I am not even close). But it also means that it's about time I just shared allllll the info in one post and stuck it on the sidebar (and in my FAQs) so you and I can all save ourselves some email time and just get on to the more exciting parts of small business owning (like ordering business cards and telling Netflix that "YES, I do indeed want to continue watching.") (I'm totally kidding about the Netflix. That was my life...and then I had a kid.)
Below are the online companies I have used and continue to use daily or at least quarterly. I have also linked some tools that help keep this ship running. Many links are affiliate, but all of this stuff (and everything you see on the blog) really does have my stamp of approval. (Speaking of affiliate programs, learn more here.)
Something to note ... some of this stuff was found after tons of searching. Some of this stuff I found immediately and have just stuck with because it works well. I don't doubt there are better processes and better companies out there, but for my size small business (sole proprietor who works out of house) and the amount of inventory I ship (2800 packages last year), I am really pleased with this collection of sources.
COMPANIES
Sticker Giant / They make the stickers that go on my packaging (I love that they can print a metallic gold) and they make the "remember to order your next planner" stickers I shipped out with Get To Work Book orders. The quality is fantastic.
Overnight Prints / I use this company for thank you cards and other printed materials. Like their name promises, you can get your order in one day, but you'll pay for that rush. I find that my orders usually take about 10 days and I pay for the cheapest shipping. I get asked a lot what paper stock I use with overnight prints. I always use the general 15pt cardstock and it's a Satin Matte Finish. I rarely get rounded corners but it's an option. There is always a great sale through these guys and I take advantage of that all the time.
Pirate Ship / I do all of my shipping through Pirate Ship as of fall 2019. I love how easily it integrates with my shop and that it allows USPS cubic rate shipping.
Flodesk / I switched newsletter providers in 2019 and am in love with Flodesk. The templates are beautiful and it's easy to use. PLUS! It's a flat rate per month no matter how many newsletters you have and how many subscribers are on your list(s). Use my link here to save 50% your monthly fee.
Tape Jungle / I get my custom tape here.
Waste Not Paper / on the rare occasion I am printing cards for resale, I purchase envelopes and cardstock wholesale through Waste Not Paper which is associated with Paper Source.
yelp / I use yelp almost daily to find everything from a local letterpress printer to a trademark lawyer. It's shocking how many resources are in your backyard and reading reviews has helped me find some gems.
TOOLS & PROGRAMS
Dymo labelwriter / I couldn't do my shipping without a label printer. I use this one and the best part is it's laser so no ink cartridges. I use these zero-waste shipping labels.
Walcom Tablet / I use this to add handwriting to graphics or to promo pieces like my business cards (or the just start stamp). It took some getting used to, but I love how easy it is to "write" on stuff now.
Canon printer / this has been my go-to printer for six years running.
Rotatrim Paper Trimmer / of all the business purchases I have made, this one probably made me feel the most legit. A real, heavy duty, huge paper cutter is a MUST for what I do.
square card reader / on the rare occasion I sell at a craft fair, I use this to process credit card transactions. It was free (but you do pay CC fees) and is super easy to use.
shipping scale / again, great price. We also use this to weigh our coffee beans. A must for at home shipping.
