Choose a ready-made stamp when the supplied wording and layout already fit your task. Choose a personalised stamp when you need your own name, address, logo or message. Neither is automatically better: compare the exact impression, mechanism and selected package.
Compare stock and custom designs
| Choice | When it may suit | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made wording | The supplied message already matches your workflow. | Exact text, impression dimensions and any adjustable date. |
| Personalised wording | You need a name, address or different message. | Available text controls and readable layout. |
| Personalised artwork | You need a logo or supplied design. | Upload formats, impression shape and fine detail. |
Compare actual office stamp examples
A 38 × 14mm fixed PAID word stamp repeats a fixed word. A 4750 PAID date stamp combines stock wording with a changing date; check the selected model’s date range and options. A 4750 COPY date stamp marks the supplied word and date. Choose the function you need rather than assuming every “Paid” or “Copy” stamp behaves the same way.
Use the mark as part of your process. A “Paid” impression does not independently prove settlement, and a “Copy” impression does not certify a document. Confirm the underlying record or recipient’s verification requirements.
See the difference in the product examples
Open an example to check its current options. The sample artwork and ink shown illustrate the product; check the selected colour and package before ordering.
When a personalised layout helps
Use a custom return address, business name or logo when stock wording is insufficient. Compare 4933 square logo stamp for a compact square mark and Imprint 13 text and logo stamp for a wider text-and-logo layout. These have 25 × 25mm and 58 × 22mm impressions respectively. The logo stamp buying guide links more shapes and sizes.
For wording beside artwork, browse text and logo stamps. The available text capacity depends on the chosen product, font and layout; do not assume every logo fits beside a stated number of lines.
Choose mechanism and material separately
Stock versus personalised describes the design. Self-inking versus hand stamp describes the mechanism. A self-inking stamp uses an internal pad; a traditional hand stamp needs a separate pad. Check the individual product and compatible replacement pads.
Standard self-inking logo and text stamps are intended for suitable absorbent paper and uncoated matt card. Glossy or coated materials may prevent ink absorbing and may smudge. Ask before ordering for fabric, wood, plastic or other specialist materials. A different handle or mechanism does not by itself make ordinary ink suitable for every surface.
Compare the package and ordering process
Compare the selected product price, included items and delivery at checkout. Ready-made does not always mean cheaper or immediately available, and personalised does not imply a universal extra charge. Ask about stock when timing matters.
Where the selected product offers artwork upload, use SVG, PNG or JPG/JPEG in the online personaliser. PDF upload is not currently supported in the online personaliser. If you only have a PDF, contact us before ordering. Use the clearest original available and check the design at its intended impression size. SVG can include embedded images, so the extension alone does not establish quality. PNG and JPG are raster images. Fine lettering or crowded detail may need simplifying.
You see a visual inside the personaliser. A separate manual proof is available on request. Check spelling, numbers, layout and product options before ordering. Read the artwork upload guide for preparation advice; no single character, font-size, stroke or DPI threshold suits every stamp.
For advice, call 01695 769113 or email our team with the intended material, impression area and any deadline. We aim to despatch orders placed before midday (12pm) on the same day, but this is an aim rather than a guarantee; stock may need ordering in for the next day. Carrier transit time is separate.
Free tracked UK delivery is available on orders over £39.99. Tracking is added to the order on despatch. Remote UK zones B, C and D use Royal Mail Tracked 48. See the delivery policy for rates and restrictions. Missing orders and errors receive free-of-charge replacements.
Use both only when the tasks differ
An office may need a personalised address stamp and a stock date stamp because they perform different jobs. List the repeated tasks first and choose a stamp for each genuine need. Buying a larger set is not automatically necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Can a ready-made stamp have an adjustable date?
Yes, some models combine stock wording with an adjustable date. Check the model specification.
Can a personalised stamp print a changing date?
Only if the selected model has that adjustable function. A fixed date in custom text stays the same.
Which option is cheapest?
Compare the actual selected packages and checkout totals. There is no universal price rule.
Will I receive a separate proof?
For personalisation, you see a visual inside the personaliser. A separate manual proof is available on request.
Related guides
Read the rubber stamp overview, compare logo stamp buying guide, or prepare a file with the artwork upload guide.