Choose a personalised stamp when you need wording or artwork that a ready-made design does not provide. A stock stamp can be suitable when its exact message already matches your task. Start with what the impression needs to say, then compare the size, mechanism, ink and selected package.
Stock or personalised: compare the task
| Question | Stock design | Personalised design |
|---|---|---|
| Do you need exactly the supplied wording? | Consider stock if the wording and layout already match. | Choose personalised if you need different wording or artwork. |
| Do you need a logo, name or address? | Check whether the specific product supports any personalisation. | Choose a product with the appropriate text/artwork controls. |
| Does the date change? | Choose an adjustable-date model if needed. | A fixed custom date does not automatically advance; check the model. |
| Which costs should you compare? | Selected product/package and delivery. | Selected product/package and delivery; do not assume a universal price premium. |
What personalisation lets you change
Depending on the product, you can enter a name, address, short message or upload artwork. The available controls vary by model; check the chosen product’s personaliser rather than assuming every stamp supports every layout. A personalised stamp reproduces the supplied design, including any mistake left in the wording.
Choose the right function
A self-inking stamp uses an internal ink pad. A traditional hand stamp needs a separate pad. An adjustable date stamp has a changing date element, while a fixed text stamp prints the same wording each time. These are separate choices from whether the design is stock or personalised.
For a logo, use the logo stamp buying guide. For contact details alongside artwork, compare text and logo stamps. For office routines, see the business stamp types guide.
Check the impression size and layout
| Shape | Linked example | When to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 25 × 25mm square logo stamp | A compact square mark. |
| Round | 42mm round logo stamp | A circular logo or badge. |
| Rectangle | 58 × 22mm Imprint 13 logo stamp | A wider horizontal design. |
These dimensions describe the stamped impression. Confirmed Imprint rectangles also include 38 × 14mm and 48 × 18mm. Text capacity depends on the product, font and layout; compare the complete design at the intended impression size.
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. SVG supports scalable vector shapes but can include images. PNG and JPG are raster formats. Use the clearest original available and check the artwork at its intended impression size. Fine lettering, gradients and photographic shading may need simplifying for a conventional single-colour stamp.
Check spelling, numbers, alignment and fine detail in the personaliser visual. A separate manual proof is available on request; it is not automatically sent for every order. Read the artwork upload guide if you need file-preparation help. There is no universal character, font-size, stroke or DPI threshold for every stamp design.
Choose a useful repeated message
A return address, department name or logo can be repeated on suitable paper materials without writing it again. A stamp can help keep the printed wording consistent, but the impression does not independently prove payment, certify a document, verify identity or validate a transaction. Those tasks still depend on the checks required by your process or recipient.
Standard self-inking text and logo stamps are intended for suitable absorbent paper and uncoated matt card. Glossy or coated materials can prevent standard ink absorbing and may smudge. Ask before ordering for fabric, wood, plastic or other specialist materials so the stamp and ink can be checked for the application.
Compare the complete order
Check the live product price and selected package, including whether extra replacement pads are included. Compare delivery and suitable blank materials as well as the stamp. Do not assume personalised designs are always dearer, bulk discounts always apply or a stamp automatically reduces environmental impact.
For help, call 01695 769113. Tell us the intended surface, available impression space 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. Check the delivery policy for rates, estimates and restrictions. Missing orders and errors receive free-of-charge replacements.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose custom wording?
When the standard wording or layout does not fit the task, or you need your own name, address or artwork.
Does personalised mean self-inking?
No. Personalisation describes the design; self-inking describes the mechanism. Check both on the individual product.
Which price should I compare?
Compare the selected package and total checkout cost. There is no universal price rule for every stock and personalised stamp.
Next steps
Compare logo stamp buying guide, read artwork upload guide, or use business stamp examples for layout ideas.