Five things you’ll need before your grand opening, and two things you can skip for now
Starting a new business—whether from scratch or by taking over an existing one—requires careful budgeting. One crucial area where new business owners need to allocate funds is printed materials. Here are the key items you should prioritize to establish your business professionally without breaking the bank.
1. Business Cards
Business cards should be ready before your grand opening. These small but powerful tools ensure that everyone you meet has a way to contact you.
- Start with 100 basic, writable-stock cards so you can easily update information like phone numbers or business hours as needed.
- Upgrade after a year or two to higher-quality cards with UV coating or metallic embossment. Since most of the cost is in the design, increasing your order from 250 to 1,000 often costs just $10–$20 more.
2. Signage
If customers need to find your location, signage is essential. However, avoid costly permanent signage before your brand identity is firmly established.
- Start with a vinyl banner or coroplast yard sign—these are budget-friendly options ranging from $100 to $300.
- Upgrade after five years to a more durable and professional-looking sign once you are confident in your branding.
3. Business Forms
For businesses that operate away from a computer, preprinted carbonless forms help streamline transactions.
- Invoices are a must if you provide services on-site and need copies for both your records and your customers.
- Numbered forms help track payments and ensure bookkeeping accuracy. Keep in mind that carbonless forms can take up to two weeks to print.
4. Envelopes
If your business involves mailing contracts, invoices, or promotions, preprinted envelopes can save time and money.
- Custom-printed envelopes are often cheaper than blank ones from office supply stores.
- Consider “peel-to-seal” or “flip-to-stick” options to save time and avoid licking envelopes.
5. Brochures
If you frequently explain your services, brochures are a time-saving tool that enhances your credibility.
- Leave them in high-traffic areas and keep a stack in your car for networking opportunities.
- Organize your services clearly and print a few hundred brochures.
6. Letterhead (Optional)
Many businesses opt for digital letterhead, but professionally printed letterhead is beneficial for creating a polished, high-end impression.
- You can skip printed letterhead initially unless you in in love with a specialty paper or full-bleed designs.
7. Promotional Items (Optional)
Branded items like tumblers, pens, keychains, and T-shirts are great for marketing but not essential at the start.
- Employee uniforms (shirts or jackets) with your logo and phone number are useful for visibility.
- Save other promotional items for trade shows and when your business is more established.
By prioritizing these essential printed materials, you can build a professional image for your business while staying within budget. Need help with printing? Rowlands Graphics offers high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to startups. Contact us today to get started!