Looking the part: printed stationery
Printed stationery is essential for your new private practice. It projects a professional image, and is an excellent way to promote your therapy business.
You’ll need some letter-headed paper for official correspondence, compliment slips, business cards, invoices and receipts.
Vital information
The information that you need on your stationery will vary depending on how you’ve set yourself up in business.
If you’re a sole trader, you should include the following on all letters, invoices and receipts:
- your business name
- your name and address
However, if you’re operating as a member of a partnership, then letters, invoices and receipts need to feature:
- your business name
- your name and address
- the names of other partners
- a central business address (if different)
If you’ve established a limited company for your private practice, then you’ll need to include:
- the name of the company
- the company’s place of registration
- the company registration number
- the address of the company’s registered office
- the address of your place of business (if different)
- your VAT number (if VAT registered)
Branding
Make sure you include your logo and strapline (or slogan), if you have one, on all your printed stationery. You can read more about branding here.
Invoices – don’t forget…
You should always include the following on your invoices:
- your banking details to enable prompt payments via BACS or online bank transfers
- your payment terms and T&Cs
Getting your stationery – some tips
The key is not to go overboard on stationery. First, assess how much paper you might use in a month. How many letters do you anticipate sending out to clients? How many invoices? How often might you hand out a business card?
Once you have an idea of quantity, look online for a local printer who specialises in business stationery.
You’ll often find that they will be able to do all sorts of printing jobs for you – flyers, leaflets, posters, postcards, presentation folders, stickers, even drinks coasters and mousemats.
Or, you can use a service like Vistaprint, which enables you to shortcut the process by using a pre-designed template, or to build or upload your own designs.