Help & Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of Stamp Do I Need?

The type of stamp you need depends on your specific needs and what you're using it for. In many cases, our customers use several stamps to fulfill different stamping needs.

There are 3 specific types of stamps available: Wood Handle Stamps, Self-Inking Stamps, and Pre-Inked Stamps.

• Wood Handle Stamps are the most basic and affordable type of stamp. A rubber die of your text or design is mounted on a piece of wood with a handle, which you then press onto a separate ink pad, and now it's ready to stamp. The use of a separate ink pad gives this stamp versatility to change colors quickly and use special fast drying inks. However, wood handle stamps are not the best choice for high-volume or repetitive stamping since you need to re-ink the stamp on the separate ink pad between each impression. See our selection of Wood Handle Stamps here.

• Self-Inking Stamps are the most common type of stamp we manufacture. This stamp has a built-in ink pad so when you push down on the stamp, the rubber die flips around and stamps the impression onto the desired area. These stamps are easy to use, affordable, and are perfect for high-volume, repetitive stamping. Self-inking stamp brands include: Trodat, COLOP (2000 Plus), and Shiny.

• Pre-Inked Stamps offer the highest quality and best cost per impression of all the stamps. There are two distinct styles of pre-inked stamps: 2000+ HD and Xstamper. The Xstamper pre-inked stamp uses specially designed rubber that is cut out using a laser engraver and produces up to 50,000 impressions before needing to add ink.

Contact our sales department at 866-667-1133 to help determine the best stamp to fit your needs.

What is the Difference Between Pre-Inked and Self Inking Stamps?

Pre-inked stamps use oil based ink that is embedded into the die and these stamps only require about 1/4" of movement to make an impression.

Self-inking stamps use water based with an internal ink pad. The rubber die rests against the ink pad and when the handle is pushed, the die flips over, away from the ink pad, and makes the impression.

What is the Difference Between Water-Based and Oil-Based Ink?

Water-based ink is not permanent and can be removed with a mild detergent and water. Compatible with all self-inking stamps and stand-alone stamp pads. Available in 8 colors.

Oil-based inks are resistant to water, moisture, mild soaps and detergents.

Xstamper brand oil-based inks are acid free, archival quality ensuring no damage or yellowing of the stamped surface.

Glossy Surface and Fast Dry inks are solvent or alcohol based and best for stamping on glossy surfaces like plastic, metal, glass, etc...

What is the Difference Between Real Rubber and Polymer Dies?

A polymer die stamp is made by pouring a liquid polymer compound over a 'negative' on a sheet of glass and exposing it to ultraviolet light. This causes the polymer to harden in the exposed areas, creating whatever image that shows through the negative. Polymer dies should only be used with water based inks. Using an oil-based, solvent, or other kind of ink can cause damage to the polymer die and ruin your stamp.

A real rubber die stamp is created by cutting with a laser into real rubber, or by utilizing a method called vulcanization. Real rubber dies are ideal when used with industrial, solvent based inks including fast dry and glossy-surface inks.

How Many Impressions Will A Stamp Make?

The number of impressions are vary between Self-Inking and Pre-Inked stamps.

Self-Inking Stamps. All our self-inking stamps will give you 1000’s of impressions (up to 10,000) before needing to add more ink or replace the ink pad.

Pre-Inked Stamps. Our line of 2000+ HD stamps can last up to 30,000 impressions before needing more ink. The Xstamper line allow up to 50,000 impressions before adding more ink.

What Types of Surfaces Can I Stamp On?

The surfaces that can be stamped on depends on what type of stamp you have. Self-Inking and Pre-Inked stamps work on most paper, wood based or porous material. This includes:
• Muslin or Burlap Bags
• Envelopes
• Paper Shopping Bags
• Cardboard Boxes
• and more...

Specialty ink such as fast drying and glossy-surface are needed when stamping on glossy or non-porous surfaces. This includes:
• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Glossy photo paper
• and more...

These specialty inks usually require a stand-alone stamp pad and wood handle stamp.

How Do I Re-ink My Stamp?

Follow the links to find videos and PDF instructions for adding ink or replacing stamp pads.
Select the brand of stamp you have.

Trodat (Ideal)

COLOP (2000 Plus)

Shiny

Xstamper

Are your products made in the USA?

All our products are assembled and produced in Portland, Oregon. Some parts and materials originate from overseas.
For more details, contact us at 866-667-1133 or email at sales@stamp-connection.com.

When will I get my order?

Most orders placed on Monday - Thursday before 12:00pm PST are produced and shipped that same day. Some exceptions apply (when changes to artwork are needed, large quantities are ordered, etc...).
Shipping times depend on your location and shipping method chosen. For more information, call us at 866-667-1133.

Do you offer same day shipping?

YES, we offer same day shipping on most orders placed before 12:00pm each business day. Orders placed on Friday, Saturday or Sunday ship out on Monday. If you have any questions or need assistance placing an order, please give us a call at 866-667-1133.

Do I Have To Order On The Website?

Online ordering allows you to receive faster turnaround service on your order and Free Shipping for orders over $45.00. Other ordering options include email and in person at our shop in Gresham, Oregon.
If you have any questions or need assistance placing an order, please give us a call at 866-667-1133.

Are My Online Transactions Secure?

Yes. All transactions and personal information sent to and from our online system are encrypted. Payment information is not stored within the online system and all passwords and other sensitive information are stored in an encrypted form.
Visit our Privacy Policy page for more details. Or you can call us with questions or concerns at 866-667-1133.

What Shipping Options Do I Have?

We offer many shipping options and services depending on your needs. These include:
• USPS
• FexEX
• UPS
If you prefer to use your shipper account, just select that option when you checkout.
Visit our Shipping page for more details. Or you can call us with questions or concerns at 866-667-1133.

Can I Use A Purchase Order?

Yes, we accept purchase orders from pre-approved customers.
For more details, contact us at 866-667-1133 or email at sales@stamp-connection.com.

Do you charge sales tax?

No, operating in the state of Oregon allows to not charge a sales tax.
For more details, contact us at 866-667-1133 or email at sales@stamp-connection.com.

Do you provide proofs?

Proof requests should be made in the special instructions box on the product or designer page. We will not begin your order until we receive your approval. This may delay production time.
For more details, contact us at 866-667-1133 or email at sales@stamp-connection.com.

How do I upload my artwork?

Under the stamp impression preview area find the tab that says "Upload Artwork" (in the desginer for phones, click the "Add Image" buttom at the bottom of the screen).

Use the 'Upload Image' option to upload a JPG, GIF, or PNG file. This will show a preview of the file in the stamp area and allow you to add text besides, on top, or below the image.
Use the 'Upload Layout' option to upload a pre-made layout or finished stamp design. This will not display a preview in the designer. File types accepted are PDF, AI, PSD, CDR, EPS, JPG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG, TIF or TIFF.

For more details, contact us at 866-667-1133 or email at sales@stamp-connection.com.

My Stamp Arrived Broken. What Should I Do?

Contact us immediately. We will have you send it back to us and either repair or replace it at no charge to you. If you need your stamp as soon as possible, call us with the situation and we can arrange to ship out another stamp for you ASAP.
Call us at 866-667-1133 or email at sales@stamp-connection.com.

Oops! I Made A Mistake. What Is Your Return Policy?

We offer a 'No-Fault Error Policy' on all stamps ordered from us. Typed in the wrong information? Chose the wrong font, style, or size? Whatever the reason, if you are not satisfied with your product, let us know and we'll fix or replace it at no charge to you.