10 Things You Didn't Know About NCR Forms
An NCR (no carbon required) form, also known as carbonless paper, is the term given to a form that produces copies without using carbon paper or other ink-absorbing media. They are commonly used in transactions where multiple copies of documents need to be printed, such as business invoices, receipts, and tickets. Below are ten things you may not have known about NCR forms. For example, did you know that NCR forms were originally made from tree bark? Let's look at each one in more detail.
1) What are NCR forms?
Non-carbon copies (NCRs) are carbonless duplicates of documents that have been printed. When an NCR form is processed through a document verification system, such as a business's point-of-sale system, it creates both a hard copy and electronic version of a transaction to be stored for later use. Before computerization, NCRs were often used to create manual duplicates of customer orders. Nowadays, they're most commonly associated with point-of-sale systems in retail environments.
2) Why use them?
NCR forms allow you to capture signatures or information directly on a printed form, unlike paper-based forms where you need to hand-write responses. Instead of passing around a sheet of paper and asking everyone to write their names, dates, and other info individually on separate sheets of paper, with an NCR form, you can fill out all that information once using your computer and then print it out.
3) When to use them?
If you're asking a customer to mail back a payment, an NCR form can help ensure they complete their task. For example, if your business charges customers a $20 fee for late payments on orders over $100, you might want to send them an NCR form with their invoice requesting that they pay within ten days and return the signed copy. Asking for two copies of their signature will prove useful if one is lost in transit or damaged by weather or water.
4) Types of forms that you can use
While using an NCR form may be beneficial for your small business, there are many types of forms that you can use. Businesses should consider which type of form is best for their particular situation. The following are some common types of forms on Carbonless.
5) Benefits of using them
One of the main benefits of using NCR forms is they are easy to use. They're also a great option for anyone who needs to print more than 100 copies at a time, as they offer flexibility and lower costs. Additionally, various other features can make your business run smoother using these forms.
6) Key steps in preparing for a print campaign
If you have decided to print brochures, flyers, or other business literature, you'll need to take a few important steps before you begin designing your materials. Here is an outline of some of these pre-production tasks.
7) Different types of paper used for printing NCR forms
Many different types of paper can be used for printing NCR forms. The most popular options are 60lb, 80lb, and 100lb. Most businesses opt for 80lb and 100lb paper, which is ideal for hand fill-out and when using a ballpoint pen. It is important to keep in mind that while the lighter-weight paper may work with some pens, it may not always work with others.
8) Which printer should you choose
Selecting a printer can be an overwhelming experience, especially when considering all of your options. Inkjet printers are very popular because they're relatively inexpensive and versatile. However, some business owners prefer laser printers because they're generally faster and more efficient than inkjets.
9) Adding graphics to your forms makes them more valuable
Adding pictures and graphics to your forms can make them more appealing and useful. For example, consider adding a company logo to indicate which business you're working with or highlighting important fields with boxes, dashes, colors, or different font sizes. This can help make your forms easier to understand for everyone involved. The extra effort makes sure that information is getting where it needs to go faster than ever before. Before you know it, implementing graphics could become as routine as checking your bank account balance every morning!
10) A few simple things you can do to keep your printers clean
While many businesses rely on external providers for their printer maintenance, you can take a few steps to keep your printers clean.
Here's how:
- When you unpack a new box of paper and other supplies, store them in an area not adjacent to where they will be used. Moisture from storage can seep into packaging materials, making them susceptible to damage.
- Minimize dust build-up by storing boxes out of direct sunlight.
- Keep air vents clear so airflow isn't obstructed.
- Keep a supply of cleaning wipes nearby to wipe down equipment as needed throughout the day.