If you own a business or work as a professional, you might already have NCR books — or popularly know for use as custom invoice books. These books are great for staying organised on a daily basis, and make keeping track of invoices a breeze.
But did you know there are other things you can use NCR books for? By finding more uses for these around the office, you’re essentially eliminating your need for a copy machine. Read on to learn 7 useful ways to use NCR books.
What Are NCR Books?
Before we dive into what you can use these books for, let’s talk about what they even are. For short, NCR is an acronym for “no carbon required.”
The top sheet is what you actually write on. The back of this sheet has a coating that transfers everything to the second sheet, then that sheet can transfer to a third or even fourth one. The back sheet is not coated since it has nothing to transfer.
This coating eliminates the requirement for a sheet of carbon paper between each form, hence the acronym.
1. Quote Books
If you own a construction or renovation company, NCR books make giving customers a copy of their estimate a breeze. You can make all the notes you need while you’re with the customer and hand them a copy before you even leave the appointment.
2. Custom Invoice Books
An invoice is what you provide your customer with to let them know what they’re paying for. It’s similar to an estimate or quote, but they’re going to receive an invoice once they’ve agreed to your services.
A custom invoice form needs to be extremely detailed, though. Here are some things you should include on an invoice form:
- Company and client name
- Business Address
- Your ABN (Australian Business Number)
- Date and description of product or services
- Deposits, prepayments, or other fees that were paid upfront
- Sales, specials, or discounts
- GST amount (if applicable)
- Penalties or late fees
- Terms of payment, including date and method
- Terms & Conditions
By including these details on the invoice, the need for questions or other confusion is eliminated. Handing off something professional and detailed is going to make your client take you more seriously while also presenting your business in the best possible light.
You can also include a disclaimer for overdue or late invoices if customers don’t pay on time.
3. Receipt Books
Receipts are similar to invoices but are issued as a proof of payment. If something goes wrong, or you accidentally invoice a customer twice, all they have to do is show you their receipt to prove that they’ve paid.
It’s also smart of you to keep any receipts or proof of payments for tax season.
Details such as the following should be included:
- Supplier or business name and ABN or ACN
- Date of supply
- Product or service provided
- Overall price and payment that was made
By documenting these things for yourself and your customer, you not only create a documentation system for your business, but you make it easier to keep track of who and who has not been making their payments to your business.
4. Grid Books
Grid books are a perfect way to share sketches with your clients or for internal use. It can be a sketch of anything, but if you create a plan on paper that your client might want, an NCR book is the perfect way to share it with them.
5. Customer Forms
A customer form allows clientele to sign up for a service or account with a specific company. You can also use them at events for in-person giveaways.
Think of it as a customer giving you a business card with their contact information on it.
When your customer has a copy of this they can track what contact information they may have given you or your business. It helps them know which phone number or email address to keep an eye on for when you get in touch!
6. Time Sheets
Timesheets are like invoices between you and your employees. By sharing with them, they have access to their own records. You know how much they should be paid and they’re able to have the peace of mind associated with knowing they’re being paid enough.
Likewise, it helps you both keep account of one another. If you don’t have employees, you can also use timesheets to keep track of yourself. While it isn’t crucial for you to know, it can help you achieve a better work-life balance overall.
7. Purchase Order Books
Purchase order books are great if you sell a product that has to be shipped to someone. Here are some things you can write on the purchase order form:
- Customer name
- Address
- Date purchased
- Expected delivery date and time
- Delivery method
- What was ordered and how much
Providing these order forms for your customers can eliminate a phone call or email later if they forget details about their purchase. It also helps keep you accountable and on time with deliveries and other purchases.
Order Your Custom Invoice Books Today
Now that you’ve discovered other creative uses for NCR books, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on some. Luckily, you don’t have to look any further!
At ZooZoo Printing, we have duplicate and triplicate options for your custom invoice books, and you can also purchase a pad if you prefer something that binds at the top instead of the side. There are even three-ring and sequential-numbering options if you need it. Our designers can assist in creating something that suits your needs.
Check out all of our options or contact us today!
