NCR invoice and receipt books: sizes, copies and numbering

Many businesses in Qatar still write invoices, receipts and delivery notes by hand, especially on site and at the counter. The tool for that is the NCR book. If you are ordering your first one, these are the choices you will be asked to make.

What is an NCR book?

NCR stands for "no carbon required". The paper is coated so that whatever you write on the top sheet is copied onto the sheets below, with no carbon paper in between. You tear out the top copy for the customer and the other copies stay in the book or go to accounts.

How many copies?

• Duplicate (2 copies): one for the customer, one for you. Enough for cash receipts and simple invoices.
• Triplicate (3 copies): customer, accounts and the book. The usual choice for invoices and delivery notes.
• Four copies: used when the store, the driver, the customer and accounts each need one.

Each copy is a different colour, usually white on top, then yellow, pink and blue, so nobody sends the wrong one to the customer.

Which size?

If your staff write on site or in a vehicle, A5 is easier to hold than A4.

What to print on it

• Company name and logo in English and Arabic.
• CR number, address, phone and email.
• The document title: Tax Invoice, Cash Receipt, Delivery Note or Quotation.
• A serial number, a date line and a customer name line.
• A table with the columns you use: description, quantity, unit price, amount.
• Total in numbers and in words.
• Signature lines for "Received by" and "Prepared by".
• Your terms, such as "Goods once sold will not be returned", in small print at the bottom.

Numbering

Every set should carry a printed serial number, and all copies in a set carry the same number. Tell us the starting number. When you reorder, give us the last number of your old books and the new ones continue from there, so your records have no gaps and no repeats.

One colour or full colour?

Most NCR books are printed in one colour, usually blue or black. It is economical and reads clearly on every copy. Full-colour printing on the top sheet is possible if your logo needs it. Ask us for both prices.

Using an NCR book properly

• Use a ball pen and press firmly. Gel pens and markers do not copy well.
• Put the card flap of the book under the set you are writing on. Without it, your writing copies onto the next set too.
• Keep unused books flat and away from heat. The coating reacts to pressure and high temperature.

What we need to start

Send us a photo of your current book if you have one, or just the details listed above, plus the size, the number of copies and how many books you want. Books usually contain 50 sets each. We send a proof for your approval before printing.

Get a quote

See NCR book printing on our website or send your details on WhatsApp. Ordering the rest of your company stationery too? Read our guides to business cards and company stamps.