Starting a Business in the UAE? Here's the Print Material Checklist

Every week, someone walks into our shop with a fresh trade license and the same question: "What do I need?"

The honest answer? Less than you think - at first. I've seen too many startups spend thousands on print materials they didn't need yet, while missing basics they needed right away.

This guide is about smart spending. What you actually need on day one, what can wait until month three, and what might never be necessary depending on your business type.

Phase 1: The Essentials (Before You Launch)

These are the non-negotiables. Without these, you don't look like a real business.

Phase 2: First Three Months

Once you're operational and meeting clients, you'll need these.

Phase 3: Growth Stage (Month 3-6)

By now you know your business better. These purchases should be informed by real needs.

Industry-Specific Additions

If You're in Retail/F&B:

• Product labels and stickers (essential)
• Menus or price lists (essential)
• Packaging (essential if selling physical products)
• Table tents or POS materials

If You're a Service Business:

• Service brochure or menu (recommended)
• Quote/proposal templates
• Gift vouchers if applicable

If You're in Real Estate/Property:

• Property brochures (essential)
• Window display materials
• Signage for listings
• High-quality business cards (go premium in this industry)

If You Attend Events/Exhibitions:

• 2-3 rollup banners
• Backdrop (if budget allows)
• Promotional giveaways
• Extra business cards (you'll go through 200+ per event)

Budget Breakdown: The Startup Print Package

Here's a realistic budget for a new business's essential print needs:

Item	Quantity	Budget (AED)
Business Cards (quality)	500	300-400
Company Profile (design + print)	100 copies	700-1,000
Rollup Banner	1	200-300
Presentation Folders	100	400-600
Digital Templates (letterhead, signature)	-	0-200
Total Budget Range		contact us for pricing

What NOT to Order Yet

Hold off on these until you really need them:

• 10,000 flyers - You don't know if they'll work yet. Start with 500.
• Expensive exhibition stands - Use rollups until you're sure about event marketing
• Branded merchandise - Wait until you have employees or clients to give them to
• Vehicle branding - Make sure the business model works first
• Custom packaging - Start with labels on generic boxes/bags

The Final Checklist

Final Advice

I've seen two types of startups:

One type orders everything at once, spends contact us for pricing, and ends up with boxes of unused brochures because their messaging changed, or flyers for services they no longer offer.

The other type starts lean, orders what they need when they need it, and invests more as they understand their market better.

Be the second type. Start with the essentials, add as you grow, and save your budget for when you know exactly what works.