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A compliment slip is a small printed note, usually DL size (99 x 210 mm), that carries your logo and contact details and the words “with compliments”. You send it with documents, samples, brochures or orders when a full letter would be too much. Compliment slips usually match your letterhead, so they look like part of one set.
Where the name comes from
The phrase “with compliments” is an old, polite way of saying “sent with our good wishes”. Printed at the top of a small slip, it lets you add a line or two by hand and still look formal. Some people call it a complimentary slip, a with-compliments slip or a comp slip. They are the same thing.
What compliment slips are used for
- Sending documents. A contract, a cheque, a brochure or a price list, with a short note saying what it is.
- Packing orders. A thank-you note in a parcel, with your phone number for repeat orders.
- Returning items. Samples, forms or paperwork sent back to a customer or client.
- Gifts and samples. A card with a product sample, so the person knows who sent it.
- Quick replies. A short handwritten answer when a letter would be overkill.
They save time. Writing a slip takes ten seconds, and it still tells the reader exactly who it came from and how to get back in touch.
What goes on a compliment slip
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| “With compliments” | The traditional wording, near the top or beside the logo |
| Logo and business name | Same placement as on your letterhead |
| Contact details | Phone, email, website and address |
| Writing space | Blank area for a short handwritten note |
| Company details | Registered name and number in small type if you are a limited company |
Compliment slip wording
The printed words can be the classic “With compliments” or something warmer that suits your business, such as “Thank you for your order”, “A note from the team” or “Sent with thanks”. The handwritten part is usually one or two lines:
- “Please find your signed contract enclosed. Any questions, give me a call.”
- “Samples as discussed. Prices are on the enclosed sheet.”
- “Thank you for your order. We hope to see you again soon.”
Sign it by hand. A signature on a short note feels personal in a way a typed letter does not.
Size and paper
DL is the standard because it is exactly a third of A4. It fits a DL envelope unfolded and sits neatly on top of an A4 document in a C4 envelope. Our compliment slips are DL on 90gsm, 120gsm or 170gsm smooth white paper, printed on one or both sides. The 170gsm option feels more like a card and stands up better in a parcel.
If the slip will go through an office printer for typed notes, choose 90gsm or 120gsm. For handwritten notes any of the three works, and heavier paper feels better in the hand.
Matching your letterhead
Compliment slips work best as part of a set. Use the same logo position, colours and contact line as your letterheads, then shrink the writing space to suit the smaller format. Our letterheads and compliment slips range carries letterheads, slips and continuation sheets on the same papers, so the colours match when they are sent together.
Slip, letter or card
It helps to know when a slip is the right tool. Use a letter when you need to explain something in detail, set out terms or keep a formal record, because a letter has room for a proper reference, date and signature block. Use a compliment slip when the enclosed item does the talking and you only need to say what it is and who sent it. Use a business card when the person needs to keep your details for later rather than read a message now.
Many businesses keep all three to hand. A pad of slips sits on the desk next to the letterheads, and a stack goes in the packing area so every parcel leaves with a short, signed note. Because slips are a third the size of a letter, a single run lasts a long time, and they rarely go out of date unless your phone number or address changes.
If you are a sole trader, the slip can carry your trading name and contact details only. If you trade as a limited company, treat it like any other business document and add the registered details in a small line at the foot.
Artwork tips
Keep text at least 5 mm inside the trimmed edge and add 3 mm bleed if colour runs to the edge. Leave at least half of the slip blank for writing. Every upload gets an automatic check for size and resolution, and you can add our artwork and design service if you would like a slip laid out to match your existing letterhead.
Questions
What size is a compliment slip?
The standard UK size is DL, 99 x 210 mm, which is one third of an A4 sheet.
What do you write on a compliment slip?
A line or two explaining what is enclosed, a short thank you or a reminder to get in touch, followed by your signature.
Is a compliment slip the same as a business card?
No. A business card is a small card someone keeps. A compliment slip is a larger paper note sent with something else.
Do compliment slips need company details?
If they carry your business name as a limited company, it is good practice to show the registered name and number, as on a letterhead.
What paper are compliment slips printed on?
Usually smooth white paper between 90gsm and 170gsm. Heavier paper feels more like card and suits parcels and gifts.