Essential Office Supplies for a Professional Taxidermy Shop
Running a successful taxidermy shop requires more than artistic skill and craftsmanship. Behind every well-mounted trophy is an organized office system that keeps capes logged, customers informed, deposits tracked, and timelines managed.
Whether you operate a small home-based studio or a full commercial shop, having the right office supplies ensures professionalism, efficiency, and customer trust.
Here’s a complete guide to the essential office supplies every taxidermy shop should have.
1. Writing Tools: Pens, Pencils & Markers
It may sound simple, but quality writing tools are used daily in a taxidermy shop.
Essential items:
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Black and blue ballpoint pens (for contracts and receipts)
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Permanent markers (for tagging capes, antlers, and forms)
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Mechanical pencils (for sketching pedestal designs or habitat layouts)
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Highlighters (for marking rush orders or deposit status)
Pro Tip:
Use color-coding for mount status (e.g., green = deposit paid, yellow = in progress, red = balance due).
2. File Folders & Physical Paper Organization
Even if you run digital systems, physical files are still critical.
Must-haves:
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Manila file folders (one per customer)
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Expanding accordion folders (for large seasonal intake)
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Labeled filing cabinet (fire-resistant if possible)
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Customer intake forms (printed)
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Work orders and mount detail sheets
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Price sheets
Each folder should contain:
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Customer contract
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Deposit receipt
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Reference photos
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Mount specifications
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Contact information
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Pickup confirmation
Proper filing protects you in disputes and keeps projects moving smoothly.
3. A Virtual Taxidermy Management System
Modern taxidermy shops benefit enormously from digital systems.
A good virtual system can help you:
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Track deposits and balances
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Log species and tag numbers
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Store customer reference photos
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Set completion timelines
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Send automated pickup reminders
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Manage capes in the freezer
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Track inventory of forms and supplies
Options include:
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Industry-specific taxidermy software
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Custom CRM systems
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Spreadsheet-based systems
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Cloud storage for customer files
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Digital signature tools
Going digital reduces paperwork errors and gives your shop a professional edge.
4. Shredder for Sensitive Documents
Taxidermy shops collect personal information, including:
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Driver’s license numbers
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Tag numbers
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Addresses
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Payment information
A cross-cut paper shredder is essential for:
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Old contracts
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Payment documents
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Expired records
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Misprinted customer forms
This protects your customers and your business.
5. Desk Setup: Function Over Flash
Your office desk is command central.
What you need:
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Large work surface (to review capes and paperwork)
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Lockable drawers
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Dedicated space for computer and printer
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Charging station for devices
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Label maker
Keep it clean and organized. A cluttered desk leads to lost paperwork and missed details.
6. Ergonomic Chair
Taxidermy is physically demanding — and so is office work.
A supportive, adjustable office chair:
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Reduces back strain
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Improves posture
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Prevents fatigue during bookkeeping or design planning
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Protects long-term health
Investing in a quality chair pays off over time.
7. Printer, Scanner & Copy Machine
Even digital shops still print:
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Contracts
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Price sheets
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Shipping labels
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Reference images
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Habitat sketches
Look for:
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All-in-one laser printer
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Wireless connectivity
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High-volume toner capacity
Scanning customer documents directly into your digital system is a major time saver.
8. Labeling & Tagging Supplies
Accurate tagging is critical in taxidermy.
Essential items:
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Waterproof tags
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Zip ties
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Label maker
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Permanent markers
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Freezer labels
Clear tagging prevents costly mix-ups.
9. Basic Accounting Supplies
Even if you use digital bookkeeping software, keep:
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Receipt book
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Deposit log sheet
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Mileage log
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Expense binder
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Bank deposit slips
Professional bookkeeping keeps your business sustainable and audit-ready.
10. Customer Presentation Materials
Your office is part of your brand.
Consider:
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Business cards
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Brochures
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Mount care instructions
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Pickup checklist
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Branded folders
When customers walk in to drop off or pick up a trophy, the office presentation builds trust.
Why Office Organization Matters in Taxidermy
Taxidermy is seasonal, deadline-driven, and emotionally significant to customers. A well-organized office:
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Prevents lost capes or paperwork
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Reduces disputes
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Improves turnaround time
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Enhances professionalism
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Protects legal compliance
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Builds long-term customer trust
The most successful taxidermists treat their shop like both an art studio and a business operation.
