I swapped to a Trodat 4913 pre-inked for most jobs, but my little Shiny pocket embosser saves me when docs specify “raised seal” — had two condo signings last week where it mattered. anyone else?
And had a condo packet kicked back once because the embossed seal didn’t show on the scan — . Since then I keep a mini impression inker in the bag so the pocket Shiny emboss reads and still satisfies the “raised seal” note, and the 4913 handles everything else. Small nit: the Trodat 4913 is technically self-inking, not pre-inked — are you inking the emboss or leaving it dry?
I carry both, and when “raised seal” is specified I emboss the loose certificate and also add the ink stamp so scanbacks are clear — if your state allows both on the same page. Small note: the Trodat 4913 is self-inking, not pre-inked; @juliannel have you ever had a recorder complain about having both impressions?
I get cleaner impressions with the Shiny by pressing on a hardcover notebook and using a deeper‑reach insert (about $15) so I can set it about 1.25" in without wrinkling. Do you bother with a deeper throat on yours? That tweak saved me on a condo packet with tight margins like your “last week” signings.