To maximize ROI, calculate the cost per impression. Standard self-inking stamps should provide 5,000 to 10,000 crisp impressions before requiring a replacement ink pad. Seek suppliers that offer replaceable and re-inkable felt pads, which significantly reduce the total cost of ownership compared to disposable units. When sourcing from Made-in-China.com, look for bulk discounts (typically 20-35% off) for orders exceeding 500 units, and always request a pre-production sample to test the spring mechanism's tension and alignment.