Both Black Beauty and Corpex kits bundle a binder, corporate seal, certificates and forms. Corpex kits put the company name gold embossed on the spine (Econoline can also use a clear label holder), come in a turned-edge Standard or a vinyl Econoline format, and are printed to order by the company once known as Corpex Banknote.
- Corpex formats
- Standard (turned edge) or Econoline (vinyl)
- Seal
- Embossing seal included in both Corpex kits
- Certificates
- Custom printed stock certificates included
- Name on spine
- Gold embossed (Econoline: spine or label holder)
What the Black Beauty kit includes
The Black Beauty corporate kit is a traditional black vinyl binder kit. Published descriptions of it include the corporate seal, certificates, a transfer ledger, a gold label with the company name, index tabs, a corporate record tickler, minute paper and optional minutes and bylaws or operating agreements, stored in a black vinyl binder with a matching slipcase, a window on the spine for the name label, and three 1 1/4 inch metal rings.
We mention the Black Beauty name only because buyers search for it when they are choosing a corporate kit, and they deserve a clear comparison with other kit brands.
Side-by-side comparison
Black Beauty details reflect published descriptions of that traditional black kit. Corpex details are from the live markscorpex.com product pages and the Mark's Corpex Standard vs Econoline article. Prices change, so check current pricing before you order.
| Feature | Black Beauty kit | Corpex Econoline | Corpex Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binder | Black vinyl, 24K gold trim | High-quality vinyl, gold detail | Turned edge, heavier materials, gold detail |
| Company name | Gold label in a spine window | Gold embossed on spine or in a clear label holder | Gold embossed on the spine |
| Slipcase | Matching black vinyl slipcase | See product page | Matching slipcase included |
| Seal | Corporate seal | Embossing seal | Embossing seal |
| Certificates | Certificates | Custom printed stock certificates | Custom printed stock certificates |
| Forms | Minute paper, tabs, optional minutes and bylaws | Pre-printed forms | Pre-printed forms |
| Inside | Inside pocket | Two clear inside pockets | See product page |
Why buyers choose a Corpex kit instead
The most visible difference is the spine. On the Corpex Standard, the company name is gold embossed directly on the turned-edge spine, which is the traditional law-office look. The Econoline offers the embossed spine or a clear label holder at a more economical price point.
The second difference is the certificate family. Corpex kits ship with custom printed Corpex certificates, and the same store carries Corpex Standard and Dwight Jackson certificate lines for later share issues, so reorders match the book.
The third is continuity. Corpex has advertised corporate outfits to attorneys under the toll-free number 800-221-8181 since at least 1979, and that is still the number Mark's Corpex answers today.
Which Corpex kit is the closest match?
If you like the Black Beauty because it is a sturdy, practical black binder at a sensible price, the Corpex Econoline is the closest match: a vinyl binder with gold detail, two clear inside pockets and the full set of essentials. If you want a heavier book for a law office shelf or boardroom, choose the Corpex Standard with its turned-edge binder.
Either way, choose the entity type at checkout so the certificates and forms fit a corporation, LLC or nonprofit, and enter the legal name exactly as filed.
Switching suppliers without breaking your records
Changing kit brands mid-life is common and easy if you keep the series consistent.
- Keep the existing minute book as volume one. Nothing in it needs to be redone.
- Order Corpex certificates for future issues and continue the numbering from your current ledger.
- Use your existing seal if the name and state still match, or order a Corpex embosser.
- Add a Corpex binder and slipcase as volume two when the first book fills up.
- Match minute book paper to your binder's hole pattern.
What every Corpex complete kit gives you
According to the Mark's Corpex article comparing the two kits, both the Standard and Econoline include 20 share certificates, an embossing seal, tab dividers, minutes and bylaws or an operating agreement, and forms for various business needs. Add-ons on the live store include a self-inking seal stamp, customized minutes and bylaws, extra certificate sets and minute book paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Corpex kit the same as a Black Beauty kit?
No. They are different products from different companies. Both bundle a binder, seal, certificates and forms; the binders, labeling and certificate designs differ.
Does Mark's Corpex make the Black Beauty kit?
No. Black Beauty is a trademark of its owner. Mark's Corpex is a separate company and makes the Corpex Standard and Econoline kits.
Which Corpex kit is most like Black Beauty?
The Corpex Econoline, a vinyl binder kit with gold detail and the full set of essentials, is the closest in style. The Corpex Standard is the heavier turned-edge option.
Can I add Corpex certificates to a book from another brand?
Yes. Continue the numbering from your ledger and file the new certificates behind the same tab.
Do Corpex kits include an embossing seal?
Yes. Both the Standard and Econoline kit pages include an embossing seal.
Can I get an LLC version?
Yes. Choose the LLC option so the kit includes membership certificates and an operating agreement instead of bylaws.
Product finder
Find the right Corpex kit or supply
Answer a few questions and we will point you to the Mark's Corpex products that fit. Prices are the live store prices.
Corpex Econoline Kit Corpex Standard Kit All Corporate Kits
Questions? Call 800-221-8181. Serving the legal profession since 1927.