14 replies to this topic

[patrickh]

I used to see offers for these all the time, though I haven't see one lately -- companies used to be willing to print you free business cards, and in return they would place a small advert for themself on the back of it. I was just curious if anyone has used any of these services and found a place that seemed good quality? Does it look to cheesy to have these types of cards? The main reason I am looking to get some is just to slip in invoices/contracts when I mail them to a client for the first time just so they can have a quick reference of my e-mail/url. I never really 'mingle' so i have a very low demand for these; I really could get away with 20 cards for the next year or so, so I don't really want to go pay to have 1,000 printed up. Any suggestions?

[mcanerin]

A friend of mine used them and they were definitely better quality than the inkjet stuff. If you have to choose, I'd go them unless the ad would be likely to interfere with your customer care and business image.

Having said that, it really is worth it to get business cards professionally printed with raised ink, high quality paper, a real (not clip art) logo, etc. You can often shop around and get a really good deal on them from local printers - places like Staples, Office Depot and other large business service places often have very good prices, as well.

Remember that a business usually likes to associate themselves with other businesses that are as professional as they are (or want to be). If your customers don't care, it's not as necessary for you to, but if they have expensive business cards, I would strongly recommend doing the same. You may even be better off NOT giving them a card than giving them one that looks unprofessional for those types of customers.

"tis better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it" If you can't project the image you want with your cards and letterhead, you are better off not doing it at all. You don't have to make them gold plated, but take pride in yourself and your work. To use a web pro analogy, it's like sending customers to a site that is heavily "under construction". Don't. It's better to not have a site available than to have a bad one, in my opinion.

And of course it's always just an opinion,

Ian

[qwerty]

I use the free ones... well, "use" is probably not the right word. I have the free ones. They look ok, but they're nothing special. Luckily, I don't have much reason to use them, so I'm generally not very embarrassed on the rare occasion I give one out.

By the way, the ad is on the back, so it's not much of an issue.

[Scottie]

I looked at the VistaPrint cards- I think they have a lot of affiliates as well.

I think it ends up costing around $10 for 250 cards- the $10 being for shipping costs.

I ended up paying $32 for a local printer to make up 1000 cards on heavy stock with raised ink- it worked out to a better deal. Especially since I wasn't interested in a full-color photo background on the card.

[Bernard]

Business cards are cheap. The image they project is important. If you are serious about your business, I would recommend investing $20 to $30 to get some nice cards printed. Depending upon the nature of your business, you can:

• include them anytime you mail a business letter
• post them on billboards at your local supermarkets, gyms, church(es), etc.
• drop them in those "raffle jars" for drawings for free lunches (you'll probably get some junk mail - but possibly some business from the restaurant depending upon what you offer)
• hand them out from time to time in unexpected places when appropriate [parties, conferences, kid's baseball game, etc.]

[deborah2002]

Business cards say a lot about you and your business. They are a small "brochure" of sorts...so why skimp?

In the grand scheme of things, $40 or so for 1000 cards is pretty cheap. I have been handed cards that looked like their 6 year old daughter made them. I didn't pay any attention to them because I felt like they didn't take their business seriously enough for me to bother.

I have seen the "free" ones mentioned, and honestly they are just ok. The logo is on the back, and depending on your business and clientele that may not make a difference. They aren't the worst I've ever seen, but for $40 you could have a lot better and not advertise for anyone else!

JMO
deb

[meta]

Cards are really important to the image you project. Free cards, inkjet printed cards, cutesy cards, they all scream out "I'm an amateur!" or worse. Get good cards. Spring for the nice paper and raised printing.

My title just changed and when my new cards came in, they were on so-so paper without the raised type, and they look soooo cheesy. Don't do that to your business.

[stoli]

Even though it is tempting to get something for free, I would go with a nice quality business card without the advertising on back.

Look at it this way, it could actually cost you money if you do not get a potential customer because of it. If you go ahead and spend the money on high quality cards you dont have to worry that your customers may think you are a penny pincher. BTW- that is not a slam because I fall into that category.

I am all for saving money anyway I can, but not when it comes to company image. With all industries being so competative and cutthroat these days it is important that you convey a professional image. First impressions are very important. Business cards are what introduces you and your company to a customer if you are meeting face to face or sending out a mailer.

This is just my opinion.

[Keyword Placement Ltd]

Hi

I would strongly advise against using 'Free' business cards, especially those with an advertisement on them for something, especially unrelated to your business.

Although you might only pay a small fee the hidden price is prospective clients thinking of you as being less than you are. Or in some cases for exactly what you are! If you look cheap and nasty then you probably are in a business sense

Given the price for a small run of cards its without question more effective to get something designed professionally and looking good. Afterall its a reflection on your branding and business as a whole

[Jill]

Welcome, KeywordPlacement!

You can put your URL in your signature if you go to your "controls" page. That way you won't have to type it out for each post!

Jill

[dragonlady7]

I actually drew up a set of hand-drawn business cards at one point. I was a student and they were really eccentric and unique. It was fun, but I wouldn't do it again.
I am amazed at $30 for 1000 cards. We recently had to get some done at work and it was $100 for 500. Maybe it's my area, or maybe we just don't freaking know where to get these things done...
If I need business cards (which I may well soon!), I'll certainly be looking online! Sounds like better prices!

[deborah2002]

Yeah, I found a really great lady who owns a print shop here in Orlando. I met her through the Chamber of Commerce Leads Group. Anyway, she will do my cards for $45.00 for 1000 and that includes the graphic designs...she wants to help design the logo and stuff (that helps because I am not all that artsy to begin with).

Good Morning, all! :coffee:

deb

[mcanerin]

Here are a couple of biz card tips that I've collected over the years. Remember that they are from my personal experiences so your results may vary.

1. Make sure you can write on the back. Especially in busy settings where you meet many people, it's very helpful to write a quick quote or note on the back. If you get 5 biz cards from web designers it's hard to remember who the "database guy" you liked was afterward. If you offer something not on your card but that particular customer is interested in, write it on the back. Many clients make notes there, as well. It's annoying to get cards that have some artsy blue or black back, or a card printed on paper that is slick on both sides. Note: some people put a list or cheat sheet of services on the back of their cards - if you do that, then ok - at least you are being helpful (basically anticipating what you would have written).

2. Make sure your card can be photocopied. It's very common in a higher end business environment for people to photocopy their bosses or co-workers cards when they first start working there.

3. Make sure your card actually says what you do. You wouldn't believe how many cards I've thrown out because it wasn't clear that the company did from the card and I couldn't remember anymore. I threw out almost 50 once right after Comdex for that very reason. Why should I phone every one of them to remind myself? And not too cutesy, either. That really neat and hip phrase you use might sound great to you and a few others in your industry, but will that old guy over there (you know, the one who actually writes the checks) understand it? If you have a logo phrase, put what you do right under it. Hint: what you do is probably covered by your keywords for your website - not the niche ones, the ones that everyone is typing in....

4. Treat cards with respect. It's hard to take a card (and the company behind it) seriously if it has coffee stains on it and the phone number has been scratched out and rewritten sloppily and it's all crinkled because it's been in your pocket for 3 weeks. Also, when handing it to someone in Asia, present the card with BOTH hands facing towards them. Take theirs the same way, and make an effort to look at the card closely before putting it away. Frankly, this is good advice for everywhere, but especially in Asia. Just tossing your card at someone or grabbing theirs and stuffing it without looking in the nearest pocket or bag is rude and insulting.

Hopefully this is helpful,

Ian

[Debra]

Put your linking information on the back of your business card.

Include a special promotion or incentive offer.

Helps get a link and track which of your marketing efforts are fruitful!



Think Link!

[patrickh]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I really appreciate it. I am definantly going to shell out the few bucks for good ones -- can anyone reccommend a printer on the internet that can do them mail order? Don't feel like footing it to a local place .