But say you are watching your expenses — is it possible to find business cards that are presentable and professional-looking at little to no cost? Yes, but there’s a catch. If you do it yourself, you still have to pay for paper and printer toner. On the other hand, if you order from a professional printer, they will likely charge you for shipping and processing.
Here are some questions you should ask before signing up for "free" business cards:
- What is the quality of the paper?
- Are there any hidden charges?
- What are the processing and handling fees?
- Is the advertising logo of another company on the back of the card? If so, what company and can you live with that?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Go big
Large-volume business-card printers may offer free business cards, particularly if they believe they can get other, more profitable, printing jobs from your business.I recommend: GreatFX BusinessCards discusses some disadvantages of using free business cards, but if you opt for free, VistaPrint‘s straightforward plan offers 250 cards for free and 42 designs from which to choose. Shipping and processing cost $5.25. TriumphPC has a template to create a business card for online use.
Do-It-Yourself
Buy a software program that has an option to print out the cards. If you are creative, this path can get you an original design at only the cost of the software.I recommend: Hewlett Packard has a free series of 12 business card templates that you can download, customize and print, and also gives recommendations on specialty papers to get the best results. Free Downloads Center also has a section with business cards.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Your business card represents your business' identity. Even though the cards are free, be sure you are getting something you would be pleased to give anyone.
- Impressions matter. Business cards do not have to be fancy but make sure your free cards don't scream "cheap." Compare the business card you use with a competitor's and see how yours stacks up.
- Once you have your business cards, make sure you always have plenty with you. When you make a new business contact, give them two or three cards. Ask the person to pass the cards along to anyone else who might be interested in your product or service.
250 Business Cards: $3.99
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80% Off Full-Color Business Cards. Includes Free UV or Stock Upgrade.
Business Cards | Postcards
www.Vistaprint.com/FREE
Business Cards Starting at $2.99
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Pricing | Customer Service | Templates
www.PrintsMadeEasy.com
Top-Quality Stock with Free UV Coating. Fast Delivery. Free Color Graphics or Use Your Own. Discounts on Matching Postcards, Letterhead & Envelopes.
Pricing | Customer Service | Templates
www.PrintsMadeEasy.com
AT&T Business Solutions
The Information You Need to Start, Manage, Move & Grow Your Business.
www.att.com
The Information You Need to Start, Manage, Move & Grow Your Business.
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Wrigley's Custom Printing: Business Cards
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Start, Manage, and Grow Your Company with Business Cards To Fit Your Business. Multiple Paper Options, One Ink and Two Ink Photo Business Cards.
Recycled Paper | Fine Paper | Classic Paper | Economical Paper
wrigleysos.com/businesscards
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