Finding Free Business Cards

How to get your company a portable miniature billboard on the cheap

Business cards are the first line of offense in the battle to attract attention in a cluttered marketplace. Whether an entrepreneur has an attractive business card can make the difference between gaining or losing the attention of future customers.

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:

1. What is the quality of the paper?
2. Are there any hidden charges?
3. What are the processing and handling fees?
4. Is the advertising logo of another company on the back of the card? If so, what company and can you live with that?

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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