Introduction to Business Card Printing
Business cards are the one of the most powerful advertising tools any business has. Business cards can travel hundreds of miles, generate unexpected business, and demonstrate that your business is a real entity.
Using a professional printer for your business card printing needs is almost mandatory. While a laser printer on glossy paper is comparable to a glossy business card from a commercial printer, any other type of business card will look homemade and unprofessional. Unless you are a creative artisan, homemade just won’t present you in the best light.
The History of Business Cards
So how is it that business cards came to be so important? Their roots go back to the court of Louis the 14th in France. The courtiers would present their cards at court. London businessmen in the 1600s began to produced trade cards which advertised their businesses. By the 1800s everyone from the middle class up had a visiting card to present at the door if they were arriving unannounced. Today’s business card something similar. We hand it to someone as we introduce ourselves. We give it to people so they remember us. Our business card reflects positively or negatively on who we are or the business we represent.
The design opportunities for a business card are almost infinite. From type to logos and photographs, the creative possibilities for business card are limited only by the dimensions. A business card that fits easily in a wallet is the usual goal. Anything larger than 2 by 3 1/2 inches becomes problematic.
Some business cards are designed so that they fold. While the concept is good, most people will overlook the inside of the card. Because this format has not become standardized, many people just don’t expect it. If you get used there with this design idea, make sure that you focus your important information on the outside.
Business Card Printing Q&A
Why not just print my business cards using the office printer?
When a print shop prints business cards, the ink is usually printed so that it is raised on the surface. This embossing gives the business card that distinctive professional look most other professionals look for. In today’s market the only exceptions are the photo business card and the glossy business card. These cards can be replicated on an office printer, but the cost of toner or ink usually doesn’t justify wasting your office resources on printing business cards. A professionally printed card always has a clean sharp image that identifies it as a commercially produced business card. You don’t want to look like your company can’t afford a decent business card.
I am very creative. Why can’t I just design my own business cards?
You can. If you have one of today’s publishing software programs, you can design your card. Microsoft Publisher, Corel Ventura, and Adobe programs such as Photoshop allow you save your work to a printer file. Your professional business card printing service will tell you which file format they prefer.
Does the printer have examples for me to look at?
If a printer does not have examples of business cards they have printed, look for another printer. If you are working with an online printer, the web site should have examples for you to download or look at.
With so many designs to choose from, how do I choose a business card printing layout?
Making this decision can be very difficult. Look at business cards. Decide which you like about different cards that you see. Pay attention to your first impressions. Only consider the layouts that really appeal to you initially. Ignore the rest. This will make the decision-choosing process so much easier.
How do I know that I’m choosing the right printer?
Research. If you are considering an online printer, search the Internet for negative feedback. One upset customer may mean nothing, but multiple complaints should tell you something. Check with the better business bureau in the printer’s home location. Ask for the names of satisfied customers. A reputable printer won’t be offended. Of course, one of the best ways to choose a reputable printer is to use our Print Price Search here at PrintingChoice.com. We only include the top, most well-established and high quality online printers, and you can search for the best price for your specific job. Try it out!
Business Card Printing - Our Final Advice
Choosing to use a commercial printer for your business card printing needs is a sound business decision. Because your business card may be the first introduction some people get to your business, doesn’t it make sense to invest in a quality business card. In today’s economy no one can afford to throw away business like that.