Still handing out business cards in 2024? Good. Smart move actually. Digital everything is cool but nothing beats slapping a physical card into someone’s hand at a networking event. Calendar business cards especially stick with people way more than a LinkedIn request ever will.
Here’s the deal though. Research shows folks form opinions about your business within seconds of seeing your card. Seconds! Flimsy paper with blurry printing screams amateur hour.
Premium cards with sharp details? That screams you’ve got your act together. First impressions matter big time.
Back in grandpa’s day everyone had the same boring white cards with black text. Times have seriously changed. Now you’ve got options like plastic cards, metallic finishes, and even calendar business cards that people actually keep around. The printing game has leveled up and your cards should too.
Figuring Out What Kind of Card You Actually Want
Before ordering anything you gotta decide what vibe you’re going for. Standard paper cards work fine for most folks. Cheap. Quick. Gets the job done. But they also bend, tear, and end up looking rough after a week in someone’s wallet.
Plastic business cards? Totally different story. These bad boys feel like credit cards. Waterproof. Durable as heck. Won’t crumble when someone sits on their wallet. Realtors and photographers love them because they scream premium without saying a word.
Want something really clever? Calendar business cards combine your contact info with a handy yearly calendar. People actually use these instead of tossing them. Twelve months of your logo sitting on someone’s desk or in their wallet. Pretty genius marketing move honestly.
Designing Your Card Without Losing Your Mind
Okay so design time. Don’t overthink this part. You need your name. Title. Phone number. Email. Website maybe. That’s the core stuff everyone expects to see on a card.
Logo needs to be crisp and clear. Blurry logos look terrible and make your whole business seem sketchy. If your logo file is pixelated get a better version before doing anything else. Seriously. This matters more than you think.
Keep fonts readable. Tiny fancy script might look artsy on screen but nobody’s squinting to read your phone number at a conference. Stick to clean fonts. Good contrast between text and background. Leave some breathing room around the edges.
Where to Actually Get Them Printed
You’ve got options here and they all have tradeoffs. Office supply stores like Staples do same day printing which is clutch when you’re desperate. Quality is decent. Nothing special but serviceable for most situations.
Online printers give you way more choices though. Different paper stocks. Special finishes. Unique shapes. The catch? Shipping takes time. Plan ahead or you’ll be cardless at your big meeting. Nobody wants that awkward moment.
PrintRobot handles business card printing from their Florida facility with everything made right here in the USA. They specialize in plastic cards that feel seriously premium. Credit card thickness. Waterproof. Options for gold foil, embossing, even QR codes. Free design help on orders over $250 which saves headaches if you’re not a designer.
The Ordering Process Step by Step
First thing. Get your design file ready. Most printers want PDF, JPG, or PNG format. Resolution should be 300 DPI minimum or your stuff prints fuzzy. Colors need to be CMYK not RGB. Sounds technical but any decent design program handles this automatically.
Watch your bleed area. That’s the extra space around your design that gets trimmed off. Important stuff like text and logos should stay away from the edges. Nothing worse than getting cards back with your phone number half chopped off.
Upload your file. Pick your quantity. Choose your finish. Gloss looks shiny and sharp. Matte feels softer and doesn’t show fingerprints. Both work great depending on your style. Then wait for delivery. Standard turnaround runs about 10 to 15 business days for quality printers. Rush options exist if you’re in a pinch.
FAQs About Getting Business Cards Printed
How many business cards should I order?
Start with 250 or 500. Enough to last several months without committing to thousands. You might want design changes later anyway.
Paper or plastic cards which is better?
Depends on your budget and goals. Paper works for everyday use. Plastic makes a stronger impression and lasts way longer in wallets.
Can I print cards at home?
Technically yes but honestly they never look as good. Edges are rough. Colors are off. Save home printing for emergencies only.
How long until my cards arrive?
Most online printers take 7 to 15 business days. Same day options exist at local stores but with fewer customization choices.