Business Cards - Let's see yours !

[NikGrey]

I am at the stage of designing my business cards - I did have some made as a temporary measure but never liked them enough to give out..

I know it will take me a while to settle on my own design so I am looking for inspiration, I would love to see your business card if you have one ?

Also what is critical in a card design ?

Obviously business name and contact info:
Website
Phone
facebook


But the design must stand out, be memorable and eye catching - something somebody will want to keep - a 'Work of art' in their own right !
Colour - I need colour but as the template from the company I am using (as with any other print company) is strictly CMYK I fear I may not get the colour I am after.

so, looking for general help really.

[FutureProject]

[spongerobinson]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]2505[/ATTACH]

That's our design...basic, but has all the important details.

I know you mentioned Vistaprint in another thread, but being perfectly honest I'd steer clear...in my opinion they are cheap for a reason. I'd try find a local printer, where you can see samples of various stocks, thicknesses, laminates, and get something your really happy with. After all, a business card is often the first impression somebody will get of your business.

[spongerobinson]

oh and i see FutureProject mentioned in the other thread about the size of VP cards! I had that typed in my initial post too, but on looking at Vistaprints site just now, it appears they've changed to the standard 85x55mm size...i'd still avoid them personally though

[Quinsfan]

Print your own. I have a business card from Nova Chrome which is metal. I have seen them on other suppliers. Try, I think this the correct name, subi- metals. They do post on here.

[GoonerGary]

Aren't business cards an 80s thing?

[Quinsfan]

Aren't business cards an 80s thing?

What do you use if you meet someone somewhere who wants your details? Also they make great roach papers.

[RogerC]

It's my opinion that apart from carrying the essential information a business card needs to strike the right balance in terms of quality. Metal ones are very nice as are plastic (those that like credit cards). However having been the recipient of such cards I did stop and think about the cost of such cards. In the end it is the customer who is paying and as such I decided that a company which spent more than necessary on such items was not going to get my business. If it was a very up market company wanting to attract millionaires then it would be essential but this was a small company making awnings which, economics considered, had to pass on the cost to the customer. In this instance their 'flash' cards lost them about £3k worth of business.

I worked, for many years, all over the world in aviation working with/for multi million dollar company representatives/CEO/owners etc and not one had a business card that was out of the ordinary. If it's good enough for companies spending/earning millions of $$$$$ I see no need to go over the top.
I see Vistaprint has been commented on but as long as you get your cards on a decent weight card stock I would consider them to be good value for money. If your local printer could price match or come close I would support them over any on line provider.

[pisquee]

No problems here with VistaPrint price/quality from our point of view - have used them for a few different things, including business cards and postcard type flyers. I judt wish they had a set rate, rather than charging little extras for basic things like uploading images.
We have since moved to using CrayonJuice as we wanted a more bespoke solution - needed a specific size to fit in a small box, and to be landscape folding, and they were able to do it for a good price with free delivery in a couple of days.
This need was due to our business cards also being product info cards which accompany everything we sell, to explain the brand/designs/products.

[Justin]

Had the bright idea to get some fancy smanchy plastic cards printed before I first went to P&P years ago. Metallic silver with mirrored print, all looked the works. Only problem was the folk at the show wanted to staple the card to the enquiry form and it wouldn't go through me thick plaggy card! lol