Business cards - Vista Print: a false economy?

rammell

For some businesses, Vistaprint are clearly not up to the job. However, the adage 'horses for courses' applies here. If a small business only needs 250 business cards, the ones sold by Vistaprint are very adequate and well priced.

I've had about 4 lots printed to date for 2 companies I've run. I order the glossy version without "Vistaprint" plastered all over the back and have had no problems at all with the printing. TIP: Go for the "slow" postage option.... they invariably arrive within 4-5 days anyway!

Last week I attended a networking event organised by the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses. I picked up six business cards from people I chatted to. My card did not look out of place with the other six. Size?? There were FOUR different sizes of cards handed out!!

As for keeping other people's business cards, most colleagues I talk to don't do this anymore. They take them back to the office, transfer the info to their PDA or contacts database (MS-Outlook) and chuck the card in the bin.

Of course, if your business is competing in a world where image is of a much higher value, spend a bit more and go for better quality from another supplier.

ukbill69

"Used a china guy on ebay great, 500 biz cards water proof full colour back and front for £20"

Lots of people have pm'ed me about this and ive found the guy.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZbuyingofficeQ5fws

Deepaktailor

I just ordered the free 250 business cards, i dont think its a bad price at £3.08 for P+P.

Considering i just want the cards for a personal hobbie, will see anyway in 21 days

Poppycat

theprintinghouse :spam: Reported

barginboyrob

CAn someone tell me more about the PVC cards? they sound good!

edit: jeez didn't know this was such a old thread!

Poppycat

theprintinghouse bumped the thread up because they were searching for relevant posts so as to promote there business

I wouldn't do any business with companies that are prolific spammers, makes you wonder why they have to do this, are they so short of business for whatever reason?

Kilty_2

I agree that Vistaprint are false economy tbh - I got 250 business cards for about £7 but still wouldn't order them again.

So many companies out there now that will do you 250-500 400gsm ones for £25 (which are the proper size and a lot better quality) - it just doesn't seem worth saving the little amount.

I'm rebranding my business at the moment and ordering 1000 business cards, letterheads and compliment slips for £79.99 inc delivery. Litho printed, not digital. Can't argue with that price and it's a UK based company.

motorguy

I've used them before for a small computer business we ran, dealing with the public. they were fine for giving out to people and we did go through quite a lot every month, so it helped they were cheap.

I guess it depends on the purpose....

Sagaris

Yep - my daughter wanted a small amount of business cards to display as part of her final degree work - OH ended up ordering cards, magnetic calendars and all sorts! He only had to pay for postage too, a very MSE way for a student to go about things!

mkt

For people who want cards for hobbies, small quirky businesses, etc., I can really recommend Moo. I'm not in any way affliated with them, just a huge fan of their minicards. The thing I love is that you can have each card printed with a separate image (you need a flickr account to do this, but they're free to set up), so you can have professional cards, fun cards, etc., made from the same order. The print quality and card stock are excellent, too.

I should add that they're not for everyone. They're a funny shape and size (like a normal business card cut in half horizontally) and they don't work out quite as cheap as some of the deals you can get from somewhere like Vistaprint - if you wish to project a professional, conventional image or want the cheapest possible deal, they're not for you. However, I think they're great quality for the price and, as my business is unconventional and creative, I've had a great reaction to mine. Plus, it's always good to find somewhere that does smaller print runs (in this case, 100 cards).