Sep
Almost everything about business cards
This is one of the most sought after printed items. We are currently trying google adwords and this is the second most searched term for printing after print. Business cards have quite a history as can be see from wikipedia.
With the variety of different methods available for printing cards currently there is no reason why most people don’t have a business card. Down to business. In South Africa the standard size is 90mm x 50mm so if you want to design your cards stick to this size. All stationery, office supplies and business card holders are available for this size, they can be smaller but should not be bigger. We have prepared a short document on how to set up a business card for printing explaining bleed and safe printing area and is available by clicking here.
The most common method for printing is normally a 2 colour litho print. This is changing to a full colour print either in litho or digital print. To keep costs down in full colour prints a deck of 40 – 70 cards are printed in one run. The ink density can and does change between runs as the ink is set for the deck overall and not 1 card in the 60 being printed. Because of this most companies still print the 2 colour cards as the ink from run to run is more consistent, thus keeping a consistent corporate identity. Other options are foiling, virko (raised printing) embossing and die cutting a specific shape. Each of these adds to the uniqueness of the card but the downside is the extra cost and extra production time.
Uses
Most cards are used as the traditional calling card, this is to leave a reminder for people you have met as to who you are and your contact details. The common elements of a card are:
- Name of employee. This is normally the most prominent item of the card and positioned in a prominent place. People deal with people thus want to be able to find the name easily when looking at the card.
- Name of the company or organisation. As important as the employee the name of the company is very important. This is mostly done in conjunction with the company logo as most companies logos include the company name.
- Address. The company physical address and postal address are normally included in a smaller size font than the names. This is considered essential as the contact you gave the card to may want to visit your company or send correspondence to you. Some people leave this off as a waste of space, but this can lead to the perception that this is just a “paper” company.
- Telephone and contact details. First your phone number which is now a 10 digit number and if used outside South Africa include the international dialing code. EG +27(0)11 447 3133. Also by putting in spaces makes it easier to read. You should include your cell phone number, fax number.
- Web and email address. If your company has a website advertise it! Include your web address and email address these are essential part of business and business communication now days.
- Job Title. Most people like to know what type of person they are dealing with is a director or the security guard.
- Tagline. This is the slogan normally under your logo. EG “Other printers maybe nearby, but no one comes close.” This is part of your corporate identity use it.
- List of services or branches. Instead of having a blank back use it to list things like services branches products etc. Professionals like Doctors etc. use the back to write down appointment details.
Other ideas for business cards
This is to get your imagination going on other uses for business cards:
- Car washes get every eighth wash free.
- Gift vouchers (just use a trustworthy printer)
- Invites
- Discount vouchers
- Website passwords
- Print quotes inspirational messages and give your customer a different one each month
- Customer cards where you write account numbers EG Video store
Now I need your help for other uses for business cards then email me ; or leave a comment and I will keep this post up to date. Also let me know if more information is required on other aspects, this is a work in progress.
Ian Franks Ph 011 447 3133
