How Much Do Business Cards Cost?
Business cards are still really useful for businesses because they help with brand recognition and advertising, and they make it easy to connect with people. When they're well-designed, they can turn random contacts into customers or partners.
It feels like having a living and breathing signboard in your pocket whenever you make contacts and expand your business. However, deciding how much to spend on them determines how much savings should be made because of various price tags. To get the best value, you should understand what are the crucial design features for separating your cards from the crowd, if you're operating with a minimal budget.
Additionally, business card design pricing varies on different factors. In this article, we will talk about, what are the causes of price variations, how to determine a design choice, the first stages of design, design elements that influence the price of your card, sophisticated design, and money-saving advice.
Price Varies For A Reason
Business card designs can be free or cost thousands of dollars. If you're a small business or startup, you probably prefer a simple design that will not cost too much. The average cost of business cards usually goes between $200 and $1000, depending on the feature. Furthermore, designing and printing the cards also adds to the total expense. The business card design cost solely depends on the person's budget.
Understanding Which Option Is Right For You
There is no single recipe for creating business cards that will automatically apply to every situation. Each client has different cost variants, from expensive business cards to business cards that cost as low as $ 20 to those that cost as high as $ 100. The client, therefore, has a choice of many options that enable him to choose the preferred one, depending on the budget.
DIY Design
If you're on a tight budget, you can design your own card using software like Illustrator or online templates. If you're good at design, you can follow a tutorial to make your template. Otherwise, you'll probably use a pre-made template, which is cheaper but might not be unique. Using a template might cost you up to $50, and remember, you'll also have to pay for printing, which varies depending on what options you choose.
Some templates let you print the design at home, but it might not look very professional. Other templates are meant for printing by a service, which usually gives better results. Most templates offer basic options like icons and fonts and let you add your own images for a personalized touch.
Design Contests
Contest design is another not just a good fancy act but also one of the cheapest places to get business cards made. The design contest and the hiring of freelance designers are about the middle costs for business cards among the varying ranges from two hundred ninety-nine US dollars to one thousand US dollars. With every other option comes its own positive and negative aspects, so we shall be looking at them individually.
If you just don't have any clear-cut design in mind and you want to see multiple design alternatives, a design contest can be a viable option for you. It will be special, as you are the designer and you select your own.
With a contest, you'll have flexibility in design timing and get files ready for printing quickly. Moreover, it might be possible to find the best deal on business cards on a design contest platform, and the result has the chance to be higher than the expectations of the client as well. Whether you are looking for logo business cards or any other kind of business cards, design contests can prove to be lucky!
Freelance Designers
If there is a lucid concept that one wants to see manifested and requires someone to bring it to life, a freelance graphic designer is a good choice. You will need to request a quote, which is the estimated price amount, and then finalize with the freelancer on the agreement. The expenses may vary, from a low 200 to a high 1000 dollar, depending on the designer.
Sometimes, the easiest part is finding the right person, but the hardest and the most difficult part of the search is where to look for the freelancer. There are options such as browsing through various websites or even Instagram to locate a designer whom you love, but the difficulty lies in the fact that a design platform comprises many designers’ work in one place, which is not easy.
For those who already know what they want their business card to look like, it makes more sense to search for a freelancer whose work has inspired them. In this case, you do not need a lot of thinking, and well you immediately know what you need. It is better to have contests if you do not know which is the best design and you want to have your wish come true with different options. Even if you have a basic notion that you would like to see on your credit card, getting a freelancer done is a great idea. You may even ask questions such as how much it cost to make business cards or how much is a business sign from different freelance designers. Then, settle on the one that falls within your financial limit, but still, they should have the type of portfolio that you like as well.
Design Agencies
If you are not suddenly trying to get the best grade but pay a lot of money, and the organization looks professional, using a design agency is your choice. Whether this is your first impression and it is a business card or even your total branding package, they can help you with all of it. Nonetheless, this imperative, in itself, can also cost an arm and leg. The initial price tags are most often $2,500 or higher. Anyway, a custom-made and exquisite design from an agency will be a rewarding outcome, and they will do the rest for you. Nevertheless, the design agencies are not stationary, and they revise their prices over a period of a year, adoption of every six months, or reconsider how much to charge for a business card design.
It doesn't matter whether the place designer of your choice can be found on the internet or right across the block; you need to ensure he is going to match your brand. Make sure you review their portfolio or do any previous work they have done to see if their style and skills match what you are looking for. Now, you should choose a designer you want to cooperate with, so communicate with him in detail and describe what you like and dislike and what you expect from him. Informing the designers on the mission of your brand, coupled with the style you want, aids them in creating a look that is true to your brand standards.
First Design Steps
Before diving into designing your business card, there are a few important steps to take care of first.
Two key elements of your brand, logos and color schemes, are crucial starting points. Your brand's main message, derived from your mission statement or idea, needs to be translated into a visual message.
Your Brand's Logo
Brand logo: this is what brings the customers' attention and makes them want to get more insights about your business or the product/ service. It is got to do it early to give them an idea about who you are, what the business is in a nutshell, and who are the potential customers. Other details also include how much should a logo cost, the preference of the client, etc.
Your Brand’s Color Scheme
Your brand colors can stir up emotions in potential customers, even if they don't realize it. But be careful—the wrong colors can push them away instead. Choose wisely!
Your Brand's Main Message
Before you can start the process of creating your business card, you must pin down the central message you want people to take about your brand. Specifically, the question of what do you do? It is this knowledge that you need to keep into account. Let us read about the author's journey and her determination to follow her passion for writing.
Get every article of your brand, the business card among them, to convey the message. If you end your task with the designer, you also need to guarantee that you`ve successfully explained to him your mission and values. In the course of examination of those parts, you might come to feel that way rather than the different styles of business cards and the design. That is why there are various types of business cards.
Furthermore, your brand can be about apparel, jewelry, or even a landscaping business, but an expert designer or top logo design company will have no issue bringing your vision to reality.
Design Details That Will Affect Your Card’s Cost
For about 80 business cards of roughly 4" x 6" card stock, printing on a standard printer might cost you up to $20, but that might differ from one case to another. Now that you have completed all the essential design steps, it’s time to polish up the tiniest stuff. Do not add many nuances to your design so as to keep the budget.
Materials
It's not just a piece of paper that business cards are made of. Nowadays, you can make them from wood, plastic, metal, and many other materials to make the secret really creative. On the other hand, reasons for going with different materials include the increased costs. The choices you make are some cards to be over a dollar or more. However, if you find it effective for your brand, you can count it as part of your investment.
Size
Your next choice is the size of your business card. Different countries have different standard sizes, so it's good to know what's typical. Here are the standard sizes:
North America: 3.5 × 2 inches (88.9 × 50.8 mm)
Europe: 3.346 × 2.165 inches (85 × 55 mm)
Oceania: 3.54 × 2.165 inches (90 × 55 mm)
Using a non-standard size might affect the printing cost, especially if it's larger. So, expect to pay more for bigger or unusual-sized cards. However, factors such as size, layout, font, and even character illustration all is taken care of if the company or individual is experienced and professional in business card graphic design.
Layout
Layout just means whether your business card is horizontal or vertical. It doesn't affect the price of your design. The layout can be chosen according to the client’s requirements and is a fully customizable feature.
Shape
Shapes can vary, which is why all business cards don't have to be rectangular. With die-cutting, printers can create cards in almost any shape while still keeping the cost low by printing in large quantities. Cute small circles or triangles are a good option for startups to attract customers, especially if their audience is youngsters because these shapes are unusual for business cards.
Furthermore, if you want to stand out, pick a shape that represents your business well. It could be the outline of your top-selling product or your logo itself.
Consider if creative shapes fit with your industry and your customers. If being creative usually impresses your customers, a unique shape could be a big win and help in increasing your popularity as a business/brand.
Additionally, if you work in finance, like an investment banker, clients might prefer a traditional look that reflects stability and reputation. Using a unique shape could send the wrong message.
Creating custom shapes with die-cutting will increase the cost of your business cards. How much extra you pay depends on where you get them printed. In a nutshell, the shape of a business card should be determined by keeping the clientele and nature of the business.
Graphics
Next, let's talk about and focus on another element, which is known as the visuals of your business card: the graphics. The graphics include your logo and maybe a photo or other images. Keep in mind that using more colors can affect the price.
Your logo should always be on your business card. Some brands like to use it more than once—for example, in a smaller size with contact information on the front and then in a larger size alone on the back. Another option is to use a lighter version of the logo under the text on the front and the standard version on the back. For reference and more ideas, you can search for 'Graphic Design Trends 2024' and then choose your favorite one for your business card.
There are lots of ways to position your logo on the card, so try different placements until it looks right. Just make sure it's easy to see, and the details are clear. Some businesses add extra graphics to set a certain mood or vibe. For example, a tech company might use bright, colorful graphics to show they offer technical products for schools or other businesses. All these minor details can be well taken care of by a competent design agency logo because they have years of experience designing and making business cards.
If your business has cute or delicious-looking photos, adding them to your card is a great idea. This is mostly applicable to a restaurant or a pet business. Cute pictures of pets will definitely melt anyone's heart, while on the other hand, the tempting photos of food will make the audience hungry!
Either way, graphics are a key way to instantly show what your business is about and attract customers. Working with a professional designer can help you create a unique and beautiful design, like using hand illustrations.
Typography
Opportunely, one of the vital things to consider is the appropriate font for your business card, which gives an impression of what message you want to deliver. It’s not only about the graphics; with fonts, you create your brand’s image, too, especially on your business cards, website, social media, etc.
When you choose the right style of font that best represents your organization, you make a statement about your brand. You can even buy specific fonts or apply hand-written lettering by a designer to your needs in the market for a completely difference of style. It may well take more money, but in most situations, a card printed custom is usually a good investment.
However, fonts should be selected by keeping the nature and audience of the business. For instance, a funky font for a doctor's business card will surely put off the customers and give an unprofessional image.
Advanced Design
As you finalize your design, consider adding special finishes to make your card stand out. These unique touches can leave a lasting impression on potential customers. However, keep in mind that these special finishes will increase the cost of your cards. The price depends on how you use the finish and which printer you choose.
Embossing: Embossed business cards have raised, three-dimensional designs that can highlight words, graphics, or other elements. You can use embossing to make your logo, name, or product stand out.
Foil Stamping: Foil stamping adds shiny, reflective accents or text to your cards, which can catch people's attention.
Letter pressing: Letter pressing is a printing method that inks and presses the paper down simultaneously, creating an engraved-like effect.
Spot UV Coverage: Spot UV coating gives your cards a glossy finish in specific areas, like over your logo or photo, rather than all over.
Money Saving Tips
You want your business cards to look great without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to save money while still getting a quality design.
Focus On Design And The Features You Need
You can reach out to a few freelance designers you like and ask for quotes. They can advise you on where to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Moreover, designers can help you spend wisely and choose the right special finishes that will make your cards stand out without blowing your budget.
Save Money On Colors
If you need to save money, consider using fewer colors on your business cards. Instead of cutting back on the number of cards or using cheaper materials, stick to one or two colors. A skilled designer can still make them look fantastic, and it's much cheaper to print that way. Additionally, you can also request the designer to use a combination of two or three contrasting colors to give the business card a pop of color! Yet again, the nature of the business is an important factor to be remembered during the entire process.
Know When Special Details Pay Off
In some industries, having a unique business card can be a great investment. It's a chance to show off your brand's personality and make your card memorable. You can use unusual materials, thick cards, cool visual effects, and other special details to help your brand stand out. These unique touches can make your card more memorable to customers.
Take advantage of your designer's skills. They have lots of tricks to make a creative design that still works well. Ask them to show you different options or business cards of other clients so you can have an idea or even take inspiration from any particular sample.
Check Everything Twice
Checking everything twice is advice that works well for every industry and not just business card makers/designers because nobody would want to end up with 500 cards that have a typo! So, before you print, take a close look at your card. The logo should catch your eye first, followed by the name and other details. If not, consider adjusting the design.
Keep things simple and clutter-free for maximum impact. Make sure everything is easy to read, the images look right, and none of the elements will get cut off. Don't rush to print until you're absolutely sure everything looks perfect.
Up Your Business Card Game
Whether you're starting out or need to refresh your cards, good design can save you money in the long run. The cost of designing and printing a business card can vary, so choose the option that fits your budget and preferences. With the right choice, you'll end up with cards you're happy with.
Determine A Budget And Stick To It
When it comes to designing and printing business cards, it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Think about how much you can afford to spend on this aspect of your business. Consider factors like the number of cards you need, the quality of materials you want to use, and whether you'll be hiring a designer.
Once you have a budget in mind, do your research to find options that fit within that budget. Remember, there are various ways to design and print business cards, ranging from DIY options to hiring professionals. By determining a budget and sticking to it, you'll ensure that you don't overspend and that you're happy with the final result. Also, learn more about brand identity vs brand image and then accordingly make a budget that fits your business.
Don’t Get Access To Business Cards Printed
When it comes to printing business cards, it's important not to go overboard and print more than you actually need. Think about how many cards you'll realistically use within a certain period, like a year. Getting too many cards printed can lead to wasted money if you end up not using them all.
Consider factors like the size of your network, how often you attend events or meetings where you'll hand out cards, and any potential changes in your contact information or branding in the near future. By printing just the right amount of cards, you'll avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure that you're not left with a surplus of unused cards.
Furthermore, you can also create a plan of six months, and stick to it. For example, for six months, you can get 1000-1500 business cards printed. If the business picks up, you can get more business cards printed for the upcoming six months, and if not, the previous stock of cards can be used, ensuring no wastage and money loss at the end.
Market Your Business Through Social Media As Well
Apart from relying on business cards completely and fully, also invest in marketing your business through social media handles as well. From Facebook and YouTube to Twitter and Instagram, each handle can help you attract an audience for your business. This a wonderful technique for people who are tight on budget and can not get business cards printed every now and then.
By creating engaging content, sharing updates about your products or services, and interacting with your audience, you can build a strong online presence and reach potential customers beyond your local area. Social media also allows you to target specific demographics and interests, making it easier to connect with your ideal customers.
Additionally, social media marketing is cost-effective compared to traditional advertising methods. You can start with a small budget and gradually increase your investment as you see results. Plus, you can track the performance of your campaigns in real-time and make adjustments to optimize your efforts.
Overall, integrating social media marketing into your business strategy alongside business cards can help you expand your reach, attract new customers, and grow your business effectively.
Keep The Business Cards For A Specific Audience
Last but not least, a tip is to only distribute or give away your business cards to people you think are genuinely interested in your business or are maybe people working in the same industry. A foolish step can be giving a card to a small kid just for the sake of disturbing your business card. Within minutes, the majority of the kids will forget about your card and drop it somewhere, maybe tear it, or use it to make any kind of play material (such as paper balls).
Handing out business cards to professional individuals can greatly contribute to your business growth. When you give your card to someone who is already established in your industry or related fields, you're not just exchanging contact information – you're initiating a potential professional relationship.
Professional contacts are more likely to understand the value of networking and may actively seek out collaborations or partnerships with businesses like yours. By giving your card to professionals, you're positioning yourself as a credible and serious player in your field, which can lead to referrals, partnerships, and even new clients.
Furthermore, professionals are more likely to retain and utilize your business card, ensuring that your contact information remains accessible when they need your services or want to refer you to others. This increases the chances of converting a casual encounter into a meaningful business opportunity.
Overall, this tip will help you avoid wastage of business cards, which in turn will help you to save money by not getting business cards printed often, and also increase the probability of your business growing.