Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

epoh · **Where to get good quality business cards? -** 09-10-2006, 10:46 AM

I am finally ready to order some real business cards. I want to know where I can get some nice ones. I'm looking for something more than the standard paper with a coat of gloss. I am just starting out, so I don't think I need a set of 1,000 cards or anything. I am thinking it would be better to place a fairly small order and get really nice cards.

I know we've had some threads on where to get cards before, but it seemed to focus on the overnight prints and such.. I'm looking for something a little bit more unique.

Thanks for any help!

*Mike* · 09-10-2006, 12:42 PM

Love your intro page to your website! I'm a Mommy and that caught my attention - TOTALLY. Good job.

We have found the best place to order cards in large or small quanities is VistaPrint. They are cheap, fast, and great quality. You can even get some free. Request their catalogue for better rates than those posted on the web.

Their stuff is great, just watch their add-on sales - they are the MASTERS of add on sales. I swear, they could sell anything. And I'm not too subjective to extras - but they are super good at it.

Good luck!
Holly
(Mike's other 1/2)

Sonny · 09-10-2006, 02:44 PM

I gotta say www.overnightprints.com does a really great job. To date, I've ordered over 5000 business cards and been very happy

suzyjazz · 09-10-2006, 02:45 PM

I second VistaPrint. I don't know what sort of supplier you are looking for when you say that you want "something a little bit more unique", but I have been very happy with both of my orders from VistaPrint. Great color, paper, finish, and consistency. I uploaded my own design for the order.

My one and only order from OvernightPrints.com was a dud.

d2creative · 09-10-2006, 04:21 PM

If you really want something unique, design your own cards or have a designer design some for you and have them printed at a local printer. You can do unique sizes, die-cuts, foil stamps, embossing, folds... anything you are willing to pay for.

epoh · 09-10-2006, 04:35 PM

That's the route I'm considering, Dennis. There is a great little printer we used for our wedding invites and such. They are very laid back and are willing to do whatever you want.

AllanAguirre · 09-10-2006, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny

I gotta say www.overnightprints.com does a really great job. To date, I've ordered over 5000 business cards and been very happy

I fully agree. 4 color both sides with UV coating... and the price is right. I wouldn't go anywhere else. I don't go anywhere else...

DeLeon · 09-11-2006, 10:33 AM

I use http://gotprint.net They have done an awsome job for me.

d2creative · 09-11-2006, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllanAguirre

I fully agree. 4 color both sides with UV coating... and the price is right. I wouldn't go anywhere else. I don't go anywhere else...

Just out of curiousity, has anyone who gets cards from these places every gotten any cards from local printers? Anything I have ever designed for clients goes to real printers with real presses, with real pantone inks, not copy machines with toner. You can choose paper from any of the major paper houses, paper weight, and all the cool stuff I listed above like diecuts, custom sizes, spot varnishes, etc. Of course it's lots more expensive, but that aside i want to know what the quality is like.

jloyphoto · 09-11-2006, 10:58 AM

Have to second http://www.gotprint.net.

Had my business cards and promo postcards done with them and I'm more than happy with the results.

The biggest pluses are that you can directly upload your files and that their system is Mac friendly.

I'll send you a couple of each if you'd like to see their quality.

As far as local printers are concerned, I've found that most couldn't match the quality or price.

AllanAguirre · 09-11-2006, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2creative

Just out of curiousity, has anyone who gets cards from these places every gotten any cards from local printers? Anything I have ever designed for clients goes to real printers with real presses, with real pantone inks, not copy machines with toner. You can choose paper from any of the major paper houses, paper weight, and all the cool stuff I listed above like diecuts, custom sizes, spot varnishes, etc. Of course it's lots more expensive, but that aside i want to know what the quality is like.

I am also a designer who goes to local printers for my clients' printing needs. Cards that I have designed that were printed at overnight prints vs at a "real" local printer as defined by your post (no sarcasm intended in any way) haven't come back looking cheaper or any less "real" then a local printer.

d2creative · 09-11-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllanAguirre

I am also a designer who goes to local printers for my clients' printing needs. Cards that I have designed that were printed at overnight prints vs at a "real" local printer as defined by your post (no sarcasm intended in any way) haven't come back looking cheaper or any less "real" then a local printer.

Ok, good to know. Thanks.

I was just reading their website and it says the print offset. No laser or digital printing. Cool.
I guess you are just stuck with using their cardstock, standard business card sizing and 4 color process.

epoh · 09-11-2006, 01:54 PM

I think I'm going to end up going with a local printer mainly because the cardstock is one of the most important parts to me. I am going with a very simple b&w design, and I want the paper to feel _good_ in my hands. You know? (I am a paper freak, if you couldn't tell.)

Some thing like this.. I'm going to play around with it some more, but I like it. :)