As I continue to expand my freelance writing business, I have started to consider getting a few extra professional things done. I got someone to redesign the main freelance writing site at MichaelKwan.com, and as I have acquired a few local clients that won’t be paying through PayPal, I have had to develop some letterhead so that I could send out a professional-looking invoice. The next logical step, it seems, would be to get some business cards printed, so I can use them during in-person interactions (though the bulk of my communication is still via email and instant messenger).
I started browsing through the PayPerPost marketplace, and I came across an opportunity to review 123print.com, an online printing company that offers a set of 100 full-color business cards for as low as $3.99. Sounds like a good deal that could be right up my alley, but what they neglect to mention is that the cheapest shipping option is another $8.75, presumably in US dollars.
While they have a lot of different designs for a variety of industries, there doesn’t appear to be an option to upload your own custom design. What this means is that I don’t think you can implement your own logo. There is also a premium to be paid if you want larger font (the $3.95 deal is for 10pt) or a glossy coating.
Personally, I think that this comes off as a little amateur-ish, as having a distinct company image (including the logo) is very important in business. The way it sits, you could very well have the exact same business card as someone else, short of the actual text printed on the card. This may be fine for (very) small business owners, work-at-home moms, and so on, but it’s not good enough for me. The search continues…
On a side note, they also sell letterhead, appointment cards, envelopes, mailing labels, memo pads, and other personalized stationary, if you feel so inclined.
Yeah I just checked out vistaprint.com and they do have stationary and also other marketing materials. Their long time and what seems to be permanent offer is 250 free business cards and you still have the option to upload your own design. The only thing is that you have to pay for the shipping obviously. I’ve ordered the free business cards from them before and they are really good quality to be so cheap.
Michael, I had my cards designed professionally for a very small sum by someone in Estonia and had them beautifully printed locally. They have made a real impression on people and it’s worth the extra few bob and time. Whenever someone gives me one of these template business cards (and they are usually obviously so), my estimation of their professionalism does whither somewhat.
Pardon my typo earler! I meant wither.
There is a place on East Pender that does really nice stuff…forget the name right now, but I’ll try to find it.
Michael, may I suggest GreatFX Business Cards?
I’ve had great luck with them, having ordered several sets of cards over the last few years. Their business cards aren’t the cheap kind, they are the real deal. It seems in printing, you get what you pay for. Your frustration for not being able to upload can be ended, check out glossy business cards and click “Upload Custom”. Hope this helps!