I need to improve my business cards. I’m happy with the design which I created myself, but I’m not happy with actual cards. My design was originally created using an outdated version of Microsoft Publisher. I can no longer print the cards from Publisher because of the file size (or some such lame-
Microsoft excuse) so I now print them from Microsoft Word.
The problem is that the graphics are not always centered on the card and the card paper&
#160;itself is not very high quality. If it were any thicker, it wouldn’t work in my inkjet printer.
What I would like to do is have my cards professionally printed. The printing is not too expensive, but any professional printer needs to re-create my card using their software. That gets expensive. What do y’all do?
BTW, my business card is below. Feel free to comment on that also.
Replies
It actually has a lot going for you.
It gets the idea across and is whimsical/fun, and creative. That makes it stick in my mind! That is half the reason for placing it is somebodies hand, to stick in their minds.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
I'm bothered by the heavy pixilation, esp in the text.
Re-creating is a potentially easy job. Have a graphic artist scan your image and ask them to clean up the art (can be done practically automatically in various programs like adobe illustrator and photoshop). Have them re-type the text from scratch. Give them the name of the font / fonts you used, but listen to them if they propose a change.
BTW, If you've been satisfied with inkjet printouts so far, try getting them copied at a knkos store and compare prices. xeroxing is more waterproof. Some stores have graphics people on the payroll to do all of the things i mentioned
as a former ad artist, I feel free to offer these friendly suggestions and glorious comments:
For one thing, you should have a telephone number. An apparent area code is not enough.
You seem to have a partial e-mail address but your poor printing process seems to have obliterated most of it. How can potential clients get in touch with you?
Then again, your name is incomplete. And who would want to sign a contract with a contractor whose license number is "13"?
By the way, I work for CanDo Electric and there may be trademark issues here.
~Peter, former layout artist of the nationally famous California Aggie
I believe he blocked some of that info purposely when he posted.
I think Pm was kidding, since he only mentioned everyone of the whiteouts, and didn't offer any truly professional advice. He had me going on the first one, but then i caught on and thought it was a nifty comment."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I guess I'm a little slow tonight.
Oh well.
Shep,I can't believe you fell for that! Of course he was kidding, can't wait to play golf with you, "I got a double eagle" :)
Kevin
Now wait a minute.
I'm not THAT gullible!
Don,
The artwork is only a one time charge. After that they have it on file and you dont pay for it, only for the card printing.
I would like to suggest one thing ...... if you are going to have your e-mail address on the card, make sure you will respond to it in a timely manner. Nothing irks me more than businesses that freely publish an e-mail address, but never look at thier e-mails or answer them. I would personally rather they just didn't have it on thier cards or ads.
Other than that, its a pretty neat looking card.
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md
I had mine done up by an online company called VistaPrint. We got 1500 cards for under $100. The cards are two-sided, full color and very heavy. Only problem, and it's more an annoyance than anything else, is that they e-mail you DAILY with "special offers". If you can find the patience to ignore the e-mails, the cards are great.
I was on VistaPrint's mailing list. I unsubscribed and haven't recieved another email since. Also, their products, service and prices are pretty good. Definately worth checking them out. --------------------------------------------------------
For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
Yes, unsubscribing would work too and be the better choice. I've unsubscribed to many lists and never had a problem. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
That problem would be easy to solve: just set up a new yahoo account special for that company, then never check it. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
Problem with that is Yahoo has pretty good email service, so you might want to actually use the account. I have 2 premium yahoo accounts. If you want to create a catchall email account, use Hotmail (msn.com). Their email system suks.--------------------------------------------------------
For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
Nice card Huck, but advertising that you're "bonded" is apparently against CA law. On page 5 of the summer/fall edition of California Licensed Contractor, it says that advertising that we're bonded "could lead the public to believe that there is a higher level of protection than might be the case."
I didn't know that either and had to take it off of my cards. Luckily, I print my own and needed some anyway. - lol
BTW, I like the DonCanDo moniker, surprised not to see it on your cards.
That's a great suggestion. Thanks, I was too close to see it. I set up doncando as an email address alias. I will no longer need to spell out my email address for people. I'm still thinking about any other way I might incorporate it into my business card.
And taking it one step further, I registered the domain name doncando.com. I don't know what I'm going to do with it yet, but at least I now own it.
self delete - typo.
Edited 11/26/2007 12:48 am by BillHartmann
DON can do - Dan can do whatever he wants!View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I'm also in the process of reno ing my business card...I'm changing the 4 lines on the bottom right...pretty sure I'll leave the rest alone.I consider my card my main marketing tool, right up there with referrals and word of mouth...If anyone has any feedback, I sure would appreciate it...The new typesetting will include some of the following: “A fine design, well executed, on budget, on timeâ€
Experienced Insured Trusted
Attention To Detail
Renovations Kitchens Bathrooms
Handrails & Finish Carpentry
Custom Cabinetsthanks,
silver
IMO, less is more. Contact info and briefest summary of what you do is all that's needed. All other catchphrases are a matter of (your) opinion until and unless you complete a good job for a client; I tend to be more put-off by a card that includes self-praise.Speaking as a HO looking for help, I like magnetic cards. they are the first to go up where i can see them
I like the simplicity of the card as it is. Adding all that new text might be a bit much. Could you put it on the back?
I have mixed feelings about putting my picture on my card. In your case, I think it looks good, but I didn't do it because it's too easy for people to have an emotional response, both good and bad, based on what we look like. Realtors do it all of the time and it's become a tradition with them, but I'm not sure it always works in their best interest. I mean, not all of them are good-looking people ;-).
Here's an example of craftsman's caricature that I like:
View Image
And yes, that's our buddy Norm Abram there.
Thanks for all of the great comments. I braced myself for criticism when I posted here especially since I designed the card myself and I don't have a graphic artist bone in my body. I didn't feel like anyone took a pot shot and there were some really great ideas that I never considered.
The main impetuous for me to re-do my business card is a slight slow-down in work. I figure even if I need to be frugal when my income drops, I certainly don't want to present that impression. Also, a few of my previous customers have mentioned that they misplaced my business card (they contacted me through email which I always monitor). If the card is of a higher quality, it shouldn't get lost as easily. So I am looking at my business cards as a marketing tool (I don't otherwise advertise) and as such, it needs to present well. I may even leave some with my friends at local businesses.
The reason I blanked out my contact information in my first post was not to protect my identity, but to avoid any appearance of trying to use this topic as a means of seeking work. Reflecting back, that was probably undue caution.
And so...
I went to a local print/sign shop and ordered 1000 high quality plastic-laminated cards. They need to re-draw my logo using their software, but it sounds like they know what they're doing. The total cost is a little over $300. Subsequent orders of 1000 (boy, that's optimistic of me) will cost a little under $200. I'll post back here with an update in a couple of weeks when I get the new cards.
Excellent!Re "Silver"'s card, it looks crowded due to the photo. ITA about losing it; I couldn't come up with a tactful explanation, but you did. You are not hired for this kind of work based on your looks, so save photos for acting and modelling jobs. Good-looking, bad or average, your image may backfire on you.
question for silver: is it common practice where you are to have your pic on business cards?
Edited 11/27/2007 8:19 am ET by msm-s
Re photoI thought long and hard on this one and I think it's a good thing...customers seem to like it, helps them remember me and I think it adds a personal touch...however, not common practice I take criticism well so no worries...thanks
silver
That's Norm from about 20 years ago, before the good life caught up with him.
I used to have a phoenix as in phoenix woodworking and that seemed to work well...at one point it was almost 3 dimensional with the colours
we usedwhen I changed the company name I went with the photo...seems to work for me...new folks always remember methanks for the feedback...simple it shall be...silver
I agree with what Jeff says, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Most first impressions are wrong but they linger in peoples minds.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=97525.17
I use vista print and have gotten positive feedback from customers I don't see where 200 dollar cards are more impressive than my 50 dollar cards .Ive already made the first impression before I hand them the card
Don't take this personal but I almost always form a judgment when someone hands me a flimsy homemade business card. I've tried making them myself in a pinch when I run out and I just can't bring myself to hand it to anyone. The opinion I form is usually one that is somewhat negative. I assume that they either can't afford a professional card, or don't care that they are putting out an unprofessional image. I then transfer that thought about what their crews are going to be like. I envision a poorly equipped crew, doing less than professional work. I have been flabbergasted that some very impressive individuals have offered these five cent cards. The argument can be made that they are frugal and that I will benefit from their frugality, but I then come to my senses and think that it's much cheaper to buy a shovel, rather than a 200k excavator, but I don't think I'd hire a guy with a shovel to dig my basement. I have nice cards and I always watch carefully how the person I hand it too reacts. Quite often, I've been complimented. That's the reaction I'm seeking. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
rare occasion here-- but i gotta say I agree whole heartedly with Jeff on this---and for the same reasoning
some things are so inexpensive--and so easily obtained in superior qualities--- that DIY'ing or looking for cheap sourcing simply doesn't make sense.
Usually i buy my stuff as part of a whole annual or Bi-annual "restocking"--new proposal forms, new cards, new post cards, new doorhangers, new letter envelopes, new large(legal size) envelopes etc. the whole proc3ess is rediculously in-expensive when weighed against the impression you can make---and the turn-around is almost instataneous.
all that said-- I am getting new signage for a new truck--and all the business forms etc. will be re-worked to match the new logo/signage-----------I am not sure i am even going to order new business cards---- I can't think WHEN the last time was that I actually handed one out.- i probably have 2 or boxes of previous incarnations of my business cards laying around here that I never handed out either---- i have just never found a smooth way to do it( or the necessity either I guess).- for me--if you are working physically actively in a trade----and someone sasks for a card-ya reach in to your wallet and hand them some crumpled smooched thing??Nah--usually I end up going to my truck and pulling out one of the door hangers--which contain a looooooong list of my services. I rarely get around to hanging door hangers either---but I do hand them out occasionally as business cards to people who walk up with questions to jub sites.
I liked Jeffs cards-- and when you hold it in your hand---- i suspect it FEELS substantial.--notice when you pick up 2 similar tools--one FEELS better than the other?--you are drawn more towards one than th other????????
It's the same thing with paper stock/stationary---as guys, I imagine we aren't tuned into this as much as women---but it's real.-------- Lose a single job because of the difference between in-expensive bargain $50 cards-and substantial $200 cards-----and how much money did you really save?????
BTW--------It's been a couple years since I ordered new business forms etc.----but I don't think i have ever paid $200 just for cards----------as part of a whole package--forms, cards ,door hangers, envelopes etc.- i don't think the whole deal is much over $300.
Stephen
I'm like Jim Allen, cheap card gets thrown away. But the worst - the very worst is the new guy on the street that gets the business cards with the fill-in-the-blank-for-your-name. Oh man, I'd go buy cards out of my pocket if the employer couldn't get me some printed in a hurry.
I did work for a guy one time that would conduct a quick and very cursory "job review" about 30 days into new employment. When I left the quick meeting, I asked the Sales Manager what that was all about. He said the boss wants to make sure you're not about to leave before he orders your business cards. Cheap a$$.
My one piece of constructive advice - I get my business cards printed professionally with a calendar on the back. People hang onto those - card calendars are hard to come by. I order 500 of those along about October and start handing them out instead of the regular cards. I usually run out by April or May - so I guess I hand out about 1,000 business cards a year.
Greg
Business cards are your first formal introduction to prospective clients ...
why whould you want to go cheap?
besides the obvious ... real cards from a real printing shop are dirt cheap to begin with.
I get 3 color on the front, one on the back and printed on a very heavy linen texture stock ... top of the line all the way around ... and it's still cheap.
last time ... think it was $200 for 1K cards ?
Used to think I was saving money by getting them 500 at a time.
difference in price was something like $50.
much better to buy in bulk.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
here it is ... front and back.
View Image
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Edited 11/25/2007 9:37 pm ET by JeffBuck
I don't know for sure, but perhaps if you can print to a pdf file, then send that to a print shop, you can avoid some of the graphics fee.
You might take a look at PrintMaster Platinum (or whatever version they are on). About $40 and it does all kinds of graphics stuff. So if you decide to make flyers, you can do that too. I know it does business cards. We also use it for invitations and cards.
Don maybe you can use this design I did no charge of course. I can put in correct info for you & then you'll need it as a pdf or a CD to send to bus. card shop, let me know or give me an email or snail mail address to send cd to . Here's my offline email address [email protected]
Edited 11/26/2007 12:04 pm ET by ZEEYA
Edited 11/26/2007 12:18 pm ET by ZEEYA
Wow, thanks for that! But I already have the logo from my card embroidered on my T-shirts and sweatshirts so I'm going to stick with it as is. I do really like how you captured "carpentry, painting and repair"
No problem Glad to do it if you want just theimage of the tools I'd be glad to send it to you. You might want to use it in a flyer or an ad
Zeeya
The function of a business card is to provide the pertinent contact information in an easily retrieved manner. Unless that is your marketing tool.
By the time anyone gets my card they already know some thing about me (referral) and all they need is an easily portable device to find me again.
Black and white, my name contact info and thats it.
I am not cheap. I bought the computer and printer that produces these on card stock.
I do not need 1000's . Twelve at a time four times a year about does it.
Hi Don ,
I would agree with all who know the card may be the first impression of what type of operation you run and that you only get one chance to make a first impression .
Many years ago I went to cards made of wood , when I handed them to people they knew they were real wood and always commented in positive ways .
We now use transparent plastic cards they come in many colors as well as clear .
The company I bought a boat from had these cards in a Blue transparent card that looked like water , I was impressed and we ordered some .
BTW the wood cards are from Cards of Wood located in Belmont Michigan
regards dusty