Free Business Cards? Are they really free?

In a nutshell yes, but with a couple of caveats thrown in.

In a determined effort to win your business, many companies will supply you with a limited number of free business cards however, you would normally be expected to pay the postage costs, (which is fair enough), and also display the supplying company's details on the reverse of the card (which may not prove ideal for many users). In many cases the quality of card used leaves much to be desired. It's the usual maxim, you get what you pay for, or don't pay for in this instance.

Why are they free?

Well, you may have noticed before arriving here the fierce competition between business card suppliers online. Every man and his dog are vying for your business. If it means giving away a few cheap cards to achieve that, then they will have done their job. Very few people exist on just business cards alone and the free business card companies are hoping that once you have become a 'client' that you will enquire about your other print requirements:- letterheads, flyers, brochures, folders etc. The free business cards are just a loss-leader.

Many people will jump around from supplier to supplier, constantly striving to get the best possible price. In the print trade, this isn't always such a good idea.

Well, this depends on the image you wish to portray and the type of business you are in. If you feel comfortable handing your card to a prospective client, and it has 'supplied by free business cards company' on the reverse, then no problem. However, if like the majority of start-up businesses you are intending to promote a professional image then maybe you should be thinking of going the normal route for your cards.

Where many of the free business card companies let themselves down is the quality of card used. Quite frankly, we've seen some horrendous examples of poorly-printed, badly-cut, thin cards that are doing the rounds. We've had situations where people have walked into our office, armed with their free business cards who have stated they will never use them again and can we basically put the artwork right for them and 'do a proper job'.

Now, we're not saying that all free business cards are the same, but we've yet to to see evidence to the contrary. We're sure by now someone must have realised how damaging these poor-quality cards are to their business? Who knows?

Are you saying don't touch free business cards?

No, not at all. As stated earlier, these cards will have uses for certain people but certainly not the majority. If you're expecting to receive cards that are on a par with paid-for cards, then you may be sorely disappointed.

There's still a market for ordering your stationery through a 'regular' online site. One that doesn't offer free this, or free that but that gives you a fair price, backed with a great service and that has the ability to take your design and produce professional-looking printed products that you will be proud to send to your clients.