Top 5 Factors for Choosing a Business Card Printer

I get questions all the time about the things to look for when shopping for business cards. Those not familiar with the printing industry are often destined to make either poor or uninformed decisions. Luckily, like most things in life, this decision-making process can be filtered down to just a 5 key decision points. So without further ado, here we go!

Factor #1: Printing Process

Printing processes vary. For instance, some printers specialize in 1-sided, black and white cards whereas others specialize in 2-sided full color cards. As you might expect, full color cards are the best option. They look sharp and subsequently help generate that all-important amazing first impression.

Quality full color printers utilize a full-bleed printing process, which essentially means that they trim away the edges to facilitate end-to-end ink coverage. Also, the most reputable printers use the standard 4-color CMYK printing process because of its ability to exactly match a broad array of colors. Check out any full color magazine and chances are you'll be looking at the output of a CMYK printing process.

Factor #2: Coating Options

Coating applied to the final business card product drastically enhances its look and feel, as well as its durability. It is ideal for full color business cards that could fade or fray over time.

The 2 most popular business card coatings are UV (ultra violet) gloss and silk. UV gloss facilitates a completely glossy business card. Conversely, silk business cards are non-glossy, and allow writing on the card. Silk business cards also have a sophisticated and classy look and feel.

Factor #3: Card Stock

Cardstock is measured by material and thickness.

The material is typically either paper or card stock. Obviously, paper stock is not as durable as card stock and thus is not preferred. Plastic business cards or even metal business cards are top-of-the-line, however these cards are very expensive and hence regular card stock is more often than not the best choice.

The thickness of real card stock is measured by a point system that corresponds to thickness in inches. For example, 14pt. cardstock is 0.014 inches thick. Standard business cards come in 10pt, 12pt, 14pt, or 15pt thickness.

Usually, the thicker the cardstock, the higher the perceived quality and elegance. For most people, 15pt cardstock is as thick as needed.

Factor #4: Optional Features

If you want your cards to "wow 'em," add enhancement features like rounded corners, embossing, spot UV business cards, foil stamping, or custom cutting.

Spot UV business cards are a fantastic way to facilitate a terrific first impression. This is where certain areas of your silk business card are treated with glossy UV. The effect does not impact the underlying colors, it only adds a shine and looks incredible.

Factor #5: Turnaround Time

Most quality printers have a 4-5 business day turnaround time, although a 1-2 day deviation from this is acceptable, especially if your card has a high level of customization. Be careful of printers promising a faster turnaround, as this could indicate questionable workmanship.

Wrap Up

Deciding on your business card features and printer is easy if you focus on the key variables: card stock / material, coating, optional add-on features, and printing process, and turnaround time. Focus only on these 5 variables and your decision will take hours instead of days or weeks.

NexCards.com
Specializing in Unique, Custom Business Card Printing.