business cards

[warangel]

I need to purchase business cards. Right now I have some from VistaPrint.com. They were a free trial. I like them, but I want better quality. I know they have upgrades, has anyone tried them? What do any of you use for business cards? I've also thought of getting magnets to advertise.

[Kristen Gillespie]

I ordered Vista print and they are wonderful only 9.95 for 1000 .....I am going to pass them out like hotcakes...they are the type of cards you leave at other businesses for people to grab...I would recommend getting some nice ones with appt time printed on the back and give them to clients and a few for them to give out

[speters]

I use vista print for appointment cards, but I use www.aaa-full-color-business-cards.com for cards I pass out.  Lots of color and have a high gloss on the front.  I love them.  They are a little more expensive.

[Sadiedawn]

Some thoughts that came up in my Portfolio Development class....<br><br>Almost everyone is becoming aware of vistaprint and many massage therapists are getting cards there. Most of them using the free option. That's putting a lot of the same business cards out there. If you are leaving your cards for people to pick up, vistaprint cards may not get noticed because of the large volume out there now. And some potential clients may think highly of the "free" cards thinking maybe the massage therapist is cheap, not doing well financially, unprofessional...even though they are nice cards.<br><br>THEN there was this thought...<br>the purpose of business cards is not necessarily for advertising. Business cards are typically handed to people after a personal contact with them. It is the impression you make on them that will determine the sell....NOT your business card. If you have a great conversation with someone, they'll call you even if your card is a boring black and white. If you don't connect well with someone, it doesn't matter how great your card is, they aren't going to call. <br><br>The instructor also said stop using butterflies and trees. He had hundreds of business cards he has collected over the years. It was amazing how many cards and butterflies and trees. (I have trees on mine right now. They will be staying that way too...I designed them myself and it relates to the soul portraits I do so it applies.)<br><br>other suggestions...<br><br>don't put your home addy or home phone number. USE A CELL PHONE if you don't have a business line. Don't use a bunch of initials behind your name OR make sure you are going to explain what they are on the card. Don't put your email on it unless you check on a daily basis. don't put tons of stuff on the back. Put something like the next appointment or a map to your office. Maybe a short, simple quote. These were all suggestions from one teacher. I had a marketing class a few days later and the teacher said almost exactly the opposite so don't think they are hard rules.

[tiamouse]

I get mine done at http://www.48hourprint.com. They do both side, full color, glossy cards. I recently bought 2500 for about $100 even with shipping. I, too, think that some of the cards out there look a lot like all the other cards. I design mine on Microsoft Publisher and just upload the design to the website. I like being able to use both sides. I put a picture of my niece sleeping on the back and hand the card to people with that side facing up. They always comment on the baby and I think it helps them to remember me better. This is good for networking events, since it's hard to always remember everybody, especially when you get home and empty your pockets and realize you met 20-30 new people.

[ttouch]

Some thoughts that came up in my Portfolio Development class....

Almost everyone is becoming aware of vistaprint and many massage therapists are getting cards there. Most of them using the free option. That's putting a lot of the same business cards out there. If you are leaving your cards for people to pick up, vistaprint cards may not get noticed because of the large volume out there now. And some potential clients may think highly of the "free" cards thinking maybe the massage therapist is cheap, not doing well financially, unprofessional...even though they are nice cards.

Never heard or would think there are a lot of Vista cards out there. There are a lot of designs on Vista and you can't tell me we are all going to design them the same.  Vista is good and no one is going to think you are *cheap* for at least using a service you had to send away for, has quality cards, you can personalize them and they are not run off on a computer. They are a step above just being out there.  

It's a conversation piece, not something they are judging your econmics on.  

Email address on the card is great. they can get a hold of you.  Why not, if your not going to check that, then of course you woudn't put that. It makes common sense, use what will work for you. Not cause everyone else has it.  

and a home number, if it's your business and you work at home your gong to use that number unless you want the added expense of another line with is also an option. I guess there were too many don'ts in this note that I have found reason that will work. I use my home number and it's not a problem. I chose who I give my cards to , so .. there is not a problem.  It all depends on who you are serving.

[Sadiedawn]

Maybe I'm taking it personal but do notice that the last line of my previous post said another instructor said nearly the opposite of what I had posted. What I learned in portfolio development were suggestions. <br><br>Personally, I've seen a lot of the same vistaprint cards from various people and even before the class, had decided not to use them. They are great looking cards but if a number of people have them, I'm not interested. I could be super judgemental but I think the free vista cards do make someone look cheap. Granted, not everyone will know about vistaprint that you hand cards to but some will. I custom designed mine and used art I painted. No one will ever have a card that looks like mine. <br><br>I guess a home phone would be okay if you are picky about who you hand your cards to but what if they drop it and some perv picks it up? I too work out of my home but choose to use a cell phone, I can screen clients by phone and they can't track me down. Maybe I'm too careful about keeping info from clients but I don't think they need my home phone, besides, when I'm done with work, I can just shut my cell off and that's the end of it. A home phone is a different story!<br><br>Question, how do you guys feel about having a picture of yourself on the card? I don't like it but on of my friends uses it because her name could be either male or female....she wanted to make sure potential clients knew.<br><br>Anyway, now that I'm done feeling personally attacked (and realizing this is rather petty), I'll post this!<br><br>:)

[Sherri_R]

Sadie,<br>I havent read all the posts on here, just the last one.  But I just ordered from vista print a card that has my picture on it.  When we were in school the business teacher suggested this because it helps them remember who you are when they put your card up and pull it out later down the road.  Also if they were to pick it up somewhere they will see you are not a weirdo.  I always get new clients who have never seen me think I look like Hilda the big body builder, lol,  there surprised to see I look completely normal. (I must have a Hilda voice, lol.??  Dont really know.)<br> So I will be receiving them soon, I hope I get more business because I have finally decided to do this.<br>Sherri

[barefoot]

Tiamouse: I noticed that 48hourprint uses 12 pt paper for their business cards. I'm not familiar with paper weights. Is 12 pt flimsy or cheap looking?<br>

[ttouch]

I think pictures on cards is a personal thing. Each their own. I for sure could not put my picture out there unless it was taken professionaly even then I have problems with people looking at me. So, for me, it would not work. I haven't found the picture to do much more than without. I have business people's cards and they go in the file just like the rest. Really did not impact me. I think the log does more, but realize this is just MHO.  I am using the Vista and also put my logo in the back of them.  I need business also so, if you write something on marketing, please do let me know:)

[tiamouse]

barefoot,<br><br>48hourprint's cards are similar to others I've seen. I won't say that they are super high quality, but they're not light. They don't bend very easily. They will send you samples at no cost and if you would like, I could send you one of mine, just let me know off this discussion.

[BigDog]

I know I deal with a very unique situation in my business.  I deal with the heads of major corporations.<br><br>But this is my opion, I won't use Vista.  One reason is everyone know of them because of the free cards, so they assume you got the free cards (A turn off for some).  Two, you don't get any referrals by using Vista.  If you use a local printer, they may become clients or refer clients to you.  Offsetting any cost.<br><br>I have had many CEO's tell me when they receive a business card from 'one of the free' places, they throw it away.  Because if you are not willing to invest $75 in yourself, how much are you willing to invest in them?<br><br>If you go to a local printer they can not only make you what you want, but they are experts on business cards and can give you some excellant advice on your cards.<br><br>Just some ideas from me.  

[Pete]

I'll weigh in on this one too.  I had my cards profesionally designed and printed on linen stock.  They're black and white, but with the graphic work, they still make quite an impact.  I know that a lot of MTs watch their budgets (so do I), but I don't think marketing materials is the place to cut corners.<br><br>I have seen some very nice designs on Vista's website and for those who decide they must go that route, I would advise that they at least pay the minimum to have the "These cards were printed for free..." line not on their cards.  That IMHO is what makes the Vista cards look cheap.

[lotusgirl]

Has anyone ever tried making business cards on their computer?<br>I thought it might be cool to try but I don't want them to be cheesy. <br>I've been getting mine at Staples.<br>Cassandra/Lotusgirl<br>

[ttouch]

Business cards on computer are good but the problem is you can't get the weight right... The ones by Avery are too light.  If you can print a copy and maybe have them printed again at Kinkos or a good printer, you are in the same ball park as just letting them do them.  Card weight is the problem, I've found with computer cards even though I did get one in the mail from someone that was pretty good.  Still not weighted enough for me though.

[sagetherapist]

There are paper supply stores (Kelly Papers here in AZ) that sell all kinds, colors, weights. It is where places like Sir Speedy & Kinkos get their card stock/cover stock supplies. So, that's not really true.... you could be printing your own biz cards, rack cards, gift certs, etc on the *exact* paper that the print shops would use. <br><br>I've done all this on my own, but I don't reccommend it, unless you want to spend a whole lotta time working on things like this.Truly, for the set-up fees & the printing costs & cutting, you're getting a good value if you go with a print shop.<br><br>When we first opened up Sage Salon, I got my biz cards, stationery, envelopes, rack cards & gift certs done for about $300 (I provided the paper, but found out they use the same sources, so I could have skipped that errand). My paper supplies cost about $90. I bought cover stock, legal size envelopes & letterhead.)  I really thought that was excellent. Everything was organized & boxed appropriately for storage & they keep a digital copy of the master info for reprint orders & 'tweaking' the originals (if, say, you add or change services or a policy later). <br><br>Jill/Sagetherapist

[lotusgirl]

I found a company that designs really cool business cards for massage therapists. They also do gift certificates, stationary, and will even design a website for you. Check it out:

http://www.phrizbie-design.com/massage_ ... cards.html

I'll be ordering some soon so I'll let you know how they turn out.  :)Cassandra/Lotusgirl

[art_of_zen]

I need to purchase business cards. Right now I have some from VistaPrint.com. They were a free trial. I like them, but I want better quality. I know they have upgrades, has anyone tried them? What do any of you use for business cards? I've also thought of getting magnets to advertise.

I had the free cards from Vistaprint when I was in school, and upgraded to the glossy with text on the back and my own logo on the front after I graduated.  I love mine!  The upgrades look very professional, and I have gotten many compliments.

I have not purchased magnets yet, but others here have said they have and it  was a big hit.

[Intuitouch]

I have used black and white cards, custom designed and printed cards and now use vistaprint cards.  In my experience, unless you have created something incredibly different that is worth the exhorbitant printing fees from private printers than vistaprint can't be beat for price and quality of business cards.<br><br>The flip side to thinking someone is cheap because they use vistaprint would be the clients who recognize their MT saw a good deal on something and used it.  If you live in an area where people are watching their pennies and living frugally they might see an MT using vistaprint as savvy and smart.  Image is incredibly subjective.<br><br>I have used both the freebie cards and the custom options from vistaprint and have been quite happy with their quality.  In fact, more often than not, people ask me where I get my business cards...to which I am happy to refer them to vistaprint.com.<br><br>I do agree paying the extra fee to be rid of the "ad" on the back of the freebie card is worthwhile and certainly makes the card more professional in appearance.  <br><br>Personally, if someone saw the words vistaprint.com on the back of my business card and decided that because I didn't spend $100+ dollars on the printing of my business card I am therefore not worth their time...well, I can't say that I would miss that client...but that is just me and my two cents.  :)  

[lotusgirl]

http://www.phrizbie-design.com/massage_ ... cards.html<br><br>Ok here's the correct link. (I think I was missing a slash.)<br>Tell me what you think of the biz cards.<br><br>Cassandra/Lotusgirl

[EgoMagickian]

Couple things... not all printers (a la Kinko's, etc) can handle the paper you might want for your cards. Personally I think the card stock Kinko's uses is on the light side. You can get business cards offset or letterpress printed on stock that will never feed through a laser or inkjet printer. When I did design, would often recommend such stock simply because the weight of it makes an immediate, visceral impression on the receiver. <br><br>I can't recommend Vista. Whenever I receive a card obtained through them, a little red flag goes off in my head--it's usually the "not savvy" flag. I like to work with savvy people, who value the individualized work of skilled professionals over the mass marketed & distributed stuff.<br><br>Do you think you provide better value for your clients than a massage franchise chain? That's how designers feel about Vista :-)<br>

[Texas-gal]

http://www.bosworthpapers.com/<br><br>Here is a paper company in Houston, for those who live here and are looking for something special.  They have many paper types and items.  They seem to also deliver throughout Texas, but not out-of-state.  <br><br>Maybe some more of you have links to places you like to get paper or know about.  <br><br>I have used PaperChase only for regular paper, but since they have a lot of stuff, now that I have given the link to everyone, I am thinking about using them for other things!  And all because I wanted to provide more options to our happy community.   <br><br>Also, regarding Vista Print.  They may not be the top of the line, but I think they are great for working with, especially if you are trying to decide on a design for cards and how you are going to layout your information.  If you are very visual-tactile, there is nothing like an actual printed, in your hand, touchy-feely card to make your brain function better.  In my experience... all the excellent graphic artists I have used, never got my mind working -- like playing with Vista Print.  But, for the final decision, I like having a heavy stock card with the graphic artist work on it, just because it feels nice and the look is so very upscale.<br><br>*winks* -- recently, we have been in transition though, so Vista Print has been the current choice until the beginning of next year.  

[lotusgirl]

Nobody likes the business cards on the site I linked?  :(<br>Oh well... I thought they were the coolest massage biz cards I've seen!

[tiamouse]

lotusgirl,<br><br>They are really cool looking! I couldn't find ANY price lists. Are they expensive?

[I_Treat_Pain]

I use vista free card for many years and I think it's better than the one at staples ot officemax where you print it yourself.  actually, the vista print is not free, you are paying for it, you can order differernt styles and see which one actually click when you recieve them. if you order 250, you get charge a shipping fee of 5.95 or something, if you order another 250, the shipping only go up to another 50 cents maybe, <br><br>One time I ordered 2000 card of different design and the shipping was all I paid and you can use the same design to make an appintment card out of it.  for someone who is new in the business, you want to control your expense uintil you at such time can afford to make change.  <br><br>I never have anyone not coming to me because of my business card, I usually hand them three cards and said keep one for yourself, give one to your frined and throw one away. something I have learn in real estate and it still work for me.<br><br>