Business Card Printing: A 101 Guide

In the digital age, printed business cards remain one of the most important tools for networking and business introductions. Professionals often need to exchange contact details at business meetings, events or conferences and a business card can be the first impression that the potential client gets of your company.

Specifications for Business Cards

There are 2 standard business cards size most commonly used:
90x50mm
85x55mm

The above sizes are universally accepted and understood by printers. Business cards can either be printed in portrait or landscape, with the landscape being the most common option. It is popular to print smaller variations but be careful of straying too far from the standard business card format in order to maintain a professional standard.

By far the bulk of business cards are printed on 350gsm stock. There is a multitude of other speciality card and recycled card that could give that something extra to make your business card stand out.

Business Card Designs

The card and finish must compliment the design e.g. the impact of an upmarket speciality card may be a waste if there is a lot of ink coverage or the card is being laminated. Consult a design team for all aspects of a design and card selection.

Printing Process – Facts and Myths

There is often a perception that Litho Printed Business Cards are a superior quality that digitally printed business cards. Foxx Design offers both Litho and Digitally printed cards on top of the range of machines. The quality is comparable and your printing method may be reliant on your personal needs.

Digital printing does not have the same setup costs as litho printing, thus for smaller runs, digital printing can be more cost-effective. They are also more flexible and have quicker turnaround times. Litho printing is inexpensive once you start with bulk printing, something digital printing cannot compare to. Litho printing becomes necessary when:
• The card is thicker than 350gsm
• The volumes are so large that is the most cost-effective option
• Certain finishing such as UV Varnish is required
• Metallic inks or spot colours are required

Finishing

There are a number of finishing options that will make sure that your client takes a second look like your card. These options and their costs need to be weighed up against the costs as they may become more affordable with larger printing runs.

  • Matt Lamination
  • Rounded Corners
  • Die-Cut To A Specific Shape
  • Embossing
  • Foiling
  • Spot UV or UV Varnish

For more information about Business Card Printing, Contact Foxx Design Pretoria Today!