Will a flashy business card help you stand out? What size should your cards be? How many should you print? How much information can you add to your card? If you are unsure how to proceed with this highly effective sales tool, you may have a number of questions.

To help you get a better idea of how to plan, design and print the perfect business card, we have put together a list of commonly asked questions.

Frequently Asked Business Card Questions

In no particular order, some of the most commonly asked business questions that we get asked here at Minuteman Press Pinetown include the following:

How many business cards do I need?

This will come down to your unique needs and how you plan to use your cards. If you have a very small startup business that is still in its early stages, you may decide to print a smaller run of 100 cards or less. You may also require fewer cards if you don’t hand yours out on a frequent basis. If, on the other hand, you have a large sales team and you regularly attend trade shows and other networking events, you and your team will likely go through cards quickly. It’s worth noting that it can be more practical from a cost point of view to print a large number of cards. Smaller runs can be a bit more expensive.

What is the average size of the card?

The South Africa industry standard is 90mm x 50mm. A card that is below or over these measurements may not easily fit into a card holder slot in a wallet. This can result in cards being lost, which defeats the entire purpose of getting cards designed and printed.

What type of finish and card can I choose?

There are a number of options to consider when it comes to final details. Typical finishes include matte coated, gloss UV coated and various others that give your card the right look. Ideally, you want a paper weight that is thick enough to last as long as possible without tearing or crumbling. View our guide to paper weight to get a better idea of ideal thickness for various marketing material projects.

Will flashy, bright business cards make me stand out?

It may seem like a good idea, but, in reality, over the top cards do not always stand out as much as you’d think. The most important thing on this type of sales material is for people to easily be able to see your name, company name and title. You want people to remember your details easily without being distracted by overly bright colours, shapes and design details. Minimal cards can often be far more memorable. With that said, you can inject personality by creating a card that is unconventional and fun. View our unusual business card design ideas to see how you can add a bit of fun without going overboard.

Should I list all my products on my card?

The front of the card should be used to display only the most important information – your name, title, company name or logo, and possibly a tagline. You can use the back of the card to list key services, but try to keep the focus on only your most important highlights. Too much information can end up being confusing or distracting.

What does ‘tactile appeal’ mean?

This refers to print finishes such as foil stamping, die cutting or embossing. These features can add plenty of impact to your card without being over the top. Because this type of material is, by its very nature, tactile, it can be very worthwhile to add sensory detail that helps people remember your brand.

Should I invest in professional design services or make my own cards?

Ideally, you want to ensure that your cards are designed for optimal effectiveness. The problem with the DIY approach is that it can lead to a decrease in quality if you are not trained in design principles. Here at Minuteman Press Pinetown, we offer design and printing of business cards in Durban and surrounds. We’re always happy to help bring your projects to life.

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