Still give out business cards?

[DDirector]

I'm wondering if its really worth buying business cards still.

I mean, if you're working with someone on set and want to exchange names/numbers and such, its usually by adding the contact on your phone. That's how Ive done it. Other than that, Im not sure when Id need to give out a business card, or if at all.

Should I order some? - A 500min requirement

[Doc Bernard]

A qualified "yes". Don't just hand them out to just anyone. As you said, with phones these days...you can just "add each other". But your cards are for those people that are not willing to be that informal.

I try to "qualify" anyone I am handing my card too. Is it going to just end up being a piece of note paper for another written number, or are they genuinely interested?

[arniepix]

I give out business cards all the time. they're still useful, assuming that you have useful information on yours, and that you don't have information on it that's not useful.

IOW, my card has a logo, my name, my contact info and the legend "Editing and Finishing for Film & Video". Nothing else.

If you're in multiple companies or multiple industries or multiple crew positions, you may want to use separate cards for each.

You can buy blank business card stock that will work in any laser or inkjet printer at your local office supply store, BTW.

[Deer Film]

I went with this company because a friend had some made up here. Great quality, low price. For 250 cards, I paid under 20 dollars. They said shipping would be 2 to 3 weeks. I got them in 1 week. I made up my card design in photoshop, then uploaded to their page. I will do business again. For 20 dollars, it is worth to hand them out every month, because for one job, this will cover the cost.
http://www.vistaprint.com

[Grug]

I went with this company because a friend had some made up here. Great quality, low price. For 250 cards, I paid under 20 dollars. They said shipping would be 2 to 3 weeks. I got them in 1 week. I made up my card design in photoshop, then uploaded to their page. I will do business again. For 20 dollars, it is worth to hand them out every month, because for one job, this will cover the cost.
http://www.vistaprint.com

My first set of business cards I got through Vistaprint. Personally, I think it's rather foolish to use the quality of their cards for promoting your business - they both look and feel cheap.

Printing is outrageously expensive these days. But I've never regretted spending the extra on quality 360gsm business cards with decent laminates. They both look and feel like quality, they make a good impression, and when it comes to dealing with potential new clients - a good impression counts in my experience.

[DDirector]

...if I were to get business cards, Id get them at: https://www.jukeboxprint.com/placeOr...php?page=step1

[RyanT]

I got a bunch because of what Doc Bernard is talking about. There are some people where its easier to hand them a card than say, hey dude, take down my contact info.

With that being said I have not handed a single one out...I'm awful at it. So...if you think you'll use em, go for it. Otherwise....eh. No harm done.

[Nate Haustein]

Spend the money and get the best ones you can find. Even $100 for 250 is NOT expensive for one of the best marketing tools available to you. There's nothing more satisfying then handing someone a nice, sturdy card and having them say "Wow, nice card – I really like the design." Happens every time for me because I spent a little extra time perfecting the art and taking it in person to a real print shop to pick out the paper. If the first thing you deliver to a potential client is something of quality, they associate you with exactly that.

[Gary Huff]

There's nothing more satisfying then handing someone a nice, sturdy card and having them say "Wow, nice card – I really like the design."

I hear this all the time about mine. I had my brother design them for me (he's really good at that), and then had them printed by Overnightprints.

[Kegan]

I'll never understand the point of buying cheap business cards. It's exactly the same thing as purchasing equipment. If you're handing out a business card, it's because you think that the person will generate you income in some way or another. I spent a lot of time ensuring that the design and stock/finish of my card was completely professional - when I hand someone my card, they don't feel like throwing it out. They might, but its a lot easier to toss a business card that feels like it was printed on someone's inkjet printer at home...

Take yourself and your business seriously - invest in good quality cards.

Kegan