How to Print Business Cards

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There are several ways to print business cards, depending on your needs. You can visit a local print shop, order business cards online or print them on your own computer. Each method has benefits and potential drawbacks, and this guide will provide you the steps to obtain custom business cards that represent you and your business.

Steps

Visit A Local Printshop

1. Know what you want and what you want to pay. When you arrive at the print shop, your custom design will depend not only on your specifications, but on your budget. Planning ahead to determine what sort of card stock you want to use, the finish (matte, for example), logo placement and other specifications will help make ordering your custom business cards a smoother process.
   
2. Place your order with the customer representative. Be clear about your design preferences, and ask for advice if you have any questions.
   
3. Look at a proof. After you initially order your design, ask to see a proof before the cards are printed. Check for overall layout, misspellings, the correct font and colors, and verify that all other details are correct. With most print shops, the proofing stage is the only time you will have to make corrections, as your custom business cards will go to print following your approval of the proof.
   

Order Business Cards Online

1. Find the right provider. There are dozens of online printing solutions for business cards. Each of them offers different prices and different products. If budget is a concern, look for sales--most companies that offer business cards online will run promotions to decrease the cost of shipping, or perhaps allow for premium products at basic prices.
   
2. Build your design. Most sites provide templates for your use. You can add your logo and custom text. Choose the layout and positioning of the elements on your business card. Some sites and templates allow for customization of the back of your card as well. This is a good place to include additional information, a calendar or appointment reminders.
   

Print Your Own Business Cards

1. Find the template you like best. Your computer software may come with a package of templates to help you get started. If a unique business card design is important to you, search online for a wider template selection.
   
2. Design your business card. Even though you're working from a template, you may customize to your needs. Different fonts and layouts are available. Include all necessary contact information, such as your name, address, phone and fax numbers, website and e-mail addresses and the name of your company. Other information, such as your position in the company, logo and motto, may also be added to further customize your business cards.
   
3. Print your business cards. Use business card paper, which comes pre-perforated so that you don't have to cut out each individual card.
   

Tips

• Order the right amount of cards for your needs. Avoid ordering massive quantities beyond your requirements just to satisfy a bargain.
  
• If you are printing your own business cards, print a test page on regular printer paper. Hold it up to the light behind your business card paper to be sure that the cards line up with the perforations.
  

Things You'll Need

• Business card paper
  
• Template
  

Sources and Citations

• http://www.pcworld.com/article/212196/how_to_print_customized_business_cards.html
  
• http://www.bestbusinesscard.net/10-sites-to-make-business-cards-online
  
• http://smallbusiness.chron.com/make-own-business-cards-online-print-them-3460.html
  

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