Pros & Cons of Free Business Cards

True "free business card" promotions are extremely rare and difficult to find.  Sometimes you'll find a "free with purchase" deal (e.g. Order 500 business cards and you'll get 500 free!), but those are often just as expensive as ordering 1000 business cards outright, at least if you shop carefully.

The only genuine "free business card" offer is from VistaPrint.com, and you'll find their ads all over the Internet.  They offer a wide range of attractive business card designs; however, their cards DO have associated costs.  You have to pay for shipping AND they put a small text ad on the back of each business card promoting VistaPrint.com.  (Their business cards are also slightly smaller than standard cards, and VistaPrint.com has received some negative publicity concerning one of their partner companies.  In fact, here's why I honestly don't recommend ordering from Vistaprint at all any more...)

Before you look for business cards to order for free, think about these facts:

Pros/Advantages of Ordering Free Business Cards

• Money savings:  This can be substantial; however, as mentioned above, you still have to pay for shipping in most cases AND you lose the chance to put your own information on the back side of the business card.

• Convenience: If you can't spend much money on business cards, cards from VistaPrint.com are usually much more professional-looking than home made business cards.

Cons/Disadvantages of Ordering Free Business Cards

• Negative first impression:  Free business cards are usually thin, undersized, and usually contain a marketing message for the printing company on the back side.  Since you're judged by your business card, do you really WANT to leave a prospect with the impression of a cheap, flimsy, card?
   

• Damaged credibility:  Free cards can damage your credibility, which hurts your bottom line.  If YOU don't take your business seriously enough to invest in quality marketing materials, why should a prospect take you seriously?
   

• Loss of advertising space:  Since you're required to put an ad for VistaPrint.com on the back of your free business card, you can't use the back of your own card.  That's a loss of half of your already-limited advertising territory.

When to Use Free Business Cards
There are times, however, when these cheap but colorful business cards can be used to good effect.  Use them to make coupons for trade shows or specific events or make personal networking cards for your family.

If you'd prefer to order quality business cards without the downsides, check out my business card printer reviews, done in May 2007.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can get for your money these days!