Which Business Card Stock is Right for You?
Most business card stock options fall into one of these categories: paper stock, card stock, and other stock.
Paper Stock
As you might expect, paper stock is the least expensive option simply due to the nature of the material. Simply put, paper is not as sturdy or as “high-end” as the other 2 stock types. The low relative price of this option has made paper, or “matte,” stock by far the most common type of business card stock you will see on a daily basis. Of course, this cheapness applies to the perception of the card as well. The bottom line is that a regular matte card does very little – if anything – to generate a potentially market-differentiating first impression.
Card Stock
For most companies, real cardstock is a better choice. As the name implies, cardstock is cardboard whereas paper stock is…well, paper. Therefore you can expect cardstock to be much more durable, long-lasting, and much better at representing your company to potential customers, clients and business partners in the best possible light.
There are a variety of cardstocks available in the marketplace, such as glossy-ultra violet (UV), silk laminated, ivory, and synthetics. The lowest-cost option is glossy business cards . Glossy UV cards are appropriate for companies with limited budgets because despite the inexpensive price tag, the glossy coating ensures that they will stand out from dull and boring paper stock matte cards. The main limitation of glossy cardstock is that the coating makes it non-writeable, and it tends to easily pick up fingerprints and miscellaneous smudges.
For companies looking to generate an impression of class and elegance, high-quality silk is the better option. Silk business cards are not glossy, thereby eliminating the primary limitations of glossy coated cards. Silk cards, as the name suggests, have a silky smooth texture and are truly unique. Even though they are a little more expensive than glossy business cards, silk business cards are still very cost-effective and thus are appropriate for companies of all sizes that occupy the higher ends of their respective niches.
Other Stock
The third type, referred to as “other stock,” covers things like metal business cards, plastic business cards, translucent poly frost plastic business cards, and even magnetic cards. Any of these options represent the highest end of all the possibilities, but with that comes a steep price. You are probably looking at double or triple the price of any cardstock-based card product. The product within this category offering the best mix of uniqueness and value is the translucent poly frost card . This is comprised of a slim, translucent card stock, yet it is generally priced in the same ballpark as “regular” cardstocks.
Conclusion and Summary
Business cards can be split into 3 categories depending on whether they are printed on paper, cardboard, or something else. Never settle for a paper stock business card because your customers will perceive your cards – and your company – to be on the low end of the quality scale.
Other stock, like a plastic or metal business card, is not cost effective for most companies other than those with highly specialized needs. The only exception is poly frost plastic business card stock, which is highly unique yet still cost effective.
The best choice for the vast majority of companies is card stock due to its durability and thickness. Glossy business cards are the least expensive, but silk business cards are usually the best choice because they are very high quality, unique, elegant, and also relatively cost effective.
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