Die cut business cards… should you use them?

Die cut business cards can give your business an exciting, unique image. But they are of limited value if they don't match the fundamental requirements of your business plan.

No amount of tricky business card design is going to work if your overall design package is not considered, and you don't have in place an expected result for the use of your card.

It would be sad if your die cut business card is so outstanding that your cards end up in collections instead to putting cash in your bank account! So if you decide to source die cut cards, remember to focus on what you need on them to drive your business profits.

To elevate your die cut business card beyond novelty status, ask yourself if your design complements your overall stationery design. You should ensure that the card shape relates to or enhances your business name and purpose, and/or logo design in shape and colours used.

Many of the die cut cards I've seen are truly works of art, but other than that it is difficult to see how they do anything other that boost the ego of the business owner!

Would you rather have a business card that is widely admired for its design, or one that makes money for your business?

It may well be the case that an efficient, modest business card will earn you more dollars than an outstanding work of art card. Cheaper too!

What ideas can you get from this die cut business card?

The die cut business card on the right, that I'm using as our example, is quite a modest design, yet is eye catching while providing a good insight to the business activity it is promoting.

I have no way of knowing if there is a selling message on the reverse, but the face of the card combines a number of elements to give a focus on the business activity.

The discreet cut-aways allow for the attaching of the ribbon that provides a visual and tactile indication of an association with gift giving. The business name confirms that it is indeed what the business is about. Any further doubt about the nature of this business is removed by the logo.

The more I look at this business card the more it impresses me. Would you keep a card like this to use in the future? We don't buy gifts every day, so in this instance a direct call to action would have to be well crafted. Perhaps a "call now" to register in order to get future benefits, thereby capturing prospect contact details for a client list.

The beautifully presented information includes the name of the owner/contact person, the phone and fax numbers and an email address… all presented in a subdued and not-in-your-face manner. And the business name is their website URL.

As this URL now directs to a holding page (since 2004) this great die cut business card appears to be a casualty of a business closure or failure, for whatever reason! I don't know why this business closed their site, but it's not hard to understand that investing in pricey business stationery won't compensate for business deficiencies.

What other information would you include on a die cut business card?

Our example card business appears to have been a supplier of gift wrapping materials, so business may have been conducted mainly on the web, in which case a locality map would not be required.

The reverse side of the card may have listed their product range, terms, delivery options, seasonal suggestions or specific offers. When a card is included with a customer order, a time limited offer could be added by hand or by overprinting.

When you consider that every contact with a client or prospect is an opportunity for you to make a sale or further your relationship with them, you must plan that capacity into your business stationery right at the design stage, and make the follow-up a regular business function.

Using both sides of any business card, die cut or not, is something you should always consider. Any additional cost involved to print the reverse is small, and more than pays for itself.

Thanks for reading. Please bookmark this page so you can refer back to it, and then enjoy looking around the rest of my site. I wish you a prosperous business future.

Table of Contents

One Colour Business Cards.
Business Cards don't necessarily need to be complicated. A single colour card could be ideal for your business. Just make sure it enhances your business and doesn't cheapen it.

Two Colour Business Cards.
Adding a second colour for more options. A two colour card allows you to include more of the personality of your business. Keep it clean and readable for best results.

Full Colour Business Cards.
With the full colour Business Card comes the need to use caution. Don't get carried away and produce a spectacular but overwhelming business card. Confusing and difficult to read is not your goal!

Photographic Business Cards.
Having your photographic image on your business card conveys a feeling of trust. We are naturally drawn to look at faces rather than other images. Adding an element of activity can also work well.

Die-Cut Business Cards.
Great when the shape of your Business Cards immediately conveys the identity of your business. These can be very effective, but consider where it will end up! You could have a problem if it doesn't fit in the usual card file.

Would your clients appreciate a Link to This Page?

Then just cut and paste the following code into your web page.

<a href="http://www.perthbusinessprinting.com/die-cut-business-cards.html" onclick="window.open(this.href,'_blank');return false;">Die Cut Business Cards.</a>

This is how it will look on your page:

Die Cut Business Cards.

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This web site is maintained by Bernie Gilmour. Last modified: 20th June, 2010.