How to Print Business Cards: 6 Key Steps

By Sarah Harris

First impressions can be lasting. When you meet a potential client at a networking event, you need to have a professional, high-quality business card to hand them. 

Printing business cards at home seems like a great way to save money, but home-printed cards don’t have the level of polish to make a positive splash. If you want to know how to print business cards we’ll go over exactly that.

Get a quote for business card printing with the professionals at Print Bind Ship!

Should You Print Your Own Business Cards?

Printing your own business cards can be a cost-effective option, but it may not always be the best choice. Oftentimes, people may create their own business cards on Canva or Microsoft Word. However, you’ll still need to have a high-quality printer and the right tools to create professional-looking cards.

If you want to save time and ensure consistent quality, it might be better to use a professional company for business card printing. Consider the quantity you need, the complexity of the design, and the overall cost before deciding whether to print your own business cards or outsource the task.

Print Bind Ship specializes in all kinds of business card printing. We even create unique ones for an elevated branding look and feel, including wooden business cards and metal business cards.

6 Steps for Printing Business Cards

If you do decide to print business cards on your own, you’ll want to follow these best practices for the most optimal results.

Step 1: Choose Your Design

Your business card design needs to reflect your corporate identity and branding. Font, logo, colors — everything needs to be cohesive. To be able to swap information in and out quickly (and share design drafts with your printer), you’ll need to pick some standard templates from one of the more common sources, such as Canva or Microsoft Word. 

These templates will dramatically cut down on design time and make your setup modular for easy swapping of names, addresses, titles and other personal information.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Card Paper

Business cards demand a thicker, sturdier card stock than regular printing paper. Opt for card stock between 14-16 pt (pounds) or 350-400 gsm (grams per square meter) for a substantial, high-quality feel. Consider different finishes like matte, gloss, or uncoated for an elevated look.

The paper will reflect your brand identity and level of professionalism, so when you’re researching how to print business cards for a corporation, choose a material that properly conveys the message you want to send.

Step 3: Print Your Business Cards

If printing at home or office, use a high-resolution printer (ideally 600 dpi or higher) and select the highest quality setting. Ensure your printer can handle thick card stock. For larger quantities or intricate designs, consider outsourcing to an online printing service like Print Bind Ship for the utmost professional results.

If you do decide to work with a professional business card printing company, note that you’ll typically upload your design file and specify the card stock, quantity, and finishing options. The company will also ask you to review the proofs and approve them for the print run.

Step 4: Cut the Cards

For at-home printing, use a sharp paper trimmer, scissors, or a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette to cleanly cut out each individual business card. If possible, invest in a corner-rounder tool to give your cards a polished, rounded edge. A straight-edge trimmer will provide the cleanest, most precise cuts compared to just scissors alone.

Step 5: Optional Finishing Touches

To make your business cards stand out, it may be worthwhile to explore professional finishing options like:

• Spot UV coating: Adds a glossy, raised effect to specific areas
• Embossing or debossing: Creates raised or recessed text/designs
• Foil stamping: Applies metallic foil elements for a luxurious look
• Rounded corners: Gives a sleek, modern look
• Unique shapes or folds: Offers a creative, distinctive design

Tip: you can also include c ustom-branded merchandise, such as extra swag, pens, backpacks, shirts, or other items to go along with your business cards and woe potential clients and prospects.

Step 6: Protect and Store Your Newly Printed Business Cards

Once printed and cut, it’s time to carefully store your business cards. After all, consider all that hard work you don’t want your newly printed business cards to get spoiled, dirty, or ruined. Invest in a protective case or box to keep them crisp and undamaged until you’re ready to use and distribute them at networking events, client meetings, or other professional gatherings.

If you work with a professional printing company for business cards, they’ll likely send you your business cards in a given box, which can help you manage storage easily.

Printing Business Cards at Home vs Opting for a Professional Printing Company

When it comes to printing business cards, you have the option of either printing them at home or opting for a professional printing company. Printing business cards at home can be more cost-effective, especially for smaller quantities, but it requires having a high-quality printer and the necessary design skills.

On the other hand, professional printing companies, like Print Bind Ship offer consistent quality, a wider range of printing and finishing options, and the ability to handle larger quantities efficiently. However, they come at a higher cost upfront. Ultimately, the choice between printing business cards at home or using a professional service depends on your preferences for desired quality, quantity, budget, and the level of customization required. The amount of time you have to invest in collecting all the right materials on your own will also play a role!

At Print Bind Ship, we know how to make great first impressions by guiding you with the printing and shipping of your new business cards.

Ready to get started? Contact Print Bind Ship today. 

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