Saturday, January 30, 2010

Recycled paper is paper that has been manufactured from recovered waste paper. The waste paper comes from three primary sources;
1. Pre-consumer waste is paper that has not yet reached an end user. An example is an unsold magazine that is collected form a newsstand.
2. Post-consumer waste is paper that has been used. An example is a magazine mailed to a home and read by the subscriber.
3. Converting waste is paper scraps and waste in the papermaking process. An example is trim from converting paper to envelopes.
Beginning in 1999, copier paper, offset paper, envelopes and other uncoated grades were required to conform to a standard of no less that 30% post consumer materials. Coated grades are no less that 15% post consumer materials.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Considering the importance of business cards as a marketing tool, it is a good idea to have them handy at all times. Besides keeping them in your purse or wallet, also put a supply in the glove compartment of your car, in your briefcase, and in your business planner, on your desk, at the reception desk in your business, and also keep some handy at home. One of the alternate locations may be closer than your purse or wallet, or you can use the alternate locations to replenish your regular supply. We also recommend keeping your business cards in a case or holder to protect them from becoming dirty or worn-looking.

Now, get those cards circulating! In addition to handing out your cards during business meetings, use them any time you need to give someone contact information. If you are attending a mixer or conference, or are visiting a customer or supplier, use your business card as a name tag. When attending to personal business, give out your business card if appropriate. It may be a conversation-starter and could lead to a discussion of business matters.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Crucial to the success of your business card is its appearance. A card that is poorly designed, contains information that has been handwritten, has perforated rather than clean-cut edges, or is soiled or worn-looking conveys a negative impression of the person offering the card. To make the best impression, let us print and cut your card with our professional-grade equipment.

No matter what decisions you make regarding your business card design and printing, we urge you to use them! If your supply of business cards is older that one year, then get busy passing them out. Think of business cards as an advertising expense, not an office supply, and compare the cost of buying 500 or 1,000 per year to the cost of yellow pages advertising or direct mail marketing. In this context, we are sure you will agree that business cards represent a real bargain.

Monday, January 11, 2010

An eye-catching business card may cause people to save it even if they haven't identified a need for your product or service. To enhance a standard 2x3.5 inch , flat business card consider some of the following;
Change the stock. For a standard business card, we recommend using a stock thick enough so it won't feel flimsy when cut down to business card size. Standard cover weights for business cards are 65# and 80# basis weight, but this doesn't necessarily imply anything about stock thickness. Ask us to show you examples of 100#cover or even double ply stock.
Change the shape. A folded business card gives extra surfaces on which to display a photograph, eye-catching graphics, contact information or valuable content. Although this makes the business card thicker after folding, it will still fit inside a standard business card holder. Or change the card's orientation from horizontal(landscape) to vertical(portrait). Do be aware that a vertical orientation means that your card will be turned 90 degrees when placed inside a standard business card holder.
Foiling, Embossing or Die Cutting. Adding foil or embossing not only enhances the richness of your card, it adds a tactile sensation that many people find pleasing. Because these processes add to the cost of business cards, it can convey a sense of success and prosperity to your business image.