Whenever you see an advertiser that wants to give something away, there is usually a catch behind it.

Nothing in life is “free”, especially in the printing business. How are business card printers willing to give you something for free? There are high costs associated with materials, labor and shipping of business cards. They aren’t free to make, so how could they be free to receive?

Ordering free business cards online may not be your best option. Printers place a large advertisement for their own service on the business cards, so when you give someone your business card he/she may not know if you are working for the printing company or for yourself! In fact the advertising on the business card is sometimes bigger then your own name, so the business card that your handing out are really an advertisement for the printer and not your business.

Their printing quality is inferior because the paper that they print your free business cards is of poor quality and very thin. The printer cannot afford to give you quality business cards on a quality paper because they are giving them away for free. You will actually be handing out a poor quality cheap business card, and this will reflect on your reputation, and ultimately your business.

A quality business card printer will use the latest direct to plate printing presses. The free business cards printing quality is often so poor that you may only be able to read the printing company’s own advertisement clearly, because this is their standard adverting platform on all of the free business cards, and only adding your personal details later.

If you need your business cards fast, the free option is also not for you. 95% of clients need their business cards in a rush (less then a week). Free business cards are not so free if you want them within 2 weeks. You’ll end up paying for a rush order if you need the printer to print your business cards fast. A good online printer will ensure that orders are printed within 48 hours and then shipped with 2-day air shipping included.

You will have to pay extra for quality paper, to omit their advertisement on the card, and for a quick turnaround time. Finally you will have to pay extra for the shipping costs which were not included in the original “free” price! Free business card printers often attempt to recoup their costs by charging a substantial amount for shipping.

A good online business card printer will have their charges built into the original all inclusive quoted prices, so you know exactly how much your order is going to cost you from the very beginning. No extras. No hidden charges.

If your business requires top quality business cards, printed and shipped quickly, make sure your online business card printer provides straightforward, all inclusive prices, without any hidden extras. Don’t forget, when it comes to free, you get what you pay for.

Jonathan Bowalsky handles news and information for Jontal Printing. For more information on business cards or custom postcards, visit http://www.jontalprinting.com

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