Are Die-Cut Business Cards Worth the Investment?

Wise business owners, job seekers, and consultants, grasp that one of the keys to a good business card is simply, standing out.

Among the best ways to achieve that is to design a card in a unique size and shape.

Consider it: if 9 of 10 business cards your prospect receives are of standard shape, it is clear that possessing a unique shaped card might win you some additional attention.

Like what, one might ask?

Some simple examples include oversized (sometimes known as chubby) or undersized (such as slim or mini cards for example), square cards, and of course, traditional cards with rounded edges. All of these are different enough to stand out from traditional cards, but easy enough to produce.

Just recently, some newer (yet still simple) shapes arrived on the scene - such as circle cards… bullet-shaped (which consists of a half circle on 1 side, and a rectangle on the other… leaf (two adjacent corners are rounded, the other 2 not), and cards with either one, two, or three rounded edges, rather than all four.

But what if you want an entirely distinctive shape?

Enter customized die cut business cards...

Die cutting gives you infinite opportunity for creativity.

If you're able to think it, it can be created.

Regardless of what market you're in, a die cut card can be created to match it. A hamburger shaped card for a hamburger joint... a card with a bite cut out of it for a dentist... a skyline for an architect... or a basic rectangular card that has a small shape cut out of the inside, like a fork for a cafe or restaurant, or a diamond ring for a jeweler.

Paper isn't the one canvas you can work with, by the way. You can die-cut metal, plastic, and wood also!

From simple to ornate it can be done.

Advantages and disadvantages?

While die-cut cards are just about certain to stand out, they do cost more. Anywhere from a little extra to above a dollar per card. It all depends on whether you go for a pre-existing template (for example circle, bullet, or rounded edges), or a custom cut.

For custom creations, it pays to utilize a designer that you are fairly certain can execute your concept (or their own) in a manner that's both professional and eye-popping. Accomplish that, and people won't just be wowed, they might show it to others as well!

It’s also essential to keep in mind that die cut cards are just one unique option that exists. Spot UV, metal, raised ink, or foil business cards, for example, are attention grabbing options as well. Die cut cards are a superb idea if you are confident that your concept warrants the increased time, outlay, and effort. If not, there are various other creative shapes, card stocks, or effects available that might be just as inspiring, but easier to implement.

The good news is that, the web is brimming with good examples, templates, and inspiration!