Inkjet Versus Laser Printers By Drew RobbJuly 19, 2005
Color inkjet printers have been fixtures in most small businesses for many years. They're cheap (under $60 in some cases), last a couple of years and everybody uses them. So they must be the perfect office tools, right? Maybe not.
When you do the math on printing, inkjets may well cost you a whole lot more than you realize.
"What the manufacturers of these printers don't fully explain to consumers is the true cost of ownership of a low-cost color printer," says Jeremy Shulman, vice president of Reink Technology in Tempe, Arizona, a maker of remanufactured ink cartridges under the Vibrantinkbrand name. "The general rule of thumb is that the cheaper the printer, the more expensive the disposable costs for refills and so on."
While the printers are almost given away, the refills bring in a fortune for the big-printer, original-equipment manufacturers (OEM). According to Lyra Research of Newton, Mass., the cartridge replacement market is now worth $21 billion annually. HP, for example, makes over $10 billion a year from ink cartridge sales, and Lexmark earns over $2 billion from ink supplies, more than half its total revenue.
Shulman gives the example of a Canon i320 Color Bubble Jet Printer. The cost for the hardware can be as little as $55, depending on discounts and where you buy it. The average cost of the ink from Canon is $19 but the yield from that, he says, is a measly 170 pages. Even if you print very little, the cost quickly adds up:
Seven pages a day times 300 days equals 2100 pages — an ink bill of $235.60 per year. If you own the printer for three years, the cost of cartridges comes to over $700 or about 13 times the original cost of the printer. For the Epson Stylus C62, Shulman concludes that the ink bill would be over $1000 for three year's worth of printing.
Of course, seven pages a day is a conservative estimate — some SMBs businesses print a lot more. Let's say your company prints 50 pages a day, 300 days a year. Using the above example, that equates to printing 15,000 pages annually. At that same rate, your annual ink cartridge bill would total $1,596.
And it isn't just cost that conspires against ink jets. They typically don't print pages as fast as laser printers. They can also be a major hassle. It is quite common to be inundated with cartridge-error messages when the cartridges are perfectly fine, or have the machine suddenly go crazy and spit out gobbledygook in an endless stream. The printers are also set up in a way that makes it difficult to minimize the amount of ink they use. It appears they're designed to make you use more ink than you need to with no way to default to "draft quality".
As a result of such factors, the market for laser printers is catching fire. According to Lyra Research, worldwide desktop monochrome (one-color) laser printer shipments grew 15 percent last year to 14.1 million units. More than half of those are what's known as Multi-Function Printers (MFP), which do print, fax, copy and scan. Lyra predicts that over 10 million MFPs will be in circulation by 2008.
Laser Printers by the NumbersIn comparison to ink jets, laser printers are quieter, faster and remarkably hassle free. But it's the math that makes them stand out. The numbers are as follows:
An HP laser printer with an estimated machine cost of $400, combined with a $115 toner cartridge, yields 8000 pages. Printing 40,000 pages costs you $400 plus $460 for the ink for a total of $860. A Brother 1440 laser printer works out at about $930 for the same number of pages. That comes to around two cents a page, or eight times less than an inkjet printer.
SpencerLab, a digital-color laboratory in Melville, New York, tested the HP LaserJet 1320 and the Dell 1700 Laser Printers. According to Catherine Fiasconaro, director of SpencerLab, even when you calculate the cost of the toner and the drum (which has to be replaced about every 20,000 pages), HP high-yield monochrome cartridges cost about two cents per print, with Dell costing slightly more.
Adding to the allure of the laser, printer prices are continuing to fall and the range of available products is steadily mounting. According to Trina Wolfgram, a marketing manager for HP, the HP Color LaserJet 2600n prints eight pages-per-minute, at 600 x 600 dots-per-inch (dpi) resolution. It has a recommended maximum monthly volume of 35,000 pages. Its estimated street price is $399.
If you don't require that much printing volume, the monochrome HP LaserJet 1020 — rated at a maximum monthly volume of 5,000 pages — prints up to 15 pages-per-minute and offers 600 x 600 dpi output. It has an estimated U.S. street price of $179.
To bring the costs of laser printing down further, you can purchase inexpensive replacement or remanufactured ink cartridges.
"Replacement ink cartridges are cartridges that are manufactured by a company other than the original manufacturer," says Shulman. "A remanufactured ink cartridge is the original OEM cartridge that has been professionally cleaned, refilled with quality ink that is made in the USA and tested prior to leaving the factory."
With so much money being poured into ink cartridges, it's no surprise that hundreds of companies have sprung up offering refill kits for ink jets and replacement/remanufactured cartridges for ink jets and laser printers. They work for some people, but many find them too much trouble — most people have blackened their hands, injected the yellow ink into the red receptacle or ruined the carpet with refill kits.
Replacement cartridges, too, are catching on for ink jets and are widely available. But the success rate is sporadic to say the least. According to Recharger Magazine you simply cannot refill every inkjet cartridge. The actual numbers are more like 20 percent of black inkjet cartridges and 50 percent of colors can't be refilled or reused.
On the other hand, almost 99 percent of laser toner cartridges can be remanufactured to provide a product that meets or exceeds the OEM yield and quality. A handful of high-end companies produce "compatible" cartridges — products that equal of improve upon the quality of the big OEMs. At the low-end, a horde of remanufacturers offer refill kits and replacement toner cartridges at a fraction of the cost.
"HP own research revealed that 66 percent of people who try alternative cartridges never go back to the more expensive OEM models," said Gary Pendl, CEO of Pendl Companies, a Waukesha, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of high-quality compatible toner cartridges for HP, Apple, Panasonic, Tektronix, Epson, Lexmark, IBM and Canon printers.
Pendl guarantees its cartridges will perform equal to or better than OEM cartridges or it will either replace the cartridge or offer a full refund. The guarantee covers not only the cartridge but also the printer. The quality matches or exceeds OEM standards, with a defect rate of less than one percent on toner cartridges. The OEM defect rate is one percent.
Reink Shulman quotes similar figures for his company's products. In terms of cost, the HP cartridge for a LaserJet 1010 costs around $70 and has a yield of 2,000 pages. Reink remanufactures it with the same 2,000-page yield and sells it for $55. It also makes a longer-life version with a yield of 3,600 pages at $85.
Other suppliers offer less in terms of quality (and perhaps yield) but at a lower cost for toner. For a Brother 6800 MFP, for instance, we bought six toner cartridges from 4inkjets.com for $48 and they worked out fine. A single cartridge purchased direct from Brother cost $33.99. We noticed no real difference in quality.
That said, you should realize that not all replacement and remanufactured products are created equal.
"Usually going with the cheapest is not the best idea," says Shulman. "Many companies don't even test their cartridges before they are sent out."
HP Wolfgram counters the replacement/remanufactured cartridge point of view saying that HP designs its laser printing supplies to provide maximum value by going beyond yield and estimated cost per page calculations.
"HP develops supplies that offer real value in total cost of ownership by focusing on yield and cost per page, as well as usability, quality and reliability," said Wolfgram. "By offering supplies that address all these concerns, small businesses are assured that can save time and money with HP supplies."
Paperless Society on Hold In the late nineties, visionaries promised a paperless society due to the digital age. How wrong they were. In North America alone, office printers churn out 1.2 trillion sheets in one year. Thus the demand for printer ink is higher than ever. So it makes good business sense to take ink costs into account when you decide what printer to buy.
If you print very little, stick to your inkjet or replace it with a more modern model. But if you print consistently in a reasonable volume, it is probably time to take a serious look at a laser printer. HP, Lexmark, Brother, Dell and others offer a wealth of choices. Cheap replacement cartridges are probably good enough if your printing volume and company size aren't that big. But if you spend a lot on printers and printing, remanufactured cartridges give you wonderful quality and peace of mind for less than OEM cartridges.
What about color lasers? These used to be very expensive, and recently the price has dropped considerably. Lyra Research notes that 1.85 million color laser printers were sold last year, a growth of 47 percent over the previous year.
"A growing number of offices are replacing existing monochrome laser machines with color page printers," says Ann Priede, an editor at Lyra Research.
Shulman suggests leaving color lasers alone, however, unless you need to print a high volume of brochures and flyers. Reason: color lasers are expensive to buy and color and black toner costs more. So unless you really need a steady stream of color promotional materials, stick to a monochrome laser.
And what about your occasional colour printing needs? Keep one or two of your old ink jets around for those occasions when you need a splash of color.
"For small amounts of colour printing it's much cheaper to use an inkjet," said Shulman. "If a business plans on printing a large amount of color it may be worthwhile to buy a color laser printer."
Drew Robb is a Los Angeles-based freelancer specializing in technology and engineering. Originally from Scotland, he graduated with a degree in geology from Glasgow's Strathclyde University. In recent years he has authored hundreds of articles as well as the book, Server Disk Management by CRC Press.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Printers
Putting ink on the paper
The inkjet and photo printers both use the same basic method for putting ink on paper: Tiny balls of ink are spewed directly onto the paper. Because the teensy-tiny ink balls stick to the paper, this type of printer needs no ribbon or toner cartridge; the ink is jetted out directly, which is how the printer gets its name.
Laser printers are found primarily in the office environment, where they can handle the high workload. The printer works like a photocopier: The difference is that the computer creates the image and etches it by using a laser beam rather than using a mirror and the magic moving bar of light you see whenever you try to photocopy your face.
Impact printers are the traditional printers of yesterday's computers. The two popular types are dot-matrix and daisy-wheel. Impact printers are slower and noisier than the other types of printers. These printers use a ribbon and some device that physically bangs the ribbon onto the paper.
Check out the following summary of printers:
Inkjet printers are by no means messy. The ink is dry on the paper by the time the paper comes flopping out of the printer.
A laser printer combines several prime colors to make its image. The regular (noncolor) laser printer uses only one color of ink - usually, black.
Low-end inkjet printers cost less because they're dumb; they contain no internal electronics to help create the image. Instead, the computer is required to do the thinking, which slows things down a tad.
High-priced printers offer a higher-quality output, faster speed, more printing options, the ability to print on larger sheets of paper, and other amazing options.
The inkjet and photo printers both use the same basic method for putting ink on paper: Tiny balls of ink are spewed directly onto the paper. Because the teensy-tiny ink balls stick to the paper, this type of printer needs no ribbon or toner cartridge; the ink is jetted out directly, which is how the printer gets its name.
Laser printers are found primarily in the office environment, where they can handle the high workload. The printer works like a photocopier: The difference is that the computer creates the image and etches it by using a laser beam rather than using a mirror and the magic moving bar of light you see whenever you try to photocopy your face.
Impact printers are the traditional printers of yesterday's computers. The two popular types are dot-matrix and daisy-wheel. Impact printers are slower and noisier than the other types of printers. These printers use a ribbon and some device that physically bangs the ribbon onto the paper.
Check out the following summary of printers:
Inkjet printers are by no means messy. The ink is dry on the paper by the time the paper comes flopping out of the printer.
A laser printer combines several prime colors to make its image. The regular (noncolor) laser printer uses only one color of ink - usually, black.
Low-end inkjet printers cost less because they're dumb; they contain no internal electronics to help create the image. Instead, the computer is required to do the thinking, which slows things down a tad.
High-priced printers offer a higher-quality output, faster speed, more printing options, the ability to print on larger sheets of paper, and other amazing options.
9 Things You Need To Know About Business Cards
1. Business Cards Overview
What is the history of business cards? Who makes business cards? What types of cards are there? Who gives them? What is put on business cards? Why are business cards used? How to manage a collection of business cards? Is there a better way than business cards? How are electronic business cards used? All of these questions make for an interesting discussion of this widely used business necessity. The history started in France and continues through today. Each piece of the business card story will show how its use has changed over time. Cards have gotten better looking and printed on better paper stock. Die cut cards were the fashion for a while, but they seem to have lost their appeal. This area of business is difficult to change permanently although businesses are always looking for new ways to impress their potential clients. Business cards are used every day to announce one person who is seeking to speak with another. They are presented in person or through the secretary. The cards are then left behind on purpose so the person called upon has the caller's personal information. The subtle convenience of a business card belies how useful this one business idea is and why it is so hard to find a better way to handle introductions. The quality of the business card and its appearance speak volumes about the person or business presenting the card. A smudged or ragged looking card can ruin an initial impression of the presenter. As a result, it is always a good idea to carry a fresh supply at all times.
2. Business Card History
The forerunner of business cards started in France at the time of King Louis XIV. These cards were then the size of playing cards and were called visiting cards. They were used by ladies and gentlemen with specific etiquette standards as to how or when they would be handed out. Later, the size was decreased, but the use remained the same. It was considered rude or impertinent to not follow the etiquette of card use when visiting another person. In England, the use of Trade Cards became standard and developed from the visiting card idea. The card size decrease and the information on the card became more like what we now see on our business cards. At this time cards were used as a formal way of introducing yourself and there was a certain ritual to the way they were handed out and received. Ladies and gentlemen followed very prescribed rules with regard to the use of these cards. They were also used to note a deal or a debt. They were used as a reminder of an invitation that had been extended by the card giver. Money pledged via your card was a matter of honor and the card proved your intent at the time. These visiting cards were also used in courtship and for all manner of social occasions. This practice has been lost to history now, but the elegance of a personal card still speaks well of the presenter.
3. Printing Business Cards
Most people think of a business card as a small paper card with printing on one or both sides. This printing is done by local printers and by many companies listed on the Internet. Cards can be printed in one color or in a four-color process. Printers can turn them out quickly once the artwork is approved. Printers charge over a wide range of prices for this finished product. It is worthwhile to get bids for business cards from at least three sources. This effort will save money and still assure a quality card. Quality cards imply quality in other areas of the card giver's business. The newest idea in cards is the business card CD. These providers can be found on the Internet and in larger cities. Not everyone can make this type of card. This is a specialized product area. Another card that is sometimes hard to find is one that Is UV coated. Not all printers have this capability. UV coated cards have a three dimensional effect when looked at. Again the Internet is a good source. A card with a photo that is UV coated will make the image stand out. As a final point, the additional cost is negligible but worth it for the way it makes the business card more presentable.
4. Types of Business Cards
The types of business cards that can be purchased are many, varied in material and standard or exotic. Paper cards with normal printing are the most commonly used cards in the business community. The next set may be on thin plastic and then the material can be magnetic material or wood or any other printable surface. The inks used can be standard or inks that expand when heated. The cards can be raised or engraved. Cards can be made with a foil insert of gold or silver. The cards may have a hole in them or be die cut to an odd shape. The newest cards can be electronic and playable on a computer CD player. The buyer of business cards is not limited to paper cards with one or more colors on them. Their choices have grown as the business card innovation has expanded. Today there is business card available for any one that needs some, no matter what kind of card they want. When buying business cards the purchaser should consider buying in quantity if the information is not likely to change. One or two thousand cards are not that much more than the cost of buying 250 or 500 cards. If there is a need for more than one person's cards, it is wise to get them together as there can be a savings created by purchasing their cards at the same time. This is definitely true when the only change from one card to the next is the person's name and email address.
5. Business Card Information
A business card can contain many types of information. The obvious information is name, business name, address and phone number. Additional info could be web address and e-mail address. The other side of the card could be a product list or other company information. Calendars are sometimes put on the card as a way to get the customer to save it and be reminded of you when they look up a date. Charts and rates can be put on the card for tech information or measurements. The most important information on a business card is the contact information. This is the basic reason these cards are given out to clients and customers. It is a convenient way to pass important facts to a client. The computer world has added to the information put on business cards. Web addresses and email addresses are commonly put upon cards. If there are special client areas on the website, a password and user name could be given on the card. Any important information that a person wants to leave with each card recipient can be added to a business card.
6. Who Needs Business Cards?
Sales reps, company employees and managers give out business cards. Doctors, dentist, and lawyers use them for two reasons. The next appointment can be written on it and the contact information is kept handy. All of the home service providers use them for their clients. There are very few businesses that do not use business cards. It is just very easy and convenient to give out details that may be needed later for contact. Business cards can serve as advertising for private groups or business people. They can also be used when cold calling on homes or businesses. Leaving a card may seem like a waste of time, but you never know when the prospect may need exactly what you are offering. Meanwhile, sheriffs, police and detectives give out cards all of the time so the people they are talking to can contact them if they think of something to add to an investigation.
7. Business Cards are Necessary
Business cards are used to efficiently give pertinent information the client may need for future contact. Handing out a card to a client has become a standard operation in the business world. The person making the call on the client is expected, it seems, to make sure the person being called upon knows who is calling on them. Sometimes it is just for the benefit of the gatekeeper (secretary). It is best to always leave a current card with the person you are calling upon. This keeps an embarrassing situation from happening. This stops the situation where the person cannot remember your name or your company. With a new card this is alleviated. It also reminds the person called upon of previous conversations with you. It may be as simple as the handing of a card is just part of the custom of calling on a client. Business cards do away with having to write your personal information for every client. Cards get saved. Pieces of paper get lost or thrown in the trash.
8. Manage a Collection of Business Cards
Over time a buyer or business owner will end up with a collection of business cards. How is a person to manage this collection of business cards? One of the two old ways was to store them in a card box or in a leather cardholder, which is much like a photo holder. In this way they can be kept alphabetically for future use. A newer way is to scan them and keep them on a computer. Any of these methods will work and it depends on the card user, which is best for them. Without a system to keep the cards, finding the information you need is slowed down to shuffling through a stack of cards to locate the one you need. If you are constantly looking up this kind of information, a system to manage your business card collection is a time saver. There may be, but it is hard to replace such a long business tradition. The size and the convenience of use make business cards hard to replace. The business community is use to using them. It is difficult to break established habits of long standing. The computer has replaced many business ideas, but this one will be with us for a while more, maybe forever.
9. Electronic Business Cards
Electronic business cards are the newest form of business card. The card is really a CD with the card information printed on its surface. They can be made in just about any shape as long as they will fit in a CD player. The advantage of this kind of business card is the CD can be played and further information can be made available for the client via his computer. This idea is unique and does generate some interest in the CD. It is a newer way to get your message out to a client. The 200-year plus history of the business card has seen many changes during its lifetime. Its use has grown and is so well accepted now, that most sales people feel naked without their business cards. They are used to introduce people to one another, give and receive information and provide a quick reference for vital details for further contact. Most cards these days not only include the obvious information of name and phone number, but also web information and e-mail contact address. Some cards are simple white stock with black print and some have gorgeous 4-color pictures on them. There are also cards, which fold, and the inside has more information about the company or its products. The CD cards are the newest idea in this business environment. One only wonders what will come next in this traditional business field.
What is the history of business cards? Who makes business cards? What types of cards are there? Who gives them? What is put on business cards? Why are business cards used? How to manage a collection of business cards? Is there a better way than business cards? How are electronic business cards used? All of these questions make for an interesting discussion of this widely used business necessity. The history started in France and continues through today. Each piece of the business card story will show how its use has changed over time. Cards have gotten better looking and printed on better paper stock. Die cut cards were the fashion for a while, but they seem to have lost their appeal. This area of business is difficult to change permanently although businesses are always looking for new ways to impress their potential clients. Business cards are used every day to announce one person who is seeking to speak with another. They are presented in person or through the secretary. The cards are then left behind on purpose so the person called upon has the caller's personal information. The subtle convenience of a business card belies how useful this one business idea is and why it is so hard to find a better way to handle introductions. The quality of the business card and its appearance speak volumes about the person or business presenting the card. A smudged or ragged looking card can ruin an initial impression of the presenter. As a result, it is always a good idea to carry a fresh supply at all times.
2. Business Card History
The forerunner of business cards started in France at the time of King Louis XIV. These cards were then the size of playing cards and were called visiting cards. They were used by ladies and gentlemen with specific etiquette standards as to how or when they would be handed out. Later, the size was decreased, but the use remained the same. It was considered rude or impertinent to not follow the etiquette of card use when visiting another person. In England, the use of Trade Cards became standard and developed from the visiting card idea. The card size decrease and the information on the card became more like what we now see on our business cards. At this time cards were used as a formal way of introducing yourself and there was a certain ritual to the way they were handed out and received. Ladies and gentlemen followed very prescribed rules with regard to the use of these cards. They were also used to note a deal or a debt. They were used as a reminder of an invitation that had been extended by the card giver. Money pledged via your card was a matter of honor and the card proved your intent at the time. These visiting cards were also used in courtship and for all manner of social occasions. This practice has been lost to history now, but the elegance of a personal card still speaks well of the presenter.
3. Printing Business Cards
Most people think of a business card as a small paper card with printing on one or both sides. This printing is done by local printers and by many companies listed on the Internet. Cards can be printed in one color or in a four-color process. Printers can turn them out quickly once the artwork is approved. Printers charge over a wide range of prices for this finished product. It is worthwhile to get bids for business cards from at least three sources. This effort will save money and still assure a quality card. Quality cards imply quality in other areas of the card giver's business. The newest idea in cards is the business card CD. These providers can be found on the Internet and in larger cities. Not everyone can make this type of card. This is a specialized product area. Another card that is sometimes hard to find is one that Is UV coated. Not all printers have this capability. UV coated cards have a three dimensional effect when looked at. Again the Internet is a good source. A card with a photo that is UV coated will make the image stand out. As a final point, the additional cost is negligible but worth it for the way it makes the business card more presentable.
4. Types of Business Cards
The types of business cards that can be purchased are many, varied in material and standard or exotic. Paper cards with normal printing are the most commonly used cards in the business community. The next set may be on thin plastic and then the material can be magnetic material or wood or any other printable surface. The inks used can be standard or inks that expand when heated. The cards can be raised or engraved. Cards can be made with a foil insert of gold or silver. The cards may have a hole in them or be die cut to an odd shape. The newest cards can be electronic and playable on a computer CD player. The buyer of business cards is not limited to paper cards with one or more colors on them. Their choices have grown as the business card innovation has expanded. Today there is business card available for any one that needs some, no matter what kind of card they want. When buying business cards the purchaser should consider buying in quantity if the information is not likely to change. One or two thousand cards are not that much more than the cost of buying 250 or 500 cards. If there is a need for more than one person's cards, it is wise to get them together as there can be a savings created by purchasing their cards at the same time. This is definitely true when the only change from one card to the next is the person's name and email address.
5. Business Card Information
A business card can contain many types of information. The obvious information is name, business name, address and phone number. Additional info could be web address and e-mail address. The other side of the card could be a product list or other company information. Calendars are sometimes put on the card as a way to get the customer to save it and be reminded of you when they look up a date. Charts and rates can be put on the card for tech information or measurements. The most important information on a business card is the contact information. This is the basic reason these cards are given out to clients and customers. It is a convenient way to pass important facts to a client. The computer world has added to the information put on business cards. Web addresses and email addresses are commonly put upon cards. If there are special client areas on the website, a password and user name could be given on the card. Any important information that a person wants to leave with each card recipient can be added to a business card.
6. Who Needs Business Cards?
Sales reps, company employees and managers give out business cards. Doctors, dentist, and lawyers use them for two reasons. The next appointment can be written on it and the contact information is kept handy. All of the home service providers use them for their clients. There are very few businesses that do not use business cards. It is just very easy and convenient to give out details that may be needed later for contact. Business cards can serve as advertising for private groups or business people. They can also be used when cold calling on homes or businesses. Leaving a card may seem like a waste of time, but you never know when the prospect may need exactly what you are offering. Meanwhile, sheriffs, police and detectives give out cards all of the time so the people they are talking to can contact them if they think of something to add to an investigation.
7. Business Cards are Necessary
Business cards are used to efficiently give pertinent information the client may need for future contact. Handing out a card to a client has become a standard operation in the business world. The person making the call on the client is expected, it seems, to make sure the person being called upon knows who is calling on them. Sometimes it is just for the benefit of the gatekeeper (secretary). It is best to always leave a current card with the person you are calling upon. This keeps an embarrassing situation from happening. This stops the situation where the person cannot remember your name or your company. With a new card this is alleviated. It also reminds the person called upon of previous conversations with you. It may be as simple as the handing of a card is just part of the custom of calling on a client. Business cards do away with having to write your personal information for every client. Cards get saved. Pieces of paper get lost or thrown in the trash.
8. Manage a Collection of Business Cards
Over time a buyer or business owner will end up with a collection of business cards. How is a person to manage this collection of business cards? One of the two old ways was to store them in a card box or in a leather cardholder, which is much like a photo holder. In this way they can be kept alphabetically for future use. A newer way is to scan them and keep them on a computer. Any of these methods will work and it depends on the card user, which is best for them. Without a system to keep the cards, finding the information you need is slowed down to shuffling through a stack of cards to locate the one you need. If you are constantly looking up this kind of information, a system to manage your business card collection is a time saver. There may be, but it is hard to replace such a long business tradition. The size and the convenience of use make business cards hard to replace. The business community is use to using them. It is difficult to break established habits of long standing. The computer has replaced many business ideas, but this one will be with us for a while more, maybe forever.
9. Electronic Business Cards
Electronic business cards are the newest form of business card. The card is really a CD with the card information printed on its surface. They can be made in just about any shape as long as they will fit in a CD player. The advantage of this kind of business card is the CD can be played and further information can be made available for the client via his computer. This idea is unique and does generate some interest in the CD. It is a newer way to get your message out to a client. The 200-year plus history of the business card has seen many changes during its lifetime. Its use has grown and is so well accepted now, that most sales people feel naked without their business cards. They are used to introduce people to one another, give and receive information and provide a quick reference for vital details for further contact. Most cards these days not only include the obvious information of name and phone number, but also web information and e-mail contact address. Some cards are simple white stock with black print and some have gorgeous 4-color pictures on them. There are also cards, which fold, and the inside has more information about the company or its products. The CD cards are the newest idea in this business environment. One only wonders what will come next in this traditional business field.
Do I Need Raised Letters or Full Colour Business Cards?
Do I Need Raised Letters or Full Colour Business Cards?
If you've been searching around for business cards that will best represent the image you want to portray for your business, then you've no doubt encountered many options. The Big Two, as I like to think of them, are "Raised Letters" and "Full Colour."
What are the differences in raised letter and full colour business cards? What are the price differences? What looks best for how I want to represent my business? These are all questions I hear on a daily basis.
1. The difference between Raised Letters and Full Colour printing is in how the ink is applied to the card stock. Thermography is the type of printing that produces ink that stands up off the page slightly. When you run your fingers across the surface, you can feel the printing on the stock. Each colour that is printed has a separate plate, and the cards have to be run through the press for each colour chosen. These types of cards have a very elegant and refined look about them, especially if the colours and stocks chosen are complimentary. There are hundreds of varieties of stocks and inks to choose from.
Full Colour printing is much like printing from your ink jet printer at home. All the inks are printed on the page at the same time, and combined to create hues, shades--photo images. So, one run through and the cards are printed. These cards have been traditionally used by real estate agents, insurance agents and the like. But now, with this type of printing becoming more affordable and available, anyone can choose this option. These designs most of the time seem jazzier, sharper, more upbeat.
2. The cost difference is an oddity. Spot printing (the process of laying the colours on one at a time, as in Raised Letter cards), can be much cheaper--if only one color or black is chosen. White plate will be cheaper than a cordwain or linen. But, if you start adding more colours (equals more time through the press) then you'll start racking up the cost. If your colours touch each other (called registration--the printer must make sure the cards run through correctly) then you'll stack on some extra expense there.
If you have a full colour logo, the least expensive way to go would be with full colour (process printing). But, you generally have to get a minimum of 1000. You can get 250 from some places, but you'll pay about the same price. It's the setup fee from the printer that is the biggest expense. Printing them is the cheap part, which is why the more you get, the better the price.
3. To choose the look that's right for you, I would think first about the image you are projecting for your company. Are you a doctor? You probably would rather have a classier linen stock with black and gold inks. Same for lawyers and other professionals. A handsome bordeaux (burgundy) on grey fiber stock would speak volumes about your professionalism. The raised letter would add to the expensive feel. There is really no need to add more than 1 colour and black in printing raised letter cards. If that's the way you're heading, then you probably have a flashier business image and would need full color cards. A doctor or lawyer is usually using cards to provide clients with contact information, not get more business.
Full colour is proven to get a 30% better response rate than regular printing, but this is only a bonus if your business aims to use the business cards to get more business. If you sell a product, using full colour cards would be a brilliant idea--you can have a photo of it right on the cards. If you're in a service industry like real estate, you'll want your prospects to remember your face. Add your professionally taken photo to your cards. If you're trying to express a concept of what you can do for customers, then finding the right stock photo image can speak thousands of words with just one image!
In reality, cost usually dictates the biggest part of your decision making process. However, I would caution you to consider your IMAGE first. You might find that if you choose the card that has the best representation of your image, the cost ends up being less than if you choose the wrong one
If you've been searching around for business cards that will best represent the image you want to portray for your business, then you've no doubt encountered many options. The Big Two, as I like to think of them, are "Raised Letters" and "Full Colour."
What are the differences in raised letter and full colour business cards? What are the price differences? What looks best for how I want to represent my business? These are all questions I hear on a daily basis.
1. The difference between Raised Letters and Full Colour printing is in how the ink is applied to the card stock. Thermography is the type of printing that produces ink that stands up off the page slightly. When you run your fingers across the surface, you can feel the printing on the stock. Each colour that is printed has a separate plate, and the cards have to be run through the press for each colour chosen. These types of cards have a very elegant and refined look about them, especially if the colours and stocks chosen are complimentary. There are hundreds of varieties of stocks and inks to choose from.
Full Colour printing is much like printing from your ink jet printer at home. All the inks are printed on the page at the same time, and combined to create hues, shades--photo images. So, one run through and the cards are printed. These cards have been traditionally used by real estate agents, insurance agents and the like. But now, with this type of printing becoming more affordable and available, anyone can choose this option. These designs most of the time seem jazzier, sharper, more upbeat.
2. The cost difference is an oddity. Spot printing (the process of laying the colours on one at a time, as in Raised Letter cards), can be much cheaper--if only one color or black is chosen. White plate will be cheaper than a cordwain or linen. But, if you start adding more colours (equals more time through the press) then you'll start racking up the cost. If your colours touch each other (called registration--the printer must make sure the cards run through correctly) then you'll stack on some extra expense there.
If you have a full colour logo, the least expensive way to go would be with full colour (process printing). But, you generally have to get a minimum of 1000. You can get 250 from some places, but you'll pay about the same price. It's the setup fee from the printer that is the biggest expense. Printing them is the cheap part, which is why the more you get, the better the price.
3. To choose the look that's right for you, I would think first about the image you are projecting for your company. Are you a doctor? You probably would rather have a classier linen stock with black and gold inks. Same for lawyers and other professionals. A handsome bordeaux (burgundy) on grey fiber stock would speak volumes about your professionalism. The raised letter would add to the expensive feel. There is really no need to add more than 1 colour and black in printing raised letter cards. If that's the way you're heading, then you probably have a flashier business image and would need full color cards. A doctor or lawyer is usually using cards to provide clients with contact information, not get more business.
Full colour is proven to get a 30% better response rate than regular printing, but this is only a bonus if your business aims to use the business cards to get more business. If you sell a product, using full colour cards would be a brilliant idea--you can have a photo of it right on the cards. If you're in a service industry like real estate, you'll want your prospects to remember your face. Add your professionally taken photo to your cards. If you're trying to express a concept of what you can do for customers, then finding the right stock photo image can speak thousands of words with just one image!
In reality, cost usually dictates the biggest part of your decision making process. However, I would caution you to consider your IMAGE first. You might find that if you choose the card that has the best representation of your image, the cost ends up being less than if you choose the wrong one
How Well Does Your Business Card Market Your Brand?
When is the last time you updated your business card? Was it when you first started your business? Each time you update your business card, you need to evaluate it to make sure it still represents your brand. Each time your brand changes, you need to update your business cards.
Now, hopefully you have a great brand that doesn’t need a lot of updating. But, if you merge with another company or add a new line of products and your brand shifts ever so slightly, you need to update your business card to reflect your new brand.
Your brand shows everyone your business’ personality, and your business cards should reflect your current brand. Whenever you give someone your card, they’ll most likely look at it three times - once when they receive it, once when they put it their pocket or wallet, and finally when they are deciding whether to keep it or trash it. That’s three occasions for your card to make an impression on someone. Ideally, each time a person looks at your card, they should feel the same about your brand - impressed and interested.
To keep people interested, you can use the following tips to use your business card to market your brand:
Use a professional designer.
Even if you don’t know a professional designer, you can find one through most printing companies. A pro knows good design and how to create a look that will give off the image you’re trying to project.
Use full colour printing.
Many business cards are blah - black and white. To really stand out and show your logo well (your logo should be part of your brand), spend a little extra money to print cards in colour. There are also many other printing options, such as embossing and foil stamping, which will make your business card interesting to look at and memorable.
Laminate one side of your card.
This will help your brand image by keeping your business cards strong and sturdy. They won’t get as dirty or creased, which will keep the card, and you, looking professional. Laminating just one side is key because you want people to be able to write on one side of your card - if they’ve written on it, they’ll be more apt to keep it. Laminate the front and you can hand write your personal number on the back, and your text won’t fade from rubbing in a wallet. Or you can laminate the back if your cardstock has a nice texture that shows off your font well, or if you use embossing.
Use the back of your card.
You can use the back for important emergency phone numbers, a small calendar or to list your services. This will show people that you make the most of what you’ve got and will also give recipients valuable information to boot.
Tips For Not Forgetting Your Business Cards
Sorry, I Don't Seem to Have Business Cards With Me...
Those could be the "famous last words" of the forgetful entrepreneur.
If you habitually find yourself without business cards, you're habitually losing money; or at least the chance of making money. Your business cards, more than any other marketing weapon in your arsenal, is what prospects and colleagues rely upon to remind them why they should do business with you.
Forgetting business cards is a marketing mistake of significant proportions. We're so inundated with advertising messages that most of us learn to tune them out. Yet every time you're asked for business cards, and sheepishly reply that you don't have one with you, you're missing an honest-to-goodness invitation to market to someone.
Worse, leaving your business cards behind when you may need them is a social faux pas as well.
Being asked for business cards is a compliment. Not having one with you at that critical moment is subtly offensive. It puts both you and the person requesting the card in an embarrassing situation. And it nonverbally tells your prospect that you're not quite the business person they thought. You're not really serious about your business, or too careless and forgetful to be entrusted with theirs. If you're determined not to be caught "cardless" at a critical meeting again, here are some tips to help you remember:
Develop a strategy for using business cards to actively promote your business
It may be as simple as deciding to give 5 or 10 cards away every day. It may mean printing labels describing your current promotion, sticking them to the back of your cards, and pinning them to bulletin boards. Whatever! The point is that if you consciously figure out a way to use your business cards to bring in business, you're much less likely to forget them.
Invest in new Business cards
If you haven't ordered business cards within the past two years, there's a good chance that the information or photo is out of date by now. And if your last order was for 1000 cards and there are still 990 cards left, ask yourself why you haven't been passing them out. If it's because you dislike the cards, pitch them and get business cards you're proud of!
Draft and practice a business card presentation
Unless you're comfortable and confident when handing out your card, you won't do it. Besides, the words and actions that accompany your business cards when you give them to someone can really cement a positive first impression.
Invest in quality business cards case, one that you're proud to show off and to use
Business cards in a case can be conversation starters in and of themselves, since there are so many unusual, classic and artistic choices available. I suggest investing in a few cases; a more professional, elegant case for formal business occasions and a flashy or fun holder for social situations.
Tuck a few business cards everywhere Your car's glove compartment. Your briefcase. Your gym bag. Your wife's purse. Next to the front door on the table where you keep your keys. Your desk drawer. Your secretary's desk. The pocket of your coat. Your suitcase. Never leave home without them!
Why Would Anyone Want your Business Card
Why Would Anyone Want Your Business Card?
Do you remember how proud you were the first time you saw your name in print?
Most entrepreneurs feel that same flush of pride when they gaze on their new business cards. That small piece of paper represents years of planning and effort and hard work and dreams. The thrill of seeing "your name in print" on a business card is hard to beat.
Unfortunately, other people couldn't care less. Your business card, the one you're so proud of, is just another advertisement ? another piece of clutter to file. It's no more or less important than any of the many business cards that cross a prospect's desk at any given point in time.
So how do you make sure that your card is one of the few that attracts attention, gets kept, filed, and actually used when your prospect needs your product or service?
It pays to think about the reasons people keep cards to begin with. Often, it's not for the reason you expect. Understanding this critical concept can dramatically affect the design and ultimate effectiveness of your card.
Let's say that you install and maintain swimming pools. You meet Nancy Newcomer and have a great conversation about landscaping around in-ground pools. You're eager to conclude the conversation by giving her your business card because she certainly displays a lot of interest in your service. She's a "hot prospect" for sure!
Not necessarily.
Nancy could just as easily be asking because her neighbor has a pool, or because her mom had a bad experience when they installed their pool, or because she's always liked to swim and loves plants too, or because she collects business cards and doesn't have one with a pool on it, or because she's new in town and you're the only friendly person she met today.
In fact, according to Dr. Lynella Grant, author of "The Business Card Book", there are eight reasons that someone may decide to keep your business card.
1. As a link to a potential customer or client
Let's say you're in network marketing, and John Johnson mentions that his wife used to be in MLM, too. She liked the business model but just wasn't happy with the company. Odds are you'll keep John's card because it's a means of contacting John's wife about your own business opportunity.
2. As a link to a resource or a supplier
If you're in the construction business and meet someone who sells hard-to-find lighting and fixtures, you'll probably keep their business card.
3. As a link to a colleague
Many business people keep business cards of colleagues and competitors. Perhaps you refer business to each other during busy periods, or work together as members of an industry association.
4. For social, non-business reasons
Maybe you couldn't care less that Kelly sells car insurance. She's awfully cute, though...
5. For referring business - it may be passed on to someone else
If your neighbor has had a hard time finding someone who washes windows, and you meet someone who's just started a residential window washing service, you'll probably accept their business card and pass it on to your neighbor.
6. To update information they already have
Maybe they have an old card of yours with your old phone number on it, or without your website address.
7. "Just in case"
Some people have a hard time parting with anything because they might need it someday.
8. Finally, a business card may be kept because of something likable, unusual or useful about the person or their card
I kept the business card of a police officer named "Sarah Justice" just because I think she's got a great name for her line of work (it's called an "aptronym"). Other people keep business cards that contain useful information such as amortization schedules or lists of emergency phone numbers.
Keep these reasons in mind when designing your card. Make it clear what you do and who you do it for. Your card may be passed on to someone else, or the recipient may be trying to remember you later after a long day of meeting people at a convention.
More strategies:
Add useful information to the back of your card.
Get in the habit of jotting notes on the back of business cards ("Likes football. Send catalog.") Encourage card recipients to do the same.
Ask people who receive your cards to pass them on and reward them for referring business to you.
Do you remember how proud you were the first time you saw your name in print?
Most entrepreneurs feel that same flush of pride when they gaze on their new business cards. That small piece of paper represents years of planning and effort and hard work and dreams. The thrill of seeing "your name in print" on a business card is hard to beat.
Unfortunately, other people couldn't care less. Your business card, the one you're so proud of, is just another advertisement ? another piece of clutter to file. It's no more or less important than any of the many business cards that cross a prospect's desk at any given point in time.
So how do you make sure that your card is one of the few that attracts attention, gets kept, filed, and actually used when your prospect needs your product or service?
It pays to think about the reasons people keep cards to begin with. Often, it's not for the reason you expect. Understanding this critical concept can dramatically affect the design and ultimate effectiveness of your card.
Let's say that you install and maintain swimming pools. You meet Nancy Newcomer and have a great conversation about landscaping around in-ground pools. You're eager to conclude the conversation by giving her your business card because she certainly displays a lot of interest in your service. She's a "hot prospect" for sure!
Not necessarily.
Nancy could just as easily be asking because her neighbor has a pool, or because her mom had a bad experience when they installed their pool, or because she's always liked to swim and loves plants too, or because she collects business cards and doesn't have one with a pool on it, or because she's new in town and you're the only friendly person she met today.
In fact, according to Dr. Lynella Grant, author of "The Business Card Book", there are eight reasons that someone may decide to keep your business card.
1. As a link to a potential customer or client
Let's say you're in network marketing, and John Johnson mentions that his wife used to be in MLM, too. She liked the business model but just wasn't happy with the company. Odds are you'll keep John's card because it's a means of contacting John's wife about your own business opportunity.
2. As a link to a resource or a supplier
If you're in the construction business and meet someone who sells hard-to-find lighting and fixtures, you'll probably keep their business card.
3. As a link to a colleague
Many business people keep business cards of colleagues and competitors. Perhaps you refer business to each other during busy periods, or work together as members of an industry association.
4. For social, non-business reasons
Maybe you couldn't care less that Kelly sells car insurance. She's awfully cute, though...
5. For referring business - it may be passed on to someone else
If your neighbor has had a hard time finding someone who washes windows, and you meet someone who's just started a residential window washing service, you'll probably accept their business card and pass it on to your neighbor.
6. To update information they already have
Maybe they have an old card of yours with your old phone number on it, or without your website address.
7. "Just in case"
Some people have a hard time parting with anything because they might need it someday.
8. Finally, a business card may be kept because of something likable, unusual or useful about the person or their card
I kept the business card of a police officer named "Sarah Justice" just because I think she's got a great name for her line of work (it's called an "aptronym"). Other people keep business cards that contain useful information such as amortization schedules or lists of emergency phone numbers.
Keep these reasons in mind when designing your card. Make it clear what you do and who you do it for. Your card may be passed on to someone else, or the recipient may be trying to remember you later after a long day of meeting people at a convention.
More strategies:
Add useful information to the back of your card.
Get in the habit of jotting notes on the back of business cards ("Likes football. Send catalog.") Encourage card recipients to do the same.
Ask people who receive your cards to pass them on and reward them for referring business to you.
Like My New Business Cards
Do you do what the vast majority of people who buy business cards do?
Give them out to friends and family or post them on a few bulletin boards and hope for the business to come rolling in?
How about putting them on tables at restaurants (yes business card spamming is alive and well ).
A good one at trade shows is every vendor tossing business cards to anyone that comes within a few feet of their booth. I guess they heard about the old network marketing 3-foot rule!
Okay enough of that!
Wait! I’ll admit there are some business’s, biz opps for example, that have a huge potential market and some of those strategies could work. But for most businesses it’s just a waste of a good business card.
And that’s unfortunate, because your business card can be powerful and effective direct marketing tools…
So in direct marketing you don’t pass them all around and hope for the best.
What you do is:
1. Find people that would be interested in your offering (a prospect in marketing speak).
2. Talk with them and see if they really are interested in your business.
3. Then give them your business card, and just point out some of the benefits that your business provides (highlight or write them on the card).
(So you have someone interested in your product or service and they ave a way to get in touch with you. Let them know that you’ll follow-up with them and…)
4. Now your job is to follow-up with them and ask the right questions to help them understand why it is in their best interest (if you really believe it is BTW) to become your client.
Sure it’s easier said than done. Hey most things are.
But, it’s a simple business cards marketing formula and will work wonders with virtually any business.
Give them out to friends and family or post them on a few bulletin boards and hope for the business to come rolling in?
How about putting them on tables at restaurants (yes business card spamming is alive and well ).
A good one at trade shows is every vendor tossing business cards to anyone that comes within a few feet of their booth. I guess they heard about the old network marketing 3-foot rule!
Okay enough of that!
Wait! I’ll admit there are some business’s, biz opps for example, that have a huge potential market and some of those strategies could work. But for most businesses it’s just a waste of a good business card.
And that’s unfortunate, because your business card can be powerful and effective direct marketing tools…
So in direct marketing you don’t pass them all around and hope for the best.
What you do is:
1. Find people that would be interested in your offering (a prospect in marketing speak).
2. Talk with them and see if they really are interested in your business.
3. Then give them your business card, and just point out some of the benefits that your business provides (highlight or write them on the card).
(So you have someone interested in your product or service and they ave a way to get in touch with you. Let them know that you’ll follow-up with them and…)
4. Now your job is to follow-up with them and ask the right questions to help them understand why it is in their best interest (if you really believe it is BTW) to become your client.
Sure it’s easier said than done. Hey most things are.
But, it’s a simple business cards marketing formula and will work wonders with virtually any business.
Business Cards
Business cards are cards bearing business information about a company or individual. They are shared during formal introductions as a convenience and a memory aid. A business card typically includes the giver's name, company affiliation (usually with a logo) and contact information such as street addresses, telephone number(s), e-mail addresses and website. Traditionally many cards were simple black text on white stock; today a professional business card will sometimes include one or more aspects of striking visual design.
Business cards are frequently used during sales calls (visits) to provide potential customers with a means to contact the business or representative of the business.
Business cards are frequently used during sales calls (visits) to provide potential customers with a means to contact the business or representative of the business.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
