Fast, cheap business cards?

March 6, 2019 12:19 PM

Can you recommend a good, fast, cheap source of business cards? I suddenly find myself in need of a business card next Thursday. Something simple and no frills that doesn't feel totally flimsy.
posted by swheatie to Work & Money (14 answers total)

The higher end laser printer business cards are pretty comparable to value priced ones from an actual printer.
posted by Dr. Twist at 12:23 PM on March 6, 2019

I hate to say it but Vistaprint fills this niche. Do not pay for the fast shipping; the regular shipping is just as fast!
posted by DarlingBri at 12:29 PM on March 6, 2019 [6 favorites]

I have used Vistaprint for years and I have always been pleased with the results and the price. My suggestion is to sign up for an account and makes sure you request to be on the mailing list. You get lots of email but they ALWAYS have discounts on biz cards. When you see the deal then order.

[on edit] darlingbri is correct, they ship MUST faster than you may think so save the money on quick shipping/

However, I don't see anyone being able to meet your deadline, so I would buy some card stock and print one on your own until you can order some.
posted by terrapin at 12:30 PM on March 6, 2019

I use MOO.
Here's their info on quick-turnaround production.
posted by D.Billy at 12:32 PM on March 6, 2019 [4 favorites]

Seconding the Moo recommendation!
posted by slater at 12:38 PM on March 6, 2019

Have you searched your local market? A few years ago I had some made by a local guy that set himself up a cottage industry just printing business cards for people that needed them quickly, which he hand delivered around the area. They looked great and the cost was less than expedited creation and shipping would have been.
posted by Candleman at 12:39 PM on March 6, 2019

Assuming you have one nearby, you can send an electronic order to Staples/OfficeDepMax to be picked up within a day or two.
posted by Lyn Never at 12:44 PM on March 6, 2019 [2 favorites]

I used Office Depot/Office Max a couple of weeks ago when I found myself needing business cards about 2 days in advance of an event. Same day pickup was very easy and the cards looked nice. It was also cheaper than the order I almost placed on Vistaprint before realizing it would never arrive in time.
posted by possibilityleft at 1:36 PM on March 6, 2019

I need business cards maybe twice a year. I use Avery clean edge business cards, and they're totally fine. Everyone I've asked about them assumed I had them printed somewhere. I also like them because I can customize what's on the back. Of course you'll need the layout and a somewhat decent printer. You can do the actual printing on your printer from Avery's website if you need to. They aren't glossy if that's a deal breaker for you.
posted by sevenless at 1:48 PM on March 6, 2019

Get a minimal amount from Office Depot/Staples now, and place a bigger order from Moo when you have more time. Moo does great work!!
posted by mccxxiii at 2:04 PM on March 6, 2019

I have used FedEx/Kinko's same day and they're great.
posted by sockermom at 2:08 PM on March 6, 2019

Moo is wonderful. May cost a bit more but they're really good.
posted by BlahLaLa at 2:27 PM on March 6, 2019

You haven't told us where in the world you are. But in most places, getting something from a local printer that you can go and pick up when it's ready is the fastest way to do this.
posted by Too-Ticky at 1:50 PM on March 7, 2019

Another vote for Moo.
posted by dobbs at 2:43 PM on March 7, 2019