First, some statistics:
Typical Free Business Card = about 104 g/m²
Shmoggo Business Card = about 350 g/m² (about 3.5x thicker)
The unit “g/m²” is a common unit for measuring paper and cardstock density.
Note: “g/m²” is also known as “gsm”
How about a quick video?
Now obviously the Free Business Card isn’t going to be superior quality. They’re most likely “just good enough” to not be qualified as a piece of paper, which is fine for some people. The question is, “Is the process of getting Free Business Card even worth it?”
Let’s find out!
I have found a “particular site” that offers 250 Free Business Cards… seems harmless enough, so I gave it a shot.
CATCH #1
It costs $24.98 to upload your own design. I want my own design.
Tab = $24.98
So we knew that there was going to be a few catches (nothing is really free) but really? $24.98 just to use your own unique design? C’mon now.
Continuing on the “Free” Business Card journey, I’m prompted to choose my paper stock.
CATCH #2
The Free Business Cards come standard with a 70lb. Matte Paper (what blended in the video above). I want something I can at least keep in my pocket without it melting, so I went for the 100lb. Matte Paper for an extra $12.99.
Note: 100lb Paper = about 160 g/m²
Tab = $37.97
Alright, so we’re not exactly getting closer to “Free” here, but let’s continue anyways.
CATCH #3
So after about 5 pages of trying to cross-sell products, I finally made it to the shipping options. The standard 7-Day Shipping runs at $12.59 (Rush 3-Day Shipping is $23.32, I probably won’t be doing this).
250 “Free” Business Cards = $50.56
So keep in mind, this is an actual website that offers 250 “Free” Business Cards and I ended with a final tab of over $50. Even if you tried everything in your power to keep it “Free” and keep all standard options (no custom design and 70lb. Paper) you’re still out $12.59 for shipping.
Or, You Can Try This:
100 Business Cards 14pt. Glossy Cardstock = $0.00
4-Day Shipping = about $10.00
Upload Your Artwork or Design Online = FREE (seriously)
Time Spent Going Through Other Products You Don’t Want = 0 minutes
100 Business Cards Thick Enough to Carve a Turkey = just the cost of shipping.
Interesting huh? Feel free to check it out!