I think people spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME worrying about what to put on their cards and not enough time handing them out.
Should I use Times New Roman or Arial? 12 point or 10 point? Address on left or right? Should I say Real Estate Investor or Investor in Real Estate?
Worry about handing getting your cards in the hands of people, not if the card is bright yellow or orange.
I would be willing to bet a large amount of money that none of us have ever had someone look at our card and say "You know I really need someone to buy my house, but this card used embossed print and I don't like that". But we ALL have lost deals by people not having our cards.
Bruce, as usual, a bit over the top but right on the money 8-)
The only thing that I can add to Bruce's post is the one thing that you don't want to do with a business card because people will notice, and that is go cheap.
Printing them yourself via inkjet or laser printer is the worse. Looks plain out amateurish. (trust me, I've been there)
Second worse for this business is the free vista print cards. Yes they look much better than self-printed, but I think many will flip them over and see the "free cards at vista print" and think, "hey this guy won't even pay for business cards, why should I work with this cheap-skate?" Granted, this is just my own personal opinion, but it's what I think when I get one.
You can get basic cards for $15-30 dollars, and if you're going to be in this business, you should be able to invest at least that much.
However, as Bruce said, the absolute worse thing you can do is not use your business cards. So go get some (even if they are inkjet printed ) and start spreading them out.
Everything they said above is true. However, to get back to your original question, I used www.overnightprints.com. They are not overnight, since it took me about a 7-10 days to get mine, but I was able to get 1,000 Full-Color w/ UV Coating, heavy weight paper.
They look GREAT, and I paid less than $50, including shipping.
I'm a firm believer, when possible, to keep business in my local area. my closest 'mom & pop' (actually father & son) shop does a great job with prices equivalent to any of the internet providers I've seen
The use of business cards will be one of your most powerful marketing tools!
Business Card Plan
When networking, you are looking for introductions to promote yourself and your business; pass cards out to any person, place or thing!
Remember the key to marketing is...LISTEN to the prospect.
The rapport developed will lead to a stronger relationship and potential for future business!
I teach all my students when starting out pass out a minimum of 1,000 cards a week for your 1st 30 days.
I have what is called a "sight rule" if you are in my sight you will get a business card!
Last year I got a deal in Missouri from a business card that traveled all the way to California to a relative of a homeowner who passed away. My 5-cent investment made me 22k net.
The business card stated the following:
Cash 4 Your Home
Quick Close!
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
John Michael
www.vistaprint.com
Davehays made a good suggestion.
Keep your business cards simple, as you want your customer knows what you do at a glance like "CASH FOR REAL ESTATE".
I got mine made at Staples. They offer thermography (raised ink) for very, very reasonable prices. I think I paid $60 fo 1000 cards, 2 color.
I actually had a coupon or two that brought my price down even cheaper if I recall.
Don't skimp on business cards. They are your biggest advertising medium.
would it be wise to put Real Estate Investor on the card?
Hey,
I think people spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME worrying about what to put on their cards and not enough time handing them out.
Should I use Times New Roman or Arial? 12 point or 10 point? Address on left or right? Should I say Real Estate Investor or Investor in Real Estate?
Worry about handing getting your cards in the hands of people, not if the card is bright yellow or orange.
I would be willing to bet a large amount of money that none of us have ever had someone look at our card and say "You know I really need someone to buy my house, but this card used embossed print and I don't like that". But we ALL have lost deals by people not having our cards.
Bruce, as usual, a bit over the top but right on the money 8-)
) and start spreading them out.
The only thing that I can add to Bruce's post is the one thing that you don't want to do with a business card because people will notice, and that is go cheap.
Printing them yourself via inkjet or laser printer is the worse. Looks plain out amateurish. (trust me, I've been there)
Second worse for this business is the free vista print cards. Yes they look much better than self-printed, but I think many will flip them over and see the "free cards at vista print" and think, "hey this guy won't even pay for business cards, why should I work with this cheap-skate?" Granted, this is just my own personal opinion, but it's what I think when I get one.
You can get basic cards for $15-30 dollars, and if you're going to be in this business, you should be able to invest at least that much.
However, as Bruce said, the absolute worse thing you can do is not use your business cards. So go get some (even if they are inkjet printed
Roger
R2LRN,
Everything they said above is true. However, to get back to your original question, I used www.overnightprints.com. They are not overnight, since it took me about a 7-10 days to get mine, but I was able to get 1,000 Full-Color w/ UV Coating, heavy weight paper.
They look GREAT, and I paid less than $50, including shipping.
Go check them out, I highly recommend them.
I'm a firm believer, when possible, to keep business in my local area. my closest 'mom & pop' (actually father & son) shop does a great job with prices equivalent to any of the internet providers I've seen
Thanks for all your advise I really appreciate it.
The use of business cards will be one of your most powerful marketing tools!
Business Card Plan
When networking, you are looking for introductions to promote yourself and your business; pass cards out to any person, place or thing!
Remember the key to marketing is...LISTEN to the prospect.
The rapport developed will lead to a stronger relationship and potential for future business!
I teach all my students when starting out pass out a minimum of 1,000 cards a week for your 1st 30 days.
I have what is called a "sight rule" if you are in my sight you will get a business card!
Last year I got a deal in Missouri from a business card that traveled all the way to California to a relative of a homeowner who passed away. My 5-cent investment made me 22k net.
The business card stated the following:
Cash 4 Your Home
Quick Close!
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
John Michael
So it seems that the shorter the message the better huh. Thanks again
Does anyone use the backside of the cards to get more info out and if so what types of things do you put on it.
I ended up using my backside & just put down what I did & can offer, where on the front I just put a few words basically advertising myself.