Poly Business Cards: The Pros and Cons

They are cool, exciting and new, but are plastic business cards the right choice for your business? Often called poly cards, these cards are either see-through or frosted, and are clearly more resistant to wear and tear than their paper based cousins. Here are some of the pros and cons of these fun new products.

The Pros of Custom Business Cards

Clearly, the goal of any business card is to provide information and stand out simultaneously. Plastic cards can do both. Using plastic or poly makes for a truly custom card, when you design it correctly. Additionally, these cards don’t get damaged by water and if you work in a damp environment, they are ideal.

Customers like the cards and you will receive more feedback when you hand one out. There is the “cool” factor associated with such an unusual card.

Decreased costs are also a factor since these cards last. Once you hand a customer or potential customer a card they can keep it in their wallet without it degrading quickly and that means a better, longer connection with your audience.

By using color you create a particularly bright and attractive card. You can have your images printed on the back side and have it glow through.

Cons of Plastic Cards

For the eco friendly individual having business cards made from a non-degradable material will be a big issue. Unlike paper cards, these will last for a very long time in a landfill.

Clear cards can only be printed properly on one side. Unless you take the time to exactly match up your two sides of printing, what you have on one side will show through to the other, making your message unclear.

Cost is still a factor with plastic cards. They are more expensive than paper cards, at least in the printing. You will also have to find a printer that makes them, not every company does.

Use Color Printing with Poly Cards

Now that you have some idea of the advantages and disadvantages of poly cards it’s time to learn how to design them effectively for use.

Color is particularly important when you use poly because it shows up so well. You have the option of a frosted design, where the card is etched so it is no longer completely see-through, or unfrosted. Either way, bright, vibrant colors will help make your card more attractive, and, if the card is clear, easier to find and pick up.

If your current logo is monochromatic, consider having it enhanced by using a single color other than black. If you want to keep it black, surround it with a blotch of color instead.

Placing your contact information on a swath of color, especially if it is white, will help make it more readable.

Compare Online Printing Companies and Look for Sales

Because the outlay involved is higher with plastic cards, it will really pay to search for the best price and for sales. Many online printers offer sales on a regular basis, and negotiation is always an option.

The New Year is the perfect time to try something new, be on the cutting edge with poly business cards.