4by6.com
I have loved everything I've gotten from 4by6.com. They produce top quality cards, but can be pricey. Their prices include full color double sided printing. I've gotten the following from them:
Regular business cards (50 cards = $14 matte, $16 recycled, $58 satin; these are satin that I got on a special promotion):
Skinny business cards (50 cards = $13 matte, $22 recycled, these were recycled, shown in front and back, a little worn from hanging out in my wallet):
and 4 x 4 in. square postcards (50 cards = $28 in matte, $31 in recycled, these are recycled; I got four different designs but the backs were the same):
PROS:
- super high quality
- unique sizes (4x4 postcards, skinny business cards)
- you can order in small bunches of portfolio packs (20 cards of one image)
CONS:
- higher prices
I have used Overnight Prints for my promotional postcards. I like their matte card (it's not very flashy), they do rounded corners (kind of classy), and the quality is very good. They also do our Kidlit411 bookmarks.
PROS:
- fast service
- high quality
- bookmarks (I haven't found other places that print the size I like)
- reasonable prices (50 4x6 double-sided, matte postcards is $8.95)
CONS:
- I recently sent out a batch of cards to art directors and a couple came back misdelivered. One of the cards that came back suffered through the postal machines and the ink in part of it had smeared. I mailed myself a few other cards to double check and I didn't have the problem with the other cards. But it does worry me that these cards may not withstand the machine handling. For handing out cards at conferences and in person, these are great.
VISTA PRINT (www.vistaprint.com)
Like Overnight Prints, Vista Prints provides quick, reasonable, and high quality cards. I use Vista Prints for their nice linen notecards.
I tried their postcard and didn't like the glossy look. I haven't tried their matte stock yet. Their quality is very good (50 cards start at $6.69, if recycled, add $4.68)
Like Overnight Prints, Vista Prints provides quick, reasonable, and high quality cards. I use Vista Prints for their nice linen notecards.
I tried their postcard and didn't like the glossy look. I haven't tried their matte stock yet. Their quality is very good (50 cards start at $6.69, if recycled, add $4.68)
 |
| A glossy postcard |
 |
| Linen note card |
PROS:
- Fast service
- High quality
- Nice linen notecards
- Reasonable prices
CONS:
- With the linen notecards, you can't get rid of the Vista Print website on the back side
Before I got my excellent printer, I used Artful Color to make fine art glicees (museum quality paper and inks). I found them to provide amazing quality and reasonable prices. These were prints I'd make to sell on Etsy or to give as gifts. An 8 x10 in. print (the paper size, not image size) was about $4.00. They also make archival quality art cards, the kind you buy at art fairs (Artful Colors charges about $2.50 for a folded two-sided card).
What printing services have you used and do you recommend?
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I need to send myself one -hadn't thought of that! I used a local business card printer, and had to pay more, but not much. He also printed examples of my images on different stock at no extra cost, and it's close by, so no shipping. I had printed with a bigger local company before and didn't like the quality in comparison, yet had paid much more! Guess you just have to keep trying! Thanks for this, Sylvia!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie, for stopping by. I should mail a bunch more to myself and friends just to double check.
DeleteI accidentally sent myself one because my contact info was so big, the PO thought it was the To instead of From address. LOL!
DeleteI definitely recommend Moo.com. They sound similar to Overnight Prints. I should probably compare prices. Maybe you can bring a sample of each of the above with you to the NYC conference and I'll bring my Moo.com stuff and we can compare quality? :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan!
DeleteGreat write up, Sylvia. Thanks for the info. I also recommend Moo cards. I've used them for postcards and business cards. Very nice quality. They are pricey for greeting cards though. I've used Modern Postcard for greeting cards for clients and was very pleased.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy. I'll check out Modern Postcard and Moo.
DeleteGreat information! Thanks, Sylvia.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Alayne.
DeleteGreat post, Sylvia! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch warm, inviting artwork, Sylvia! The cards look great!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this information, Sylvia. It will come in handy!
ReplyDeleteGreat information, Sylvia! I've used overmight press for their prices. They had a sale on top of their already good deal! I was impressed by their quality and am a happy customer. I got semi glossy, rounded corners bookmarks.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, another thing that plays a determining factor is whether your brand would require want a 16pt or a 32pt business card, because the appearance, thickness and durability of the cards depend on it. Color Copies
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteWholesale Printing Company