From time-to-time, customers ask us about metal business cards. We understand the appeal – metal cards can be quite striking. And if you regularly work with metal, say as a welder or a jeweler, metal business cards can feel like an obvious choice. However, while metal cards may be the right fit for some, most customers decide on metallic cards after weighing their options. 

2 Things to Know When Considering Metal Business Cards

We’re not here to tell you not to get a metal business card. But, as we tell our customers, there’s some important things to consider before placing an order for 500-plus metal cards:

Limitations

When working with metal, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. First, metal cards typically only come in a limited range of colors. That's great if you like the look of stainless steel, but colors such as gold or bronze could involve an upcharge. When you print on a metal card, you can also incure added expense for each additional color of ink. Second, the material itself has limitations. If you want a custom shape for your card, such as a wrench-shaped cutout, it's important to ensure your design avoids sharp edges – the last thing you want is a prospective customer cutting themselves on your card. Finally, metal cards are not especially travel-friendly. They're heavy, a disadvantage if you’re often on the road or shipping cards to an event, and frequently need a second look by security.

Cost

The main concern we hear from people about metal business cards is the cost. With metal as expensive as it is – a basic, no frill design often starts at around $200 for 50 business cards, and quickly goes up from there. Many people find it hard to rationalize the expense of a metal business card.

Metallic Business Cards, Your Alternative to Metal

If you feel that metal business cards are starting to lose some of their shine, don’t give up quite yet. Metallic cards are a great alternative that won't break the bank (or your back, if you’re hauling boxes to and from trade shows).

Metallic business cards sit at the intersection of luxury and value that many customers find appealing. To create metallic cards, we take a metallic sheet of plastic – such as bronze, silver, gold or platinum – and print the card design onto it before adding a laminate on top for protection. Most customers find that metallic cards meet their need for a metal design and premium feel, while providing more stylistic options at a reduced price point.

Want to see more? Here’s a few examples of custom metallic business cards we’ve made for our customers.

Clinique YFT

Dr. Yelena Yeretsky operates Clinique YFT, a luxurious medical boutique in Manhattan's West Village specialized in cosmetic dermatology. Clinique YFT’s business card uses an elegant but simple design that, in conjunction with a titanium metallic finish, conveys a sense of quality and luxury.

Ryan's Jewelers

Ryan’s Jewelers sells and repairs jewelry in Northampton, Massachusetts. Their business card uses a striking black metallic look with simulated foil accents. On the flip side, owner John Malikowski’s card showcases his contact information on a premium gold background.

Let’s Talk About Your Business Card Options

We want to make sure you’re making an informed decision with all the information available to you – especially as the price point of metal business cards is so much higher than people expect. At that kind of investment, you want to be absolutely certain you’re getting exactly what you need and what other options you have worth considering.

At Plastic Printers, we understand your business card is an important marketing tool for your business. It communicates your brand and is often the main marketing piece potential customers take home with them. Our talented graphics team can work with you to ensure you’re getting the exact type of card you need to convey your business to your target audience.

Interested in learning more about how we can help you reach your customers? Schedule a free consultation today with one of our design experts and leave any additional questions you have about metallic or metal business cards in the "Comments" section below.