Get A BJC 5100 And Do My Own Business Cards And Letterhead

Q: Does anyone know if it's possible to print decent-looking business cards on a good printer? I'm starting a business and I have two options: a) Get a BJC 5100 and do my own business cards and letterhead b) Get them printed professionally for almost the same price as I'll pay for the printer If the quality of business cards I print myself is acceptable, that would be the best route for me.

A: -If you don't want huge numbers of cards (i.e. less than 500), you might want to have a look at the Avery pre-cut cards. I use them on my laser printer, but they do an inkjet version too. The cards are held in place on the back with a very thin, weak adhesive backing strip. Ween you have printed on them, you just peel them off the backing and they are exactly like professionally printed cards. One final point: if you do you an inkjet to print them, you do have the problem that the ink can smudge, which isn't too professional. Personally, I just do mine on the laser printer, and don't worry about the colour. At least laser toner is permanent! -As a printing professional

I probably am biased, however some points I think go against ink jet B/Cs are: * The ink is not permanent and will run if the cards get wet (this could be important if customers ever call from a construction site or a pay phone on a rainy day). * The card stock you use for your ink jet is usually a lighter weight (thinner), and not as many choices of stock are available. * Ink jet cards always look like they are done on an ink jet (the importance of this would depend on the type of clients you are looking for). On the plus side is that for a small business (SOHO) cards on an ink jet may be a cheaper and more flexible way to go.