At first glance, you may not see many differences between plastic and paper business cards. They’re both traditionally rectangular, white, and somewhat flexible. However, this initial impression is deceiving. The material you use for your business cards matters since different materials have different lifespans, qualities, and design options. Keep reading to learn about these key differences and how to create the best card for your business.
Long vs. Short Lifespan
Plastic business cards last much longer than paper ones. Think about the last time someone handed you a business card. What did you do with it? First, you probably slipped it into your pocket or wallet. Maybe you forgot it there since paper is so light. Maybe you remembered and took it out when you returned to the office or came home. What did you do with it then? You probably filed it away, and there’s a good chance you forgot about it. Or, if you didn’t want to clutter up your office, you added the contact information to your phone and threw the card away.
Rethink this process with a plastic card in mind. Once you take it back to the office, you’re less likely to throw a plastic business card away. That’s because it’s different than traditional paper cards. Even if you put it in a stack with paper business cards, it’ll be easier to find and eventually use because the plastic sets it apart, giving it a longer useful lifespan that benefits your business.
High vs. Low Quality
There are many high-quality paper business cards. We even make them here at SilkCards. However, we also know that no matter how high-quality a paper business card is, it’s still paper. Paper can fold, wrinkle, and tear easily, even if it’s of thicker cardstock with a nice finish.
Plastic business card recipients immediately view plastic cards as high in quality. They’re smooth to the touch and shiny to look at, creating a sense of luxury. Thinner plastic cards can still bend like paper, but it’s unlikely that they’ll fold or wrinkle. Thicker plastic cards are also on the market, and these types of cards won’t bend at all. Greater durability signals higher quality.
Intricate vs. Simple Designs
Since plastic cards are more durable than paper ones, they allow for more intricate designs. You can order die-cut paper cards with intricate designs, but you run the risk of these designs ripping. If you want an intricate design to be effective and last even after your cards leave your hand, then you should order plastic ones instead of paper.
Sometimes, a simple design is what’s most effective. Simple designs work on both plastic and paper. No matter what type of design you want, you should know the differences between plastic and paper business cards.
There are additional benefits to using plastic cards instead of paper. For example, plastic cards aren’t just durable. They’re also waterproof. If you’re looking for waterproof business cards, then SilkCards can help. Our plastic cards come in various thickness and finish options, so you can design the perfect card for your business.
Reasons You Should Choose Plastic Over Paper Business Cards
When you ask someone for their business card, you expect to receive a rectangular piece of white paper that relays their basic business information. Technically, there’s nothing wrong with these business cards. They share the necessary information and slip easily into a pocket, purse, or wallet.
If you really want to stand out, then you need to choose something other than these traditional elements of business cards, including the material they’re printed on.
Plastic business cards will help you stand out and provide other benefits. Keep reading to learn the reasons you should choose plastic over paper business cards.
Take Advantage of Strong Durability
Think about how many times you’ve accidentally bent or torn a paper business card. They’re small and light, which makes them easy to drop and crumple. After a few bad experiences, a business card can become impossible to read. You don’t want those accidents happening to your business card and preventing people from reaching you, so invest in plastic cards! Plastic business cards are thin, light, and flexible, but they won’t bend or tear like a paper business card.
Stand Out From the Crowd
As we mentioned above, plastic business cards will help you stand out from the crowd of your competition. They’re novel and unique, and your choice of this card material shows recipients you care about your business and its perception. Prospective business partners and investors will find this extra attention to detail impressive, and potential customers will trust that your business is as unique as your card, drawing them in.
Choose More Design Options
You may think the visual difference between paper and plastic cards is negligible, but plastic cards give you more design options than paper. Even if you invest in high-quality, glossy paper, you still won’t have as many design options as plastic cards. This traces back to the cards’ durability. Since paper cards can easily tear, you can’t get any unique laser-cut designs because they would rip. Plastic cards give you the option for die-cut and laser-cut designs, as well as a glossier finish on the card itself. Colors also appear brighter and richer on plastic than on paper, which will help your card stand out.
You should choose plastic over paper business cards because they are durable, help you stand out from the competition, and offer more design options. If your business wants to take advantage of all these benefits with plastic business cards, SilkCards can help. Our plastic cards are a great choice for any business.