3 Ways to make money with Business Cards

When I "finally" found a supplier of high quality business cards at "dirt cheap" prices; 16pt, Glossy Coated, Full Color both sides;
2 by 3 1/2 - 1,000 for $23
4 by 3 1/2 - 1,000 for $75 (These are scored so they can be folded down to 2 by 3 1/2

I created some samples and went out and sold them.

1) Employee Gift Cards - these are the fold-overs, 4 by 3.5 size with the company's name on the front and 3 Panels of Discounts (9 squares on each panel) from local businesses. Discounts like "But 1 Pizza, Get 1 Free", "$10 Off an Oil Change", "$5 Off Tanning Session", "$10 Off Haircut or Styling".
Company's buy these to give to their employees as a "Gift". They build good will and help the local economy.
I sell them for $10 to $1.60 ea, depending on number of employees.

2) Credit Union Cards - these are the 4 by 3.5, foldovers, with 18 to 27 Discounts. Credit Unions buy them for 2 reasons;
a) Send to their membership as a "Thanks for being a Member". 5,000 for 85cents ea (my cost is $140)
b) Give to New Members as a "Welcome Gift". 500 for $5 ea (or Free, if they buy the 5,000 lot)

3) "Keeper" cards - these are regular business cards with the card holder's regular card on the front and...here's what makes recipients KEEP the cards instead of throwing them away; I put Special Discounts from 9 local businesses on the back, in Full Color.
When people receiving the cards see the discounts on back, they KEEP the cards to take advantage of the discounts, for a year. And, the regular card is on the front.
I can walk into ANY business and sell these for $189/M (cost me $25) Usually sell more than 1 order in each biz. Sales people LOVE these. RE Agents and Insurance and Mortgage people especially.

So...no reason for anyone to be "out-of-a-job". As long as there are businesses open for business, these cards can be sold. And, if someone can't go out every day and make $500 with these, imho they have "Bad Breath"!

PLUS...what makes the "Keeper" cards so great for me is, the Residuals. Clients run out of cards and re-order.

These have nothing to do with Internet Marketing or Websites or SEO or Autoresponders etc. They are simply, old-fashioned, "Burn the Shoe Leather", get out and see people "In-Person" and "Collect the Cash", programs....that STILL work.

Don Alm...still "hoofing it" (Keeps me young PLUS, I get to meet hundreds of business owners who give me their "wants & needs" for other projects)

Don.

Thanks for sharing!

You didn't give a source for the 16-pt. cards that you can buy from your source for $23 which is an excellent price. Can you share your source?

For those who like the ideas that Don shared and would like a low enough cost to you so that you can earn a profit or you just may want cards for your own use without paying through the nose for them ... I just found out about a place called http://www.clubflyers.com/ and they offer 14-pt cards high gloss UV coated cards for $16.99 per 1000 or both sides printed I think for $29.99 if I recall correctly. This link is not an affiliate link (I don't think). Of course you can also check prices at OvernightPrints, VistaPrint etc. to see who may have the best deal that is right for you.

Also at the same time I learned about this source I also found a source for design that I have recently heard from several reputable sources that does good work and quick turnaround as well. They are called 99designs and their website is: www.99designs.com

I hope this is of benefit to anyone having need of this type service or product.

Thanks again Don for your always creative ideas and concepts. I have always enjoyed the ideas you share.

Randy

maybe I'm having a moment....

I can see where the consumer would love to get these cards....

SO.... who's name is on the card? First of all you would have to find a business who needed cards... Lets say I'm an oil change joint and needed business cards.... What's in it for the owner of the business to let you put 9 discounts from other businesses on the back of HIS card?

And even if he puts HIS discount on the card, I wouldn't pass out free advertising for other businesses even if they were non competing businesses.

I've sold enough advertising to know that the advertiser wants to know WHERE HIS AD IS GOING TO PLACED AND HOW OFTEN IT WILL APPEAR (ie cycle). So if you say its on the back of the local Lube & Oil business cards, you really can't guarantee the second.

Next thing... how do you put 9 of anything on the back of a business card? Even if its in color who can read it?

Pappy,

Try 'twisting" the following business card idea posted awhile back by adding a built-in linking system through innovative software, using Creative discounting methods delivered in Multiple marketing formats such as Video, audio, press releases, blogging, business card Postcards etc. etc...
http://cardobserver.com/gallery/genie-alisa

Phil