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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
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From: weB2cats
Date: 09-16-2003, 09:53 PM (1 of 12)
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I'm interested in hearing any advice/experiences anyone has had in developing your business cards? Did you include your full name and or email address, or both? Did you use your home address or did you use a P.O. Box address for your business? Do you think the business cards are/were worth the cost and effort of printing them? What would be the best way to handle business cards when the operation is from a home-based site? Any comments, recommendations welcome. |
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002 Total posts: 232 |
From: Raine
Date: 09-16-2003, 10:32 PM (2 of 12)
You don't have to have business cards printed. I made my own using Avery computer business cards that I bought at the office supply store. My word processing program, "Word", even has templates so all I had to do was fill out my name and address and attach a small logo. If you have kids, they can show you how to do it.  I put my home address, phone number and e-mail address, but I live in a small community. I p.o. box wouldn't be a bad idea. Raine |
User: Raine
Member since: 04-19-2000 Total posts: 259 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-17-2003, 10:03 AM (3 of 12)
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Business cards are very handy tools for your business. Have you read this yet? http://sew-whats-new.com/clason/advertising.shtml Linda writes from experience. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Aimee S
Date: 09-17-2003, 01:47 PM (4 of 12)
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I also use my computer to make my cards and wiht the XP on my puter I went on line to the micro soft sight and for free imported a template for business cards and for invoices and all my business forms. This will be the only time I thank Bill Gates for his software.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: yeepers
Date: 09-17-2003, 07:45 PM (5 of 12)
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In case printing your own isn't for you (factor in the cost of going to get the supplies, supplies, etc...) Vistaprint (http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/bcfree.aspx) offers free business cards. You pay for shipping but that's it. They have a pretty wide selection for their free cards. It's a good deal. Even better if you sign up for email notifications because they're constantly offering huge discounts. Just a thought. Cheers. -Yee
Two Turtles |
User: yeepers
Member since: 03-29-2002 Total posts: 52 
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From: Raine
Date: 09-17-2003, 08:32 PM (6 of 12)
| Is that like the free business cards, though? Once you sign up, your e-mail is full of spam? |
User: Raine
Member since: 04-19-2000 Total posts: 259
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-18-2003, 06:39 PM (7 of 12)
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Here is some good advice about business cards. http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/article.cfm?articleid=22556 MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 09-19-2003, 12:00 PM (8 of 12)
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Okay, I'm the Linda who wrote the articles about the business of sewing. My recommendation would be to NOT put your home address on your cards. You could have people showing up on your doorstep at all times of day or night! Certainly put your name on the card(and business name if it is different than your own name), and your phone number, and, of course what your specialties are. Since you are working from home, you can add the line "By appointment" along with your phone number. This will give you some control on who you see and when. You can hand out your cards to people you see at all kinds of places -- grocery store, department store, sporting events and so forth. You never know who will be needing your services at some point in the future. A new "wrinkle" that I have been using for the past few months is to include a business card with all finished orders. On the back of the card I write "When you return this card you will receive a 5% discount and (current client's name) will receive referral bonus" This goes along with a note encouraging my current clients to feel free to pass my card along to friends and family. This is not my original idea but one that is certainly helping to build my business. I just wish I could remember who came up with it so I could give her proper credit. Whoever you are, thank you! As to what your referral bonus is, it could be just about anything you choose -- a percent discount, a dollar amount discount, or "whatever". Okay, I've taken up more space than I intended. I do tend to get "windy" when talking about my favorite subject -- sewing and having a sewing related business! |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: weB2cats
Date: 09-19-2003, 11:04 PM (9 of 12)
| Thanks for the helpful sites, Mary. I've gotten some really good ideas in progress, now. Also, I am working on business cards through VisaPrint that are looking very nice. |
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002 Total posts: 232 |
From: lou-dezynz
Date: 09-23-2003, 04:59 PM (10 of 12)
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I agree with everything said, especially that from Linda. I have several cards for several purposes. My cards include my name, business name/ specialty, email & phone number. In some cases, I've used a regional expression as well if canvassing an area such as an annual expo, class or local shoppe... something to the effect of "serving the NW subsurban Chicago region" directly above phone and email. With so many computerized options and free clipart [make CERTAIN it is free], you can also add a sewing clipart on your cards. Remember that you can't use someone's logo or trademark, so unless you're 100% sure it's free clipart, be certain to ask so as not to create any infringement problems. I've had vista do some of my prior cards, and found a woman on yahoo auctions [a few years back] who did ad labels for me as well. but don't be afraid to experiement with your own on the computer. Use plan paper and draft ink printer settings until creating what you like. Good luck, Lou- Take life as it comes; there's always someone in a worse situation!
**I have A GREAT DEAL OF sew-quilt-craft FABRIC, PATTERNS, BOOKS, TOOLS for sale, along w/ vintage machines. Must sell off much of the contents of my sewing room due to lost home in divorce, need to downsize re relocating..** CHECK MY PHOTOS OF ITEMS FOR SALE at <http://photos.yahoo.com/<email address removed for privacy>> PAYPAL PREFERRED <<email address removed for privacy>> |
User: lou-dezynz
Member since: 02-02-2002 Total posts: 61 |
From: yeepers
Date: 09-25-2003, 10:17 AM (11 of 12)
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In case you're still looking for a cheap source of business cards....Vistaprint is offering 250 business cards (from their regular stock, not the limited free card designs) for $3.33 until September 30th. Cheers! -Yee
Two Turtles |
User: yeepers
Member since: 03-29-2002 Total posts: 52
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From: weB2cats
Date: 09-26-2003, 11:54 AM (12 of 12)
| I ordered my first batch through them and was quite pleased at the outcome. I've noticed that since then, they've added new designs to their assortment. Thanks for the tip on the sale! |
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002 Total posts: 232 |
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