You meet a potential customer, have a great conversation and, just before you leave, hand over your business card. It's a small moment, but the card you give them can say quite a lot about your business.A flimsy card with tiny text and a cluttered design might not create the impression you were hoping for. On the other hand, a well-designed card printed on quality stock can make your business look established, professional and worth remembering.Even with websites, social media and digital contact sharing, traditional business cards still have their place. They're convenient, personal and easy to hand over during meetings, networking events, site visits or everyday conversations.If you're considering business card printing Perth, there are a few decisions worth making before sending your artwork to the printer.From paper thickness and finishes to rounded corners and premium printing options, this guide will help you choose a business card that suits your brand, your budget and the people you're trying to reach.
Think about the last time someone handed you a business card.Did you put it straight into your wallet? Leave it on your desk? Or did it feel so ordinary that you barely looked at it?A business card is more than a place to display your phone number. It's a physical reminder of a conversation and a small representation of your brand.For Perth businesses, particularly those working in trades, real estate, consulting, hospitality and professional services, business cards remain a practical marketing tool.They can help you:
Of course, a business card doesn't need to be expensive or elaborate to work well. The important thing is choosing materials and a design that suit your business.
One of the first decisions you'll make is the type of paper or card stock.You might not think a small difference in paper thickness matters, but it's often one of the first things people notice when they hold a card.Paper thickness is generally measured in GSM, which stands for grams per square metre. A higher GSM usually means a heavier stock, although stiffness also depends on the material and coating.
If you're ordering business cards for general use, a stock around 250–300gsm can be a sensible starting point.It's suitable for businesses that regularly hand out cards at events, customer appointments or promotional activities.This option can work particularly well for tradespeople, retailers, small businesses and anyone who needs a larger quantity without spending too much.
For businesses wanting a sturdier card, 350gsm is a popular choice.It has a more substantial feel and can help create a polished impression without requiring complicated printing techniques.It's worth considering for consultants, real estate agents, business owners and professional service providers.At Mustang Print & Copy, printing and copying equipment can handle card stocks up to 350gsm, making heavier stock worth discussing when planning your business cards.
Some businesses want something a little different.Textured paper, recycled stock, uncoated card and specialty materials can create a distinctive look and feel.For example, a creative studio might prefer a textured card, while an environmentally conscious business may want to explore recycled materials.Specialty stocks can affect colour reproduction, writing suitability and price, so always check compatibility and availability with your printer before choosing.
This is one of the most common questions when choosing business cards.Should you go with a smooth matte finish or a shiny gloss finish?Both have their advantages, and neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on the appearance you want and how your cards will be used.
Matte finishes have a low-sheen appearance that can make business cards feel modern and sophisticated.They work particularly well with minimalist layouts, subtle colours and designs that rely on clear typography.Matte cards are often a good match for:
Another advantage is reduced glare, which can make text easier to read under bright lighting.However, not every matte coating is suitable for handwriting. If customers need to write appointment details or notes on your cards, ask about an uncoated or writable stock.
Gloss finishes create a shiny surface that can make photographs and colourful designs appear more vibrant.They're particularly effective when your business card includes strong graphics, product imagery or bold branding.Gloss can be a great option for hospitality businesses, retailers, beauty services and businesses wanting a lively, colourful appearance.The trade-off is that glossy surfaces can reflect light and may show fingerprints more easily.Our tip: Choose matte for a restrained, contemporary appearance and gloss when vibrant colours and visual impact are your priorities.
Most business cards have traditional square corners. They're familiar, professional and suitable for almost any industry.But rounded corners can be a simple way to make your cards feel different.A rounded-corner card has a softer appearance and can give your design a friendly, contemporary feel.This style can work especially well for creative businesses, wellness providers, beauty salons and modern retail brands.Rounded corners also reduce the sharp points that can become bent or worn when cards are carried in pockets and wallets.
Not necessarily.If your brand has a formal or traditional identity, square corners may be more appropriate.Rounded corners can also affect how your design sits near the edges, particularly if you use borders or decorative elements.Before ordering custom business cards in Perth, ask whether rounded-corner cutting is available and whether it changes the price or turnaround time.Sometimes the simplest shape is still the best choice.
If you're looking to make a stronger impression, premium finishing options can give your business cards an extra level of detail.You don't need every special effect available. In fact, using too many finishes can make a card look overdone.The key is choosing one feature that complements your brand.
Soft-touch lamination creates a smooth, velvety feel.It's particularly appealing for luxury brands, boutique businesses and companies wanting an understated premium finish.The tactile quality can make a card feel different from standard printed stock.
Spot UV applies a glossy coating to selected areas of a design, such as a logo, company name or graphic element.When combined with a matte background, it creates a contrast between shiny and non-shiny surfaces.It's a subtle way to draw attention to important branding details.
Foil stamping uses metallic or coloured foil to highlight parts of a design.Gold, silver and other foil colours can create an elegant finish, especially when used sparingly.This option can suit luxury services, high-end property businesses and premium retail brands.
Embossing raises selected areas of the card, while debossing creates an indented effect.Both add texture and can make a simple logo feel more distinctive.These specialist techniques may involve additional setup costs and production time.Not every printing provider offers every premium finish, so discuss your preferred options before finalising your artwork.
In Australia, a common standard business card size is 90mm x 55mm.This format fits comfortably into most wallets and card holders and provides enough room for essential business information.For most Perth businesses, sticking with a standard size is a practical decision.Custom sizes can look interesting, but they may be harder to store or carry.If you choose a non-standard shape or size, make sure it offers a genuine benefit rather than simply being different.
It's tempting to squeeze every detail about your business onto your card.But too much information can make even an attractive design difficult to read.Start with the essentials:
You can also include a QR code linking to your website, booking page or digital contact details.For example, a local electrician might benefit from a clear phone number and service area, while a consultant may prefer a website and professional email address.If you're using both sides of the card, consider placing your logo or a short message on the reverse.Give the information room to breathe. White space is useful, not wasted.
A good business card doesn't need an elaborate design. It needs to be clear, readable and consistent with your brand.A few common mistakes can make otherwise professional cards less effective.
Before approving your design, check every detail carefully.
Getting the artwork right is just as important as choosing the paper.A design may look excellent on your computer screen but print differently if the file hasn't been prepared correctly.For business card printing Perth, Mustang Print recommends the following artwork specifications:
Bleed is particularly important when your design has colours or graphics extending right to the edge. It provides extra artwork that can be trimmed away without leaving unwanted white lines.If you're creating your business card in Canva or another design program, set up the correct dimensions before you start.If you're unsure about any technical requirements, speaking with your printer before submitting the artwork can save time and prevent disappointing results.
The cost of business cards depends on several factors, including the paper stock, quantity, finish, printing requirements and any additional design work.A standard card on quality stock may be perfectly suitable for a business that distributes hundreds of cards every month.A premium card with specialist finishing might make more sense for someone who meets a smaller number of high-value clients.Think about how your cards will be used.If you regularly attend networking events, quantity and affordability may be your main priorities.If you run a boutique business where presentation is particularly important, spending more on the materials and finish may be worthwhile.Rather than automatically choosing the cheapest or most expensive option, look for the best balance of quality, appearance and value.
Ordering business cards online can be convenient, especially when you already have finished artwork and know exactly what you need.However, working with a local printing business has some practical advantages.You can ask questions, discuss paper choices, get advice on your design and clarify printing requirements before placing an order.This is particularly helpful when you're unsure whether your logo is suitable for printing or which finish will complement your branding.Mustang Print & Copy, based in Alkimos, supports businesses across Perth's northern suburbs, including Joondalup, Butler and Yanchep.With more than 32 years of graphic design experience, Dave Gillam provides practical support with artwork and printing projects.Whether you're starting a new business, updating your existing cards or bringing your printed materials into line with your branding, having an experienced local printer to speak with can make the process easier.
The best business card isn't necessarily the thickest, shiniest or most expensive one.It's the card that feels right for your business, presents your information clearly and gives people a reason to remember you.A sturdy paper stock, well-considered layout and appropriate finish can make a noticeable difference.Matte or gloss? Square or rounded corners? Standard stock or something more premium?There's no single correct answer. It comes down to your brand, your customers and the impression you want to create.
At Mustang Print & Copy, we help local businesses turn their ideas into professional printed materials.From business card design and artwork preparation to choosing suitable printing options, we're here to help you get the details right.If you're planning new business cards, get in touch to discuss your requirements, available finishes and the best options for your budget.
Phone: (08) 9300 2844Location: 26 Skysail Avenue, Alkimos WA 6038 (by appointment)Website: https://www.mustangprint.com.au/Because sometimes it's the smallest details that leave the biggest impression.Business information and artwork specifications checked against the official Mustang Print & Copy website. Specialty finishes are discussed as general options; availability should be confirmed before publication.