The Storque - Comments for article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!

I just made s

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:07:30 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: theflashbulb

I just made some two-sided business cards - with art on the front and info on the back - they're from qoop (through Flickr) and I'm really happy with how they turned out

Business card

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:19:28 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: tinymeat

Business cards are here to stay. They are included in every product we sell, well, because we make wallets and passport holders and that's where they go. Many customers find us after purchasing a Tinymeat™ item at a retail store and looking us up via the card. 60,000 wallets and counting can't be wrong. That passport+(holder)sounds like a swell idea.

Love unique a

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:40:12 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: momwithahook

Love unique and not business card promotional products

I love my bui

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:23:42 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: Swank

I love my buisness cards, i feel very posh when i get get to say, "here, have my card" But I am really thinking about getting some stickers done. people will stick them on stuff and remember for longer!

I love my bui

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:22:45 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: Swank

I love my buisness cards, i feel very posh when i get get to say, "here, have my card"

Is anyone els

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 08:37:34 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: Rivkasmom

Is anyone else worried that all the little trinkets are just going to be ending up in landfills? At least business cards can be recycled.

We are donati

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:20:34 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: SuzeesJubileeZ

We are donating proceeds to charity. Here is our forum link explaining what we are doing. www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5540781 I have to say some of these ideas are great. Maybe I will get a button maker with my income tax bonus! Not only can I make promotional items I can make pinata stuffers. I sell locally because I test drive my bags around town to many oohs and awes.

I for one am

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:22:33 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: icandyhome

I for one am SOOO incredibly inspired! If I can pull myself off Etsy for an hour I am going to make some magnets. I have a million on my fridge holding up pictures and art work. It would be great if they were actually cute AND helpful!! Thanks so much you ETSY genius'!

Sorry, the li

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:59:15 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: lizplummer

Sorry, the link jumped away from me...should be this one: http://lizplummer.com/blog/2008/03/18/some-gocco-goodies/

I recently de

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:57:57 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: lizplummer

I recently designed a Gocco screen from one of my photos and added my business details, and printed this on cards, paper, fabric and Tyvek (which is a plasticy paper-fabric which can be mailed or stitched). This article has inspired me to use them imaginatively, maybe on bags ... I'll have to put my thinking cap on! Some photos on are my blog post here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5552632

Most of my bu

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:32:24 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: drewbabydesigns

Most of my business comes from people seeing my product in action and asking the wearer about it; I give out four business cards with each order, and specifically ask the customer to tuck them in their diaper bag to hand out when they get comments or questions about their sling. It works well for me. I love the idea of a passport, too! Maybe the labs can put together an etsy passport for us to buy wholesale, and resell at fairs and in our shops.

Promos should

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:27:31 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: sweetestpea

Promos should be in addition to having business cards... so still keep ordering them. There are some great promo ideas in the article, so thanks Danielle for showcasing those. I include cards in every order. One for the person to keep, one to give with each gift. I recently got feedback from a customer who ordered multiple animals that I should include MORE cards with every order. She said her friends snatched them up so quickly that she didn't have any left over to give to others.

Awesome! Than

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:48:52 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: kittycrossbones

Awesome! Thanks for including me in the Etsymini! :)

I've been the

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:47:43 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: avenuehandmade

I've been the recipient of one of clevergirl's cards, and lemme tell you, they're marvelous! I can't bear to send it yet--it's on my bulletin board cause I'm selfish =) Thanks for a great article, Danielle! Promo items is something that I've been thinking about a lot lately...this article actually inspired me to blog about it today, and I'll be posting pictures of my new promo items soon. Now I just gotta figure out a way to track their effectiveness....

yeah, the pas

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:40:00 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: PoPkO

yeah, the passport is a great idea, and i am scurrying around the studio thinking how can i make them.. how can i make them!? i knew i bought a gocco for a reason! also, a pocket for business cards would be even genius-er. yeah?

Etsy passport

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:30:31 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: ScribbleNation

Etsy passports are totally brilliant! My coolest promo idea yet is to hand out Scribble Nation themed coloring books at craft shows (and with large orders) They are too bulky to ship out with every package, but I think they'll help people remember me from craft fairs. :) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10451044

I print my ow

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:59:38 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: ArgyleWhale

I print my own business cards on the backs of my imperfect prints so people get a little hint on one side. Each is different and I think they are nice. I also made a ton of patches that people seem to like. http://flickr.com/photos/justinandelise/2062942346

Oh I do like

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:52:20 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: hans1247

Oh I do like that extra greeting card idea, clever girl! I would totally mail out the card. And honestly, I had a bummer day today so it was a nice ego boost to have people like the passport idea! Ha! Thanks! You've made my day!

Oh, very nice

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:05:40 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: daniellexo

Oh, very nice clever girl!

That Etsy Pas

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:01:30 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: EarthBabyDesigns

That Etsy Passport idea is freaking AWESOME!!!! I'm not a paper artist, but as soon as I see someone is selling them, I'll buy that day!

oh and I stil

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:07:57 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: clevergirl

oh and I still do include 2 business cards...that's a rule I learned way back in school somewhere...one for the person to keep, one to pass along should someone ask "hey, where did you get xyz?"..Also another thing about business cards- they should bam! strike the recipient (not literally, as papercuts are miserable) so their brain says "cool card!" anything generic that doesn't stand out amongst the sea of plain business cards will get chucked by the person much faster...

I make (gocco

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:05:03 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: clevergirl

I make (gocco) my own multi-purpose greeting cards as a promo tool. Everyone can always use a cool greeting card and it saves my buyers an extra trip to the store if they forgot to buy one for the occasion so they can get more off their full plates , faster.... My info (blog, gallery, shop) is on the back of the card...A little brighter/bolder than a card one might buy, but not obnoxious... I also make each package memorable...Here's a larger package that went out last week: http://beclever.wordpress.com/2008/03/22/spring-box/ (the flower clips are by http://artbynaomi.etsy.com).... I'm a big believer in creating and building brand recognition.

hans1247 says

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:45:52 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: daniellexo

hans1247 says: Maybe a trend of "Etsy Passports" should be started- sellers at craft shows could have stickers or stamps and I could put them in my passport for future reference. Seller could mail stickers with items. Pretty much the most amazing idea ever! Thanks hans1247! Its still good to have business cards (or moo cards or postcards) for those shoppers or contacts that like them of course! Thanks for weighing in everyone!

These ideas a

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:44:08 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: magickalrealism

These ideas are cute, but it won't replace the business card. The "calling card" has been around since about 50 years after mass printing became possible, and they've stuck around for a good reason. Business cards aren't really meant for customers or to bring back buyers - at least, not directly. They are intended to help business people network. For instance, if I meet a jewelry seller who makes aromatherapy jewelry, it gives me an opportunity to contact that person about arranging some kind of wholesale exchange with my perfumes/her jewelry. I keep business cards I collect at craft shows or that are sent to me in Etsy packages paperclipped to a Rolodex. I check there first for contacts to supplies I might need, and I send out networking notices as appropriate about once a year.

while these p

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:07:42 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: aorta

while these promos are great for customers, craft fairs and whatnot, i certainly don't think they should be used in place of business cards. when trying to network with other businesses and professionals, those tried and true cards work best. nothing screams "hobby" more than someone not having business cards.

Danielle!! T

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:02:01 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: SteppingStones

Danielle!! This is the best Etsy article I have read!!! I am so doing this!! I have to admit that I always end up throwing away biz cards (not if I'm promoting someone) and this is PERFECT! I love the mini notebooks!!! Excellent!!

i like the id

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:59:03 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: t8designs

i like the idea of promo items but i truly believe the most effective and professional way to promote one's shop is with actual business cards. you can't put a pencil in a rolodex

Thanks for wr

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:56:37 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: wabisabibrooklyn

Thanks for writing about the Sampler! I am a contributer many times over,including this month, and have found it to be a fantastic way to promote.

It took me 5

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:50:40 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: karenmeyers

It took me 5 seconds to order those bumper stickers. Can't wait to put them on my truck!

As a writer,

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:44:03 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: decor8

As a writer, I am so dependent on business cards not only for establishing contacts, but for making new ones. When I scour handmade craft fairs and flea markets, I pick up tons of cards. Without them, I'd never be able to remember the booths once I arrive home. I take my pile of cards and one by one, go through all of them at my computer typing in the websites to view their products online. The ones that interest me, I keep and file for future reference for when I'm writing an article or blogging on decor8. I can't imagine a craft fair without business cards, I don't even know if the experience would be the same for me. I think free swag is fun and all, but some booths that gave it to me at the Renegade show last summer in Brooklyn gave it out to replace their lack of business cards. When I got home, it took me forever turning and flipping and looking through all this stuff to find website URLs which, in the end, is the only information I wanted outside of a visual clue of what the person sold. If people don't want to do business cards, may I suggest postcards showing their work on one side and their contact info on the other. These are GREAT.

I'm down for

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:41:57 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: vozclothingandart

I'm down for the passport- what a good idea! And Moo cards are my favorite.

hehehee! I ca

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:32:17 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: tanisalexis

hehehee! I can definitely relate. I have heaps of people biz cards, 1" buttons and moo cards (lovingly displayed on my fridge.) stickers! I do use stickers to cover up my dented art bins..haha I was thinking of putting an alchemy request up for custom large vinyl stickers to stick around town. ;)

oooh, I want

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:24:32 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: zaritadinero

oooh, I want an Etsy Passport! Lovely idea hans!!! I'd also love to design a stamp or sticker for me to send my buyers!

I love my Moo

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:09:52 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: girlsavage

I love my Moo cards and tend to collect Moos from other sellers. As far as other business cards go, I do tend to toss them in a drawer. I do have buttons from kittycrossbones that I give out with each order. She does such a wonderful job, I just love finishing off a package with one of those buttons. :)

Great post. W

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:09:22 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: cloud9designstudio

Great post. Way to think outside of the box...

That makes so

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:03:06 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: janicej

That makes so much sense. Although I just received a new batch today... oh well. I'll have to get my thinking cap on.

hans that is

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:01:26 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: JustAnotherDay

hans that is an awesome idea of the passport! now we just need to get everyone on board with it!

thsi has insp

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:58:21 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: PoPkO

thsi has inspired me to open an alchemy request for promo items that are twice as expensive as a business card, but just as effective. cant wait to see if its possible! Im currently paying .05 cents each, and want to see if I can still use something clever without breaking the bank. http://www.etsy.com/alchemy/request.php?id=2899

As a buyer, I

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:58:00 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: hans1247

As a buyer, I have to agree with this posting. At craft shows I am usually overwhelmed with what to buy, so I collect business cards thinking "I'll go and check them out online." Well, that does not really happen I'm afraid. And when sellers send me their darling cards and the cards of their friends, I usually recycle those out or throw them in my scrap box. I guess I wouldn't want to pick up 20 tubes of chapstick at a craft show either.... Maybe a trend of "Etsy Passports" should be started- sellers at craft shows could have stickers or stamps and I could put them in my passport for future reference. Seller could mail stickers with items.

I am having s

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:50:09 -0000

On article: Don't Order Another 1,000 Business Cards!
Comment by: claudiasburningink

I am having someone on Etsy design me new cards. I might have to scrap that idea. But I so need like 40 hours in a Day.