What it is and why it works
A paper business card gets tossed in a drawer. A card cut from walnut veneer, engraved aluminum, or brass gets handled, shown to someone else, and kept. And for a shop like yours, the card is also a sample: the person holding it is holding proof of what your machine can do.
Make your own card from your own material, put one in every order, and hand them out everywhere. Then offer the same cards to other businesses as a product.
Who to give them to
- Every customer, in every order, and two extra "for a friend"
- Anyone who asks what you do, at church, a ball game, or the hardware store
- Business owners you'd like as customers: realtors, contractors, salons, restaurants, other trades
- Business networking groups, chamber of commerce events, and trade shows
- Local print shops and sign shops that may refer jobs they can't do
Material ideas by shop type
| Shop type | Card material |
|---|---|
| Laser | Thin wood veneer or plywood, anodized aluminum card blanks, acrylic, leather, slate coasters as an oversize "card" |
| Router / sign shop | Thin hardwood card with a V-carved logo, or a small carved tile |
| 3D printing | Two-color printed card, or a card with a raised logo; a small printed keychain version |
| Machining | Engraved or cut-through aluminum, brass, or stainless card; a card that doubles as a bottle opener or small ruler |
Design tips
- Standard size: 3.5 x 2 inches fits wallets and card holders. Oversize is fine for a showpiece, but carry standard ones too.
- Keep it simple: shop name, your name, phone, website. Less text, larger letters.
- Contrast: test how your fonts read on your material. Small, thin text can disappear on wood grain or burn together on the laser.
- Show off one thing: a detailed logo, a cut-out shape, or a fine engraved pattern. It's a sample, so pick your best trick.
- Edges: sand, deburr, or round the corners. Nobody wants a sharp metal card in a wallet.
- Thickness: thin enough to fit a wallet, thick enough not to crack.
The QR code version
Put a QR code on the back that links to your Google Business Profile, your website, or a page for reviews. Tips:
- Use a static QR code pointing to a web address you control, so you can change where it goes later
- Test engraved QR codes with several phones before running a batch; wood grain and glare can make them hard to read
- Make the QR code at least about 0.75 inch square, with a clear border around it
- Add a short line under it, like "Scan to see our work" or "Scan to leave a review"
Cost control: make them in batches
- Lay out a full sheet of cards in your design software, nested edge to edge to save material.
- Run a single test card first to check settings, fit, and QR code.
- Run the full sheet in one go.
- Finish all at once: clean, sand, oil, or clear-coat in one session.
- Track your cost per card: material, machine time, finish, and your time, divided by the number of good cards.
- Keep a stack in your truck, wallet, and every order bin so you never run out.
Use offcuts. Many shops have scrap strips that are perfect for cards. It turns waste into marketing.
Step by step to get your own cards out
- Design your card and a QR code version.
- Make a test batch and hand ten to friends to see how they hold up.
- Run a full batch.
- Put one in every outgoing order with a handwritten "Thank you."
- Carry ten with you every day.
- Post a short video of the batch being made. People like watching these.
Selling cards to other businesses
Once people see your card, some will ask for their own. Realtors, tattoo artists, photographers, contractors, salons, and other makers are good prospects. Ask for vector logo files and approve a proof before cutting.
Scripts
In person, handing out your card
Here's my card. I made it on the machine in my shop. That's the kind of work we do: signs, engraving, custom gifts. If you ever need something made, give me a call.
In person, to a business owner
I make cards like this for other businesses too, with your logo, in wood or metal. People tend to hang on to them. Want me to make you a free sample with your logo so you can see it?
Phone
Hi, this is [your name] from [shop name]. I make wood and metal business cards. I noticed your logo and think it would look great engraved. Could I make you one free sample and drop it by?
Subject: A business card people keep
Hi [name],
I'm [your name] with [shop name] in [town]. We make business cards cut from wood or metal, engraved with your logo and an optional QR code to your website or Google profile.
I'd be glad to make you a free sample with your logo. Just reply with your logo file and I'll send a proof.
Thanks,
[your name]
[phone] · [website]
Facebook message
Hi! I'm [name] with [shop name]. We make wood and metal business cards (photo attached). If you'd like to see one with your own logo, send it over and I'll make you a free sample.
How to price the follow-on orders
| Quantity | Example price per card (example only) |
|---|---|
| Wood, 25 cards | Example: $3.00 each |
| Wood, 100 cards | Example: $2.00 each |
| Anodized aluminum, 50 cards | Example: $4.00 each |
| Brass or stainless, 25 cards | Example: $8.00 each |
| Design setup (first order) | Example: $25, free on reorders |
These numbers are examples. Price from your own cost per card and your time, and set a minimum order so small runs are still worth your while.
Timing
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | New year, new cards: pitch businesses refreshing their materials |
| Before trade shows and chamber events | Offer cards to exhibitors a month ahead |
| November to December | Offer engraved cards as client gifts for businesses |
| Any time | Carry your own cards year round |
Checklist
- Card designed, standard size, readable text
- QR code tested on several phones
- Edges finished and safe
- Full batch made and cost per card worked out
- Card in every order and in your wallet
- Price sheet for business card orders
- Free sample offered to five local businesses
Mistakes to avoid
- Text too small to read on wood or metal.
- A QR code that doesn't scan, or links to a page that later breaks.
- Sharp edges on metal cards.
- Making cards one at a time, so they cost too much to give away.
- Being stingy with them. They only work if they're in people's hands.
Turning one order into repeat business
- Keep every business's card file so reorders are one message.
- When a business reorders cards, show them matching items: name badges, door signs, desk plates.
- Ask card customers to tag you when they post their new cards.
- Check in every six months: "Running low on cards?"
Want Annie's to do this for you? We can design your card layout, set up the QR code link to your Google profile, and add a business-card product page to your site.