What Are 500 Business Cards and Why Cost Matters
500 business cards cost refers to the total price you pay for printing a batch of 500 standard cards usually full colour.
This includes:
- Paper stock
- Printing quality
- Finish (gloss, matte, satin)
- Quantity
Business owners searching this ask:
- What’s a good price for 500 business cards?
- Is £20 too much for 500 business cards?
- How much should professional cards cost?
Let’s break it down.Introduction The Cost Question Every Business Owner Asks
It’s one of the first questions that pops up when planning marketing materials:
👉 How much do 500 business cards usually cost?
Business cards aren’t just little pieces of paper they’re mini brand ambassadors.
They make first impressions, build trust, and keep your contact information in the real world.
But here’s the twist most business owners don’t realise:
price is only one part of the value equation.
If you focus only on lowest cost, you risk cheap materials, poor print quality, and cards that don’t feel worth sharing.
And if you wait too long to decide, your competitor might already be handing out better cards.
2. Why does quality affect price?
Think of your card as a first handshake.
Cheap materials feel flimsy.
Premium stocks feel confident.
If your card feels cheap, your potential customer subconsciously discounts your value.
This is loss aversion psychology people avoid things that feel low value.
3. Do printed finishes matter?
Absolutely.
Finishes like:
- UV coating
- Soft touch
- Spot gloss
add cost but increase perceived value.
A premium feel can boost trust and make people hold onto your card.
500 Business Cards Cost Breakdown
| Feature | Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Thicker paper | Better feel | More trust |
| Full colour printing | Stronger visual impact | Higher recall |
| Premium finish | Smooth feel | Better brand perception |
| Professional design | Consistent brand identity | More conversions |
Price isn’t just a number it’s part of your marketing strategy.
Secrets Your Competitors Don’t Want You to Know
- Bulk printing cuts unit cost:
Ordering 500 cards costs less per card than 250. - Design matters as much as printing:
A great design can make cheaper cards perform better than expensive cards with poor design. - Business cards work with other materials:
Pairing cards with brochures like professionally printed ones from Social Media Max increases brand synergy and recall:
👉 https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/brochures/
Many businesses overlook this synergy.
Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering 500 Business Cards
❌ Choosing the cheapest option without checking stock
❌ Skipping a professional design review
❌ Forgetting correct formatting (bleeds, safe zones)
❌ Ignoring branding consistency
These mistakes can cost more in missed opportunities than a few extra pounds on print.
How to Choose the Right Business Card Option
Ask yourself:
- Will the card represent my premium service?
- Is design aligned with my website and brochures?
- Do I want cards people keep not toss?
If you want both quality and impact, investing a bit more often pays off with better referrals and trust.
And if you’re pairing business cards with brochures, consider the effectiveness of professional print materials that work together.
Conclusion, Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Before
- Cheaper cards might save money upfront
- They might feel flimsy
- They might get forgotten
After
- Professional cards feel valuable
- They build trust
- They help you get remembered
👉 Ready to elevate your business presence?
Pair your 500 business cards with high-quality brochures from Social Media Max because consistent, professional printed materials make your brand feel premium.
👉 https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/brochures/
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.