250 or 500 Business Cards?
Introduction, That Small Decision Can Change Your Networking Game
You’ve probably asked:
👉 “Should I get 250 or 500 business cards?”
It seems simple just a number, right?
Here’s the twist most business owners don’t realise:
💡 Choosing the wrong quantity can cost you money and opportunities.
While you’re hesitating, your competitor might already be confidently handing out cards and making connections.
What Does It Mean to Order 250 vs 500 Cards?
The difference isn’t just the number it’s strategy, cost per card, and future-proof planning.
250 and 500 are the most common quantities beginners consider. But each serves a different purpose.
Key Questions People Ask About 250 vs 500 Business Cards
1. Is 250 business cards enough?
250 cards are great if:
✔ You network rarely
✔ You’re just starting out
✔ You’re testing a new brand
But…
If you meet clients, attend events, or hand out cards to prospects regularly, it can run out quickly.
2. Is 500 business cards better than 250?
In most cases yes.
500 cards:
✔ Cost less per card than 250
✔ Last longer
✔ Reduce the need to reorder frequently
That’s because bulk printing leads to lower unit cost and that increases overall value.
3. How long does each quantity last?
It depends on your networking habits:
| Quantity | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| 250 cards | 1–3 months (light use) |
| 500 cards | 3–9 months (moderate use) |
If you’re meeting people often, 250 can disappear in a few weeks.
250 vs 500 Business Cards
| Feature | Advantage | Business Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 250 Cards | Lower upfront cost | Easy starting point |
| 500 Cards | Lower cost per card | Better long-term value |
| Larger quantity | Less frequent reorders | More confident networking |
| Professional design + print | Consistent brand presence | Stronger brand recall |
Feature → Advantage → Benefit
More cards → lower per-card cost → better long-term ROI
5 Benefits & Pain Points
- More cards → avoids running out mid-event
- Lower unit cost → avoids paying more later
- Ready stock → avoids emergency reprints
- Professional consistency → avoids mixed messaging
- Better planning → avoids rushed orders
Running out at a key moment = missed connection.
Secrets Your Competitors Don’t Want You to Know
- 500 cards usually cost less per card than 250
Printers spread setup costs across more units savings you don’t see at first glance. - Design + quantity matter together
A great design on more cards increases brand reach. - Reordering frequently increases long-term cost
Emergency reprints are often more expensive.
If you want a balance of quality and savvy printing economics, explore professional business card printing with Social Media Max here:
👉 https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/business-cards/
Your competitor might already be printing smarter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Business Cards
❌ Choosing the lowest quantity to save a few pounds
❌ Ordering only for “just in case” instead of planning use
❌ Ignoring events and networking frequency
❌ Forgetting future updates
❌ Assuming online templates need no professional finish
These mistakes don’t just cost money they cost opportunities.
How to Decide Between 250 and 500 Cards
Ask yourself:
- How often do I meet new people?
- Do I attend events or fairs?
- Am I launching or updating my brand soon?
- Do I want fewer or more flexible reorders?
👉 If networking is frequent or planned — 500 cards is usually the smarter choice.
If you’re very tentative and barely meet clients face-to-face, 250 can be a temporary start.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Before
- Choosing based on price alone
- Running out unexpectedly
- Paying more per card
After
- Smart quantity planning
- Lower long-term cost
- Better brand presence
👉 Ready to order the right number of professional business cards?
👉 Print high-quality business cards with Social Media Max today:
👉 https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/business-cards/
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.