I just got a phone call from a local small business owner. The person, I don’t know how the person found me, need 2,000 business card estimate. I recommended to use CostcoBuisinessPrinting.com.

Why?

It’s because of the cost!

First I’m always looking for a job and client, the size doesn’t matter. I myself just a single freelance for design, multimedia (video, animation, web dev etc…) productions. Working with a small job is relatively much easier and quicker turn around because less people involved that a mid-size to large corporation. Always welcome a small business client or individual. But now a days, thanks to the internet and web-based services, a lot of things can be done by non-professionals. Like brochures, business card even website.

Print collateral

I recommend costcobusinessprinting.com or shutterfly.com etc… google “custom business card, brochure etc…” you can find a very good deal and tons of design templates to choose from. You can upload your own photo taken by yourself from your smartphone and easily layout using the templates and order desired quantity. These sites are very well done and High Quality Do it yourself production. Also the printing cost is unbeatable because of the quantity they can handle. Professional printing shop also uses an ink-jet printer , slightly complex and higher quality (on demand printer) than one you have, but they run thousands of them simultaneously. So they can handle a small lot as well. Also shipping cost, they can make a good deal with logistic companies. + the can locate somewhere cheaper than CA.

Website

WordPress is one of the most famous website builder, if you sign up your domain with an ISP(internet service provider) such as GoDaddy or Bluehost, it’s come with it. And you don’t need to know any HTML/CSS, It’s a bit complicated for a beginner at the beginning but a lot of instructions are also available via the internet, thanks to YouTube! So you can build a good looking your own business (or personal blog) website so quickly, easily (once you got started) and free (except the hosting fee and the domain fee etc… but something like $25/months)

MS Office 365 and Google Drive and apps

I think you know that MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.. + storage) and Google similar services are free to use (some limitation on MS Office 365). I’m pretty sure some people uses only a tablet for business, no more computer, no more office space (Starbucks 😎).

So what professionals do then?

It’s a super good question, I’ve been asking to myself for a long long time. The simplest answer is “Time is money“. A good sense (design sense + skills) take a long time of studies, practices and experiences. So you are hiring a professional to save your time. And also your have to know what exactly you want, a clear vision and have to know where to look for.

Also It’s good idea to find out what you CANNOT DO by yourself. You’ve tried and stuck somewhere, then ask for a professional advise, once the problem is clearly outlined, it’s easy to find out why you need a pro. and what type of pro you need. So we can answer your questions much easily and efficiently.

On last thing, a good service is the best marketing 😃