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Business Card Magnets

Magnetic Flyers Can Help Traders or Smaller Companies

May 14, 2009 Martin Bell

Some companies give magnetic business cards to potential customers, to keep themselves at the top of a must-call list, for when their services are required.

Magnetic business cards do what paper business cards do and more. They convey exactly the same information as a standard business card, but they also give an impression that something of value has been exchanged, and they are typically attached to refrigerators or filing cabinets, away from the bulk of ordinary paper business cards.

Who Uses Magnetic Business Cards?

The main users are sole traders, tradesmen, and small companies who want to distinguish themselves from their competition. Some corporations use this type of business card, as the magnets give the business card a novelty factor. Larger companies that use them tend to be those in industries like construction or engineering, or where the environment is not suitable for paper cards.

How Are Business Card Magnets Produced?

Magnetic business cards may be made in several ways. The first method is to attach a standard business card on to a solid magnet that is typically less than one millimeter thick. It may then be coated with a resin to protect the paper. Another method to manufacture the cards is to laminate a thin slice of ceramic on to a solid magnet. The magnet used in this method is also less than one millimeter thick. These two types of cards are more bulky and heavier than the third method, and are also more expensive. The third, and most recent method used to produce business card magnets, is to print directly on to magnetic paper. Another method is to attach a standard business card on to an adhesive strip with a magnetic backing.

Advantages of Magnetic Business Cards

They are distinctive
They can set a person or company apart from the competition
They are long-lasting, and are less likely to be discarded
They are useful, e.g., can use the magnet to attach papers to filing cabinet or fridge
They may be used as a customer gift
They are a reasonably cheap marketing aid
They are quite collectable

Disadvantages of Magnetic Business Cards

They cost more than standard business cards
The types with solid magnets may be a little too bulky
They are not suitable for all types of business users
It is more expensive to change the design (e.g. when telephone number changes)
Some types cannot be written on directly with a pen
There is less choice of size than for a paper business card
There are fewer suppliers than there are for a paper business card

Summary of Business Card Magnets

Magnetic business cards are useful for certain types of trader. They are long-lasting, and tend to be placed in a visible space, and not filed away with the many other paper business cards received by a business contact. They are more expensive than standard business cards, but may be purchased for about 20 cents each, or printed on magnetic paper for around 10 cents each. This represents a small part of the marketing budget of most companies.

The copyright of the article Business Card Magnets in Marketing/PR is owned by Martin Bell. Permission to republish Business Card Magnets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Magnetic Business Cards are Useful