Business Card Printing: Costs, Paper Choices & Finishes Explained

Business card printing in the UK typically costs £30–£70 for 250 cards depending on stock and finish. A standard order of 250 double-sided cards on 400gsm stock costs £48, with same-day collection available in Ipswich for print-ready artwork submitted before 1pm.

What weight should a business card be?

400gsm is the professional standard — rigid enough not to bend in a wallet. Anything under 350gsm feels flimsy in the hand, and first impressions are the entire job of a business card.

Stock	Feel	Notes
350gsm silk	solid, smooth	good budget standard
400gsm silk/uncoated	premium standard	the default recommendation
450gsm+ / duplexed	luxury, board-like	statement cards, higher cost

Matt, gloss, soft-touch or uncoated?

• Matt laminated — muted, professional, fingerprints don't show. The safe default.
• Gloss — colours pop; best for photography-led cards.
• Soft-touch (velvet) laminate — the "what is this made of?" handshake moment; small premium, big perceived value.
• Uncoated — writable surface, craft/organic feel; ink sits flatter.

What should go on a business card?

Name, one phone number, email, website, and a short line saying what you actually do. Resist listing every service — the card's job is the follow-up, not the brochure. Leave the back for an offer, QR code, or appointment box (writable uncoated stock helps there).

How do I supply business card artwork?

85 × 55mm final size, plus 3mm bleed (91 × 61mm), text kept 3mm inside the trim, CMYK, 300dpi, fonts embedded. Full checklist in the file setup guide. Design service is available if you're starting from nothing.

How fast can I get business cards printed?

Same-day in Ipswich: print-ready files before 1pm are ready for collection the same afternoon from Tacket Street (IP4 1AU). Standard turnaround is 1–2 working days. Order at minutemanpressipswich.co.uk.

FAQs

How much do 250 business cards cost? £48 for 250 double-sided cards on 400gsm stock. Larger runs bring the unit price down further.

Can I get business cards today? Yes — order with print-ready artwork before 1pm for same-day collection in Ipswich. Details in the same-day printing guide.

Is 400gsm better than 350gsm? For most businesses, yes — the extra rigidity is noticeable in the hand and the price difference is small at typical quantities.

Do you print rounded-corner or spot-UV cards? Yes — rounded corners, spot UV, foiling and painted edges are available on longer turnarounds. Ask for a quote on 01473 933888.