Business Cards Rounded Corners - Good Idea Or Bad?

With so many business cards changing hands every day, it's critical to have one that stands out and grabs attention.

Why?

Think of it this way: a recent study published in PrintWeek found that more than 80% of subjects hardly looked at the cards they were handed before stashing them in a pocket. When questioned, they indicated it was because they weren't engaged enough to really focus on what they had received.

Interesting, no?

Just goes to show that "boring" rarely gets you very far.

So, it's no surprise that getting even an extra second or two glance from YOUR prospects can prove very important over the life of your business. The question is, are business cards with rounded corners the right way to do that? Is it a good way to grab attention?

In my opinion, rounded corner business cards are a GREAT option for a few very simple reasons.

If you go to the right printer, rounded corners are a very inexpensive (or free) add on. When you think about other upgrades like expensive materials, special shapes and special effects (like 3d lenticular cards for example) a rounded corner business card is a remarkably cost effective way to stand out. It's such a small change, but rounded corners really change the entire tactile experience of holding a card. Naturally, they change the visual experience as well.

Another benefit of business cards with rounded corners is the fact that their shape is only slightly modified. They're less cumbersome than, say square business cards, and they still offer much more room for content and selling your business than a mini or slim card would. In other words, they offer the stand out visual and tactile benefits WITHOUT raising some of the objections voiced about other non-standard shaped cards.

And of course, they fit in a business card book for those prospects, clients, associates, and referral sources of yours who happen to use them. That may not matter to a lot of people, but it certainly does to some.

In conclusion, business cards with rounded corners add a good deal of benefit... with little to no downside. So why not?

There's just one caveat: Having a rounded corner business card is NOT a substitute for effective design and content, so don't rely on it exclusively to create your big and lasting impression. It's but one small weapon you have for turning your little sales tool into a client winning powerhouse!