Business Cards Printing in South Africa

Business card sizes and card weights

The most common size in South Africa is 90 × 50 mm. Many printers also offer 85 × 55 mm, the international credit-card-like format. Square and rounded-corner cards are available at extra cost.

Card weight affects how the card feels in the hand. 300 to 350 gsm is the usual standard; 400 gsm and above feels noticeably thicker and more premium. Ask for samples if feel matters to you. Very thick cards can also be duplexed, where two sheets are glued together, sometimes with a coloured core showing at the edges.

Finishes: lamination, spot UV and foil

• Matte lamination: a soft, non-reflective surface that is easy to write on with a pen
• Gloss lamination: brighter colours and a shiny surface that resists scuffs
• Spot UV: a raised gloss coating on chosen areas, such as a logo, over a matte card
• Foil: gold, silver or coloured metallic foil for logos or names
• Uncoated: a natural, textured look that suits craft and eco brands

Special finishes add a few working days and cost more on short runs. Keep fine text away from foil and spot UV areas, because very small detail can fill in and lose sharpness.

Quantities and the cost of business cards

Business cards print on large sheets, so the cost of business cards per card falls sharply as quantity rises. Common runs are 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 cards. A box of 500 often costs only a little more than 250. If several staff need cards in the same design, ordering them together usually saves money. Ask whether quotes include 15% VAT, design or layout, and delivery or collection. Payment by EFT up front is normal for new customers.

Print business cards without delays

To print business cards quickly, send a print-ready PDF at the exact size with 3 mm bleed and text kept away from the edges. Check names, numbers and email addresses on the proof, because reprints cost as much as the first run. Standard digital cards are often ready in two to four working days. Keep a copy of the final file so reorders match exactly. Many printers can match cards with letterheads and compliment slips, and quote other printing services at the same time.

What to include in your request

• Give the size and preferred card weight
• Choose single or double-sided print
• Name the finish: matte, gloss, spot UV or foil
• List quantities per name or design
• Say whether artwork is ready

Business Cards for different buyers

• Offices and small businesses: matching cards for sales, management and client-facing staff, reordered as people join
• Schools: cards for the principal, admissions and bursar to hand to parents and partners
• Universities and colleges: cards for lecturers, researchers and admin staff attending conferences and industry events
• Government and municipalities: official cards for officials, inspectors and liaison staff meeting the public
• Shops and resellers: cards and loyalty cards handed out at the till or packed with orders
• Factories and warehouses: cards for sales reps, site managers and procurement staff meeting suppliers
• Weddings, conferences and events: cards for planners, caterers, photographers and venue staff at expos and weddings

Frequently asked questions

Business Cards by province and city

• Gauteng
• Mpumalanga
• North West
• Limpopo
• Northern Cape
• Free State
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Eastern Cape
• Western Cape

• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Centurion
• Midrand
• Sandton
• Randburg
• Roodepoort
• Krugersdorp
• Randfontein
• Germiston
• Boksburg
• Benoni
• Kempton Park
• Alberton
• Vanderbijlpark
• Vereeniging
• eMalahleni (Witbank)
• Middelburg
• Secunda
• Mbombela (Nelspruit)
• Rustenburg
• Brits
• Klerksdorp
• Potchefstroom
• Mahikeng
• Polokwane
• Tzaneen
• Kimberley
• Upington
• Bloemfontein
• Welkom
• Sasolburg
• Durban
• Pinetown
• Pietermaritzburg
• Richards Bay
• Newcastle
• Ladysmith
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
• East London
• Kariega (Uitenhage)
• Mthatha
• Cape Town
• Bellville
• Paarl
• Stellenbosch
• George
• Worcester

More from the catalogue