A Comprehensive Guide to Design, Pricing, and Printing Options

Business cards remain an essential tool for establishing professional connections and promoting your brand, even in our increasingly digital world. When you need quality custom business cards printed fast, OfficeMax offers a convenient solution for solo entrepreneurs, small business owners, and teams who want stylish and professional-looking cards without the premium price tag.

With an array of standard and premium cardstock options, same-day printing services, and customizable templates and design tools, OfficeMax empowers you to create unique business cards that make an impression. Whether you’re looking for a few hundred basic cards or want special finishes and high-end paper stock, read on to learn everything you need to know about getting business cards printed at OfficeMax.

Design Options For OfficeMax Business Cards

The design of your business card conveys your brand identity and style, so OfficeMax provides diverse design choices to match different business needs and preferences.

For fast and affordable card printing, you can select from OfficeMax’s template library that includes categories like Corporate, Creative, Elegant, Modern, and Contemporary. Each fully customizable template has different layouts, fonts, and graphics to browse through.

Uploading your own custom design is also an option if you already have a logo and preferred style. OfficeMax offers user-friendly online designing tools to tweak the layout, text, colors, and other elements of your business card design before sending it off to print.

Those who want a completely one-of-a-kind business card can work directly with OfficeMax’s professional design services. Their team will collaborate with you to create customized cards showcasing your brand identity from start to finish. This premium design service ensures you get high-quality graphic design tailored specifically to your business.

How Much Do OfficeMax Business Cards Cost?

Pricing for OfficeMax business cards varies based on the quantity, paper type, printing options, and design services you select. However, they consistently offer competitive rates compared to other online printing services.

Their standard budget cardstock starts at just $35 for 250 standard business cards – one of the lowest base prices you’ll find for a small quantity of cards printed professionally. If you order more cards, the per-unit price drops considerably. For example, you can get 1,000 premium cards for around $65-85 depending on finishes.

Turnaround time also impacts OfficeMax pricing. Same-day business card printing has a higher cost compared to standard 5-7 day production. Rounded corners, colored paper, and other upgrades add to the total as well. Still, even the premium and rush delivery options are very reasonably priced compared to local print shops.

OfficeMax regularly offers sitewide sales, bulk order discounts, and coupons to help you save extra money on your custom business card order. Overall, you get quality and service at affordable rates.

Same-Day Business Card Printing

If you need business cards in a hurry, OfficeMax provides same-day printing at many retail locations. Opting for same-day production means you can finish your order and pick up your cards by the end of the day.

To get same-day business card printing, you’ll need to place the order online and select in-store pickup before a certain cutoff time – usually 11am or noon depending on your local store’s print center hours. As long as your card design uploads correctly and meets requirements, your freshly printed cards will be ready for pickup by that evening.

This rushed turnaround comes at a higher cost than standard shipping times. However, the ability to get business cards printed and in your hands within hours makes the premium worthwhile when you need professional-quality cards ASAP for an event, conference, new hire, or other timely need.

Customizing Your Business Cards with OfficeMax

One major advantage of using OfficeMax for printing business cards is the ability to completely customize your design. You have full control over the look, feel, and messaging showcased on your cards.

As discussed above, OfficeMax offers three routes to customization:

• Using and editing a template from their online library
• Uploading your completed card design and tweaking using their online editor
• Collaborating with a design expert to create your business cards from scratch

With all options, you can choose preferred colors, rearrange text and graphics, experiment with unique cut-outs or die-cuts for shaped cards, add foil stamping or embossing, and more. OfficeMax’s online tools make it simple to implement your design vision.

Your business card ultimately conveys your brand image, so OfficeMax allows you to craft that image precisely the way you want through impactful customization. Their production capabilities support your creativity too – ensuring flawless print quality.

Quality of OfficeMax Business Cards

OfficeMax utilizes industrial-grade printing presses and premier cardstock options to deliver exceptional quality with business card orders. You’ll be impressed by the vibrant colors, crisp lines and texts, smooth finishes, and thickness of their cards.

They only use paper and materials from trusted brands like Mohawk, S FIber, Neenah, and FSC-certified sources. You can choose from tons of textures, colors, and weights to get the right upscale feel for your brand, whether you prefer a silky finish, bold brights, or environmentally friendly paper.

For critical elements like company logos and text, OfficeMax printers leverage color matching and alignment technologies so all details print flawlessly. This prevents blurring, bleeding, or pixelation even for complex card designs.

No matter which finish or flourishes you select, your OfficeMax business cards will showcase broadcasting quality for making that vital first impression.

Turnaround Time for OfficeMax Business Card Orders

Standard turnaround for business card orders from OfficeMax is 5-7 business days when you select regular shipping. If you pay for upgraded expediting services, you can reduce the turnaround by a few days.

Of course, same-day printing is available if you need your cards right away. You’ll pay a rush fee, but get to pick up your fresh professional business cards from a local OfficeMax store by end of day.

Overall, OfficeMax offers a speedy delivery time while maintaining their high standards for print production value. Since they operate their own industrial printing presses in regional facilities, your order goes straight from design to print production to shipping. There’s no relying on slow third-party fulfillment services.

The quick 5-7 day standard turnaround ensures you get your business cards promptly. OfficeMax also sends notifications when your order ships and provides tracking, so you can see when your new cards will arrive.

OfficeMax Business Card Templates

For easy business card design, OfficeMax has 100+ professional templates you can customize online in just minutes. Browsing their template library makes the process simple if you want a design fast without starting completely from scratch.

Their templates encompass common business card styles and layouts for different industries, colors, graphics, etc. They have specific categories tailored to industries like real estate, healthcare, legal, non-profit organizations, restaurants, and more. Or you can browse based on desired aesthetic like modern, elegant, creative, playful, or luxurious.

Whichever pre-made template you select, OfficeMax lets you edit all the elements like:

• Texts
• Fonts
• Logos
• Imagery
• Layout
• Colors
• Backgrounds

Adjusting a template to match your company brand identity is intuitive with their online editing workspace. And design experts can further polish your template design if needed. This template option simplifies the process of getting unique business cards.

Uploading Custom Designs

Already have your business card design ready to go? OfficeMax makes it easy to print your custom artwork.

Their website has file upload capabilities so you can submit your own design created externally. Common file types like JPEG, PNG, PDF, and TIFF are accepted.

The recommended specifications and pixel density for uploaded designs are clearly outlined as well so you can set up your files to print optimally.

After uploading your complete card layout, OfficeMax still provides user-friendly tools to make minor tweaks like adjusting color shades, swapping out a font, or correcting spacing issues. This gives you flexibility to refine your uploaded design before sending to print.

Proof previews allow you to double check how your card will print too. Overall, the system ensures your artwork converts seamlessly from digital design to flawless offset printed cards.

Available Business Card Sizes with OfficeMax

While standard 3.5 x 2 inch cards likely meet most needs, OfficeMax actually offers several size options:

• Standard – 3.5″ x 2″
• Tall – 2.5″ x 3.5″
• Square – 3.5″ x 3.5″
• Large – 4″ x 3″
• Oversized – 4.25″ x 3.66″

Their printing capabilities support these various card sizes and dimensions, including any rounded corners or shaped cut-outs you add for a unique layout.

Having size options allows you to pick what works best for displaying important contact info, adding graphics, showing off your logo, and impressing recipients. Plus oversized or uniquely shaped cards stand out compared to everyone else still using basic 3.5″ x 2″ cards.

OfficeMax makes it easy and affordable to experiment with sizing while keeping your core design consistent. Whether you want to accentuate a tall logo, have room for additional text, or simply try something new, alternate business card sizes give you that flexibility.

Eco-Friendly Business Card Printing

OfficeMax offers environmentally responsible paper choices and printing practices for more eco-friendly business cards.

Many of their paper selections are FSC-Certified for sustainability. These papers use raw materials sourced from responsibly managed forests.

They also utilize recycled papers that have up to 30% post-consumer waste content, reducing demand for virgin tree fiber. This includes 100% recycled cardstocks resulting in zero-waste cards.

Business cards printed on thicker recycled paper still maintain an upscale look and feel. The eco-friendly card options have minimal show-through and vivid color reproduction too.

Beyond paper stock, OfficeMax uses vegetable and soy-based inks that contain fewer harsh chemicals compared to traditional petroleum-based inks. This makes card disposal and recycling safer.

You can feel good about choosing eco-friendly printing from OfficeMax – it benefits the environment without comprising quality or presentation.

Double-Sided Printing from OfficeMax

Want even more real estate for displaying information beautifully on your business cards? OfficeMax offers affordable double-sided printing to utilize both sides of your cards fully.

Double-sided cards allow you to get creative with design between the front and back. For example, you may want to put your logo and branding on one side, and a stylish pattern on the reverse.

Or add your name, title, and contact info on the front side, then additional details like your company description, offerings, certifications, or website on the back side.

You could even print a coordinated aesthetic background that wraps from front to back for a seamless and fully customized card. The back of your business card is valuable space that often goes wasted – double-sided printing lets you take advantage of it.

OfficeMax makes it cost-effective and easy to print different (or matching) designs on both sides of your cards through their online ordering platform.

OfficeMax Business Card Materials

From basic matte to ultra luxe finishes, OfficeMax offers tons of premium papers and finishes to select for your business cards:

• Matte – Traditional matte cardstock in standard thicknesses or 32PT ultra-thick for durability and bold first feel. Economic option.
• Linen – A lightly textured cardstock providing an elegant old-world look.
• Silk Coated – Glossy, smooth silk finish that looks classy. Resists smudging.
• Soft Touch Laminate – Velvety laminate film applied after printing for soft feel and visual depth. Fingerprint resistant too!
• Pearlescent – Shimmery cardstock with iridescent sheen. Eye-catching and luminous.
• Stardream – Sparkling particulate mixed directly into metallic cardstock for brilliant shimmer.
• Foil Stamping – Metallic gold, silver, copper or color foil applied via heated stamping press. Timeless and opulent.

This wide selection of paper types, textures, finishes and specialty treatments allows you to align your cardstock with your brand identity. Sleek and professional? Go linen, silk, or pearl. Playful startup? Try soft touch or bright colors. Established luxury business? Choose foil stamping. With OfficeMax, you have options to impress recipients.

Discounts on Bulk OfficeMax Business Card Orders

The more business cards you order from OfficeMax, the more you save thanks to bulk order discounts. These discounted rates make high volumes affordable since you pay less per unit.

Below are some of the bulk discounts offered:

Quantity	Price
250 cards	Regular unit price
500 cards	10% off
1,000 cards	15% off
2,500 cards	20% off
5,000+ cards	25% off

OfficeMax regularly sends codes for additional percentage discounts too – like taking an extra 20% off all business cards.

Between the tiered bulk discounts, percentage promos, and coupons, you can massively reduce costs on large orders of 1,000 cards or more.

Bulk discounts make it easy for startups, teams, enterprises, and anyone else who needs many business cards printed to save big. You avoid paying full price on each individual card when ordering in higher volumes.

How To Order OfficeMax Business Cards Online

Placing an order for business cards using OfficeMax’s website is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit OfficeMax.com and go to the Printing Services section. Select Business Cards.
2. Choose your quantity and desired paper type. Add any upgrade options too.
3. Pick a template to customize or upload your own design. Edit and adjust it as needed.
4. Confirm your order details and checkout.
5. Provide payment and billing information securely through their portal.
6. Wait for an email confirmation and status updates as your cards print and ship!

OfficeMax makes the entire ordering process fast and hassle-free. Within minutes, you can go from picking a template or uploading your artwork straight through to placing the order for business cards tailored exactly how you want.

In-Store Pickup Option

While OfficeMax can ship your printed business cards to your home or office, you also have the choice of in-store pickup at many locations when placing orders online.

Choosing in-store pickup allows you to skip any shipping fees. And it’s the only way to get same-day printing when you need business cards ultra-fast.

When your order is ready, simply visit the print center at your chosen OfficeMax retail store. Have your order number or receipt handy. An associate will grab your freshly printed business cards from the back ready for you to use immediately!

Premium Business Card Printing Options

Beyond their diverse selection of paper finishes and standard options, OfficeMax empowers you to level up your business cards using premium printing extras:

• Spot Gloss UV Coating – Glossy UV coating applied selectively to make elements stand out.
• Spot Matte UV Coating – Matte UV coating similarly applied to highlight chosen design aspects.
• Raised Foil Printing – Foil stamping that lifts off the card for pronounced 3D effect.
• Rounded Corners – Smooth rounded cut corners for softening rigid edges of cards.
• Letterpress Printing – Deep impression printing for dramatic indented text and graphics.
• Embossing – Dimensional raised relief designs pressed into the card medium.
• Die-Cutting – Intricate custom shaped cards via precision steel die blades.

Combining a premium printing technique, like foil stamping or embossing, with a luxe paper stock results in next-level business cards guaranteed to impress recipients and represent your brand in the best possible light.

Rounded Corner Business Cards

For business cards with a polished, modern look, OfficeMax offers affordable rounded corner printing. This rounds the sharp 90-degree card corners into smooth curves.

Rounded corners add a modest stylish touch, setting your cards apart from the typical flat edges. And this customization comes at a low added cost.

Sophisticated rounded corners complement minimalist, contemporary, and modern card designs especially well. The rounded shape also helps the card feel pleasantly smooth in the hand.

But this upgrade works with ornate styles too by softening fancy edges. Alternatively, go for rounded inside corners with sharp external points for a distinctive mashup.

With OfficeMax’s rounded corner printing, you can easily augment basic business cards into a more delicate and artful shape.

File Format Requirements

To ensure your business cards print properly, OfficeMax has file formatting requirements for any designs uploaded online:

• Resolution – 300 PPI recommended
• Color Mode – CMYK
• File Types – PNG, JPG, PDF, TIFF
• Dimensions – Scaled to desired card dimensions
• Bleed – 0.125″ bleed applied to artwork

Meeting these specifications guarantees your digital design transfers flawlessly onto tangible custom business cards without any loss of quality or formatting issues.

OfficeMax’s user-friendly online interface will even warn you of any changes needed while uploading your files for a compliant print-ready format.

Taking a few quick minutes to optimize your artwork and check the recommended image settings helps everything run smoothly!

Printing Business Cards with QR Codes

OfficeMax enables cutting-edge customization like adding QR codes to your business cards which recipients can scan with their smartphone camera to visit your website, view contact details, or see special promotions.

QR codes seamlessly integrate into any card design. Just upload your artwork with the code included, or add one through OfficeMax’s online editing tools.

With QR codes, your business cards offer an interactive experience beyond simply displaying information. Website links, social media handles, mailing lists, special landing pages, or contact profiles can all be linked.

This technology integration upgrades simple paper business cards into dynamic digital-physical hybrids. OfficeMax’s printing quality ensures QR codes scan properly and clearly every time too.

How OfficeMax Business Cards Compare

OfficeMax business cards provide the ideal balance of quality, customization, and affordability compared to alternatives:

• More design options, better printing, and quicker delivery than free or DIY business cards. Professional image.
• Lower minimum order quantities and more customization than basic online card printers. Unique card designs.
• Faster turnaround at lower costs than local print shops. Combining online convenience with retail store accessibility.
• Less premium pricing than high-end stationery brands. Still offers luxe cardstock and finishes. Budget-friendly elegance.

When you want reasonably priced business cards printed exactly how you envision, with fast turnaround and top notch materials to make great first impressions, OfficeMax is the ideal solution.

The Bottom Line

OfficeMax empowers entrepreneurs, small business owners, enterprises, and organizations to craft personalized, print-quality business cards that represent their brand identity in the best light possible.

With an exceptional range of professional design options, paper finishes, printing capabilities, and customization features, all offered at affordable rates, they make it easy to create business cards that captivate clients and contacts.

So whether you’re looking for a small batch of cards on a budget, want to print premium extras like foil stamping or embossing, or need your order urgently for an upcoming event, rely on OfficeMax. Their online convenience combined with retail in-store accessibility for picking up business cards on-demand creates a seamless end-to-end printing solution.

The next time you need new business cards or want to level up your existing design, check out OfficeMax’s user-friendly online ordering system and leverage their expertise to print gorgeous, high-quality cards that leave lasting positive impressions.