Can someone recommend a good printer?

[hhheather]

In between taking care of kids and working full-time, I'm thinking of earning some extra money as a freelance typist. I should get some business cards and maybe flyers. Does anyone know a good (meaning cheap, especially!) printer? I don;t really know where to start.

[Moderator]

Hi, hhheather! Since you're planning on using this printer as part of
a typing service business I would highly recommend buying a laser
printer. Although they are more expensive than ink-jet printers,
their printing quality and clarity is vastly superior. A laser printer
would make the documents look professionally printed, and that's
a key feature you can promote and offer to your clients. Laser
printers are frequently on sale, and I'll try to keep an eye out on a
deal for you. Plus, you might be able to consider this purchase a
home business expense for tax purposes, so that might help defray
the cost.:)

[hhheather]

That's good advice. I'm wondering about where to go for color business cards and flyers that I can use to advertise my little business, too. The color printers are too pricey for me. Do you know any local or online printshops that do good work and are cheap?

[Jacki]

Hey Heather, I just ordered business cards for myself, and it was a lot cheaper to go through this web site than buying a printer, and ink. It is called vistaprint.com You may only have to pay for the shipping...depending on the sales they have going on right now.I have also bought a stamp from them, no strings atatched when you make your purchases, it's a great deal!
Jacki

[Moderator]

Hey Heather, I just ordered business cards for myself, and it was a lot cheaper to go through this web site than buying a printer, and ink. It is called vistaprint.com You may only have to pay for the shipping...depending on the sales they have going on right now.I have also bought a stamp from them, no strings atatched when you make your purchases, it's a great deal!
Jacki

Heather, I agree with Jacki. Vistaprint.com is a great way to order free business cards and other items. Here are some links for you...hope this helps:

250 Free Business Cards: You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so make the most of it with high-quality, full-color business cards. (http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/spla...m&xnav=TsrItem (http://slickdeals.net/?sduid=143732&t=553201&u2=http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/splash/freebc.aspx?xnav=TsrItem&xnav=TsrItem))

1 Pad Free of Sticky Notes: Full-color and easy-to-customize, personalized sticky notes are indispensable for work or home. (http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/spla...m&xnav=TsrItem (http://slickdeals.net/?sduid=143732&t=553201&u2=http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/splash/free_sticky_notes.aspx?xnav=TsrItem&xnav=TsrItem))

1 Stamp Free: Save time with these high-quality, self-inking stamps that are great for address or general purpose use. (http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/stamps/...m&xnav=TsrItem (http://slickdeals.net/?sduid=143732&t=553201&u2=http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/stamps/freeofferdetails.aspx?xnav=TsrItem&xnav=TsrItem))

Offer Ends 7/31/2007

Edited to add...The items are free, but you will have to pay S&H charges.

[hhheather]

Thanks Jacki and V. I just went to the vistaprint.com site and it does look promising. They offer a heavier paper for an additional price. The free or really low cost ones must be on lighter paper. Do you know if that paper is good enough? I'm on a budget, but I also want to have a good image.

[Moderator]

Heather, I've never ordered the free business cards myself, but I've read good things about their quality on other forums.

[Jacki]

Heather, I ordered my cards from vista print, and they are on good, heavy paper, the only thing different from a normal business card, is I got matte finish, you can upgrade to a glossy finish, but honestly I don't think it's necessary, I have gotten a great response with the matte. My only suggestion is pay attention to the font size you put on them, I wish I would have made mine a little larger, they serve their purpose just the same. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

[hhheather]

Thanks Jacki. I went with the heavy paper and skipped the glossy finish. It took me awhile to design everthing to look right, but Vista was much cheaper than Office Depot would've been. Good tip!

[alshakat]

I have bought business cards from vistaprint for several years. Just received my last batch this week. I've never had a problem and I've saved $$$. I've ordered at least 7 times from them. Make sure you opt in on their emails for more savings....... I did have them call my home with specials a few times last year, but haven't heard anything in awhile.

Alsha*:) :D :o