A complimentary card is the card you hand over when someone asks how to reach you. Here is what it is, what belongs on it, the size to use and how to get it printed well in Lagos.
What is a complimentary card?
In Nigeria, “complimentary card” is the everyday name for a business card. It is a small printed card with your name, role, business and contact details. Elsewhere it is called a business card, and the two terms mean the same thing, so you will see both used by printers and customers.
It stays useful because it is simple. Someone meets you, takes the card, and has your number and your business name when they need you a week later. A well-made card also says something about the business before you speak.
What to put on your complimentary card
Less is more. A crowded card is hard to read and easy to throw away. Put the following on the front, in this order of importance:
- Your name and role. The first thing people look for.
- Your business name and logo. So the card is remembered with the brand.
- One phone number. Use the number you actually answer. If it is also on WhatsApp, say so.
- Email address. A business address looks more professional than a personal one.
- Website or social handle. One is enough.
- Business address. Include it if customers visit you.
The back of the card is free space. Use it for a short list of services, a QR code to your website or WhatsApp, or simply leave it clean for people to write on.
Check every digit. A wrong digit in a phone number is the most common and most expensive card mistake. Read the number aloud from the proof before you approve it.
Standard size
The standard complimentary card size in Nigeria is 85 × 54 mm. It fits wallets, card holders and pockets, which is why nearly every printer uses it. A non-standard size can stand out, but a card that does not fit anywhere tends to be thrown away. See our print sizes guide for other common sizes.
Ask your printer for the artwork setup before you design. Most need a small extra margin called bleed around the edges, so colour runs cleanly to the cut. Keep names and numbers well inside the edge so nothing is trimmed off.
Design tips that make a card work
- Keep the text readable. Small type looks neat on screen and unreadable in the hand. Avoid very thin fonts.
- Use strong contrast. Dark text on a light card or light text on a dark card. Avoid colours that sit close together.
- Use your logo at full quality. A blurry logo from a screenshot will print blurry. Send the original file.
- Pick one clear message. The card should answer: who are you, what do you do, how do I reach you.
- Leave white space. It makes the important details stand out.
Design for print in CMYK colour rather than screen colours, or the printed card can look duller than your screen. Our CMYK and RGB colour guide explains why.
Paper and finishes
The paper weight and finish change how the card feels in the hand. Our standard card is printed on 350gsm stock with a matte finish. Other options include gloss, gold foil and spot UV, which adds a raised shine to chosen parts of the design, such as a logo.
For a full explanation of weights and finishes, read the business card GSM guide.
How much do complimentary cards cost?
The price depends on three things: the quantity, the paper weight and the finish. Larger quantities bring the cost per card down, and premium finishes add to it. At Abidexpro Printz, complimentary card printing starts from 15,000 naira, and we give an exact price once we know your quantity, paper and finish.
How long does printing take?
Standard cards are usually ready within 2 to 4 working days once you approve the design. If you need them sooner, ask about express printing. Allow more time if you also need the card designed.
Mistakes to avoid
- Approving the proof without checking the phone number, spelling and email
- Putting too many details and too many colours on one card
- Sending a low-quality logo
- Placing text too close to the edge
- Ordering a large quantity before seeing the first card in your hand
How to order
- Send your details. Name, role, business, phone, email, address and your logo.
- Tell us your choices. Quantity, paper and finish. If you are unsure, ask for our suggestion.
- Approve the proof. Check every detail carefully.
- Collect or delivery. Pick up from our shop in Shomolu, or have the cards delivered in Lagos.
Do you need a design as well? Our team can design the card for you, so you only send the details and your logo. See our complimentary and business card printing page for options.
Common questions
What is a complimentary card?
A complimentary card is the name most people in Nigeria use for a business card. It is a small printed card that carries your name, role, business and contact details so people can reach you later.
Is a complimentary card different from a business card?
No. Complimentary card is the common Nigerian name and business card is the international name. They describe the same thing.
What is the standard size of a complimentary card in Nigeria?
The standard size is 85 x 54 mm. It fits wallets and card holders, which is why most printers use it.
How much does a complimentary card cost in Nigeria?
The price depends on quantity, paper weight and finish, and larger quantities bring the cost per card down. At Abidexpro Printz, complimentary card printing starts from 15,000 naira.
How long does it take to print complimentary cards?
Standard cards are usually ready within 2 to 4 working days once your design is approved. Ask about express printing if you need them sooner.
Ready to order your complimentary cards?
Send your details and logo on WhatsApp and we’ll come back with a design and a firm price, no obligation.
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