Just a few years ago, I would have warned readers never to make business cards that were not the standard business card size, 3.5×2”, on a relatively thin card stock.

But does that rule still apply? Must business cards conform to a standard size, color, and thickness? Yes… and no.

Can I Get Away with a Non-Standard Size Business Card?

Why NOT to use off-size business cards:

Many businesspeople build up their Rolodex by collecting business cards. Some store their card collection in books with clear plastic envelopes designed for thin, 3.5×2” cards; others run the cards through a specialized scanner that reads the contact info and stores it on a computer; and some people just form their collected business cards into a stack, rubber-band it, and carry it around.

In each of these cases, a business card that is too large, too small, an irregular shape, or too thick is just a nuisance. Such as card will probably not find a permanent home in many colleagues’ collections.

Why you CAN use custom-size business cards:

The Internet: In last few years, many businesspeople have started collecting and updating contact information via email, smartphone, or on websites such as LinkedIn, rather than with physical business cards.

Because of this, business cards have increasingly become a kind of novelty gift that accompanies in-person social networking. The other person has your information, or will retrieve it easily online, and therefore has little need for your business card. But if your card is unusual, interesting or fun, a colleague may accept it just as they will collect personalized pens, buttons, t-shirts or toys from prospective vendors or business partners.

Slim Cards: Professionals are increasingly using so-called “Slim Cards” in a smaller 2.76×1.1” size, largely because these cards are available through online printing sites that accept small runs at moderate prices.

These smaller cards, often with visually-striking full-color designs,  have gradually become more acceptable. Indeed, with portable computing devices becoming more sophisticated, Slim Cards may be the last physical business cards anyone uses.

The best site for creating and ordering unique business cards online is DigitalRoom.