Best Free Stuff on the Internet
On a budget? No worries -- you can probably find what you need online. That's because the Internet has long been a treasure trove of free stuff, everything from the latest movies to $200 phones (you know, the kinds of items you'd usually pay good money for). Some excellent resources -- freebie directories such as absurdlycool.com and freestuffchannel.com -- will give you the scoop on the latest deals, but you'll need the will and the time to chase each and every offer. Or you can cut to the chase with our list of the best free stuff out there. And when we say best, we mean stuff you can actually use.
Business cards
Sure, you can get cheap business cards for around $20 at your local printer or Fedex/Kinko's, but why waste your money when free ones are available online? For only the cost of shipping and processing your order ($5.25), Vistaprint will ship you 250 personalized biz cards featuring your choice of any of 42 templated designs (flowers, illustrations, and the like). You might not want to bring these cards to your business lunch with Donald Trump -- the VistaPrint logo on the back doesn't exactly scream 'baller' -- but the 100-pound, super-premium stock paper they're printed on is better than you'd expect.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
component25 @ May 3rd 2007 2:04PM
Liers Liers MF Liers
Ellen @ May 3rd 2007 5:06PM
You can get the business cards for that price but watch your credit card because there will be a charge on there for something you didn't order and you will keep being charged until you call them and have them stop it. The charge is usually around $20 a month.
Melissa @ May 4th 2007 11:22AM
Actually, I have had a wonderful experince with VistaPrint. Yes, their logo and web address is on the back of the card- but you can pay more for ad free cards.
Actually, doing alot of not-for-profit and small business consulting myself, doesn't exactly turn people off- I am usually complemented on my card, the 100-pound, super-premium stock paper has great hand feel, and the colors are rich. When I tell them I got it free, they ask how, and I say turn the card over. I actually have discovered quite a few that went ahead and ordered their own- and have had very similar feedback.
Also, I handed my card to interviewers before I was hired, and to my suprise, each had kept my car- some in their rolodex, some in their planners- and my new boss pinned it to her wall! She told me having my home contact information in such a thoughtful format was one of the most professional touches she had seen in an interviewee in a long time.
I have also ordered other products from them, and they have always been great. Emails with specials do come frequently, but I delete them until I am ready for another order.
IMHO- Vista is highly recommended!
laurel @ May 10th 2007 6:36PM
I love Vistaprint. I have ordered numerous items from them and the quality is superb. The only thing I have paid for is shipping on most items. I have gotten everything from magnets to postcards to business cards. They are great!
Lynn @ May 10th 2007 6:43PM
I have gotten a lot of "free" products from VistaPrint, and the quality is good, although you have to pay $9.99 for a glossy finish on your cards, which is nice to have. But free ain't free. Postage and processing are VERY expensive. A "free" small pad of 50 sheets, which they sell at $7.99, you can get for "free," but you will pay more than $4.00 for processing and shipping. And the pad's not worth even that. Further, once you place an order, you will get bombarded with emails for more "free" and discount offers. The quality of the products is high, and I still get my holiday picture cards from them every year. However, last year AFTER I ordered my cards I got a half-price offer for the cards. That made me mad.
April Heath @ May 10th 2007 7:32PM
I recently used Vistaprint to order some personal magnets announcing our new address. I was impressed with the quality and although I paid for the magnets I received some free sticky notes as well. The prices are not bad even if you don't want the free stuff.
Veronica @ May 17th 2007 7:03AM
I have gotten quite a few things from VistaPrint and I have never had any charges other than for what I got. The quality of their work is better than some of the more "professional" companies. I have recommended them quite a few times and each person I refer to it loves them.
Rita @ May 17th 2007 7:06AM
I had Vistaprint do free business cards for me several years ago - I used them to attach to queries. It is easier for the recepient to keep than the entire letter.
Based on my positive experiences with them I have purchased other items - most recently calendars with my personal photos featured on a monthly layout ... compliments came from every recepient - even the professionals.
Lar @ May 17th 2007 7:27AM
I used Vista for the "free" cards and paid for the express shipping. After several phone calls and emails, and nearly 3 weeks, I received a pathetic looking excuse for a business card. I ordered an off-white color and but received a ridiculous shade of yellow with the print very blurry. I had to throw them in the trash and buy more local. Vista's customer service is one of the worst I've seen. I would strongly recommend buying local or from ANYONE else on the web.
CaroDee @ May 17th 2007 7:30AM
MUST you publish obscenities just because they are "Readers Comments"?
I think you're NOT obligated to do so.
Bolt @ May 17th 2007 8:08AM
Best Free Stuff on the Internet, CHECK THIS OUT!!http://www.gofish.com/
Jason @ May 17th 2007 9:51AM
I have been a long time customer of Vista Print. They send emails at least once a week offering discounted & free items, all you have to do is pay the Shipping charge. The majority of business cards I buy are from the free offers. There is no monthly free like the user at the top stated. I love Vista Print. They do an amazing job. Thanks.
All things geek @ May 17th 2007 9:51AM
My brother ordered these cards a year or so ago. The quality was great - and yes - there was a logo on the back, but he was very happy with them.
Julie L @ May 17th 2007 10:11AM
Vista Print only charges you addition fees if you click on the $10 icons after you submit your order. Some people click on those just because it says save $10 and they fail to read what it says completely....their fault. I have dealt with Vista Print for years and I have had great experience with them and will continue to use them.
Dodie @ May 17th 2007 10:49AM
This Company is a scam. I ordered my business cards and they said it was free. Bullshit I paid 35.00 and their was nothing free abot it! I will never order from VISTA-PRINT again!
Stephanie @ May 17th 2007 10:51AM
But the shipping is a RIP OFF!!! Its free stuff or cheap because they make money on the shipping, its kindof scammy to me.
Judy @ May 17th 2007 10:54AM
I have ordered from vistaprint and have had nothing but good experiance with them... I have reffered many people and they have also been happy....
Jan @ May 17th 2007 10:56AM
I love Vistaprint. I use them for everything. I recently designed and had them print 100 "save the date" invitations for my daughter's wedding. They were PERFECT and everyone loved them. And, for 100 folded, glossy, custom designed invitations with 2 uploaded photos, envelopes and return address labels, and express shipping, I paid just $74.00. You can't beat that!
marilyn @ May 17th 2007 10:58AM
thanks
Mariah @ May 17th 2007 11:04AM
I just recently came accross vistaprint and am greatly pleased with the product. I opted for regular shipping and recieved my free business cards in less than a week. I will definately tell others about them and do business with them again!