The allure of “free business cards” advertised online is undeniable. But how can companies afford to give away a product without recouping costs somewhere? Intrigued, I decided to investigate. I selected a company offering these seemingly free business cards and explored their website.
Immediately, I noticed a strategic array of upgrades available for purchase, layered on top of the free offering. This raises the question: does the company generate revenue solely through these upsells?
Beyond the free option, the company also offered a diverse range of products, including magnetic, plastic, and metal business cards, as well as company letterhead, custom-printed envelopes, and other office stationery. This broader product offering began to shed light on their business model.
It’s plausible that the majority of individuals opting for free business cards are business professionals who also require envelopes, letterhead, and other essential office supplies. Perhaps the company’s profitability hinges on these upsells to a captive audience.
But the core question remains: are the business cards truly free?
To determine the truth, I proceeded to order the free business cards myself. I navigated to the order section and began designing my card. The design process was straightforward. But after completing the design, I wondered if the final checkout would reveal hidden charges.
At the final stage, numerous upgrade options were presented. I declined the offers for additional cards and lamination. Surprisingly, after navigating these choices, I discovered that the “free business cards” were, in fact, completely free. The company’s strategy relies on converting a percentage of free users into paying customers for premium cards or related products.