I am doing a tradeshow coming up and they wanted to get some playing cards with their contact info on them. I'm not sure how many, but they probably wont get too big of a run. Does anyone have a place they recommend to get good playing cards made? I will be doing tricks of course at their booth, so I would like for them to be fairly good quality. I'm not expecting bicycle quality, but a decent quality.

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks,

Joey

Don't know if it would be too tacky, but what about printing tehm yourself?
I've been meaning to order some of these, but haven't yet.
http://www.plaincards.com

Ed

The us playing card company makes custom cards
I believe jeff McBride as well as other top magicians have used them.

do a quick google search and I bet you will find a plethora of other companies that make custom cards

I also know that Kardwell makes them too.

sam

Thanks, guys. Yeah, Sam, I just talked to Kardwell. They are great and well-priced too. They only have a minimum of 25 decks and it starts at only $3.89 per deck. I think that's the direction that I am going to get the company to go.

I'm not sure if you are a part of SAM, but MUM has had a great series of articles on how to make your own cards. It takes some investment but it seems to be a good system. Perhaps you might find it useful. I can't see myself putting down the money for that sort of thing right now, but perhaps in the future. You can find more info in MUM or at: http://www.lybrary.com/magic-makers-builders-c-21_979.html

I have a few decks of Jeff's Cards and they are all Gemco cards from Kardwell. Good finish, heavy stock.

I have also used these guys a few times:

http://www.bicyclepersonalizedcards.com/build-your-deck.php

The finish is acceptable but not like a true bicycle deck. Look for a promo code. I used to use the promo code that came with a deck of bikes to get a buy 2 get 1 free deal. I use these for one-off custom cards for clients and to make my own gaffs.

The biggest problem with printing your own cards on your home printer is the thickness of the coated 10pt card stock will not go through the printer, or will destroy the rollers on the printer.

A special printer capable of printing card stock is needed.

Buzz

Most home printers can print on card stock......open the back door!!!

John

Kardwell International does:

http://www.kardwell.com

Bob Phillips

Correct John, some printers will accept a few sheets of the thicker paper, but it does shorten the life of the rollers

Many trade show magicians use Haines House of Cards in Cincinnati, OH for there promotion playing cards. Most use the old 3 Card Monte which ends with a promotion of their company logo and information on the face of the card. Contact them for samples. They are no longer on the Internet so you have to telephone them.

Fun Inc. also do custom printing of their promotional trick. See their web site for details. http://www.funinc.com

You can order custom decks with the Bicycle finish from the US Playing Card Company, but they will be expensive for small quantities ($13-$19 per deck for small runs of less than 100). To get the costs way down, as well as have custom insert cards designed, you have to order larger quantities (like, 1,000 or 10,000 decks...). If you're interested, they will quote you a price for various quantities of decks. Just ask for a quote, no strings attached. They do a fantastic job--I had some created 10 years ago, and they are great cards.

As mentioned a few times above, the U.S. Playing Card Company (USPCC) does offer to print one deck at a time if that is all that is needed, but you are paying $20/deck. Not really a bad price when you think about it. I would look into the quantity deals that they offer if you need more.

I have used Kardwell and Haines House of Cards in the past, both without problems and the decks turned out great, they looked great and the service was very good.

If you want your cards done quickly yourself, you can do them on http://www.makeplayingcards.com which has an online playing cards maker. You design your cards and order them.