I think this topic cuts to the core of some of our professional practices.

I am playing for a corporate party tomorrow night - my second this week. Last Sunday I played for an exclusive dining club's brunch. All of these are primo gigs, corporate and otherwise, so I have to look as professional as my clients are or more. I have the biz cards of several of my competitors and they are all either homemade or the stereotypical/forgettable locally-made business cards we've all seen thousands of. I love the expression I get when I present my card... that essential first impression is in the pocket.

Having a card that stands out head and shoulders above the rest is well worth extra money, but I don't think I paid more for mine than most would for homemade in the long run. I just did my homework and went to a little extra effort - but I do that anyway when it comes to my services and I want my clients to know that.

BTW: my biz card has become the centerpiece of my entire promo package - all of my handouts, 8x10's, songlists, posters, etc. have the same coordinated look and theme as my card. Each of these things took a little extra effort but the result is priceless.