Business Card FAQ

Who can order UW–Madison business cards?

Any UW–Madison faculty or staff member may order UW–Madison business cards. Orders, however, must be processed through a UW–Madison office or department and must be paid through fund coding. Business cards can not be purchased by individuals with cash or credit cards.

How do I order UW–Madison business cards?

The Ordering Business Cards page of this web site provides business card specifications, prices, ordering instructions, and access to the online ordering form. University Communications only accepts online business card orders. Orders sent through interdepartment mail are no longer accepted.

How much do business cards cost?

There are two types of standard UW–Madison business cards. Two-color cards (red and black logo) with thermographed (raised lettering) cost $25 per box of 500. Three-color cards (red, black, and gold inks) are not thermographed, and cost $50 per box of 500. Two-sided cards are considered special order business cards. Two-sided, two-color cards cost $45 per box of 500; two-sided, three-color cards cost $80 per box of 500. For information about special-order business cards contact University Communications at .

How do I pay for my business cards?

Departmental fund coding is the only method of payent accepted. Cash, credit cards, and purchasing cards are not accepted. If you are not familiar with the University’s fund codes, please direct this request to your business office.

What kind of business card can I order online through University Communications?

The official UW–Madison business card features the UW–Madison logo (crest and word mark) on the left side of the card and uses specific formatting for personal information on the right side. Standard UW–Madison business cards are available with a two- or three-color logo.

Two-color cards are thermographed (raised lettering) and cost $25 per box of 500. Three-color cards are not thermographed and cost $50 per box of 500.

“Special orders” refer to business cards that print on both sides. One side of the card must print as an official UW–Madison business card (see above). The second side can be customized to contain alternate text or images (i.e., in a different language or with a departmental logo). All use of the UW–Madison logo must conform to the universitys graphic guidelines. Two-sided, two-color cards cost $45 per box of 500; two-sided, three-color cards cost $80 per box of 500.

Contact University Communications for more information about two-sided business cards.

Why all these specifications?

In 2001, University Communications developed a new logo and a corresponding set of usage guidelines that provide a foundation for clear, concise communication of the university’s institutional identity. The first formal contact many people have with the university is through printed and online material. It is important that these materials project a consistent and readily identifiable image.

Using a standard business card for all university staff and faculty is the most economical and efficient way to purchase business cards. Also, it reinforces a consistent, strong identity for the university.

Can I order a business card other than an official UW–Madison card through University Communications?

University Communications strongly recommends that all university offices and departments use the standard UW–Madison business card. If you need a business card that is independent of the official UW–Madison identity, however, please contact Doug DeRosa for assistance.

What if my text doesn’t fit in the standard business card layout? Are there any type and/or format changes I am allowed to make?

University Communications’s online ordering form is designed to accommodate a variety of text applications. Occasionally, however, a client’s information does not work within the existing fields. In these instances, please contact . Small changes within the standard design will be provided as necessary at no additional cost.

What if I need to change my business card order once I have submitted it?

Simply go to the online Order Form and use the “Modify/Track/Delete an Order” function found in the upper-right corner of the form. Follow the instructions from that point. If you need to add fund coding to your order, you can use the “Add Fund Coding to an Order” function, also found in the upper-right corner of the online order form.

Please note: University Communications does not key in corrections or changes to online orders. If you need to make a change or a correction to your order, please follow the above instructions.

How long will it take to receive my cards after I place an order?

University Communications cannot process your order until a fund code has been submitted. This includes emergency business card orders. Once payment is confirmed, the order will be sent to the printer within one business day. All cards typically deliver within 10 working days.