Approximately 50 million Moo business cards were printed out and shipped last year alone.

This current year, their expectation is to double that.

Is this prosperity well deserved? Having now examined both their traditional and luxe cards, my honest opinion is that it is.

Here is my thorough Moo business cards review including a glimpse at all of the ways Moo is a cut above a large number of of the most widely used printing companies.

Imaginative Products:

You can easily create standard business cards virtually anywhere.

But if you'd like your business cards to present as many as fifty unique illustrations or pictures per order, Moo is the solution.

Granted, I have a marketing background, but, I think this offering is among the biggest innovations within the business card space of the last few years, because of all the new marketing opportunities it opens up.

Consider this...

• Beauty salons can showcase finger nail art or unique hairstyles

• Retail shops or boutiques can send prospective buyers home with a picture of the product they are considering

• Clothing designers can showcase dozens of examples of their work

• A photographer can present panoramic pictures on one card, family portraits on another, etc.

• A baker can feature a variety of pictures and even recipes that buyers can "collect"

• A dessert designer can market both bridal cakes, kids birthday cakes, and everything in between

• A fitness trainer can present home fat loss / exercise strategies

• Interior design consultants can showcase a set of "before and after" shots for a range of rooms

For me there's absolutely nothing more frustrating than a card that doesn't create an impression or progress the sale. Moo's "multi-image" approach essentially makes people conceptualize their card as a sales tool, instead of a contact card. And as a favorable consequence, they're more apt to be kept, appreciated... and shared.

Plus, Moo's quality (including paper and printing) rates as one of the finest I have encountered.

Several other alternatives/add ons include things like mini-cards, rounded edges, a recycled paper, as well as a super-heavy, 32-point card stock (read Moo Luxe section down below), supplying you with a number of options for additional impact.

Moo Traditional Business Cards:

I got a 50-pack of their traditional business cards and uploaded a variety of family pics so I could see how their business card builder worked. It was very easy to work with and customize with my images and contact info.

The cards arrived on a rather impressive 15.5 point cardstock.

Moo refers to the paper as a "matte laminate"... and if you've ever felt silk business cards that's pretty much what they feel like. It's silky and smooth and most definitely high quality. Their basic cards are also thicker as compared to a majority of business cards that I've experienced. The color (full color both sides) looked vibrant, and the print very clear.

Notice: Full-bleed photography is perfectly suited to this card stock..

Moo Luxe Business Cards:

Moo's freshest business card offering is called Luxe.

I ordered a 50 pack of the "Freud" theme to give to my sister - as it's a great fit for a social worker.

They are produced on ultra-thick 32-point stock, which is roughly twice the thickness of their standard cards (and nearly triple the average business card). You will notice the difference straight away, and so will your recipients.

The cards are not velvety like the standard cards. Rather, they have a textured matte feel, of fine paper.

A distinctive stripe of colour runs through the centre of the stock - a lot like painted-edge business cards, yet it's just the center third, as opposed to the complete side. Thus should you look at a stack from the side, you will see alternating white, color, white. There are atleast 4 colors to choose from. A nice touch in my opinion.

The cards are certainly not bargain-priced, but the product quality and thickness more than justify the additional expense.

Notice: Luxe is ideally suited for more simple designs or patterns, as opposed to full-bleed images - which are better suited to their regular cardstock.

Overall Experience:

My all around ordering, customization, & product experience was great. Moo's on line design tool makes for reasonably uncomplicated design, image upload and customization, and the order process is smooth and imbued with character...

At the time you submit your order you receive a confirmation email from "Little Moo"... and as it's processed you receive a notification that the order has progressed to "Big Moo" for printing and production. Of course, you receive a shipment confirmation too, making everything hassle-free. On top of it all, the cards are boxed and presented (especially in the case of Luxe) to delight.