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Business Cards: Office Supplies or Advertising?

Topics: accounting advertising business-cards category education expense office-supplies taxes

Ok, this is probably a silly question, but I'm arguing it with my business partner because, well, she's going to owe me a lunch if I'm right. lol.

Should business cards be categorized as office supplies or advertising expense? My thought is that it would fit in either category, but it's probably a better fit in office supplies...because in all reality, you can't be doing business without a contact card.

She thinks it's an advertising expense. Technically, I agree, but I tend to think that category is better suited for marketing copy, not something like a business card.

John Sheeley or anyone else....thoughts?

Asked Jul 30, 2010 6:55 AM by: John A. Lizotte

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I've always classified printing of business cards as an advertising expense. That is customarily how it's treated. Alot of people still advertise in this low cost manner.

Here's an interesting tid-bit. Website maintainence is an advertising expense if you use it primarily to advertise your business. However if you sell goods on your site, it's NOT an advertising expense but considered expenses related to selling.

(DISCLAIMER: For informational purposes only. Always consult your personal accountant for your specific situation)

Answered Jul 30, 2010 7:38 AM by: YourSimple Bookkeeper, Inc.

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Wow. I didn't think of the website as an advertising expense...interesting...thank you!

Responded Jul 30, 2010 8:11 AM by: John A. Lizotte

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I consider it advertising for my purposes. The information explains what we do, is intended to create awareness and hopefully generate sales.

Office expenses represent items or services needed to actually run the business such as paper, pens, phone, internet, etc... The business can probably function without business cards, but try running one without a phone or the internet these days.

I actually know a couple people that intentionally and successfully don't give out business cards.

Answered Jul 30, 2010 10:28 AM by: Pulse One Media

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Oh you got to give more than that! How do they successfully network and share contact information or make lasting contacts without a note card with the pertinent details? I'm intrigued!

Otherwise, great point

Responded Jul 30, 2010 10:31 AM by: Paul O'Brien - Outright

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There are marketing people that suggest that it makes you appear important if you do not have business cards. They also suggest that if you are compelled to carry business cards, that they should not have a title or description of what services that you provide. It's supposed to imply that you are more important than other people.

When I receive these types of business cards, I can never remember those people. :)

Answered Jul 30, 2010 16:07 PM by: Blue Stone Accounting, LLC

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LOL...I'm with you on that one, Blue Stone. lol

Responded Jul 30, 2010 17:14 PM by: John A. Lizotte

One trend I can do without: those tiny business cards the size of a stick of gum. Trust me, they get lost in the pile so you are better of making an impression without a card than using those!

Responded Jul 30, 2010 20:03 PM by: Paul O'Brien - Outright

We purposefully chose not to make business cards. People have a tendency to misplace or toss away the cards. (I know I do...) Instead, we chose to make brochures with all the info instead. That way they have all the info at once.

Responded Aug 2, 2010 8:19 AM by: Guaranteed Fitness Plus

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Pokens look cool, but I think I'll be the only one with one half way up a mountain in Scotland. we don't even have wireless broadband or a reliable mobile phone signal.

Answered Jul 31, 2010 5:33 AM by: Studio Stitches

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Business card tip. I laminate all my busniess cards. Two reason, people actually look at the card when you give it to them. When laminated it's impossable for them to rip up.....:) Try it with a couple cards and see the reaction you get.

Answered Aug 3, 2010 15:53 PM by: Williams Lawn Service

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Depending on how it's used. Yes it can be.

You are very welcomed! So I guess your partner owes you lunch huh? :-) (you may be able to get out of lunch if you ask her the website question! LOL)

Answered Jul 30, 2010 8:22 AM by: YourSimple Bookkeeper, Inc.

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LOL

Responded Jul 30, 2010 8:29 AM by: John A. Lizotte

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No kidding? An here I, the marketing guy, would have said it's a Office Expense. Though I suppose my personal experience comes from working with companies (as opposed to small businesses) where everyone gets business cards; it just always struck me as a personnel cost, an HR cost or, standard Office Expense.

What does everyone else do?

Answered Jul 30, 2010 9:02 AM by: Paul O'Brien - Outright

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That's how I always thought of it, Paul.

Responded Jul 30, 2010 9:12 AM by: John A. Lizotte

you know, typos are forgiven these days in forums but I hate it when a typo makes one look like a moron. miss the "n" in "an" and say "a Office Expense" Good thing I can spel.

Responded Jul 30, 2010 10:37 AM by: Paul O'Brien - Outright

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Right in larger companies business cards are NOT an important source of advertising and generally are just used for communication purposes. Working for larger corporations yup HR always handed out business cards. Business cards in this case may not be a means of promoting your business.

Now for the micro business? Business cards may be 1 of only a few advertising options you have. In this case, printing business cards that you pass out to attract new clients is the same as placing an ad in a local news paper but cheaper.

Hey, I guess everyone's right! Just depends on the intended purpose. Both result in a business deduction. :-)

Answered Jul 30, 2010 9:23 AM by: YourSimple Bookkeeper, Inc.

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"Their" reasoning is that people rarely contact you based on your business card. When asked for a card, their response is, "I'm out of cards right now. But, if you give me your information, I will definitely follow-up with you." It works for them.

Personally, I want eyes on my logo and information to increase brand recognition/awareness.

Answered Jul 30, 2010 12:07 PM by: Pulse One Media

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What started as a convo on how to classify business cards has turned to the relevance of them!

My take on business cards: I like them BUT not in the traditional sense. I NEVER hand out business cards at first, although when people ask me what I do I tell them then start a conversation. it seems to work in helping me build relationships. I'll leave them with a business card later. Now regarding the type of business card! I think that makes a difference! I have boxes of traditional business cards that are now collecting dust. I've been hunting for a creative business card that shows what I do and displays the personality of my business.

Another alternative to business cards though is a Poken. www.poken.com
it's pretty cool. I have one!

Responded Jul 30, 2010 12:39 PM by: YourSimple Bookkeeper, Inc.

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Your Little, Traveling Billboard better be MARKETING! or your business card isnt doing its job! www.thebusinesscardoutlet.com

Answered Aug 1, 2010 9:48 AM by: The Business Card Outlet

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Advertising expense...
Remember to save your receipt (s). I have different business cards for different skills, I attach one of the corresponding biz cards to it's respective receipts, and file accordingly for each tax year that it relates to.
@ The Business Card Outlet, I agree, it is just that...My Billboard.

Answered Aug 1, 2010 10:04 AM by: Wanda E Green - Tax, Notary & Bookkeeping Service

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