So I see people on here all the time asking where to get cheap business cards for their brand new company, and they haven't even filed the LLC yet. Just a heads up from someone who learned the hard way: wait until the approval comes back. I printed 500 cards with "[MyName] LLC" on them, paid extra for rush shipping, and then the state rejected my filing because the name was too close to an existing one. Had to rebrand before I even launched. Don't be me.
LLC filing
I wouldn't order business cards before the LLC is approved
Solid advice but honestly the rejection rate for name similarity is pretty low if you actually search the registry first. Most people just don't do the free search.
Or just order like 50 cards from a cheap online printer. If you lose $15 on a rebrand, who cares.
I did the opposite. Ordered cards with just my name and phone number, no LLC on them. Then added the LLC stamp later with a label maker. Ghetto? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
Label maker is wild but I respect the frugality. Though if you're handing those to clients, maybe not
Wait, you actually got rejected for name similarity? Did they give you a chance to pick a new name or did you have to refile and pay again?
Had to refile and pay again. They don't hold your Spot. That's the part that stung.
Ouch. Okay that changes my cheap-printer argument a little.
I dont even use business cards anymore. QR code on my phone lock screen. Nobody has asked for a card in two years.
QR code on lock screen is genius until your phone dies at a networking event and you're standing there like a chump.
Fair. I keep a few paper ones in my wallet for exactly that reason. The irony is not lost on me.
Honestly the bigger lesson here is don't rush shipping on anything before you have a legal entity. I've seen people order custom packaging, branded tape, the works, all before the EIN even came back.
Custom packaging befor an EIN is a special kind of confidence.
Or a special kind of tax write-off if it never launches lol
That's not how write-offs work but okay.