For all the startups making customizable stationary and business cards available on the web, we really haven’t seen much in terms of innovation: most sites have almost the same options and features, and there isn’t much you can do beyond what you can find in traditional print stores. Today that changes with the public launch of Snapily, an online store for user-customized paper goods that can add moving effects to 2D images (and they’re really cool). TechCrunch readers can get a 20% discount on Snapily products by entering the code ‘TechCrunch_Snapily’.
Upon choosing a product type (which include business cards, greeting cards, notebooks, and invitations) users can choose to either let Snapily use pre-generated templates to enhance their 2D images, or they can manually modify their images for more advanced effects. At launch available options include a pseudo-3D effect that separates the backdrop from the foreground and a morph effect that can switch between two photos. In the near future the site will also be launching a ‘mini-movie’ effect, allowing you to put a 2 second clip on a card that plays as you rotate it (Harry Potter fans rejoice). For a better idea of what the cards look like, check out the video below.
The cards use a technique called lenticular printing, which displays a new image depending on what angle they’re viewed from (we recently covered a set of maps that use the same technology). And while you can find similar products elsewhere on the web, Snapily says that nearly all of these require bulk purchases – you couldn’t just buy a handful of greeting cards or a single notebook. Snapily says it will allow users to buy products in these small one-off quantities for a price that is still in the range of traditional paper products.
Snapily is a spinoff from HumanEyes, which has offered similar products to the business market for a number of years (the company says that the lenticular printing technology has now been in development for a total of seven years).
Earlier this week we saw another innovation in the customer-designed product space, when Zazzle launched custom embroidery.
Really funny cards. Gonna get some!
glad to see you are very easily amused Jason.
You have no idea.
Looks cool online but the question is how the final product looks like.
Snapily is exactly like Shutterfly but with Special Effects ! Cool !
All existing sites such as ofoto.com, Shutterfly.com, Hallmark.com, Zazzle.com and CaféPress.com have the same offering. Looks like Snapily has something that differentiates themselves from all others. It would be interesting to see how will they develop…
Kinda tacky to be used for business cards… just my $0.02
don’t wanna be a hater until i see these up close and personal, but as far as business cards, they look kinda lame. i’m a MOO fanatic, so perhaps i’m biased.
Andrew, Thanks for your comment. The designs we currently have on the site are targeted mostly as fun cards. Business oriented card designs are expected shortly.
Pretty cool. I like Shutterfly and those other sites – but this Snapily seems really different.
Very interesting, but is it worth it? Most business cards you hand out end up being thrown out, I don’t know if a 3D card is necessary. May not be worth the price. The other projects seem like it would fit better and the specialization would be much appreciated by whoever receives it.
Craig
http://www.budgetpulse.com
This is AWESOME! Looks like a fun site. I know what I am ordering for my family for the holidays!
Not sure if I would want them for business cards but could be just the thing for other kinds of announcements that you want to mail out, like the family Christmas card that many people do.
Why don’t you publish my comments?
I looked under Greetings Card=>Occasions=>Christmas and the response was “No Products Found” Dropped the ball there, Snapily?
I looked under Greetings Card=>Occasions=>Christmas and the response was “No Products Found” Dropped the ball there, Snapily?
Didn’t you suggest we need to kill the business card once and for all?
http://www.tech...ce-and-for-all/
Name, Jason made a dumb post about killing business cards. That was months ago. Let’s move on, and let the older, wiser, Jason do so too.
Why don’t you publish my comments?
(linkback) Thrive or Fail? Snapily- service lets you make custom mugs, etc. with 3D images [VOTE] – http://www.thri...rfail.com/ab42e
This is really cool and innovative! I will be ordering holiday cards for sure!
Interesting concept, but they look more appropriate for entertainment purposes and special occasions rather then business cards.
Seems nice but, I would like to customize a business card with my own design and it doesn’t seem possible at the moment. All of the templates are for non professional purposes. Isn’t the purpose of a business card for professional reasons.
Look at the target audiences for the templates, I just don’t get it. Who gives out business cards to your spouse, coworkers, boyfriends, or children.
Awesome trance soundtrack!
Interesting site. Business cards are too old school though!
Btw
Check out http://www.jobstaxi.com
New Jobs. Last.fm. Zappos.com. Gaia Interactive. Jigsaw. Slipknot. Web Giant Media
Interesting site. Does it cost less than doing it at a studio?
First it save you the time to go to a studio. As far as I understand there is no other place today that allows you to print a “one of” from these products. All printing houses will ask you to order a minimum of I guess a 1000.
Truly terrible templates. They should allow for some customized backgrounds and such, rather than relying on their lame attempt at creativity. Cute product, but allow for more creation!
A novel concept but kinda like having checks that look like monopoly money. Might not inspire confidence. Anyway I’m too lazy to deal with those online template systems.
I use these guys cause they have lotsa designs to choose from and they do all the layout work for me for nothing. All I do is send them my logo and stuff:
http://www.need...rketinghelp.com
These cards are damn funny.
http://vidsonly.blogspot.com
A really cool product, dedicated a short post also
worth it!
http://www.logb...Experience.aspx
I read this post, ordered from snapily, got billed and then never received my order. I have contacted them twice about this and have yet to receive any reply. This might be a scam. Don’t order from them.
Nice….I want Obama 3D face on my cards.
Hey Mike,
Sorry about your unpleasant experience. We strive hard to answer all emails from our customers and I guess your communication fell through.
Please send us an email to Support @ Snapily.com and I will personally take care of your problem ASAP.
Again, sorry for this inconvenience.
Izzy, Snapily VP Products
I think these are really cool ideas, but I don’t think they would work for any business. I don’t think a lawyer would want to use them, but perhaps something directed toward kids…then again, a plastic surgeon could use the morph for a before and after, which I think would be impressive. It’s too bad that Mike didn’t receive his order – I hope Snapily isn’t a scam!
Thanks for the tutorial. Very creative!!!
Very different and interesting concepts.