We have changed the theme a little with our main site, but I am not as enthusiastic of changing our business cards. Is it really a must to have to match? I am not really digging the idea since it took forever the first time around, maybe I am just lazy - thoughts?

I don't think it's a huge issue.
I doubt the average consumer will compare.

I would say though that it's important for branding to at least have a similar aspect ie: logo.

Some clients would appreciate the matching site/biz card but it's not a definite DO or DO NOT DO.
Kinda up to you really. A lot of design companies can help match the site template to the biz card, just whether you want to pay for it or pay for a new design.

I don't think the business card matching the theme of your site is important at all. What is important is your logo. I run through thousands of cards at the salon and change them with every order ... with the exception of the logo - that remains the same.

Just make sure, nothing looks abnormal in combination. I won't say a perfect combination, rather a right combination is important while you are dealing with trust.

I don't think many will notice even though they are likely to have both right there. Moreover, I wouldn't waste the older cards, but might consider changing them for the future.

Our business cards match the site theme colors and logo, but I don't think it's really a big deal as long as they look professional.

I think it's a plus if they match, but if not, that's not really a big deal.

We USED to match when we had our Green and Gold colors on our site, but since we swapped up to a darker color it no longer matches. Since our business cards POP however, we will likely continue with the same color scheme and layout on our cards. The important part (as repeated here) is the logo to remain consistent so there's no scratching of the head as to whether they reached the right place or not.

Beyond that, changing up the card is good for finding what works. We get compliments regularly on how our card is designed, so it's not likely that we'll change in the near future.

Personally - I love experimenting with cards, banners, brochures and layouts to see what works and doesn't work. Different markets have different desires. We also have different cards for different markets.

Nothing wrong with a little change - just be sure you're not wasting inventory/funds

The logo for me, as least the tag line has to stay the same but sometimes I have a hard time butting heads with the others.

How often are you swapping card ideas, or is it just when the mood strikes?

Sometimes it's the mood, but usually its when I'm down to my last 500 cards. If I have energy to do it, I redesign, or change things around. But if I'm swamped with work etc, then it's a re-order that happens.

I order business cards in batches of 3,000 and they usually last me 3 months or so - so about every 3 or 4 months I'm changing something around.

I would suggest on making them match. You want a consistent brand image out there and matching the two will help do this.

You always want your customers and potential customers to have your brand in mind.

Mark

Yeah, I agree. I suggest that you match it with the brand image so people could see the uniformity.

My opinion is that a business card can be completely different with the colours and layouts etc. as long as a clear connection is visible, generally done by the logo like people already mentioned.

There is the possibility that there's two different companies by the same name, unwary of each other but even then, business cards that don't match their websites except for the logo still make it clear to see who's who.