Printing Plastic Cards: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Plastic cards provide businesses with an easy, inexpensive and secure way to identify their customers while also providing concerning marketing and branding opportunities. Businesses use plastic cards for many purposes including access control, customer loyalty cards, gift cards, membership cards, and many other applications. But before you can put together a system that works for your business, you need to understand the basics of plastic cards and how to make sure you get the right type of printing for your needs.

Features of Plastic Cards

Plastic cards come in many shapes and sizes. There are standard, business-card sized cards, as well as credit-card sized cards. These cards can be printed with a range of information, including your business" logo, contact information, a list of services, and even customized images. Depending on the type of card you choose, you can have various features, such as magnetic strips, RFID chips, and glossy finishes to make the cards more visible.

Benefits of Printing Plastic Cards

Printed plastic cards offer some significant advantages for businesses. For example, they are highly durable and can resist water, tear, or wear, meaning they last much longer than traditional paper cards. They can also be used to store important information, such as customer loyalty points, or bank account numbers, securely. Plastic cards also provide businesses with an opportunity to create a professional identity, as well as establish customer loyalty through rewards programs or points benefits.

Pros and Cons of Plastic Card Printing

Like any form of business printing, there are both pros and cons to printing plastic cards. Some of the advantages include:

• They are durable and cost effective.
• They are an excellent way to build customer loyalty.
• They can be personalized or customized for each customer.
• They can be used as a form of access control or payment system.

However, there are some drawbacks of printing plastic cards, the main one being that they can be expensive to print. The cost of printing often depends on the type of card chosen, the amount of customization required, and the quantity of cards being printed.

Case Studies

Below are a few case studies of businesses that have successfully implemented plastic card printing systems:

Case Study 1: A Hotel Loyalty Program

A hotel chain used plastic card printing to create a loyalty program for their customers. The cards allowed customers to gain points or rewards for each stay at the hotel, encouraging them to return. This loyalty program resulted in increased customer loyalty and improved customer retention for the hotel chain.

Case Study 2: Access Control

A business needed to provide secure access to their premises. They turned to plastic card printing to create an access control system. The cards had an encoded magnetic strip on them, which allowed them to be used for secure access to the premises. This system allowed the business to control who entered the building, while also providing a secure access system.

Case Study 3: Customer Identification

A restaurant wanted to create an efficient way to identify their customers. They decided to use plastic cards printed with a unique customer number. Each customer was assigned a card with their number, which enabled them to easily identify customers when they came to the restaurant. This system saved the restaurant time and money and improved customer service.

FAQ"s

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about plastic card printing:

What type of plastic card should I choose?

The type of plastic card you should choose will depend on the type of application you need it for. Some popular types of plastic cards include PVC cards, magnetic stripe cards, and smart cards. Different types of cards are better suited for different purposes, so it's important to discuss your requirements with an expert to decide the best type of card for your needs.

Can I print my own plastic cards?

Yes, you can print your own plastic cards using a printer and specialized ink or toner. However, this method is usually not ideal as the print quality can be poor and the cost of the materials can add up quickly. It's usually better to print in bulk using a professional printing service.

Mistakes People Make

When printing plastic cards, it's important to understand the process and be aware of any potential pitfalls. Some of the most common mistakes people make include:

• Not considering the cost of materials.
• Not ordering enough cards it's usually more cost effective to print in bulk.
• Not researching the plastic card options available to find the best card for your needs.
• Not researching the types of printers and inks available and choosing the wrong one.

Best Practices

To ensure a successful plastic card printing experience, there are some important best practices that you should follow.

• Ensure you know your budget and the cost of materials before you start.
• Research the types of plastic cards and printers available, so you can make an informed decision.
• If you're printing in bulk, always order more than you think you need.
• Ensure you understand the printer's terms and conditions, as well as any hidden or extra costs.
• Test the cards and printers before you commit to an order.
• Work with an experienced printer who can help you make the best decisions for your needs.

Final Notes

Printing plastic cards is an excellent way to add a professional touch to your business and create long-lasting customer loyalty. While the process can seem daunting, understanding the basics of plastic cards and the features available, as well as following the best practices outlined in this guide, will help ensure a successful plastic card printing experience.