February 2013

Personalize something you can treasure with our long-lasting Novelty Cards.

How many times do you give a Birthday card, Valentine’s day card or even a Christmas card only to be on display for a few days or a couple of weeks. Many people now recycle old cards, give them their children to take to school for art and craft lesson or even worse just end up in the bin. A new type of card is on its way. The new type of card is a plastic card which fits in a wallet or purse this type of card is better known as a novelty card. The plastic novelty card is becoming increasingly popular as it allows a personal message be signed on the reverse.

Novelty plastic cards come in many different types all based on the industry standard size of 86mm x 54mm. We are seeing a growth in novelty cards especially around Valentine’s Day. With companies such as “Me to You” who now offer novelty card with certain models of bears.

Plastic business cards are more than simply a few contact details. Turn your plastic cards into a real statement with custom shaped designs.

Today’s consumers are more selective than ever before so you need to do so much more to stand out from the crowd. Many businesses are largely ignoring one of the key marketing tools – the business card. They presume that it is simply a way of leaving contact details with a potential client, but it can be used to really push a business.

Be Unique and Innovative

Business cards have come a long way since the traditional card versions, with plastic business cards now in widespread use. They can be produced in the traditional shape and size, but here at Company Cards we can also create something rather more bespoke.

Our custom shaped cards will really help your business stand out from the competition. When you hand one to a new customer it creates an instant talking point, enabling you to spend longer with them. It is also a good recall vessel, as they are far more likely to remember you as the person with the unusually shaped card. This may also create further business enquiries if they show it to colleagues and contacts because of its unique design.

Create a Personality

Using a custom shape for your plastic business cards will help to present the real image of your company. There is no point having a boring or lifeless business card if you’re trying to sell a fun and youthful brand. By creating something bespoke you are not restricted to simply choosing the colours, materials and textures. This way you really can create a statement piece that conveys the right first impression.

What Designs Can You Have?

You are limited only by your imagination and the brief that you provide us. The only real rule is that you should keep within the confines of a traditional business card. This will mean that it can be easily stored by the recipient. It is generally advisable to create a simple shape that doesn’t have lots of thin sections. Consider how the card will be stored and any areas that might break or bend. Since you are using plastic business cards, they will have far greater durability than paper.

With custom shaped cards, whether business cards or plastic loyalty cards, the world really is your oyster. If you have a great idea for a card or are simply looking for some inspiration, then why not call one of our team who will be happy to help.

If you’re looking for secure plastic ID cards then use RFID technology. We can produce a range of plastic cards to suit your needs.

Businesses are becoming ever more security conscious and wish to ensure that only employees have access to their buildings. Plastic ID cards are a cost effective means by which to quickly and easily identify people entering your sites. If you want to use the latest technology within your plastic cards, then you may wish to consider incorporating an RFID chip into them.

What is RFID technology?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a contactless method for reading information. The plastic ID cards manufactured with a chip that contains all the necessary personal information. This is then transmitted wirelessly and is picked up by an RFID reader. Unlike traditional magnetic and barcode cards, an RFID card doesn’t have to be swiped or scanned. It can be read simply by being placed close to the reader and can be used through most materials.

What are the advantages of RFID cards?

Using RFID plastic ID cards can have a number of benefits for your business. As they are digitally printed directly onto the plastic base, they can be personalised with a photo and text. The PVC laminate cover prevents wear and tear.

This technology can speed up access to your sites, as it can be used hands free and the reading process is rapid. Unlike scanning or swipe machines, an RFID reader can read more than one card at a time, ensuring that employees are not delayed by access procedures even at busy times of the day. You can define multiple access levels within your locations, by restricting access to certain areas, which further increases site security.

There’s also the opportunity to keep track of employees and know exactly who is coming in and out of the business and when. If employees know they are being monitored, this may increase productivity and reduce downtime.

One of the major benefits of RFID chips is that they can be updated when necessary, allowing you to increase someone’s security clearance at the touch of a button. This further reduces operating costs, with no requirement to print an entirely new card if someone changes position or department.

We can use the latest digital print and RFID technology to create plastic ID cards. For further information on our full range of products, including plastic business cards, please contact a member of our team.

Using barcodes on plastic membership cards helps you analyse visitor numbers. Providing them with plastic cards also reduces fraudulent use.

Many visitor attractions now offer annual memberships to help encourage repeat visits, whilst providing customers with value for money. If you issue plastic membership cards, visitors are not only receiving a durable product, but you have the ability to effectively track their usage.

Keeping Track of your Numbers

Whether you offer free or discounted membership with the purchase of an annual card, you will want to know who is using your facilities and when. By supplying them with plastic membership cards you have the ability to do so. The plastic cards can be encoded with relevant information, such as the member’s name, size of the party and expiry date. This is then read electronically as they enter your site and subsequently recorded. You can then see how many people visited on specific days, how often different members visited and, if you have more than one site, which locations they are visiting most frequently. This information can be used by marketing and sales teams to help increase visitor numbers.

Personalising your Marketing

If you know when members are visiting, you can then start to tailor your marketing approach to them. For instance, if you operate across a wide area you could suggest different sites to visit based upon their previous trips. There is also the opportunity to create a campaign for lapsed members or perhaps those who have simply forgotten that they have a card. This offers the customer a more personalised experience and shows that you understand their needs. As a result, they are likely to be far more receptive to any information you may send to them.

Stopping Fraudulent Use

By issuing plastic membership cards, you can limit the entry of non-members who are trying to avoid paying. They can act as plastic ID cards, so that you can easily verify the identity of any visitor. The cards can be personalised with a photo if required, as well as encoded with information about the member. This will allow your staff to accurately and effectively regulate entry to your sites.

We can print personalised plastic membership cards that are unique to your business. Whatever your requirements, why not speak with one of our team who can provide you with further information and advice?