The UK’s original digital card manufacturer, making cards since 1996

01744 815 475
Menu

News

The Etiquette of Plastic Business Cards

Is there a right or a wrong way to present your plastic business cards? We explore some of the rules of etiquette.

The Japanese and Chinese take a ritual approach to the exchange of business cards. They are presented face up whilst bowing and with both hands placed on either side of the card like the presentation of a gift or tray. The card recipient accepts the card with both hands and a bow, studies the card and then places it in a business card holder. This small ceremony is intended to display respect.

Perhaps we don’t go to such extreme lengths in the West but there is still a right and wrong way in which to hand out plastic business cards and following the rules will improve the impression you make.

If you are a supplier, simply handing out a card without someone making a request for your details seems presumptuous and can be negatively perceived. On the other hand if you are a potential client, it’s fine to give out your plastic business cards because your contact details are important to a potential supplier.

When you are handing over your plastic cards, use your right hand or both hands, especially if you regularly travel abroad for business. In some countries, handing over a card with your left hand can be an insult.

If you’re receiving a card, accept it with the same hand with which it was given. It is also polite to take a few moments to study the card and to comment, maybe to clarify the information on it before putting it away.

When you hand out plastic business cards at a networking event, study what the recipients do with your card compared to the pile they already hold in their hand. If they don’t look at your card and put it at the bottom of the pile, they’re clearly not interested in the service you provide. If they add your card to the top of the stack after taking a moment to read it, this could suggest that there may be further potential.

Your business card is a mini-billboard on which to advertise who you are, what you do, where and how to contact you. Technology has yet to find a replacement for the business card and it remains the best way of giving someone your contact details. Why not explore our site to find out more about making the best possible impression with plastic loyalty cards and business cards.

Protect and promote your business with plastic ID cards  

Plastic ID cards are used in thousands of settings including businesses, clubs and schools. Not only do they protect, they also promote.

Plastic ID cards are usually issued where there is something to protect whether it be money, information, valuable data or people. The primary aim of plastic ID cards is security as they can be issued to restrict or authorise access to certain areas of a building, factory or complex.

They make it simple to tell at a glance whether someone should or should not be in the building and so eliminating the possibility of someone simply wandering in off the street whether they’re intent on theft or an irritated customer wanting to make a complaint.

Even though their primary use is in security, plastic ID cards can also foster a sense of belonging for company employees and customers. Even the most basic of plastic business cards displaying just the company logo and the cardholder’s name can work wonders.

Employees in large organisations usually spend the majority of their time communicating with each other by phone or e-mail, so a photo ID card helps team members recognise and get to know each other if they happen to meet in the canteen or corridors.

Employees can also feel that the plastic cards are being used to monitor their working patterns. To off-set this, some companies have introduced incentive schemes together with their plastic ID cards, such as giving staff discounts at local gyms or restaurants on presentation of their card. This ensures that employees are more inclined to use and wear them and in turn, promotes the business to the public.

An ID card, unlike a business card, usually features the card holder’s photo, name, job title and department and is worn attached to a cord around the neck, clipped to the belt or on a badge. As with many security systems, the ID card system can be subject to misuse and most employees are expected to sign contracts stating that they won’t share their cards and will immediately make a report if they are lost or stolen.

To design your own cards or for more information on the benefits of introducing plastic ID cards into your business, why not contact our team?

The psychology behind plastic card printing

If you are considering new plastic business cards, the psychology behind plastic card printing can make or break a design.

You want your plastic business card to stand out from the crowd, it’s a mini billboard advertising what you do and where to contact you and it needs to attract attention, but not too much attention.

A business card is the lasting impression you leave with people when you are gone and so sloppily designed cluttered plastic cards won’t evoke positive thoughts about either your business or personality. On the other hand, a well thought out, neat and bold looking card will give the impression of a solid and successful business.

Some of the most important choices to make in plastic card printing are aesthetic. The typography, font-sizing and choice of font, line height, letter spacing and white space all need to be right if you want your card to make an impression.

White space, the part of the card which is the space between lines of type and around a design, is just as important as the words upon the card. Leaving plenty of white, or blank, space is generally associated with sophistication. Too little white space and it leaves the impression of a cheap design. The spacing around lines will also allow the reader to quickly assimilate the information on your card. Try not to use more than three fonts on your business cards when you’re arranging plastic card printing. The more fonts you use the harder it makes the card to read.

Deciding what to include on the card is also important. Some company business cards don’t include the name of the individual who carries it, but it can be helpful for the card recipient to have a specific person to contact, particularly in a large organisation.

Including the name of the business or the service provided in a bold, clear font makes it easier for people to read and to refer to. There is nothing worse than shuffling through a wad of business cards looking for a specific one when it doesn’t stand out. It is also common practice to include a method of contact, either phone, e-mail or web addresses whilst not forgetting to include country and area codes with phone numbers.

Consider adding a logo to your design when you’re arranging plastic card printing as an easy visual reference. A logo used consistently on business cards, letterheads, other print and electronic materials establishes a strong company identity.

Please contact our team for advice as how to leave the best impression with your plastic business cards.

New premier quality cards prove just the ticket for famous football club

Company Cards works along side a Premier League Football Club to produce first rate Season Ticket passes.

In 2010 we were delighted to be approached by a world famous Premier League football team, for whom quality on the pitch has to be matched by everything they do off it.

As they were unhappy with the standard of their existing plain white, overprinted season tickets, thousands of which are issued to fans every year, they were looking for something more robust and with greater impact – and our RFID cards were the perfect match.

These RFID cards have been created by Company Cards and are digitally printed directly on the plastic core of the card, which is then pressure laminated with PVC, protecting the print from scratching or wearing away over time. This production method ensures a high quality, full colour printed card that can also, if required, incorporate additional features such as photo identification or magnetic stripe.

The club was so delighted with the quality of the plastic cards and level of service provided that, along with production of the RFID season tickets and personalised plastic membership cards, they also asked us to assist in the accompanying fulfilment process. Because every season ticket pack sent out includes several personalised items it is absolutely essential that the correct items are sent to the correct person, and so to guarantee this we printed a unique 2D barcode on the covering letters. Positioned to be visible through the window of the envelope, the barcode was then scanned prior to the mail out in order to confirm the details of the RFID card inside. The specialist software we had written for this project enabled us to feed back daily reports to the client about the number of cards that had been encoded and verified, as well as whether any cards were missing or duplicated.

The client has been extremely impressed with the products, level of service and turnaround provided, resulting in us providing the same service for the past three years. Plans are now well underway for the 2013/14 season cards, which will begin production later the summer.

Novelty Card Something different which will last

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.

Get your Plastic Business Cards into Shape

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.

Enhance your plastic ID cards with RFID technology

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.

Scannable Plastic Membership Cards

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?

ID cards roll out in London

A new way to tackle under-age, drinking due to using other peoples identity.

From February 8th the new type of plastic ID card which has been describe as the answer to an ongoing problem will be launched and rolled out in London. The new type of plastic card which costs £30 will provide a convenient way for people to prove identity and age. Over the last 3 years a sharp increase in both lost and stolen passports belong to people under the age of 30 due to people using them on a night out.

This is all related to the national clampdown on under-age drinking, the new plastic ID card is deemed to be the new universal proof of age id. The plastic cards will just be like any other card similar size to a driving licence, debt or credit card.

It’s already been mentioned that over 16,000 people have already registered and expressed interest in the new card. From next month to the 30 June you will be able to apply for the new  plastic ID card on the Directgov website. https://idsmart.direct.gov.uk/index.html

Plastic Loyalty Cards Are the Key to Retaining Customers

With stores having to compete ever harder to retain customers, plastic loyalty cards could help maintain loyalty and increase spending.

With the current fragile economy, consumers are becoming ever more cautious as to how and where they spend their money. They tend to shop around, searching out the best deal. Therefore, it’s important that you try to retain as many loyal customers as you can. A good loyalty scheme could be the best way to keep them shopping in your store.

Customers today are used to carrying around plastic business cards, which offer them rewards in a variety of outlets. Plastic loyalty cards have been around for over 30 years and 88% of customers now own at least one, with 29% having five or more in their purses and wallets. Research has shown that customers feel greater loyalty to a specific brand if they have a loyalty card and this characteristic is more prevalent in the younger generation.

Encouraging Loyalty

Advertising to attract new customers is an expensive proposition. It is considerably cheaper to retain customers and to encourage them to increase their spending. They are more likely to do so if they feel they are being suitably rewarded for their custom. A good loyalty scheme can offer customers rewards or discounts on services and goods, either in store or through partner agencies. If the rewards you offer are strong enough, they could encourage consumers to shop more frequently in order to save up enough points.

Targeted Marketing

The plastic loyalty cards that you hand to your customers can offer you an insight into their purchasing habits, which will improve the effectiveness of marketing spend. As consumers buy goods in your store and save up points on their loyalty cards, you can then see exactly what they’re buying and how often. Once you have built up a picture, you can accurately target your marketing towards the products they actually use. This will encourage them to shop in your store and will make them feel that you understand them and what they’re looking for, increasing their feeling of loyalty towards the store.

Offering your customers plastic loyalty cards is an excellent way of developing long lasting relationships with them. At Company Cards we offer a market-leading plastic card printing service, with a range of styles for different businesses. If you have any questions about our products, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team.

Plastic Business Cards Make a statement

If you want your business to stand out from the crowd then invest in plastic business cards. They offer better value than paper alternatives.

In today’s highly competitive business environment, anything that helps your company stand out from the crowd is worth investing in. At Company Cards, we specialise in plastic business cards that enable you to present a professional and memorable image to potential customers in a better way than traditional paper cards ever could. The initial outlay may be a little higher, but as plastic cards will help increase sales they will be worth the investment.

Increased Durability

Paper cards can often become damaged over time and once they are ripped or torn your contact may simply throw them away. Plastic business cards are extremely durable and stay in perfect condition. They can be sent in the mail, handed out at trade shows or displayed on stands without any detrimental effects. This means that they are more likely to be kept over the longer term and contacts will remember you because of this. Plastic cards are also a good investment for professions where you’re outside for long periods of time, as they won’t become damaged by wet or windy weather.

Something Different

Manufacturing your cards from plastic will set your business apart from the competition and will serve to create a lasting first impression with new customers. There are so many more ways in which you can design your card, enabling you to create something that is truly unique. For example, you can use a frosted effect, have embossed text or utilise them as plastic loyalty cards in addition, incorporating a barcode. Using plastic creates a more professional image. When colours are printed, they tend to appear more vibrant than on traditional card alternatives.

A Perceived Value

Once you hand over your business card to a new client and they see the quality of it they will instantly perceive that you are selling a high quality product. The look and feel of your card will showcase your entire business within a pocket sized piece of plastic. Customers will see that you value them and that you are looking to build long-term relationships with them, all through your business card.

For an innovative range of plastic business cards, please continue to browse through our website. If you require more information on a specific product or have any questions, just click on the contact us page.

The importance of plastic cards

Plastic cards have become an essential part of business. They can help to build the brand and develop essential customer relationships.

Plastic loyalty cards are a vital tool that can provide your company with a variety of important benefits. Indeed, tailor made plastic loyalty cards are proving to be increasingly popular and are now used by many different types of businesses. These cards are ideal for helping you to win new customers, retain their business and promote your services and products.

One of their greatest benefits is in allowing you to collect important information about your customers such as the types of products they have bought, how much they spend and how often they buy from you. This vital marketing information is easily obtained using data storage loyalty cards.

In addition to loyalty cards, there are a range of other plastic cards. Photo identification cards are ideal for staff or contractors and help in running a more secure business, as can access control cards. These plastic cards can be swiped to allow access to buildings or car parks, for example. They can also help to restrict access within the confines of a building, controlling entry to locations with expensive equipment or hazardous substances.

Event passes can be made in distinctive sizes and shapes, helping to reinforce the image you are projecting whilst giving guests a feeling of exclusivity.

If you want to demonstrate your green credentials and impress eco aware customers, it is possible to produce a biodegradable card that will break down harmlessly but is still tough enough for the job and made to the highest quality.

Plastic gift cards are increasingly replacing the paper versions. They fit neatly into a wallet or purse and come in a range of styles to suit individual businesses.

All of the various card types can be customised to address specific requirements. Experienced graphic designers, press operators and technical advisers can provide a complete service from design right through to production. At Company cards, we also provide a fulfilment service wherein we can post your plastic cards directly out to your customers attached to a personalised letter, or insert the cards into a brochure.

To view the full range of plastic card options why not explore the site? We’re confident you’ll be surprised as to the variety of options available in helping your business reach, retain and impress its customers.

Our team is ready

Please get in touch, we can't wait to help you out.

Swype is part of the Company Cards Ltd Group