Gift Card Printing: An Overview of Options and Benefits

Gift cards are popular gifts, with an estimated 70% of Americans having purchased or received one in the past year. The main advantage of gift cards is that a recipient can use them to choose precisely the item they like, but depending on the specific product and vendor, the convenience, cost and security of gift card printing can vary significantly. In this article, we will examine the different ways to print gift cards and discuss some pros and cons. We will also look at two case studies and provide some tips on best practices.

Types of Plastic Cards

The most common type of plastic gift card is the standard magnetic stripe card. These have a magnetic strip on the back that stores basic customer information as well as the amount available for spending. Plastic cards can also offer additional features such as integrated graphics, holograms and barcoding. Some organizations also allow customers to print plastic cards with custom designs and messages.

Features Benefits

• Personalized designs and messages make the cards perfect for any occasion.
• Integrated graphics, holograms and barcoding ensure that the cards are secure.
• Magnetic stripe cards are easy to use and convenient for customers.

Pros Cons

One of the main advantages of plastic gift cards is that they are almost universally accepted. Furthermore, the production and printing of these cards is relatively inexpensive. However, the main downside of plastic cards is that they can be lost or stolen, resulting in a loss of funds for both the customer and the retailer.

Case Studies

Case 1: Beauty Lounge

Beauty Lounge is an upscale salon located in San Francisco. The salon offers a variety of services, from haircuts and highlights to massages and manicures. To encourage customers to purchase gift cards, the owner decided to print personalized plastic cards with the Beauty Lounge logo. The cards proved to be popular and helped the salon increase profits by 10% in the first year.

Case 2: Coffee House

Joe's Coffee House is a small chain of coffee shops located in Los Angeles. The owners of the chain wanted to incentivize customers to purchase gift cards, so they implemented a loyalty program, with plastic cards printed with a customized database. Customers who purchased cards and presented them at the register were given double the amount of points for every purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the advantages of plastic cards?

The main advantage of printing plastic cards is that they are almost universally accepted and the production and printing process is relatively inexpensive. Additionally, personalized designs and messages make plastic cards perfect for any occasion.

Are plastic cards secure?

Yes, many plastic cards have integrated graphics, holograms and barcoding for additional security.

What are the drawbacks of plastic cards?

The main downside of plastic cards is that they can be lost or stolen, resulting in a loss of funds for both the customer and the retailer.

Mistakes People Make when Printing Gift Cards

• Forgetting to add security features such as integrated graphics, holograms and barcoding.
• Failing to check for typos or incorrect information on the cards.
• Using generic designs instead of customizing the cards for each occasion.
• Not including contact information in case the card is lost or stolen.

Best Practices for Gift Card Printing

• Utilize security features such as integrated graphics, holograms and barcoding.
• Double-check for typos and incorrect information on the cards.
• Personalize cards for each occasion with custom designs and messages.
• Include contact information in case the card is lost or stolen.
• Offer discounts and incentives for customers to purchase gift cards.

Final Notes

Gift cards are a popular and convenient way to give gifts, but there are a few important issues to consider when printing plastic cards. Utilizing the right security measures, customizing the cards for each occasion, and offering discounts and incentives are all great ways to encourage customers to purchase gift cards and increase profits. In this article, we have overviewed the different types of plastic cards, examined the features benefits as well as the pros cons, and looked at two case studies. We have also provided some FAQs, mistakes people make, and best practices for printing gift cards.

Choosing the right option for printing your gift cards is an important decision and can have a big impact on your business. Consider all your options carefully and take the time to make sure your gift cards are secure and convenient for customers.