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2009 - Page 2 of 24 - Plastic card
Yearly Archives

2009

Oct 07
0

The magic behind the magnetic stripe

By | Membership Cards | No Comments

What do you really know about the magnetic stripe on the back of your gift card, credit card and the multitude of other plastic cards in your wallet?

If you are looking to implement a gift card (or other plastic card) program with this level of functionality or broker a portion of these services, keep reading.

When the card is swiped at the register it works like magic!  But unfortunately magnetic stripes are not powered by pixie dust.

Simply put, a magnetic stripe holds a unique number that is linked to a stored value account.  The plastic card is a tangible representation and access point to the account within the system in which it lives.

A common misconception is that codes for varying dollar amounts are loaded during the manufacturing process but this is not true.  Only the account numbers, which are provided by the processor managing the stored value accounts, are encoded onto the magnetic stripe during card production.  The card manufacturer guarantees that there will be no gap in the data meaning that two cards have the same number.

The more difficult and technical portion of a gift card, loyalty card, credit card or any other plastic card program is the back end processing solution.

Visa and MasterCard are two of the largest systems as they are accepted and can be processed by the largest conglomerate of retailers and service providers.  Private label credit cards, gift cards and other privately branded plastic card programs only work within their specified system e.g. Best Buy credit cards and gift cards only work at Best Buy stores.

Other payment and points based cards such as gift and loyalty cards work similarly in that they are only valid within the specified system or the store in which they are offered.  Again, this is not a fault of the actual card, but because the store in which the card will be accepted or processed must be within a centralized accounting/processing solution.

There are three components that make up a processing solution

  1. The point of sale system
  2. The processing software (within the POS)
  3. Real time bookkeeping/stored value management

All of these services are provided and managed by a processor or financial institution that keeps track of and processes the stored value accounts.

These processors make it possible for merchants to accept credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard.  Processors can also help merchants process cards for their own unique programs such as a gift and loyalty card and the magnetic stripe for a program like this is encoded with a range of numbers that is specified by the processor (as mentioned earlier).
The care is the simplest component of the scenario; however, it is arguably the most important aspect of the program because it is the physical piece that links the customer to the plastic card program and ultimately the store/brand.

Plasticcardonline can help you design or produce a custom plastic gift card, loyalty card, credit card, promotional card, plastic key tag, membership card, medical card, frequent shopper card, insurance card, plastic promotional business card or any other plastic card that is sure to stand out from the rest.

At this time there is no solution to process a card across multiple platforms.  For example there is no gift card that can be used in multiple locations other than those powered by Visa or MasterCard in which case the card must be accepted everywhere Visa and MasterCard are excepted and, of course, are subject to all fees and limitations.

The only other exception is where multiple stores share an accounting umbrella as well as processing platform.  This is why Toys R Us gift cards may also be redeemed at Babies R Us.  Also, restaurant conglomerates commonly offer similar flexibility to the consumer.

Each state has laws that govern what retailers can and cannot do with a gift card program in terms of expiration dates and associated fees.  This is another reason for the lack of a multiplatform solution.

Getting Started

  • Once a retailer chooses a gift and loyalty package from a processor they are ready to order plastic magnetic stripe cards.
  • Some processors supply the cards as part of the processing package and contractually bind retailers and service providers from using a third party source for plastic cards.
  • This, of course, is because processors make a healthy commission on the cards that they are not willing to give up.  The answer you or your client will likely hear in this scenario from a processor is, “Only our cards are guaranteed to work in our systems.”  However, the truth is that any reputable card manufacturer will guarantee their products.

Alternately, there are a few friendly processors who will allow you to work with us and manage the card buy yourself.  Those companies include:

  • Paytronix (this company provides gift and loyalty solutions for restaurant merchants only)
  • Fifth Third Gift Card Processing (gift card solutions only)
  • Smart Transaction Systems (gift card solutions only)
  • We can recommend other vendors for your specific processing needs.  Call today to speak to one of our sales experts.

Plasticcardonline is a leading manufacturer of plastic cards, card personalization, finishing services, mailing and fulfillment and printed plastic promotions.  Our products include custom plastic gift cards, loyalty cards, private label credit cards, plastic membership and custom plastic identification cards including access cards.

Our line of promotional card printing includes plastic ID badges, promotional gift cards, recycled plastic cards, plastic key tags, corporate luggage tags, custom hotel key cards, custom key tags, custom luggage tags and more.

We offer flexible solutions with the service you expect at the speed you need.  visit www.Plasticcardonline.com to learn more.

Sep 22
0

Plastic card RUSH printing service available NOW!! Only 7days to receive your cards!

By | News | No Comments

Do you believe you can receive your cards within 7days after you place order?

Plasticcardonline.com is now providing this kind of plastic card rush printing/shipping service.

Our rush printing service turnaround is 7days including shipping.

For example , if you order on Sunday, approve artwork and make payment within the same day.  Then we start printing on Monday. The card will be printed and ready to ship on Wednesday.  Then we will use UPS express shipping, it will arrive by Friday.

For rush printing, the rush fee is $300 and there will be $50 extra shipping cost for UPS shipping.

Terms and agreement:

  1. Rush fee will be added to order total amount, and there will be no more discount for rush orders if we made the 7days turnaround.
  2. For rush order, we promise the above listed turnaround.
  3. Due to unexpected delay in UPS shipping process occurs some time, we can’t promise 100% success for 7days turnaround.  Pls beaware that we won’t accept 100% refund if we failed.
  4. If we failed, all rush fee will be refunded and will give extra discount $50-$200 according to your order amount.
  5. Also for rush printing order, the card can’t have thermal printed number or barcode, such kind of process will take at least 1 day extra.

Any question , please contact us.

Sep 18
0

Is Security in the Cards?

By | News | No Comments

Simple solutions for adding printed security elements to your Plastic ID Badges.

“Security breach cost big business bucks!”. You could have picked this headline or comment out of any of hundreds or thousands of headlines or line copy from talking heads or news stories.  For every physical or virtual security “wall” we can build, the bad guys are always looking for five ways to tunnel under, leap over or knock it down.

One common method for breaching a company, educational institution or even government facility is related to counterfeit Plastic Identification Cards.

ID cards have become extremely common.  It’s one of the first things you get as a new student or worker.  Along with the broad adaption of custom plastic ID cards has come better, smaller, faster and cheaper technology for issuing these cards. That’s the good news for the Plastic ID card issuer, unfortunately, it’s also the bad news.

Given the readily available hardware the seedy side of society has jumped at the chance to reproduce credentials for a variety of illicit purposes.  It is actually a very large underground business.

So what’s a card issuer to do to protect the integrity of a program?  There is probably no guaranteed “fool proof” solution but there are a few simple printing techniques that can make your Custom Plastic ID card program more secure with a quick and easily identified visual that can authenticate a card.

  • Optically Variable Ink (OVI) – This same ink technology is used on US currency. It is an ink that could be used to print a logo, text or other graphic elements in a 2 phase color shifting ink. At one angle the color is different than when viewed from another angle.
  • UV Visible – This ink treatment is commonplace in credit cards and drives license security.  Certain elements of the art could be printed with this ink that is only visible when held under an Ultra Violet light source (think black light).
  • Micro Printing – ultra fine printing of extremely small point text looks like a line at first glance.  Under close inspection, typically with a magnifying glass, the wording would become apparent.
  • Embedded Hologram or Foils – Adding a hologram , foil stamp pattern or logo under the card laminate of plastic ID Badgers is a highly durable, and visibly appealing security method.

Plastic Card Suppliers  Custom Plastic ID Cards, Recycled Plastic Cards Corn Card Teslin Card

  • Card Serialization – Plastic Id card issuers start with either a blank card or a pre-printed card with space for the card holders name, photo,  and other information.  The thefts of these “blanks” are a common issue.  Adding a serial number to your cards in inventory can be a very effective method for tracking usage and creating an audit trail.
Sep 15
0

Recession Priced Promotions

By | Membership Cards | No Comments

No doubt that economic uncertainty causes any business to pause and take a second look at promotional spending.  Unfortunately. when marketing budgets are sliced and dice what was originally mean to stabilize the bottom line can end up contributing to a downward spiral.  Lack of proper promotions and PR in a recession can lead to even more troubled times.

Here are Five quick ideas for low cost, big impact plastic promotions that wont crunch you cash but give bang for your buck:

Promotional Gift Cards – Print a nice plastic card that looks and feels like a legit gift card and use it it as a simple barcoded coupon to drive business

Corporate Luggage Tags – A laminated luggage tag with a write on back is a great way to promote a business or organization at a tradeshow or destination event.  By definition people have traveled to get there and  custom printed luggage tag are a great premium

Custom Hotel Key Cards – Promotional hotel keys are a hot ticket.  Work with a host hotel to help promote private events or work with area restaurants or tourist destinations to pay for keys that will be issued to guest at nearby hotels.

Promotional Business Cards –  a nice four color plastic business card has some serious wow to it when you hand it to a client or prospect.  The reaction you get will surprise you.

Custom Keytags – almost everyone has keys and custom printed keytags are a fantastic promo tool to keep a marketing message close to people hands and in their minds.

So now that you have some idea’s… how do you find the right card manufacturer?

Many vendors (including plasticcardonline) offed high quality plastic card products in four color process printing and low minimums.  If time is of the essence, make sure a supplier offer quick proofs (via online systems) and fast turn around times.   If you want a green slant to your promotion, make sure the supplier has options for recycled plastic cards or corn card solutions. Finally compare a few quotes to get the best deal.

All in all plastic card promotions are a really good deal.  You get high value and good visual

Sep 11
0

The Card-iologist Files

By | Membership Cards | No Comments

So I am on a new “card” case today!

A major office supply retailer has a plastic membership card program that I am preparing a bid for.

I wanted to take a moment to point out some facts about this project that are text book cases of how to do a program like this.

The project is for the production and fulfillment of a custom plastic ID Card. Those seeking a corporate account  can sign up online or in store. When approved they are issued a “purchasing card”.

Assuming we win this plastic card business, we will receive daily or weekly files to personalize a card and welcome letter and mail to the recipient.

The point of all this is… there is power in personalized plastic.  Direct mailers have known the secret power of “personalized” for some time.  More recently plastic cards have become a critical part of many direct mail projects. Combine the two and it can be a serious one-two punch.  Here are the primary points I wanted to make about this program.

  • Card is personalized with card holder name
  • Card carrier indicates personlalized information about the account
  • Card serves as an anchor in the wallet since it has strong branding identity
  • Frequencey of mailings gets cards into the hands of consumer/buyer quickly
  • We offered recycled plastic as alternative add a green slant to the initiative

In today’s technology terms, there might not be a need for a physical plastic card for this service offering.  But the marketing folks who are behind this know the impact that a high value is perceived when a nice “credit card” product bares the openers name.  Even better, in this kit there is a personalized kit that has other personalized information printed on the letter.

I am confident that our expertise could positions us for a good chance win this bid and get the project rolling soon!

If you interested in how to implement you own plastic identification card program or custom membership card program be sure to contact one of our qualified card-iologist at Teraco.

Sep 08
0

Everything you need to know about Plastic Membership Card Printing

By | Membership Cards | No Comments

Membership organizations depend on members for funds and volunteer support.  When embarking on custom plastic membership card printing and design there are several things to consider.

We all like to feel important and valued as a customer.  The credit card companies make a lot of money on this concept of exclusivity and status.  It means something to be a Gold, Platinum, or Diamond member and any member based program can have their own tiers or levels of participation and member benefits.  The more exclusive, the better.

Also, keep in mind that the card is an important component because it serves as the tangible piece that links the member to the organization and the cause.  As you move forward with developing the perfect custom plastic membership card for your member program, consider these points associated with custom plastic membership card printing…

  • Quality – Inferior cards can send the wrong message.  Chose credit card quality and thickness to capitalize on the value associated with payment cards.  Members need to feel valued and a quality plastic member card will help you achieve that.
  • Personalization – We all like to see our name in lights.  This element adds a personal touch and makes the program come to life.
  • Authentication – Adding a security feature in the membership card printing process; you communicate additional value and exclusivity.  A simple signature panel on a plastic membership card will yield a secure, high-end result.  This can also add to the usability of a membership program as a signed card can be used as credentials for your various events and functions.

All reputable plastic card suppliers will stand behind their products and be able to answer any questions you have about custom plastic card products as well as applicable plastic card programs such as membership cards, gift cards loyalty cards, promotional cards custom key tags and more.

Sep 05
0

Adding Value To Your Plastic Cards

By | News | No Comments

“I need 10,000 custom membership cards, printed 4 over 1 with each card personalized.  Give me your best price, because that will be the decision criteria”  How many time have we heard this or something very similar?  Seems to be more and more with our current economic condition.

Price will always play a major role in a client’s decision making for a plastic card products orders.  However, for many customers, the cards are just one part of a larger application.  We are finding that our customers need carriers to hold the cards, letters and envelopes for mailing them and tailored storage and distribution services for getting the product where it needs to go in a fast, economical and efficient manner.

Most custom gift plastic cards, loyalty card solutions and custom plastic ID card applications require these and other additional services to complete their objective – get into customers hands for use.   Teraco offers a wide range of additional services and capabilities that can make us a one stop shop for these programs.

  • Complete encoding, embossing, imaging and personalization services
  • Printing capabilities for carriers, envelopes, letters, brochures, inserts, etc.
  • All affixing services and capabilities
  • Mail and letter shop services
  • Inventory management, storage and distribution services
  • Itemized statement billing
  • Activation label production and affixing
  • Customized reporting

There is true value in these services that many card manufactures cannot, or will not, provide.  Also, many companies take these services on themselves without doing a real cost benefit analysis to see how cost effective it is to outsource these functions, not to mention significant gains in turn time and efficiency in most cases.

One of my philosophies has always been bring more value to the table that what the was originally asked for.  The only thing that can happen is it will not be needed.  If you don’t present it, you will never now.   Think beyond the core product to see where and how you might use the item to build loyalty, acquire and retain customers and build brand recognition.

plasticcardonline can help.  As the a premier plastic card supplier, we can meet all of your needs.  Give me a call and let’s see what we can do together!

Sep 01
0

Meet the QuikCard ID Card Printing Package from Zebra

By | ID Cards | No Comments
This bundled ID card printing solution is geared toward small to mid-level companies. Organizations that need customization for employee access or personalization for customers can benefit from this type of one-stop shopping. Zebra (Eltron) announced this new packaged deal in early March 2009. The system features your choice of a P110i or P120i card printer. The combination also includes design software/templates, and a Logitech USB web cam (with a mini-tripod). A packet of 200 PVC cards and a printer ribbon round out the collection. This makes ordering an all-in-one ID system as easy as asking for the #4 combo meal at a drive through. All the customer has to decide on is whether to select single or dual sided printing and if magnetic stripe encoding should be included.This QuikCard ID Solution is ideal for businesses that need immediate enrollment capabilities without a large up-front investment. The software is compatible with Microsoft Excel and CSV files. This means information can be imported from existing databases to populate card fields. The included webcam negates the need to purchase a separate digital camera for ID photo capture. However, other images can be uploaded into the card template if desired.

Both the P110i and P120i printers offer full color and monochrome printing using dye sublimation and thermal resin ribbon. These simple Load-N-Go cartridges are designed for installation that takes just a few seconds. The iSeries ribbon detection software works to maximize printer performance and also indicates usage status. This feature notifies the operator when cartridges are running low and need to be reordered.

These printers can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Employee and student IDs, membership/loyalty cards, gift cards, and access devices are just a few examples. The unit is small enough to be taken over the road for event management or trade shows as well. With a printing speed of up to 120 full color cards per hour, keeping up with a busy ID enrollment schedule will be no problem.

Another Good Deal

Zebra isn’t the only manufacturer offering a great starter package. The Datacard SP35 or SP55 Plus Bundle is another option. This solution includes a single or dual sided printer, the ID Works Intro software, a 250 print ribbon and 500 PVC cards. These Datacard models are designed to be user friendly. They offer quick change supplies and an operator replaceable printhead. Both the input and output hoppers are on the front of the machine for easy access and space conservation.

This bundle does not include a camera so one must be purchased separately. However, the Datacard does offer edge-to-edge printing, which covers the entire card surface. This delivers a seamless look with no borders. The SP35/55 can also be used for contact and contactless smart card programming (the entry level Zebra printers offer only magnetic stripe encoding). These modules can be factory installed or field upgraded. Such flexibility makes these printers ideal for companies that are likely to transition to more advanced card technologies in the future.

Aug 27
0

Accessorized Your Plastic Card Printer

By | News | No Comments

There are many plastic card printer suppliers that offer a complete range of supplies and accessories especially designed for your card printer. In the card printer market you can find range of accessories to get the most out of your card printer such as cables, additional card feeder, cleaning kits etc. Here are some of the plastic card supplies and accessories:

– Colored Ribbons – There are a complete variety of colored ribbons to choose from to get the most out of your plastic card printer. It is advised to know the brand of your printer to ensure that you use the appropriate card printer ribbons for your printer. The color printer ribbons are used in dye sublimation printers and high definition printers for a print full color cards which gives a smooth, clear image.

– Monochrome Ribbons- This type of ribbon does not only refer to black and white printer ribbons, they can also print specific color design according to your needs. It used a single color to create a range of shades. This type of card printer ribbon is ideal for a small scale, economical card printing needs.

– Specialty Ribbons – This kind of ribbon is design for unique printer applications. It comes in wide range of types and colors which includes dye sublimation, high definition, thermal transfer, laminate and many more depending on the type of printer you own and on the printing needs of your organization.

– Blank Plastic Card (PVC) – For outstanding printouts on the information written on your card, you should focus in choosing the right blank plastic card manufacturer. There are so many flaws that can occur on printing when you use low quality blank plastic card. You can avoid this printing problem if you choose a well respected and leading manufacturer with high quality of plastic card for your plastic card printing needs.

– Plastic Card Cleaning Kits – This cleaning kit will help your plastic card printer last for longer years. It will also keep the quality of the print by preventing the unit free from fragments that can affect printing results on your card. Having plastic card cleaning kit is the most economical preventive maintenance that you can do to keep your printer in good condition. It can also save you a lot of money and time by increasing the quality of your print and save on replacing some parts of your printer every now and then.

– Plastic Card Printer Cases – it gives protection to your card printer during moves. It is specially designed to keep your printer from bumps during transfer of your printer to one place to another. But it is necessary to find the right case for the specific plastic card printer model because each transport plastic card printer case is designed for every specific plastic card printer type.

Aug 24
0

Many business persons make money by photo ID

By | ID Cards | No Comments
As with just about anything done in-house, creating photo IDs on location will save money. This article will cover several different pieces of equipment and supplies required. Although a little overwhelming at first, once all the pieces are put together, creating a photo ID is very easy and requires little time. All ID card printers are compatible with PC systems running Windows XP and Vista and many are now compatible with Mac computers running Mac OSX or higher. Linux capable ID card printers are hit and miss.The first thing any business will need to create photo identification badges in-house is a photo ID card printer. There are several models available from manufacturers such as Fargo, Magicard, for more details visit to www.greateducationonline.com Polaroid and Evolis. These printers almost all print edge-to-edge ID cards in full high-resolution color. A few options that can be selected in a printer are the ability to print on both sides, encode smart cards and write to magnetic stripes. Printers also vary by printing speed, hopper capacity and other technical variables.

Almost all ID card printers manufactured today use a process called die sublimation, which uses a printer ribbon with four panels. These panels are yellow, for more details visit to www.greatindustrialguide.com magenta, cyan and black (YMCK). Many include a fifth panel called an overlay, which places a clear panel over the printed card to extend the life of the image and prevent scratches.

Die sublimation printers use a thermal print head to burn the image onto a plastic PVC ID card. If full color printing is out of your businesses budget, single color monochrome ribbons are available for most printers and are a fraction the cost of a full-color ribbon. Although not as common, there are a few inkjet ID printers available, which use high-resolution inkjet technology rather than die sublimation.

In order to layout, design and create a photo ID, you will need to buy some card creation software. Most ID card software, from brands such as Asure ID, EPISuite and Card 5, have an easy-to-use template that makes it easy to type text, paste pictures and create a base template for all your business’s ID cards.

Software is available in several different packages depending on the volume of ID cards to be printed and the size of the business involved. Additional options found in elite software packages, not found in entry-level packages, include advanced photo importing capabilities, database interfacing and batch printing.

Along with the printer, software and ribbons, you will also need to purchase cards. Most ID cards used are known as 30-mil CR-80, which are the same size and thickness of a standard credit card. The “80” in CR-80 is the size of the card. Thirty-mil is the thickness of the card. Although less common, some businesses use a thinner 10-mil thickness for cards.

Businesses that use proximity cards will often use a 10 mil CR-80 card with an adhesive back. Once printed, a backing is removed from the pressure-sensitive card where it is then stuck to the proximity card. Many CR-80 PVC cards are also available with smart chips (integrated circuit card) and magnetic stripes.

Once printed, many ID cards are slot punched in order to be used on a lanyard, badge reel or badge strap clip. Many businesses will also use a badge holder, horizontal or vertical, to hold the ID card where it can then be attached to a lanyard or strap clip. Using lanyards, badge reels or strap clips makes it easy to present and access identity cards.

Maintenance on ID card printers is easy. A wide assortment of cleaning cards and ribbons are available, which help keep the thermal print head clean and running at top efficiency. Many printers will let you know when they need to be cleaned. If an older printer is being used, symptoms of a needed cleaning may include blurred text or irregular colors. Regular maintenance will keep the ID card out of the shop and will allow you to print ID cards on a regular and uninterrupted basis.