To Print or Not To Print - THAT is the Question!

For many people who are looking into adding plastic cards to their business, the big question is what is the most cost effective solution for me? Is this something that will add value to my business for having it, or is there a less expensive solution for me?

These are very valid questions, and definitely worth the research. The mistake most easily made, however is the analysis of only the cost of the materials and machine.

For some, laminate cards are a seemingly less expensive option.

Back in the "olden days", laminate cards were "it". They offered a water proof, more durable option to the previously popular heavy paper stock cards. However, the actual process of making the card was painful. The machine had to warm up, the paper had to be printed, then placed into the special sleeve, then run through the machine...trimmed.... It was laborious. And to do several at a time was cumbersome. Nevermind that someone had to more or less be assigned to do only this task for a significant time period. Then of course there was the durability- a little wear and the dog earred cards delaminated and needed to be printed again.
Painful and costly.

If one was to only look at the cost of the machine and materials versus the cost of a PVC card printer and consumables, one might easily demise that laminated cards were a more cost effective solution, however, as illustrated above, when consideration is made for durability and time investment, never mind the less than professional image that a laminated card provides, it actually can COST a company money in the end.

The lesson here? In finding the right solution for your company, don't simply stop at the actual cost of the items. Factor in to your costing the durability of the card as well as the time investment needed to print your cards - and add on as the bonus the fact that you will have a finished, colourful and professional looking item at the finish.

At Cards Plus, we offer a variety of solutions for our clients - from high quality card printers to large and small volume preprinted cards, to our very popular "Quick Card" service, with no minimum quanity, and a speedy turnaround time.

Give us a call and let us help you find the right solution for your company. +27 011 894 3914 (South Africa) www.cardsplus.co.za

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Your Source for Card Printer Consumables!

Back in the day when McDonald's had only sold a million burgers, they stumbled across a great customer service method - don't just offer a burger and be satisfied. Offer french fries, a drink and maybe a sundae for dessert as well.

In our busy society there is value in the "one stop shop". Sourcing individual items is a time consuming task - and time is money. Perhaps you already have your card printer, but your blank cards are low, and you know that the ribbon you put in last month is getting down to it's last few images. Perhaps you have an event coming up, and you know that you will need not only plastic cards, but lanyards and card holders as well. Or maybe you don't have any of these items - only the need to get your company's ID badges printed a.s.a.p. We can help!

We carry stock of the most commonly used Edisecure, Zebra, Datacard and Fargo print ribbons. And if it isn't so common, we have local and overseas suppliers who can provide them in a blink of an eye. We also carry premium PVC plastic cards, both white and coloured (including metallic), Hi Co and Lo Co magnetic stripe cards and assorted card accessories. Everything you will need to accomplish the task ahead of you.

So let us give you a hand and provide you with very competively priced, quality card printer ribbons, plastic cards and card accessories that will make you look great when your project is completed.

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Can Do Files - Saving the Day

There are always those moments in life when despite the best made plans and preparation - things fall apart. And suddenly one is faced with a crisis that requires immediate action.

Our "Cards Plus Can Do" update is an opportunity we had this last week to help someone save the day - and just in the nick of time.

A very prestigious event was planned by one of our clients - much thought and preparation was made - even down to the red carpet for the VIP guest who was arriving to this special conference. One of the smaller pieces of this event were the plastic name badges that everyone would wear - and wouldn't you know that the client's card printer went down. A very stressed coordinator called our offices to see if we could assist in printing the plastic name badges and have them to her event in record time.

Thanks to our amazing and flexible staff we were able to come to her aid and print up the 50+ plastic cards she needed and hand deliver them to her event - just hours before the event began.

Our convenient Card Bureau service provides for instances such as these. No minimum card order, quick turnaround, helpful staff, and of course beautiful plastic cards. These are the things that make Cards Plus successful, and give us an opportunity to be a help to those in those who find themselves in the midst of a bit of a crisis.

It's our job, and we love it.

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