Put It On Plastic

PM: What are some advantages plastic cards have over other promotional items? What makes them good promotional products?

WN: The primary advantage is that recipients want cards perhaps more than any other promotional item of comparable value. When a promotional or incentive program offers recipients something they want, it’s great for both the client and recipient.

In addition to popularity, card-based programs are also more customizable than many traditional items. There are only so many ways to print a logo on a pen or a notepad. Cards and card packaging can be customized to suit the client. Through our partnership with Serious, we can encode customized, interactive content onto the card itself. ››

SP: Because of the incredible proliferation of plastic cards, there is a perceived value with any type of plastic card. Regardless of the ultimate utility of the card, connecting with a widely used product medium that has intrinsic value lends to an instant credibility. Additionally, printed plastics are very versatile as a print medium. Not being limited to simple logo imprints and having room for branding or messaging can be a tremendous advantage.

PM: How are plastic cards different today than they were 10 years ago?

WN: Ten years ago, long-distance was the most popular card-based product and gift cards were just beginning to emerge. Downloadable music, games, ringtones and other products were either new or non-existent. Today, there are vastly more product types available, allowing companies to use card-based programs to provide better value to clients at lower costs.

SP: The quality of printed plastic cards is much better than it was 10 years ago. The last decade has brought production efficiencies and technology advancements, and has allowed suppliers to offer a superior product at more competitive prices. The same efficiencies, combined with additional capacity, have also allowed more forward-thinking card manufactures to continually improve turn times.