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ID card printing is the process of producing employee badges, visitor credentials, membership cards, and access cards used for identification and security purposes. Organizations can either manage printing internally with professional equipment or outsource badge production to a third party vendor depending on their operational needs, security requirements, and printing volume.

For many organizations, the decision seems simple at first. Outsourcing appears convenient. Buying a printer feels like a larger commitment. But once onboarding delays, security concerns, rush fees, and ongoing badge updates start piling up, the equation changes quickly.

At Avon Security Products, organizations across Canada regularly ask the same question: is it smarter to outsource employee badge printing, or bring everything in house? 

The answer depends on more than just upfront cost.

At a Glance

• In house ID card printing gives organizations faster turnaround times, stronger security control, and better flexibility.
• Outsourced ID card printing may work for businesses with very low print volume or infrequent badge updates.
• Organizations with growing teams often save money long term by investing in professional ID card printers.
• Secure credentials, visitor badges, and access cards are easier to manage internally when immediate reprints or updates are needed.
• Canadian organizations increasingly prefer in house printing for operational efficiency, onboarding speed, and data protection.

Why More Organizations Are Bringing ID Card Printing In House

The biggest shift happening across Canadian workplaces is not just about convenience. It is about control.

Organizations are realizing that employee badges are no longer simple plastic cards. They often connect to building access systems, visitor management platforms, attendance tracking, payment systems, and security infrastructure.

As workplace privacy expectations continue evolving across Canada, many organizations are reassessing how employee credentials, identification systems, and personal data are managed internally. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada also provides broader guidance on workplace privacy considerations for employers managing employee information and access related data.

Waiting several days for an outsourced provider to process badge updates no longer works for fast moving teams.

With modern ID card printer systems, businesses can issue secure credentials immediately without relying on external production schedules or shipping timelines.

For growing companies, schools, healthcare facilities, government organizations, and industrial operations, that flexibility matters more than ever.

Outsourced Badge Printing Sounds Easy Until You Need Speed

Outsourcing can absolutely make sense in some situations. If a company only prints a handful of cards each year, using a third party provider may reduce equipment investment and maintenance responsibilities. Small organizations with limited badge requirements may find outsourcing practical in the short term.

But problems often appear once badge needs become more frequent. A new employee starts tomorrow. A contractor loses an access card. A visitor badge needs updating immediately. A department changes branding. A credential expires unexpectedly.

Now the organization is waiting on:

• Vendor processing times
• Shipping delays
• Reprint approvals
• Rush production costs
• Communication back and forth

That delay creates operational friction that many businesses underestimate initially. Employee onboarding slows down. Temporary workarounds appear. Security gaps increase. Staff waste time managing badge requests instead of solving higher value problems. Convenience disappears quickly once organizations need real time flexibility.

The Real Cost Comparison Most Businesses Miss

The conversation around cost is often framed incorrectly. Many organizations only compare the upfront purchase price of a printer against the per card pricing of outsourced printing. That comparison misses the operational costs attached to delays and dependency.

Outsourced printing may include:

• Per card production fees
• Design setup fees
• Shipping costs
• Rush order charges
• Replacement badge fees
• Ongoing vendor pricing increases

Meanwhile, in house printing creates predictable long term costs tied primarily to supplies and printer maintenance.

Organizations printing badges regularly often discover that producing cards internally becomes significantly more cost effective over time.

The math becomes even more favorable when organizations manage:

• Employee badge printing
• Visitor credentials
• Temporary contractor badges
• Membership cards
• Student IDs
• Parking permits
• Access credentials

The more cards issued throughout the year, the more valuable in house printing becomes financially.

Security and Data Privacy Are Becoming Bigger Concerns

This is where many organizations completely rethink outsourcing.

Employee badges often contain:

• Staff names
• Photos
• Department information
• Security clearance levels
• Access permissions
• Barcodes or QR codes
• Encoded smart card data

Sending sensitive employee information to external vendors introduces additional privacy and security considerations.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has also emphasized the importance of protecting employee information in workplace environments, especially when organizations manage sensitive identification and access related data.

For industries handling regulated information, secure facilities, healthcare data, or controlled access environments, maintaining internal control over credential production can significantly reduce exposure risks.

Organizations looking to print ultra secure ID cards often prefer internal production because it allows tighter control over badge issuance, data handling, encoding, and inventory management. Security is no longer just about the card itself. It is about the entire credential lifecycle.

Better Branding Starts With Better Control

Employee badges are part of a company’s visual identity. When organizations outsource printing, even small design changes can become frustratingly slow. Revisions may require additional setup charges or minimum order quantities.

In house printing allows organizations to control:

• Branding updates
• Logo changes
• Department colors
• Visitor badge variations
• Seasonal credentials
• Temporary access cards
• Event specific designs

That flexibility becomes especially important for organizations managing multiple locations, evolving branding standards, or large employee populations.

Many companies also use badges to reinforce professionalism during onboarding, conferences, customer visits, and internal events. Strong visual consistency matters more than many businesses realize.

Faster Onboarding Creates Real Productivity Gains

Every delay during onboarding creates friction for both employees and administrators.

New hires often need:

• Building access
• Parking permissions
• Time tracking credentials
• Department identification
• Visitor clearance
• Security authentication

Waiting days for outsourced badges slows the process immediately. Organizations with in house badge printing can create credentials during onboarding itself, allowing employees to start fully equipped from day one.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security also identifies physical access controls and credential management as important components of broader organizational security strategies, especially in environments managing employee access and secure facilities.

That speed improves:

• Employee experience
• HR efficiency
• Security compliance
• Facility access management
• Administrative productivity

For organizations experiencing growth, frequent staffing changes, or contractor turnover, those productivity improvements become substantial over time.

This is one reason businesses increasingly invest in access control cards for employee badge systems alongside internal printing infrastructure.

Technology Has Made In House Printing Easier Than Ever

Years ago, professional ID card printing systems felt complicated and expensive. That is no longer true.

Modern printers offer:

• User friendly interfaces
• Faster print speeds
• High definition printing
• Encoding capabilities
• Secure authentication features
• Cloud connected management tools
• Integration with access systems

Organizations can now manage secure credential programs internally without maintaining massive production departments.

The RCMP’s Access Management Guide also highlights how credential management and access control systems play a critical role in protecting facilities, authorized users, and secure operational environments.

Solutions like the Entrust Sigma series have also improved both security and operational simplicity. Businesses exploring advanced credential protection can learn more about how the Entrust Sigma DSE strengthens ID card security for modern badge environments. Technology has closed much of the operational gap that once made outsourcing seem easier.

Support and Maintenance Matter More Than Most Buyers Expect

One reason some organizations hesitate to buy printers is fear around maintenance. But reliable support changes everything.

Working with a Canadian supplier means organizations can access:

• Technical troubleshooting
• Product recommendations
• Genuine ribbons and supplies
• Replacement equipment guidance
• Setup assistance
• Ongoing system support

That support infrastructure dramatically improves the experience of managing in house printing.

Avon helps organizations build complete printing ecosystems that include printers, software, ribbons, encoding technology, and blank plastic cards for in-house badge printing without relying on disconnected vendors or uncertain supply chains.

The goal is not simply selling hardware. The goal is creating sustainable, scalable badge printing programs.

So, Which Option Is Better?

There is no universal answer. Outsourced ID card printing may still work well for organizations that:

• Print very few badges annually
• Rarely update credentials
• Do not manage access control systems
• Have minimal onboarding activity

But organizations with growing teams, security requirements, ongoing credential management, or operational complexity usually benefit far more from in house printing.

The long term advantages often include:

• Faster badge issuance
• Lower long term costs
• Better security oversight
• Greater operational flexibility
• Improved onboarding efficiency
• Easier branding control
• Reduced dependency on third party vendors

Most importantly, organizations gain the ability to respond immediately instead of waiting for someone else to manage critical credential needs.

Key Takeaways

• Outsourced ID card printing may work for low volume organizations, but growing businesses often benefit more from internal badge printing systems.
• In house ID card printing improves onboarding speed, operational flexibility, and security oversight.
• Professional ID card printers now offer easier setup, stronger integration capabilities, and advanced credential protection features.
• Managing badge printing internally creates more control over branding, access credentials, and employee data privacy.
• Organizations unsure which solution fits best should request guidance on choosing an ID card printer based on their print volume, security needs, and long term growth plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying an ID card printer cheaper than outsourcing?

For organizations printing badges regularly, in house printing often becomes more cost effective over time. Outsourcing may appear cheaper initially, but ongoing production fees, shipping costs, rush orders, and replacement charges can add up quickly as badge volume increases.

When does in house ID card printing make the most sense?

In house printing works best for organizations that frequently onboard employees, manage visitor credentials, update access cards regularly, or require immediate badge production. Businesses with ongoing credential needs usually benefit from faster turnaround times and better operational control.

Is outsourced badge printing less secure?

Outsourcing is not automatically insecure, but it does require sharing employee information and credential data with external vendors. Organizations handling sensitive access credentials or regulated information often prefer internal badge printing to maintain tighter control over security and privacy.

What equipment is needed for in house badge printing?

Most organizations need an ID card printer, printing software, ribbons, blank cards, and potentially encoding technology for smart cards or access credentials. The exact setup depends on print volume, security requirements, and integration needs.

Can modern ID card printers integrate with access control systems?

Yes. Many professional ID card printers integrate with access control platforms, visitor management systems, employee databases, and encoding technologies. Modern systems are designed to support secure credential management across multiple operational environments.

The Bottom Line

The decision between outsourcing and in house printing is really a decision about operational control.

Organizations that value flexibility, faster onboarding, stronger security oversight, and long term scalability increasingly choose to manage badge printing internally.

With the right equipment, support, and supply infrastructure, in house printing becomes less about managing cards and more about improving how the organization operates every day.

For Canadian businesses building secure credential programs, Avon Security Products provides the hardware, supplies, expertise, and long term support needed to create reliable in house ID card printing systems that scale alongside the organization.

If you’ve ever watched a photographer work then you know the importance of minimizing background distractions. In fact, this is one of the hallmarks of professional work: the use of backdrop stands or effective substitute to ensure the audience’s focus remains on the subject of the shot.

Although it’s possible to substitute a make-shift backdrop background, you’ll never realize the full potential of your photographs without the benefit of a sturdy stand and a quality backdrop. You must be able to easily arrange the sheet behind the subject, and it needs to be seamless so that it doesn’t take any attention away.

The Portable Photo Backdrop Stand with Backdrop

This popular option from Avon Security Products is excellent for small and medium-sized spaces. Since it measures 28in by 34in, with an adjustable stand that scopes from 28in to 78in, it is quite enough to fill up the background for photo ID shots such as passports and other government credentials. Of course, it functions just as well if you run a school and need to photograph students, or an office with a policy of employee photo badges.>

As you would expect, the portability of this backdrops derives from how easy it is to disassemble and reassemble. Despite the sturdiness of its construction, it is surprisingly lightweight and can easily be handled by one person. The polyester sheet comes with the option of different solid colors:>

·         Grey

·         Black

·         White

·         Green

·         Yellow

·         Red

·         Light Blue

·         Royal Blue

There are also reversible color options with the white and two blue colors for a small extra fee, allowing you to use one backdrop stand for several different photo ID applications.

The Standing Retractable Backdrop

This Avon Security Products option is even more robust than the previous backdrop; it has dimensions spanning 35in x 50in, has a portable tripod stand, and comes in green, grey, light blue, royal blue, red, white and yellow. This one is a lot lower to the floor, also, and because of its size, can accommodate a larger room for photo shoots.

For ease of transport, Avon Security Products also sells a soft nylon carrying case that can accommodate both the background and the tripod or straight stand. The latter must be collapsed in order to fit, but they come with this functionality – so this isn’t a problem.

Ramp up the quality and professionalism of your photos – Avon Security Products carries everything that you’d need. Contact us today to learn more!

It doesn’t matter what mind of a business you run; whether you are a corporation, a small business, or you work from home, having the right tools available to you makes all the difference. With today’s technology you have capable, efficient, and quality tools such as Zebra printers to help you with all of your printing needs. However, because there are so many Zebra printers available, it’s hard to discern which one you should buy for your specific business needs. Below, we will be going over a few of the best printers from Zebra, as well as what businesses they work best for .

Desktop Printers

These printers are small enough to where you can place them right on a table or a desk. The newest model is the ZD420 and it can print an item 7.9 seconds. If you want something fast and efficient, that won’t take up a lot of space, the ZD42 is the best printer for you. This printer works well with businesses that are agencies where you need to print things like nameplates and product labels, as well as asset and lab specimen sample labels. The ZD420 is also a good option for people that need to work with a printer that is quick, but easy to use – it is good for any user level.

Industrial Printers

When you have a business where efficiency, durability, and variety is in order, you need an industrial printer. One of the better models is the Xi Series. This printer works best with companies and businesses in the transportation, retail, and manufacturing industries. You can do all sorts of tasks with these industrial Zebra printers, this one specifically can be used for shipping and receiving, compliance labeling, inventory checklists, management, cross docking and even work in process tracking.

ID Card Printers

If you are in the healthcare, restaurant/hospitality, or retail industries and you need to make up things like name tags, or even more complex options like creating gift cards, brochures or government IDs, these ID card printers are exactly what you need. You have quite a few series and models in this genre, however, the best one is the professional card reader – ZXP 3. This is right in the middle in terms of cost, and has some really great features such as branch office printing, membership cards and retail cards, personal ID printing and more. The Zebra printers in the ZXP 3 series can do single or double-sided prints and are best suited for businesses looking for a low to medium volume of cards to be printed.

RFID Printers

Zebra printers also have RFID printers. These printers do more than just print, as they can keep track of insights as well. The ZT400 Series is good for people in retail, transportation, warehouse management, manufacturing and in the healthcare industries. The ZT can literally do dozens of tasks quickly and efficiently such as help with back of store operations, print out documents and patient records, compliance labeling, serial number printing, product number printing, cross docking, and specimen/laboratory labeling. It also features quite a few resolutions depending on the one you need.

Any of these would work well for your business. It really all comes down to what you need the printer to do, what your budget is, and of course what you specifically want to use the printer for. Thankfully, Zebra offers a wide array of over 50 different printers in all categories which allow you to choose the one that would fit your needs the best.

To find the ID card printer you need from Zebra, contact us today!

Plastic card printing is actually a relatively easy task that can be done within a short amount of time. However, there are several things you will need before you get started with your place card printing.

High-resolution printers make it incredibly easy to create a high-quality card. You will need to make sure you get a printer that is able to print to both the quality and security level you need though. Many printers are able to be used in the field as well, making it easy to create visitor badges and other identification away from the office.

Some printers are also able to laminate and add security coding. These make it far easier to manage your tools and equipment as you won’t need to run trial and error for your items. If you need to print double-sided, make sure you find a printer that can manage the work. Many only print one-sided cards.

Card Material

The next item you need for your plastic card printing is the card itself. The type of card you need will be identified with the printer you purchase. Make sure to pay attention to the method of printing as well as that will affect the type of card you can use. Inkjet printers work better with a different type of material than a laser printer.

Laminate or Cover

Nearly all badges and id cards include a cover that will protect them. Laminating is a great way to ensure the life of a card after it has been through plastic card printing, but there are other ways to protect cards. The method of protection you choose could affect the other items you need. For example, if you simply slide the card into a protective cover, then you will need to have some way of safeguarding the card, such as a cover that can be sealed.

Software

This one is a bit trickier because it will depend on the printer you choose. All printers will require you to have the right software for plastic card printing, but the way you access the software can vary. The simplest setup is to have the software on the printer itself so that you do not need a computer or mobile device to complete the work.

Printers that contain all of the necessary software let you use their screens to set up the necessary information. However, if you include pictures, you will need some way to upload those images from the camera. It is important to read through all of the requirements for the software so that you can be prepared with all of the right tools before you begin.

Camera

If you need to add a picture to the id card or badge, you need a camera that can deliver a great picture. No matter how good cameras on phones have gotten, it is still not a great way to take an official picture. Make sure you get a camera that can deliver a high-resolution picture that is both clear and crisp so that your prints are successful.

Miscellaneous Items

These are items that you don’t need, but may be nice to have. For badges, you may need an additional cover so that the carrier can hang the badge around their neck or from a belt loop. If you need to punch holes into the card, make sure you have something that will provide consistent clean holes.

To invest in all the products you need for plastic card printing, shop our selection at Avon Security Products or contact us directly to learn more today!

These days, many professions require you to be able to print while you are on the go. While this is very handy in many ways, you are likely to find yourself wondering if you should invest in a printer carrying case to ensure your printer is safe. Or, you may be putting your printer in storage, in which case a printer carrying case will probably seem like a really good idea.

If you are unsure if you need a case for your printer, here are a few things to consider.

Exposure

The kind of conditions will the printer be exposed to will play a large role in whether or not you need a case.

·       Will it be moved between offices?

·       Is it likely to be sitting somewhere unused for a while?

·       Is there a chance that it can get wet?

·       Will it accumulate a lot of dust?

These are all important questions in the final decision if you need a printer carrying case. If the answer to any of these is yes, a carrying case is your best option. It will protect your printer from the elements and dust so that it will work just as well the next time you need it.

Additional Protection

In addition to exposure, you need to ensure that your printer is safe from accidents. A printer carrying case will help cushion your printer in the event that it is dropped, bumped into something, or has something placed on top of it. Of course, using caution when working with your printer is the best thing to do, but accidents happen. The carrying case is like additional insurance for those times when the unexpected happen.

Storage for Additional Items

While the printer may be the biggest component, you will likely need a way to carry additional parts. Paper and precut cards are items you will certainly need, but you also need a way to carry ink or toner, cords or batteries, and other items you need for your finished product. This is particularly important if you print cards and badges in the field. A printer carrying case gives you a way to store everything in a single place so you do not lose something important.

Easier Transport

Carrying cases are good for a lot of things, but this is definitively a reason of convenience. No matter how small a printer is, they are still a bit awkward to carry. A case makes it easy to transport your printer with minimal effort. From handles for smaller printers to wheels for larger printer models, cases come in a wide range of types to help you better move your printer when needed.

Asset Management

The more printers you or your business manage, the more important it is to be able to easily identify each asset. The case will give you a way of easily managing your portable printers (or those you place in storage) so that you do not have to spend a lot of time looking for the right printer. All of the necessary information is posted on the case for easy check in or check out.

To find the printer carrying case you need for your exact printer model, shop our selection or contact us directly today!

ID badge holders bring professionalism to any social gathering or workplace. They hold the key for others to understand and recognize your role at your job and also identify who you are to guests during formal and informal events. Without the proper identification, you become just a nameless face in a crowd. Your name or title allows you to garner the recognition you need to become successful in any venture.

The classic pin in place badge holder can destroy clothing and become a reoccurring problem. Nothing says sloppy or unkempt like clothing with tears, sadly sticking a pin through your stylish and professional blazer is asking for disaster. They also have that terrible propensity to catch on to things such as stray fabrics. ID badge holders should never inconvenience you and wreak havoc on your wardrobe. Magnetic ID badge holders are the easy solution.

Nothing brings aggravation more than clip-on badge holders. Your neatly pressed button up shirt, or classic silk blouse are the first victims to clip-on wrinkling. The odd little fabric lip that extends over your torso because of a metal clip is a fashion faux pas just waiting to happen. Your clothes don’t deserve that kind of treatment and neither do you! First impressions are everything in the business world and in all matters of socialization. Magnetic ID badge holders help to ensure the persona you give off to your clients, peers or other associates is a confident and capable one.

Sticking a Pin in the Competition

High-profile clients, executives, and social peers often demand your very best. How can you be at your best without looking the part and feeling comfortable in your own skin? The magic in magnetic ID badge holders lies in their functionality, their simple solution to solving a multitude of wardrobe malfunction problems. Badge holders that dangle look less professional, often becoming crooked, and hang at awkward angles. Other types of badge holders can feel cumbersome and weighty; a magnetic ID badge holder provides the proper support and movement, so that you may forget you are even wearing an ID badge!

Do you find yourself struggling over your next wardrobe choice for fear your ID badge holder will do damage to the fabric? Are you worried that your antiquated ID holder will make you appear less than at your professional best? Magnetic ID badge holders bring the advantages of streamline and sleek to you.  To discover how magnetic ID badge holders can keep you looking professional and put together no matter what the occasion calls for, contact us at Avon Security Products today!

Maintaining a balance of professionalism and organization is key in making any event, function or social gathering a raving success! From class reunions to government meetings, each event or professional atmosphere requires numerous practical and multi-functional moving parts to allow the event to run smoothly. Plastic name tag holders are the go-to accessories for any formal or casual get together. University students, party goers, government officials, and even office employees look to clear or colored plastic name tag holders to recognize and identify each person as their own unique individual.

Pro-Colour

Why choose colored name tag/badge holders? Here are a few eye-catching reasons.

Color is a great tool for sorting. Various groups, teams or individuals can have corresponding colors that allow for event leaders, attendees or even the errant passerby to distinguish each attendant’s position, personal contribution or interest.

For those who like to display their own unique and colorful personality, event attendees can take advantage of brightly colored name tag holders and customize their look.

Some events coordinate table settings, workshops and even group leaders to a certain color. Colored name tag holders fulfill functionality and formal flare with simplistic and hassle-free ease.

Pro-Clear

It’s clear as day, literally. Clear name tag holders are simple but mighty sorters for those who utilize these functional tools of sorting.

Large bold print highlighted behind transparent durable plastic coaxes the eye and declares undeniable intent. If your event needs simple and straight-forward clear plastic covers brings clarity to any function.

Do you need a touch of formal to bring your event full-circle? When you provide your guests with convenient and easy to use plastic name tag holders, any attendant will feel like a valued individual and part of something bigger. With customization options such as rigid or thinner plastic name tag holders, the clear plastic will help to preserve names and any other pertinent information that is required for a successful event.

Your Choice

Preferences are highly circumstantial and such is the case with colored or clear plastic name tag holders. If you feel color coordinated name tags are the perfect way to bring functionality and a touch of creativity to your event, it’s the best choice for you! For those who would forgo the color choice for the simpler yet still professional clear name tag holders, just do it! There is no clear winner, whatever the choice it’ll be the right one. Find out more by clicking here and let Avon Security Products ensure that any event you plan finishes with a standing ovation!

Do you strive for convenience and efficiency? Are you searching for marketing or advertising tools that will serve you well and further your purpose? The materials used to reach for success can affect the marketing portion of business plans, and positively or negatively impact first impressions. Professional-in-design business cards, ID cards or badges say a lot about what you offer your clients, event attendants or those who congregate to enjoy the occasional social gathering. If you want to achieve greatness, asking the right questions affords you opportunities for successful endeavors. So, the first question you should ask yourself is “Do I want paper or plastic?”

Durable or Disposable?

The cliché question “paper or plastic” seems a bit trivial by design but actually influences your bottom line. Small/large businesses, formal or informal conventions, weddings or receptions or the occasional soiree provide numerous options for branding, advertising or personalized touches to utilize. The paper card versus the plastic card debate in terms of providing identification for attendants or marketing for businesses is real. The comparison could perhaps be coined as short-term reward versus long-term success.

Why the Plastic Card is the Obvious Solution

While diamonds are forever, plastic at least comes in at a close second in the lasting category. Here are a few of the reasons behind choosing plastic over paper in the race to find the best material for your business or special events:

The plastic card is very weather-resistant. Unlike paper cards that are easily ruined by exposure to moisture, plastic wears well.

No need to laminate. While paper ID cards may seem the more affordable option at the time, costs to laminate paper cards add up quickly and take away from your marketing or event’s budget.

Great for representing your organization or business, the plastic card has a more refined and genteel look in comparison with paper cards that are easily bent or can tear. You wouldn’t want to look crumpled and disorderly in an interview or a business meeting, your ID or business card shouldn’t either!

Using plastic cards equates to saving time and time is money! One stop printing on plastic instead of a two-step process to print and then laminate cut time in half and breed efficiency.

Paper ID’s or badges can be easily replicated or tampered with but cards made out of plastic material are more secure. Because of the more advanced technology or specific printing systems needed to print on plastic, it is a more viable form of protection against criminal activity.

Plastic is Fantastic

If you desire to let your attributes glisten from the surface of a plastic card, you need to find the right resource to help you achieve your goals. Showcase your business acumen, your event-planning skills, or your marketing strategies by enlisting Avon Security Products to provide you with quality product that promises high-quality returns! Click here and acquire the best “contact” to help you achieve undeniable success!

Sturdy name badges that come with lanyards are a much better choice than hand-printing a name on a sticky badge and slapping in on the chest. Along with looking more professional, these types of badges provide the opportunity to let others know a little more about the person without asking questions. Here are some simple ways to enhance those traditional badges and make them more informative and interesting.

Size Really Does Matter

Start the enhancement process by considering different sizes. The goal is to choose name badges that are large enough that people don’t have to squint to read the name and other information on the badge front, but not so large that it’s a distraction.

For example, something that is around the size of an old-fashioned 5X7 card is a little larger than the standard badge, but it provides sufficient room to add some interesting details. It’s also small enough to not get crumpled or in the way as the wearer moves around the room or sits down for a chat with another attendee.

Choosing the Best Fonts

There are plenty of fonts to consider other than the standard block lettering. Feel free to go with something that’s a little out of the box, provided that the font choice does not make it hard for others to read the name or other information. A cursive font may look nice, but something too ornate will do more harm than good.

Using Logos on the Badge

The primary information for the name badge is always the wearer’s name. Depending on the type of event, the next most important bit of information may be a company name, a jot title, or a school affiliation. These elements must be the first things that people notice when they look at the badge.

Next in line is logos related to the person in some manner. Those logos could have to do with an association or club the individual belongs to, a cause the person supports, or an indicator of some award the person has received. Display those logos in a manner that’s subtle but still noticeable after others scan the primary and secondary information.

Choosing Colors

There’s no rule that says the background color of the name badge has to be white. Consider mixing things up a little by using some sort of light color. Think of how dark blue or black lettering would look against a pale yellow background. Maybe a bright orange with black lettering would stand out and encourage others to move in a little closer.

If you do prefer to stick with a white background, always use colors for the fonts and other elements that will stand out. Feel free to mix those colors for more effect. For example, using a brilliant red for the individual’s name followed by a deep blue for the company name and email address creates an attractive and legible presentation.

Double Sided Badges Are Great

Unless the name badges happen to be one of the types that pin to a lapel or clip to a shirt front, that means they will be attached to a lanyard. You can bet that as the day progresses, the badge will flip.  Instead of constantly having to adjust the badge so the front side is visible, print the same design on both sides. That little bit of ingenuity may be noticed by a potential customer and provide the perfect reason to strike up a conversation.

For more about name badges or to order your own, contact us at Avon Security Products today!

In years gone by, lanyards were ordinarily only used in the military or in the workplace, and what school lanyards existed were primarily blank, solid colors. Today, however, custom lanyards are much more widely used, much more affordable, and highly fashionable among university students.

To help you in planning a custom lanyard order for your freshman university class, we offer below some ideas on the usefulness of lanyards and the available variety:

Uses for Custom Lanyards

The primary reason to outfit your freshman class with their very own customized lanyards is to create a sense of identity with the school and a sense of togetherness among class mates. This can be done by using your school color(s), by color-coding lanyards to immediately show who is a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, and by imprinting the lanyards with the university name and/or logo.

It is especially fitting to hand out custom lanyards during freshman orientation or on the first day of classes, but they could also be distributed at any major school event that freshman are required to attend.

Additional uses of lanyards include:

Carrying ID cards with each student’s name, chosen major, and other information. Student contact information could even be included on the ID card in case the lanyard gets lost.

Increasing visibility and, thus, security on university grounds.

Holding USB drives, dorm room and other keys, and even water bottles; and keeping hats and sun glasses secure. (Depending on the attachment devices.

Promoting the university in every place where the students wear their lanyards.

Types of Custom Lanyards

Besides the custom design you choose to put on your lanyards, there are many other features that you will need to consider. Some of the most important lanyard options to be aware of include the following:

1. Breakaway vs. non-breakaway lanyards.
Whether the lanyard is put on and taken off by means of attachment/detachment or by lifting it over your head is a matter of preference. You may want to survey your freshman to see which type they prefer, or you could order some of each kind but with the same design.

2. Polyester or nylon. Most lanyards are made of either polyester, the most popular and most affordable material, or nylon, which gives a smooth, silky sheen.

3. Flat, braided, or rope. Most flat lanyards range from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inches wide, while round (rope) type lanyards can be as thin as 1/8 inch. Braided lanyards add an extra element of style.

4. Woven lanyards. For less detailed designs, woven lanyards can be an attracting alternative to imprinting.

5. Silkscreen printed lanyards. With both nylon and polyester, you can print texts and logos onto the lanyard’s surface by means of silkscreen printing. This is the same printing method used with coffee mugs and T-shirts, and it is capable of handling very intricate designs.

6. Dye sublimated lanyards. If you want multi-color printing on both sides of the lanyard and insist on the highest quality results, dye sublimation is your optimal printing method. Dye sublimation is generally done on a white polyester base, using heat and pressure to apply each color and pattern to the lanyard. The dye does not simply stay on the surface, but seep deep into the material, which helps the lanyard to be significantly more durable.

Where to Order Custom Lanyards

For high-quality, custom-printed lanyards, a convenient online source is Avon Security Products.