Monthly Archives: June 2025

Back To Blog Facebook X LinkedIn Introduction When running a hotel, every detail matters — and that includes your key cards. These small pieces of plastic aren’t just for room access. They’re a branding opportunity, a guest touchpoint, and a practical tool all rolled into one. If you’re considering printing hotel key cards, or just want to know more before you reorder, here are the most common questions we get — answered clearly and simply. 1. What size are hotel key cards? Most hotel key cards follow the CR80 format — that’s 85.6mm x 54mm. Same size as a credit card. This size fits neatly into most hotel lock systems, card wallets, and guest wallets. It’s also ideal for printing logos, room info, or even a QR code linking to your guest services app. 2. Can hotel key cards be printed with my logo? Yes — and they should be. A branded key card helps make a great first impression. With full-colour digital printing, you can customise both sides of the card with: Your hotel logo Room numbers WiFi password Check-out times Social media links or QR codes If you run multiple properties or seasonal offers, you can even print batches tailored to specific dates or locations. 3. What material are hotel key cards made from? Standard hotel key cards are made from PVC plastic. It’s durable, waterproof, and works well with magnetic stripes or RFID chips. There are also eco-friendly options available, like recycled PVC or bio-degradable PLA cards, for hotels looking to reduce their environmental footprint. 4. What printing options are available? You can choose from: Full-colour digital print (great for logos, photos, gradients) Single-colour spot print (ideal for bold branding on a budget) Gloss or matte finish Writable panels for room numbers or custom notes Need help with artwork? Most suppliers will check your files before print — or even offer free design assistance. 5. How long does printing take? For hotels in Ireland, most key card printing orders are ready in 10 to 14 working days, depending on quantity and customisation. Need them faster? Many suppliers offer express turnaround or even next-day delivery for reprints or short runs. 6. Are hotel key cards compatible with all door locks? This depends on your system. There are three main types of key cards: Magnetic stripe cards (used in older locks) RFID cards (most modern systems) MIFARE or NFC cards (for specific access control setups) If you’re unsure what type you need, check your lock brand or ask your supplier. Most can match cards to brands like Salto, Onity, Kaba, VingCard, and others. Get A Quote Today Related Posts

Back To Blog Facebook X LinkedIn Introduction In today’s competitive market, custom printed gift cards are more than just a convenient payment method — they’re a powerful branding tool. Whether you’re a retail chain, salon, spa, restaurant, or corporate brand, offering gift cards with your logo and design is a smart way to drive revenue, boost brand visibility, and retain customers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gift card printing for your business — from materials and design to fulfillment options and best use cases. Why Use Custom Printed Gift Cards? Physical gift cards still outperform digital alternatives in key areas: Impulse purchases: Customers often buy gift cards while shopping in-store. Brand presence: Tangible cards keep your brand top of mind. Upsell potential: Gift card users tend to spend more than the card’s value. Giftability: Customers prefer physical cards for special occasions. When professionally printed, gift cards also double as mini brand ambassadors. They carry your logo, colours, and tone — often for weeks or months before they’re redeemed. Common Industries That Benefit From Gift Cards Retailers:Ideal for seasonal promotions, customer loyalty, and last-minute gifts. Salons & Spas:Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or corporate gifting. Cards can include service bundles. Restaurants & Cafes:Drives repeat visits and is easy to cross-sell with meal deals. Gyms & Wellness Studios:A low-pressure way to introduce new members or gift sessions. Corporate Gifting & Rewards:Used internally for staff rewards or externally as promotional incentives. Materials & Card Types Most business gift cards are printed on PVC plastic, similar to credit cards. Other options include: Recycled PVC / RPET: For eco-conscious brands. Paperboard Gift Cards: Often used for limited campaigns or disposable promotions. Wooden Gift Cards: Premium look, niche use. Card Features Magnetic Stripe: For POS system compatibility. Barcodes or QR Codes: For easy scanning and tracking. Scratch-off Panels: Great for promotions and giveaways. Signature Panel: If you want staff or customers to write on the card. Embossing: For a luxury, high-end feel. Printing Methods 1. Full-Colour Digital Printing Ideal for vibrant logos, gradients, or full-background designs. Best choice for small to medium batches. 2. Screen Printing Cost-effective for simple, solid-colour designs. Great for high-volume runs. 3. Foil Stamping Adds gold, silver, or holographic effects. Excellent for premium branding. 4. Spot UV Highlights certain elements like logos or text with a glossy finish. Gift Card Packaging Options Don’t underestimate the power of presentation. Pairing your cards with well-designed packaging enhances the gift experience. Popular add-ons include: Card holders with space for a personal message Custom envelopes with your branding Display stands for in-store promotions Sleeves and wallets for protection and presentation Get A Quote Today Related Posts

Back To Blog Facebook X LinkedIn Introduction The Smart 51 ID card printer is a reliable, cost-effective printer trusted by businesses worldwide for printing secure, high-quality plastic cards. Whether you’re printing staff ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, or access badges, the Smart 51 delivers consistent results without breaking the bank. In this review, we’ll break down the features, performance, and best use cases for the Smart 51 — using plain language, so you’ll know if it’s the right fit for your business. Why the Smart 51 Stands Out The Smart 51 is well  known for simplicity, durability, and low operating costs. This printer is designed for medium to high-volume card printing, making it a solid investment for organisations that need hundreds or even thousands of cards printed per-year. Here’s what makes it stand out: Print Quality: Delivers sharp text, clear barcodes, and full-colour prints using dye-sublimation technology. Speed: Prints a full-colour single-sided card in under 20 seconds. Connectivity: Comes with USB and Ethernet as standard – ideal for offices or shared workspaces. Ease of Use: Simple LCD interface, plug-and-play drivers, and drop-in ribbon installation make it user-friendly, even for non-technical staff. Security Options: Optional magnetic stripe and smart card encoding for secure access control cards or payment solutions. Who Should Use This Printer? This section is for you if you’re wondering “Is this the right printer for my business?” Let’s break it down by buyer type: 🏢 Small to Medium-Sized Businesses Need to print staff badges, access cards, or visitor passes regularly? The Smart 51 offers professional-grade output without enterprise-level costs. You’ll save money by bringing card printing in-house and avoid waiting on third-party suppliers.  🏫 Schools, Colleges, and Universities For issuing student ID cards or teacher badges quickly and efficiently. The Smart 51’s fast print speed and bulk input hopper make it ideal for educational settings where you need to print hundreds of cards at once. 🏥 Hospitals and Clinics Healthcare facilities often require colour-coded ID badges for different departments. The Smart 51 handles this with ease, supporting both colour and black-and-white printing with optional encoding for secure access. 🏋️‍♂️ Gyms and Clubs If you operate a gym, sports club, or members-only venue, the Smart 51 is perfect for creating professional-looking membership cards on the spot — personalised with logos, photos, and barcodes. 🛒 Retailers and Loyalty Programs Customise loyalty cards with customer details, brand colours, and special offers. The Smart 51 works seamlessly with barcode or QR code systems, helping you track purchases and reward loyal customers.  Pros and Cons Pros: Fast and reliable printing Easy to operate and maintain Affordable upfront cost Wide range of ribbon options Compact design Cons: No built-in encoding by default (needs optional upgrade) Not suitable for very high-volume print shops (5k + per year) Final Thoughts The IDP Smart 51 is an excellent all-round card printer that balances quality, performance, and price. It’s a great option for businesses that want to take control of their ID card printing without complicating their […]

Back To Blog Facebook X LinkedIn Introduction In today’s retail world, customer loyalty is everything. Getting new customers costs more than keeping the ones you already have. That’s where custom printed loyalty cards come in. They’re a simple, proven way to build repeat business and increase customer lifetime value. Why Loyalty Cards Matter Even with apps, emails, and digital wallets, physical loyalty cards haven’t lost their power. In fact, studies show that tactile, branded cards are often more effective at building habits. Customers are more likely to return when they have a card in their wallet reminding them there’s a reward waiting. Retailers of all sizes—from coffee shops and salons to gyms and boutiques—use printed plastic loyalty cards as part of their customer retention strategy. The Psychology Behind Loyalty Cards Custom loyalty cards work because they tap into two simple psychological triggers: Progress: A punch or stamp after each visit builds a sense of progress. People don’t like starting from scratch. Reward: Whether it’s a free coffee, a discount, or exclusive perks, a physical reward feels more real when tied to a card. Branding That Sticks Beyond the reward, your loyalty card becomes a mini billboard. With your logo, colours, and contact info printed on durable plastic, it keeps your brand front and centre in your customer’s daily routine. Every time they open their wallet, they see your business. Fully Customised for Your Business We print loyalty cards that are: Fully customisable – match your branding, colours, and offer Durable – made from high-quality PVC, built to last Versatile – compatible with stamps, punches, barcodes or QR codes Fast-turnaround – ideal for promotions or seasonal offers Whether you want to offer a simple “Buy 10, get 1 free” or link to a points system, our custom loyalty card printing options are flexible enough to match your goals. Cost Effective Retention Tool   Compared to the cost of acquiring new customers, loyalty cards are cheap. For a few cents per card, you can increase visit frequency, build customer trust, and gather valuable purchase data (if integrated with a POS system or barcode). Perfect For: Cafés and Coffee Chains Hair & Beauty Salons Gyms and Wellness Centres Clothing Boutiques Bookshops and Stationery Stores Food Trucks and Takeaways Ready To Start We’ve helped hundreds of businesses design and print loyalty cards that actually drive repeat visits. Whether you need help with the design or just want fast turnaround, we’ve got you covered.   Get A Quote Today Related Posts