Plastic Card Solutions

Feedback on IFSEC 2011

2011-09-09T09:34:00.005+02:00

We were so excited to showcase our product line at IFSEC Securex Johannesburg 2011 this week. The show is now complete, and as we debrief as a team, we like to reflect on the feedback we received from the visitors.

The XID8300

Time and time again, we printed a sample card on this printer and the visitor exclaimed "Wow!". The feedback we received was a reiteration of what we have believed since it's release- the XID8300 is the best desktop card printer available. Full stop.

We can't stop talking about some of the fantastic benefits wrapped in that little grey box:

The clarity of print is unmatched by any other printer represented at the show.
The UV ink we showcased was broadcasted by top VIP visitors as a "smart" security feature.
Anyone who has ever sunk thousands of rands into printhead replacements knows that the Lifetime Print head Warranty is pure gold.
The encoding modules available for the XID8300 will encode iClass HID cards, Mifare cards and other contact and contactless chips. This is an important feature for the visitors of IFSEC Securex, as many are in the process of migrating into a more self-sufficient in house system for their security.

When we got to that complicated question of pricing, each visitor was surprised at how reasonable the machine was. The price of EDIsecure Retransfer printers have come down significantly over the years- making this machine more value for money than any other plastic card printer available.

The LCP9000

The LCP9000 is a desktop colour laser personalisation unit, small enough to fit on a small desk, with the ability to engrave images into the plastic. A fully kitted card can have tactile and flat engraving of text or images, UV, ghost imaging and a mirage of security features. The market for this printer is significantly smaller than that of the XID8300, thanks to it's more secure requirements and higher price tag.

We had videos running of the laser operating, as well as an actual demonstration of the full LCP9000 unit. The videos attracted congregations of people watching how the laser reflects, and engraves onto polycarbonate plastic. Lasers are awesome and this highly secure method of card issuance is awesome too.

Overall we are ecstatic about the results of the show and are looking forward to the next show we'll be popping into!

Ready to join the CardsPlus revolution? Go ahead! Give us a call on 086 16 CARDS (22737) or
+27 11 894 3914 .

FAQ- Am I saving money with compatible card printer ribbons?

2011-08-16T12:23:00.002+02:00

A current trend in the plastic card printing market is the use of compatible ribbons instead of genuine branded plastic card printer ribbons. These compatible ribbons are used in Evolis, Datacard, Zebra and Fargo machines and are advertised to save the client 25-60% in consumable costs. We have investigated this claim by interviewing several clients (and repairing their printers) and found that despite a slight decrease in ribbon costs, the end user is receiving less value and a more expensive cost per solution than when using original branded ribbons.

Here is what we found:

Reasons to Choose Original over "Compatible" for plastic card printer consumables

1. Voids Warranty
Whether your printer is Zebra, Evolis, EDIsecure, Datacard or Fargo brand, your warranty is voided the moment you use non branded (compatible) ribbon or plastic card. Take care to purchase your consumables from reputable companies- if the consumables are non-branded or compatible ribbons (even hiding in original boxes), your printer brand manufacturer will not fulfil your warranty.

2. Higher operating temp/faster print head blow out
Compatible ribbons require a higher operating temperature to print correctly. While it is possible to increase the heat settings in your printer drivers- the increase in temperature will effectively run your print head at a higher temperature and make it 'work harder' to sublimate your ink. This increased temperature puts strain on your print head and will ensure a shorter lifespan. Should you wish to keep the default settings asnd not increase your heat settings, the colours will be washed out and may graduate in colour intensity across the length of the card.

3. More Manufacturing Defects in Compatible Ribbons
Clients who use compatible ribbons are more likely to have a damaged print head from a manufacturing defect in the compatible ribbon. We have seen ribbons that are too narrow and do not stretch the full width of the card. Other ribbons have burrs or scratches in the film. In minor cases, the ink does not sumblimate into the plastic in those areas, causing a blotchy print, or, in more major cases, the burrs can scratch the printhead directly.

There is simply no value is saving a couple of Rands per ribbon if using a compatible ribbon will cost you thousands in printhead or driverboard replacements.

CardsPlus only sells genuine branded ribbons. We believe that they continue to extend more value to our clients than a compatible ribbon will. With so many companies getting burned from the increase in compatible plastic card printer consumables, CardsPlus is proud to take a stand against inferior products and misadvertising.

FAQs- As a reseller, what questions should I ask to best determine what type of plastic card printer my client needs?

2011-08-05T11:49:00.005+02:00

An excellent reseller is set on providing intelligent solutions to their client base.

Much like a doctor needs a thorough knowledge of the symptoms of illness and it's relationship to the body to diagnose an illness, resellers need a good understanding of their client's needs and the relationship of those needs to what the market offers.

We have compiled just three questions that will help you assess which plastic card printer will be best for your client.

1. What type of cards are you planning on producing?

Knowing the application for the machine will help you determine which level printer you need to focus on:

For instance if your client answers:

ID Cards with low security: You can start thinking about a simple direct-to-card printer might be suitable

Loyalty or Gift cards: you may need to ask if a printer with a magnetic encoder will be needed

RFID/Prox: You can recommend Retransfer printing as it is the only recommended method for desktop colour printing on smart cards.

2. What monthly volumes are you expecting?

The answer to this question would indicate which line of printer your client would need. Different card printer brands have different spans of use, but for EDIsecure, we judge that a DCP240+ or DCP340+ is perfect for small volumes ( up to 5000) while the DCP360 and XID 8300 is great for large volumes.

3. Budgetary Concerns?

There are two schools of thought in the finance of plastic card printing. One wants the cheapest cost per card. The other, wants the lowest cost for the solution.

There is a significant difference between a cost per card, and a cost per solution.

A cost per card is the simple calculation of ink+plastic=cost per card.

A cost per solution calculates the total inclusive cost of the solution. It includes the cost of the printer, the software, the consumables to print the cards, the ongoing maintence, the speed of the machine and the down time that the printer will require changing ribbons, mantaining the printer etc.

Finding out what your client needs for their budget will help you address the total solution (instead of just the cost per card) and save your client some serious money!

Still aren't sure which printer to ask for? CardsPlus offers free consultations on 086 16 CARDS (22737) or +27 (0)11 894 3914.

Do you think we we missed something important? Go ahead and comment below.

August Special

2011-08-01T13:05:00.000+02:00

That's right! Get a lot this month with our superiour value bundle!

Call us on 086 16 CARDS (22737) or +27 11 894 3914 for more information.

Our prices are so good, we can't even advertise them

Why Cards Plus?

2011-07-28T14:49:00.010+02:00

With a growing number of companies in South Africa who having offerings to the Plastic Card industry, perhaps you are wondering why you should buy from Cards Plus.

What would be the advantage you would have in our being your supplier?

1. We are a South African Manufacturer of Plastic cards -we do not bring our preprinted
cards from China or the United States -we print and manufacture our own at our factory in Johannesburg. What is the advantage to you, the client?

a. Speedy service – our standard turnaround time, express and next day service all have set new benchmarks in South Africa
b. Flexibility – need to check if your colour looks the way you want on your card? You can
run a sample – or better yet, utilize our standard and speedy Hard Copy Proofing service –
then make adjustments if it isn’t the way you had dreamed.
c. Quality Control – if there should be any issues with your cards after approval of the hard copy, you have immediate recourse for addressing the issue - and (see point 2b) we will stand by our product and if we have made a mistake, we will fix it!
d. We are creating jobs in South Africa and keeping your money in our economy
e. Come and visit us for a tour!

2. We only represent the best quality products

a. From our equipment to the type of plastic we print on – we do not buy junk! What we
offer our clients is tried and tested by us to be of excellent quality. We don’t cut corners to
increase our margins or decrease our pricing.
b. We believe so strongly in our product that we offer our own guarantees on our products.

3. We have a variety of solutions to meet every need – are you budget sensitive, time critical or need a flexible solution? We have products and services to meet each of these.

4. We offer full support and training if needed
Having trouble getting your software to work? Does your printer need to be serviced? We
can help. Perhaps you need a new printer but don’t know how to work it? We will be very
happy to train you.

5. Our Brain Trust – a great resource for consultation

With over 23 years in the auto ID industry, and a vast amount of experience and knowledge, we have trained up knowledgeable staff and have the resources to assist you with deciding what the best solution is for your requirement.

We believe strongly that you deserve the best, and we strive to offer you what you need.

Please feel free to contact us if there is anything we can do to assist you
0861 16 CARDS (22737) or +27 11 894 2914 www.cardsplus.co.za

June Special

2011-06-01T03:36:00.000+02:00

Call us on 086 16 CARDS for more information!

The Answer to Your Problem: The Cards Plus Solution

2011-04-30T09:58:00.005+02:00

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word solution as:

a: an action or process of solving a problem
b : an answer to a problem : explanation; specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation.

This term is the newest buzzword in our industry - it is appearing more and more in advertising and marketing campaigns and popping up in websites and blogs. Its definition however it can mean different things to different people.

At CardsPlus, we have modeled ourselves from the beginning to be a solution-based company.

First, we believe that knowledge is power in the hands of our clients - therefore, we do our best to educate through our website, newsletters and consultation regarding the technology, terminology and products. Providing our clients with this makes them a more informed consumer and gives them the ability to choose what they need without having to blindly trust a salesperson who may have only one agenda.

Second, we have positioned ourselves with a full range of products offering many different ways to approach a project.

If you are budget conscious, we have a perfect option to print for you or provide you with your own card printer;

If you are time restrained, we have excellent service offerings including Quickcards and Just in Time service;

If you require high level technology, we have products specifically designed and uniquely positioned as well as trained and certified staff who can consult, train and install for you.

(click here for an overview of the services and products we offer)

Third, we can offer you educated advice if you require. We have years of experience in this industry including implementation of many different types of solutions into many different applications, including high end government solutions, retail environments and membership platforms.

We feel that our approach to the term "Solution" is a full rounded approach - offering not
just one angle, but many - giving you the result you require.

We would love the opportunity to discuss with you the project you are working on - be it a straightforward implementation, or a complex multifaceted project - to help you to determine what you require to complete your goals and get your project rolling.

Contact us at 011 894 3914 or 086 16 CARDS or email us at moreinfoplease@cardsplus.co.za to speak to one of our helpful team.

Let us serve you!

The CardsPlus Approach to Environmental Concerns

2011-04-13T07:48:00.005+02:00

A rising awareness is taking hold in South Africa regarding our responsibilities in relation to the beautiful land we have been blessed with. Terminology such as "carbon footprint", "eco-efficiency" and "biodiversity" is becoming more and more a part of our language.

At CardsPlus we believe that the correct approach to being environmentally conscientious involves taking into account the entire picture - and finding a solution that addresses the entire requirement. We believe this is the environmentally responsible way to loving our planet.

It is a general consensus that the methodology of "reduce, reuse and recycle" is the model to follow.

Consider these thoughts:

Is the use of a "biodegradeable plastic" going to reduce the number of cards needed? Most biodegradable products do not last as long as alternatives such as PET plastic or even PVC.
Is the plastic of choice going to accomplish the requirement we have for the use of the card - ie branding? strength? security? Different plastics offer different benefits
Is the plastic of choice able to be reused in a different form? Or alternatively can it safely be disposed of? PLA or Biodegradeable plastic cannot be reused by design, but is meant to "compost", however there are no correct composting landfills in South Africa. PVC produces an emission which is not good for the environment in general, however it is the most easily recycled into other products. PET however, has a longer life and is a carbon based plastic - having less of an impact on the environment.

In light of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" methodology, CardsPlus has implemented the following in its offerings and practices:

We recycle our plastic, and offer a recycling option to our local clients. For those outside of the Johannesburg area, we are in process of developing a network of recycling stations where our clients can organize for their used plastic cards to be recycled into new products such as field pipes.
We offer a variety of plastics to our clients to enable them to address the best solution for their requirements
We offer services, such as a Just In Time service, which enables our large volume clients to reap the benefits of ordering just as they need - reducing the number of out of date cards on the floor.

Feel free to contact any of our helpful team at CardsPlus to discuss which solution best fits your requirement. +27 (0)11 894 3914 or email moreinfoplease@cardsplus.co.za

Earth Month: A Different Angle on Recycled Plastic PVC Cards

2011-04-08T12:17:00.003+02:00

In honour of Earth Day on the 22nd of April, we are taking a special interest in the environmental impact that plastic cards make on our planet. This re-post of an article written in 2009 reveals our long standing angle on environmental responsibility in manufacturing plastic cards.

"In the ever growing environmentally conscious world we live in, awareness as to how we are impacting the world is taking a forefront in our consumerism. Because of this awareness, there is a very strong marketing strategy taking place which urges consumers to "think green" and make choices as to how their purchases impact the world.

Companies, on all fronts, are using this angle to market themselves anew - pushing products that are considered "environmentally friendly" and "green". This designation, however is ambiguous (see our recent post on the "corn card"). In addition, it can be narrow minded, not taking into consideration the overall impact.

A new article has been posted by CR80 News regarding one aspect of the "green movement" in plastic card printing - using recycled pvc plastic-gives a balanced glance at many of the issues involved. Using recycled materials is of course, a responsible approach to good consumerism - "reduce, reuse, recycle", however to make a truly educated decision as to whether to chose recycled plastic over "virgin pvc", one must take into full consideration all angles and implications, then base a decision on these facts. Being bullied and guilted into spending more money for the sake of one companies new marketing angle, is not a responsible way to move the world into thoughtful consumerism.

At CardsPlus, it is our desire to be responsible citizens. We offer a range of plastics to choose from - some more environmentally friendly than others. We also recycle our waste material whenever possible. However, it is not our desire to jump on the newest environmental bandwagon, for the sake of seeming to be "green" when in fact, it is not. Yes, we must be responsible. Yes, we must take care of the world we have been blessed with - but our clients will never be guilted or bullied into putting their hard earned money into a product that does not fit their needs and requirements. This is our committment to them, and to you."

Earth Month: Environmentally Friendly Plastic??

2011-04-04T12:28:00.000+02:00

A growing concern in the world today is our impact on the environment, and a new consciousness has arisen. A desire to be environmentally consciencious is filtering into many consumer based decisions - including our use of plastic cards.

At first glance, the newest kid on the block - PLA - otherwise known as "corn plastic" seems like the best alternative. In fact, a large retail chain in South Africa has adopted this as their plastic of choice, marking themselves as environmentally friendly. However, a few very important details have been overlooked, and this warrants a closer look.

First, the claim that the card is "biodegradable" needs to be called into question. Polyactic Resin - PLA is a byproduct of industrial lactic acid, which is derived from corn. Advocates of PLA claim that it is compostable into a fertilizer, which is true. What isn't widely known is that it requires very special treatment - not the type that comes from your garden's compost pile, or your local landfill. The Smithsonian magazine recently reported

" PLA is said to decompose into carbon dioxide and water in a “controlled composting environment” in fewer than 90 days. What’s a controlled composting environment? Not your backyard bin, pit or tumbling barrel. It’s a large facility where compost—essentially, plant scraps being digested by microbes into fertilizer—reaches 140 degrees for ten consecutive days. So, yes, as PLA advocates say, corn plastic is “biodegradable.” But in reality very few consumers have access to the sort of composting facilities that can make that happen. NatureWorks has identified 113 such facilities nationwide—some handle industrial food-processing waste or yard trimmings, others are college or prison operations—but only about a quarter of them accept residential foodscraps collected by municipalities.

Moreover, PLA by the truckload may potentially pose a problem for some large-scale composters. Chris Choate, a composting expert at Norcal Waste Systems, headquartered in San Francisco, says large amounts of PLA can interfere with conventional composting because the polymer reverts into lactic acid, making the compost wetter and more acidic. “Microbes will consume the lactic acid, but they demand a lot of oxygen, and we’re having trouble providing enough,” he says. “Right now, PLA isn’t a problem,” because there’s so little of it, Choate says. (NatureWorks disputes that idea, saying that PLA has no such effect on composting processes.) In any event, Norcal says a future PLA boom won’t be a problem because the company hopes to convert its composters to so-called anaerobic digesters, which break down organic material in the absence of oxygen and capture the resulting methane for fuel.'" An additional article on PLA's recycle-ability can be found at Oregon Live

Second, one must take into consideration the use of a food source to supply a consumer product. An excellent article at Guardian UK states "Bioplastics compete for land with biofuels and food crops. About 200,000 tonnes of bioplastics were produced last year, requiring 250,000-350,000 tonnes of crops. The industry is forecast to need several million acres of farmland within four years." With growing movements toward biofuels, and now food based plastics, what will come of our food crops?

Third, concern has been raised about the liklihood of emissions of greenhouse gas, methane. Again the Guardian reports:

"Concern is mounting because the new generation of biodegradable plastics ends up on landfill sites, where they degrade without oxygen, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. This week the US national oceanic and atmospheric administration reported a sharp increase in global methane emissions last year.

"It is just not possible to capture all the methane from landfill sites," said Michael Warhurt, resources campaigner at Friends of the Earth. "A significant percentage leaks to the atmosphere."

"Just because it's biodegradable does not mean it's good. If it goes to landfill it breaks down to methane. Only a percentage is captured," said Peter Skelton of Wrap, the UK government-funded Waste and Resources Action Programme. "In theory bioplastics are good. But in practice there are lots of barriers."

In theory, PLA is a biodegradeable plastic, made from a renewable resource, however, it is clear, that at this time, this is not the most environmentally friendly plastic available.

While no perfectly "Green" plastic seems to exist at this stage, PET is a plastic worth considering. An acronym for poly (ethylene terephthalate), PET is a thermalplastic polymer of the polyester family containing the chemical elements of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It's carbon foot print is quite comparable to the carbon foot print of all other cards whether considered green or not. (see article at Creditcard.com) In addition it is a enviromentally friendly plastic, is recyclable and does not create harmful gases or pollute the environment.

As technology, and consumer cries for greener products continue to grow, more products producing less of a demand on our environment will become more commonly available. Until then, be sure to take in the entire picture, and make an informed decision. Be wise, not just smart!

Earth Day Special

2011-04-01T12:51:00.001+02:00

Celebrate Earth Day this April and seize the only desktop solution for earth-friendly plastic card printing for well under R15 000.00.

The Datacard SD260 is the environmentally responsible option for printing plastic cards. It consumes so much less energy than typical desktop printing, it is ENERGY STAR® qualified! Couple the SD260's earth friendly construction using biodegradable supply cores and recyclable materials with recycled PVC cards using 35% or more recycled PVC and dongle free, installation based card printing software, you can print more responsibly and reduce your company's carbon footprint.

Love your planet with the Earth Day environmentally responsible bundle exclusively offered by CardsPlus.

Request an official quotation here.

Read more about the technical features of the SD260 here.

Valid only as stocks last.

CardsPlus- Long Live the Difference!

2011-03-31T11:25:00.001+02:00

When choosing a company to supply product and service, it is important to know who you are dealing with –-
• Are they knowledgeable?
• Do they have what I need?
• Are they trustworthy?
• Do they have my best interests at heart?

This is what puts us in the unique place as the leaders in plastic card solutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Here is why you receive the CardsPlus Advantage when you choose us as your plastic card solution provider:

- Knowledgeable: Built on 23 years of experience and knowledge of the Auto ID industry with staff trained and certified in security print solutions.

- Variety of Solutions: CardsPlus is ready to assist you whether you require budget sensitive, flexible or urgent fulfilment solutions. We have purposefully chosen to supply only the best brands, with the best solutions for the marketplace. You will only receive equipment that we feel confident to fully stand behind.

- Ethics: Integrity is imperative in our business practices. The Code of Ethics is viewable here. We offer warrantees on our equipment and excellent onsite maintenance contracts for your ongoing requirements.

- High Level Customer Service: Excellence in Customer Service is not just a buzz word – it’s our driving force. This means that we have structured our services to meet your needs – if you have an urgent requirement; we have the capability to meet it. We also offer consultation on your project, information on the technology, updates as your order progresses, reliable and affordable delivery and follow up with you throughout the year.

- Heart: What makes CardsPlus truly unique is that we have heart. We truly care about our clients and want to make them heroes to their clients and colleagues. From CardsPlus you are not just getting a product but you are getting a tailored solution that suits your requirements, and you are getting a trustworthy relationship from a company who has your best interests at heart.

This is who Cards Plus is. Give us a try- you won’t be disappointed.

March Madness

2011-03-17T16:24:00.000+02:00

Happy Birthday!

2011-03-16T12:04:00.000+02:00

It's our birthday today and we are so excited to embark on a new year providing solid plastic card solutions to the South African Marketplace. It has been a wonderful adventure shaking up the marketplace with new equipment, ideas and mindsets.

Our client's drive CardsPlus and we are estatic to offer you a special deal a little later to celebrate!

Happy birthday!

CardsPlus making secure plastic card solutions easy since 2007.

Stay with me

2011-01-14T08:34:00.004+02:00

Patrick Williams, creator of YOU ROCK in Washington State, USA, specialises in helping businesses succeed in their marketplace. He works with small retail shops through large scale corporate businesses offering simple strategies to yield more business and greater customer retention.

To increase client loyalty Williams recommends starting a loyalty benefits programme. In a recent tip he says, "Are you looking for a way to tell your customers to 'stay with me'? Maybe it is time to create a loyalty program.

You don't have to go far to find great models. Barnes & Noble has been charging $25 every year to be part of their rewards program, giving their customers 10% off of every purchase.

There are tons of businesses who use a simple email list to send out coupons or special offers on a regular basis to keep customers coming back for more.

Keep in mind that no loyalty program will work if you have a lousy product, service or treatment.

So make sure you deliver real quality and value first, then create a loyalty program that will keep your customers coming back again and again. "

If you have a quality product, service or treatment and are ready to incentivise your clientele with a loyalty programme, CardsPlus offers an out-of-the-box gift and loyalty software to encourage clients to stay with you.

Ready to start? Call us 086 16 CARDS (22737)

10 colours to include in your 2011 marketing and loyalty campaigns for added benefit

2011-01-07T10:43:00.005+02:00

What is going to get the attention of your clients this year?

Pantone predictions
Colour authority Pantone released their predictions in late December and as we noticed late last year– exotic, vibrant colours are on the up and up.

The colour of 2011 is Honeysuckle – a fresh, cheerful and versatile shade of pink. You can expect this colour to feature across the industries in new marketing campaigns, clothing designs and even home industry trends.

Pantone also gave Russet, Regatta, Coral Rose, Peapod, Blue Curacao, Beeswax, Lavender, Silver Peony and Silver Cloud the thumbs up for 2011.

This palette is strong, intriguing and healthy with a particular nod to saturated African and Indian inspirations.

How it will help you

Forecasting
Armed with this knowledge, you have the edge in trend appeal. You can choose to embrace the power of popularity– much like the turquoise of yore, these colours have mass staying-power and will still look hip and fresh for the next few years according to trend analysis.

African Influence
Local is Lekker and with the unique African influence these colours are primed and ready to pounce on your target audience.

Colour Association
Harnessing the power of colour provides subconscious messages to your audience.
These colours are energetic and vibrant. Using these colours for a marketing or loyalty campaign associates your campaign is associated to youthful vibrancy and positivity.

Putting it on plastic
We love this new palette of dramatic , rich shades– even more so because they look so good on plastic. Pair Coral Rose with Regatta and Honeysuckle for high energy impact – or Peapod and Blue Curacao with a touch of Silver Peony for a subtle chic result.

Give it the 2011 twist with increased interest in striking colour combinations. You can’t go wrong in this palette– so go big and reap the benefits of trend appeal.

Client FAQ: What do I need to start a card orientated loyalty programme?

2011-01-07T10:40:00.001+02:00

Card orientated loyalty programmes for retailers is a popular solution for companies looking to increase revenue and client loyalty.

There are just two key steps that we recommend to clients who are ready to start their own highly effective loyalty programme.

Back-End software:
The software can be as simple as RewardsPlus or as complicated as hiring a loyalty provider.

This back end software will manage the rewards and keep track of all details of the clients. Think of it as your heavy lifter that will do all the hard work for you.

Plastic cards:

Once you determine your system and are ready for implementation, you will just need some cards to round off the system. You can use barcodes, magnetic stripes or even contactless technology– depending on the system you choose. At CardsPlus, you can be up and rolling in just 10 days or fewer.

There you have it! Just two step to a highly effective loyalty programme in your retail
establishment.

4 benefits of switching your paper business cards into plastic

2011-01-07T10:37:00.002+02:00

So many businesses have chosen plastic business cards over paper for their marketing. But what benefits are being enjoyed by our clients with the upgrade to plastic?

Appeal
Plastic business cards can be ordered in different thicknesses and finishes and hold bright, beautiful colours exceptionally well. Logos and other important details come out crisp and clear. There are also many different effects that can be used on the cards, giving them an ultra sophisticated, richly elegant, and professional look.

Innovative Designs
Plastic business cards are the perfect canvases for very innovative designs. Attracting attention is easy on plastic.

Durability
Plastic cards are also extremely durable. Unlike paper business cards that get washed, or worn, torn and dirty and then thrown away– plastic cards are waterproof, scratch resistant and won’t get tossed due to illegibility.

Perceived Value
Handing over a plastic business card gives your client the idea that they have been given something of value and will hold onto the card longer than an ordinary
paper card.

Our clients are quickly seeing the benefits of switching to plastic. It seems to be an
effective, attractive and inexpensive way to create great hype about your company with a mere flick of the business card.

What you will need to start printing your own cards tomorrow

2011-01-07T10:32:00.003+02:00

Are you ready to branch into printing your own cards, either as a side business or for your company?

We created a brief rundown of what you will need– besides a computer or laptop– to start printing your own plastic cards…

A reliable plastic card printer: There are a wide variety of plastic card printers that will suite a variety of needs from single sided printing to high security printing. We recommend EDIsecure for their durability and reliability.

Software: Connecting to a database gives you the freedom to let the printer print without stopping to browse for a photo. Pick Jolly Technologies IDFlow to get the most bang for your buck

Consumables: Don’t forget your ribbons with the ink ribbons and the plastic cards to print on!

That’s it! You are ready to print! Print on!

DCP 360+ unveiled

2010-11-14T19:56:00.003+02:00

Digital Identification Solutions Group recently unveiled the upgraded version of the DCP360i, renamed as the DCP 360+.

The DCP 360+ is being called the most powerful and compact direct card printer in its class.

The new, modern-designed, double-sided, edge-to-edge EDIsecure® DCP 360+ Direct Card Printer was developed for industrial needs and is prepared for plug and play inline lamination. It is the most powerful desktop direct card printer in the world with its versatility and state-of-the-art features.

Product Highlights and Features

* Fastest full-color direct card printer in its class due to portrait mode printing
* High-speed printing of more than 180 full-color and up to 720 monochrome cards per hour
* Built-in LED panel for convenient set-up and operation
* Detachable card hopper for easy handling
* Powerful printer driver shows the printer status and makes it possible to change the parameters for printing from the PC
* Removable and reusable cleaning rollers
* Optional single- and simultaneous dual-side lamination with EDIsecure® ILM or ILM-DS to apply a range of EDIsecure® clear and secure laminates that extend card life and enhances security
* Optional lockable access to lamination supplies for higher security
* Optional field upgradeable encoder modules for magnetic stripe, contact and contactless smart card encoding
* Ideal for medium to high volume applications for corporations, government agencies, organizations, hospitals, health facilities, and universities, for photo IDs, access control, time and attendance, and loyalty cards

The following ribbons are available: YMCKO and YMCKOK ribbon as well as monochrome K (black) ribbon.

What makes the DCP360+ better than the DCP360i?

The major upgrade is the introduction of infrared capabilities for use with the new lamination (ILM) units. This will enable users the ability to utalise the DS and LS ILM units with the DCP360+ instead of the previous bulky ILM units of yore. Hooray for streamlining printing solutions!

We give Digital Identification Solutions a big thumbs up on this project!

The Importance of Customer Service

2010-11-10T19:35:00.000+02:00

Sometimes, doing business in South Africa can be very frustrating. Between power outages, phone lines going down, and waiting days for quotations, it is easy to give up on offering superiour customer service in the face of poor customer service. Some days it feels too hard to swim against the current.

Some days it is hard. But things that are important do not come easy.

The CardsPlus team endeavours to provide consistantly excellent customer service to clients. We know what you go through in a day's work and waiting 3 days for a quotation just isn't going to do. That's why we strive to give you all the information you need within just 24 hours of contacting us. Why waste time when you don't have time to waste?

We don't claim perfection but we do extend our best service 100% of the time.

Are you tired of waiting for your plastic cards? Call 086 16 CARDS (22737) and find out how we can help you today.

Seize the holiday spirit today!

2010-11-03T19:10:00.007+02:00

Christmas is on the way bringing hustle and bustle and lots of money to retail establishments! Families are preparing their holiday plans, purchasing gifts, and readying themselves for the most expensive time of the year for consumers. Are you ready to seize the moment?

People often express anxiety as to how to bless their friends and family over the holiday season, and you can make it easy to ensure their money is spent at your establishment.

Globally, companies have been grabbing the moment to cash-in on the holiday season. United States companies like Facebook and Amazon.com have formed partnerships to allow their clients the added bonus of giving gift cards to their friends and family.

In South Africa, gift cards are rapidly replacing paper gift certificates for their ease of use, fraud prevention and the added benefit of data collection.

Other benefits include:

* Frequent shopping and convenience - Cards can be reloaded, creating opportunities for repeat store visits.

* In-store credit - Instead of using paper credit vouchers or cash back, gift cards can be issued for merchandise returns and in-store credits.

* Advertising - A card in the customer’s wallet is a constant advertisement. We like to call it the 'mini-billboard'.

* Promotion - Plastic cards are great as a marketing tool! Gift cards can be treated as a new product line that you can broadcast to your customers and clients. The added option of utilising a cleverly designed hang-tag gives more promotional weight to your card system.

* Increase Sales-

61% of customers spend more than value of gift card
50% of the money on the card is spent at retail price than discount sale price
10-20% of a card’s value may never be redeemed
Acquire cash upfront before delivering the product or service
Money is turned into store credit
Customer's cash kept in-store
Gain new customers
Encourages repeat business

Truth is, there is no better time to launch your Christmas Gift Card programme than today! CardsPlus has all the tools you will need from plastic cards printed in a jiffy to a manage-it-yourself gift card programme, RewardsPlus... all at a very reasonable cost!

Call us at 086 16 CARDS (22737) or if outside South Africa (+27) 11 894 3914 for more information about how CardsPlus can equip you with everything you need to Carpe the Christmas time Diem!

What is at the Core?

2010-10-26T20:25:00.005+02:00

When looking for something new, a new computer, a new car, or even a new pair of pants, I am always trying to figure out what it's made from.

Does this computer have dual core processing that will handle the work I need it to run?

Does this car have a sturdy engine that will give me many long happy years without malfunction?

Is this pair of pants made of material that will suit my lifestyle?

I always want to know what is at the core of the product I am purchasing. If it counts what's inside, I want to know about it.

Same is true for a plastic card supplier. We want to know what is at their core. What are they made out of?

So CardsPlus, What are you made out of?

At our core we are a plastic card solutions company. We facilitate the printing of cards or implementation of plastic card systems.

This means:

- We know our stuff. It's our core business! Want to know something about your plastic card application? We can help! Need software to print cards or to implement your cards in real life? We can help!

- We have really great quality. Because we have no 'plan B'- you can be assured that your cards are going to be manufactured with only the best materials and equipment. Cutting corners is cutting out our livelihood- and no one wants a cut up livelihood.

- We can give really good service. Without all the extra goodies to support and supply, we are able to ensure that you receive one on one attention and care. Plus, once the sale is closed and you are thrilled with the card system, we can provide you additional support and assistance.

But does this mean CardsPlus is a small little business?

Hardly! Being focused on our niche has helped us overcome the small business pitfalls and become South Africa's leading Short-Run plastic card manufacturer. With over 4.2 million cards printed in the last 8 months, CardsPlus is well equipped to handle your next order.

At our core, we are a plastic card solutions provider.

At our core, we are committed to serving you!

Loyalty Programmes Helps Restaurants!

2010-10-14T21:46:00.000+02:00

A recent report by B2C marketing Insider spilled the beans on new research that demonstrates that customer loyalty programmes are helping restaurants gain the competitive edge and weather the rough economy.

The study revealed that:

Seventy-seven percent of respondents said loyalty programs helped drive business during the economic downturn.
Nine out of 10 respondents said loyalty programs give them a competitive advantage (90 percent).
Of those that currently operate a guest loyalty program, 84 percent plan to maintain or increase their program investment in 2010.

You can read the whole report here:

Are you reaping the rewards of loyalty yet?

Help me help my client!

2010-10-06T21:21:00.002+02:00

In today's market place, where businesses are slashing budgets and dissolving projects that once seemed very promising, we understand that our re-sellers have a tough job ahead of them.

Communication can be so difficult as a reseller with a manufacturer, can't it? They don't typically seem very interested in ensuring that you have what you need in order to keep your client's happy. Typically, they only seem interested in getting the job done.

Well, CardsPlus isn't the typical manufacturer.

We refuse 'good-enough' and 'oh well, maybe next time'. Instead we strive for excellence, especially in communications with our resellers.

We are continually working on establishing the ideal parameters for retailers- so that you always know what to expect and when to expect it.

It's not just our quick quoting processes, or speedy order processing that we utilise to ensure you have the tools to provide excellent service. There are digital documents available to all our resellers and clients with specialty tips and tricks to ensure your card order flows smoothly in the order process. We have dedicated account managers to ensure that you always know who to talk to when an issue arises.

If you are looking to partner with CardsPlus, we would love to have a chat with you! Schedule an appointment by calling: 086 16 CARDS (22737) or by email: moreinfoplease(at)cardsplus.co.za

Biometrics and Access Control

2010-09-30T14:46:00.003+02:00

Biometrics is seeing a rise in popularity internationally, and while it has its place in security management and access control, we have always believed that a layered security is the best security.

An interesting article by International Business Times dated 24 September 2010 outlines that biometrics is not as it appears on the big screen and in our favorite Sci-Fi thrillers. Promises have outpaced the actual technology and work needs to be done scientifically to improve the offering.

Biometric Systems Ruled Inherently Fallible offers a good insight to the potential pitfalls of relying completely on Biometrics to control access.

At CardsPlus, we support the layered security approach - coupling ID Cards with a biometric system for a stronger system.

Contact us at +27 11 894 3914 for more information on the solutions we have to offer for secure ID Cards.

ExpressCards– Get your printed cards in just 24 hours!

2010-09-16T09:16:00.005+02:00

Do you have an emergency red-hot need for plastic cards?

Choose:You can now get your cards in just 24 hours!

ExpressCards is the groundbreaking new service offered only by CardsPlus giving you up to 5000 cards in just 24 hours

Enjoy:

Vibrant CYMK (Full Colour) print quality
A professional glossy offset finish
Fastest turnaround available
Confident, speedy service
No minimum quantity, set up fees, plate charges or hidden costs
Cards are manufactured in house ensuring the highest quality output

Your cards can feature:

Vivid CYMK (Full Colour) print on one or both sides of the card
Barcodes
Photo or text inserts
Serialised number personalisation
A HiCo or LoCo magnetic stripe for self encoding
and more

Secure up to 5000 custom printed cards within just 24 hours!

Call 086 16 CARDS (22737) today to find out how ExpressCards can fire up your business! Certain limitations do apply.

Client FAQ: I want a card that my clients will feel special having. How can I make my membership card special?

2010-09-16T08:51:00.005+02:00

Client FAQ:
I want a card that my clients will feel special having. How can I make my membership card special?

We love the new designs that are coming out this summer!

What’s IN?

· Embossed lettering with silver tipping— An attractive solution for adding some serious dimension to a card

· Colour! Vibrant colours make your card stand out from all the others in your client’s wallet.

· Foil stamped designs offer a touch of class and sophistication!

What’s OUT?

· Platinum, silver and gold cards—Trends sway towards fabulous designs over the clichéd gold/silver card

· Large blocks of a single colour– with the photographic quality of digital offset– companies are choosing ‘big message’ images for backgrounds instead!

· Boring typeface—As seen in FIFA’s 2010 logo, fun and funky fonts are making a come back

Thanks for asking & Print on!

image via looneybeancoffee & hardware wholesalers

Are You Squeezing the Most from Your Loyalty Programme?

2010-09-16T08:47:00.002+02:00

Many POS systems allow for an additional module to provide client loyalty, but many companies don’t know what type of benefits a loyalty system actually provides!

We have put together a list of 8 benefits of implementing a loyalty programme.

Increases Total Revenue
Enhanced product purchasing
Increases Brand Awareness
Increases ability to track client purchasing trends
Multiplies ProductPurchases
Tracks Sales trends
Enhances Marketing Effectiveness
Boosts company image

Implementing a loyalty programme gives you the ability to grow your business faster and further!

If you would like a manage-it-yourself solution to start reaping the rewards of client loyalty, please give CardsPlus a call today.

What benefits are you enjoying from your loyalty programme?

Oh so many choices! But which is the best for YOU?!

2010-09-15T15:06:00.005+02:00

With so many options available for plastic card printers, how would you know which direct to card single sided printer would suite your needs?

We’ve whipped up this friendly little chart for the major brands of single side direct-to-card printers . Have a look at which printer would be ideal for you! (Click here for a link to the insider Downloads page where you can access this PDF and more!)

Need more help deciding?

It’s no secret we favour the DCP240+ for it’s outstanding reliability , ease-of-use and support network. But we know that the DCP240+ doesn’t suite each and every requirement.

For a complimentary consultation pop us an email at info@cardsplus.co.za or call at 086 16 CARDS and receive personalised advice on which printer would be best for you!

ICMA welcomes CardsPlus with open arms

2010-09-04T20:21:00.005+02:00

CardsPlus is proud to join the International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) this year!

Joining the select few of the world's finest card manufacturers is a great kudos to our team who has worked hard to ensure that the cards leaving our factory is only of the highest international standard.
What is the ICMA?

According to ICMA, "The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) serves the dynamic card industry and the various companies and organizations involved in manufacturing and personalizing these cards. Billions of cards now fill pockets and purses throughout the world. As the complexity of card manufacturing and applications has increased, so have the production, standards, quality, security and environmental issues surrounding the cards. The need to bring together these diverse elements of the card industry led to the formation of the ICMA."

What does this mean to our clients?

If your preferred plastic card supplier is a member of the ICMA you can rest assured that the provider has met and exceeded the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards. The ICMA ensures that all of it's members adheres to a strict set of guidelines that consistently provides high standards and excellent quality.

We are very excited to add the ICMA's recommendation to our printed plastic cards! Want to see you for yourself what all the fuss is about? Why not drop us an email?

Securex- A great opportunity to see the best in action!

2010-08-30T21:13:00.002+02:00

Residing in South Africa, we see that security is at forefront in any South African's mind. We're concerned with not just preventing crimes in ones home or business but crimes of fraud and corruption in corporations or even government institutions. With this in mind, plastic card security is crucial in any application - but even more so in credential management or Identification card programmes. Fraud of any sort completely undermines the control of the card.

Securex is an exhibition that focuses on security channels of all kinds, from access control to residential alarming systems. CardsPlus has taken this week to broadcast and demonstrate the high security features of XID retransfer printers at this show. Revealing hidden security features capable on these machines as well as the high print quality that allows for effective visual security features, the XID printers truly demonstrated the difference that 12 years of quality technology can make!

We still feel confident that EDIsecure's XID family of retransfer printers can simply not be beaten.

If you missed us at Securex and are interested in viewing the XID 8300 in action, please give us a call on 086 16 CARDS and book your appointment today!