PVC Cards vs. Laminated Cards
Many clients who decide to implement an ID card program first consider laminating. This consists of printing out paper badges on an inkjet printer, then running them through a plastic lamination machine, which can be purchased at an office supply store for under $100. While everyone is aware that a laminated card doesn’t look very professional, and won’t last that long, it appears to be a quick, inexpensive solution. But what initially sounds like an easy, cheap solution turns out to be much more costly in the long run. Laminated cards typically last for 6 months, vs 3 years for a PVC cards, so right away you need to multiply the cost by 6. And the cost for employees of getting passport photos (often $8 – $10) can be greater than the cost of a PVC card in the first place. Not to mention the high cost of plastic sheets, inkjet cartridges, and other supplies! It is for these reasons that a majority of our new customers tell us they’ve tried laminating, and sign up for the InstantCard service after they realize that they don’t need to sacrifice speed, ease-of-use, or cost!
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