Alisha Copfer, Author at Influencing Identity

6 Ways To Personalize Name Tags

From logos to engraved text, name tags can be made to match a brand.

NAMES
While this may seem like a trivial thing to bring up, names are an important feature on name tags. Putting someone’s name on a tag or badge does raise a couple of quick questions. Should you put on the person’s full name (first and last) or simply the first name? What about placement? Whatever you decide, make sure it fits properly and is large enough to be seen.

TITLES AND COMPANY NAMES
Not all name tags have a title or company name on them. Sometimes, people settle for just a logo instead of a company’s name. And those titles can be a bit pesky if they don’t fit right on the size of name tag chosen. Whichever you decide to use, make sure it fits properly in the space provided.

LOGOS AND GRAPHICS
From bright colors to a simple engraved one, all logos look great on name tags. Just like logos, graphics can be perfection on the right name tag. When opting to use graphics, make sure you choose the appropriate name tag for the job such as the full color logo option.

As name tags are meant to identify an individual, we would like to add that when creating a name tag, take into consideration if it will be worn with or without a uniform. No sense in the overkill of the use of a logo.

PICTURES
Not many people have their picture on a name tag. However, our photo identification cards are great for that special security measure. Had names, titles, pictures and more to these great personal identification products. Photos are a great way to get all relevant information and identifiers onto a badge for all employees.

DURABILITY
This actually may need to be the first thing to tackle when choosing a name tag. Do you need something for a one time use, such as adhesive name badges? Or do you need something that is going to last a long time, such as metal or plastic laser engraved name tags? Making sure to select the correct material is key to getting the right name tag.

COLOR
Why, yes, this is an issue for a lot of companies. Don’t sell yourself short on this angle of making your name tag truly unique. You might think the person’s name and a company logo are it for branding, but what about a complimenting color? Or does your company actually have a branding color? Make sure to pick a color that matches your needs.

People Who Wear Name Tags

From politicians to office managers, all people wear name tags!

While traditionally people wear name tags in the work place or at a convention, some wear them to other events such as conferences and horse races. From babies and pets to famous people, name tags can be seen everywhere!

From Scott Ginsberg, “People wear name tags more often than you think. The majority of retail establishments, stores and other social gatherings require name tags for several purposes. Sometimes it’s for security. Other name tags are solely for identification. But simply stated, people wear name tags for one reason: so other people can use their names for friendlier, more personable service and conversation.”

Recently even Prince William and his wife Catherine were even spotted wearing name tags! They were sporting the bright purple name tags at the recent, and annual, Royal Ascot (a five-day social horse racing event). Rather than keeping with traditional first and last names, they were labeled with “HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) The Duke/Duchess of Cambridge.”

Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge along with James Meade people who wear name tags at Royal Ascot Photo Chris Jackson - Getty Images

Titles are often used in office settings or in retail environments, thus making managers and head staff stand out a bit more from other employees. Titles are also handy during a conference or convention to separate attendees from staff. Staff can range from the workers and servers to speakers and presenters. While typically titles are kept brief, remember to not sell anyone short when using their title on a name tag or name badge.

So, what other people wear name tags? Even politicians have been known to wear a name tag. Typically it has a support message along with their name and title encouraging the viewer to remember their cause as well as their name.

Another person who might wear a name tag is: YOU!
Have you ever worn a name tag for a job or other purpose? If so, where and when?

Something to always remember about name tags:

“A person’s name is the sweetest sound they will hear in any language. When you use their names, you will make them feel appreciated, welcome and important. Maybe it’s printed on a plastic clip. Maybe it’s written on a paper name tag. Even if it hangs from a lanyard, stares you in the face, look at it, and SAY IT!” exclaims Scott Ginsberg.

3 Steps: Choosing Your Name Tag Size

Do you ever ask what should be on your name tag? How about what size a name tag should be?

Every name tag is unique! However, there are a lot of components to each name tag. From a name or title to a logo or image, making sure you have the correct amount of space, and name tag size, for all your information can be tricky. Here’s a quick guide on how to make sure that your name tags are the right ones for you.

So, let’s get started.

The first part of this process is to determine what you actually need on your name tag. Sometimes these are as obvious as a name, title or company logo. And sometimes you need a little bit more for the name tag to be as unique as yourself. We offer several selections for material and color choices.

Once you’ve decided what needs to go on your name tag, you need to choose a size. This is where it might get a bit tricky. Choosing the right size is key to making sure you completed the first step properly. And we’re here to make sure the idea in your head matches the finished product. Remember, it may not always be a direct path to the choice you need to make.

The name tag size should be chosen so that all of the contents fit on it comfortably. If the name tag looks crowded, consider moving up to a larger size. If the name tag looks like it could fit quite a bit more text on it, consider moving down to a slightly smaller size.

The three components most considered when making your name tags are: logos, names and titles. The more components you want to include on your name tags, the bigger the name tag should be. Make sure to also take into consideration how large the logo is or how long the name/title is.

Titles are generally done in a slightly smaller font than the names, but go too small and it won’t be legible. If someone’s title is too long, it can be broken up into multiple lines on top of each other. If this is the case, the name tag will need to be taller.

Remember that someone will be wearing these name tags so you don’t want to make them too large. Consider carefully what you need to include to make each name tag the most useful.

To make it a bit easier, simply review this information every time you need to update your name tag and you can’t go wrong.

View entire infographic by clicking on the image.
(Infographic courtesy of: Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist, Coller Industries Incorporated.)

Customer Donations: The Cheesecake Factory

By now, you should know that donations are a large part of what makes us, well, us!

Coller Industries might just be your go-to specialist for all personal identification needs, but did you know that we care about all of our customers? Well, it’s true, we do! And part of that caring means that we give back. Not only to our local community, but to all of our customers. We do this by giving donations of our goods to those in need. And we are happy to announce that we’ve done it again!

This month’s donation went to The Cheesecake Factory Oscar and Evelyn Overton Charitable Foundation. Now that’s a mouthful! But look at what they have to say for themselves.

The Cheesecake Factory has inherited a tradition of excellence from our founders, Oscar and Evelyn Overton. (Their values have) shaped our culture and continue to define (the company’s) character today. It is with these values in mind that we proudly established The Cheesecake Factory Charitable Foundation in 2001.

The foundation exists to fulfill its mission through enhancing surrounding communities’ well-being. This non-profit organization was created not only as a means to raise funds for worthy causes, but also as a way to unite our caring and conscientious staff members in charitable causes.

Monica Schneider, Foundation Intern at The Cheesecake Factory, said, “We greatly appreciate Coller Industries’ generosity (in supporting our foundation and efforts).”

The foundation was given badge holders and inserts as well as black flat lanyards.

Schneider went on to explain how the badge holders and lanyards would benefit the foundation. “The 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Auction brings together The Cheesecake Factory vendors, associates and corporate staff members to raise much needed funds. Money raised expands Foundation programs and provides a substantial donation to the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

“As a result of the 2015 Tournament, the Foundation donated $205,000 to City of Hope,” exclaimed Schneider.

We are grateful for organizations such as The Cheesecake Factory Charitable Foundation. All of our donations are sincerely something that helps us stand out from our competition.

A Complete Guide to Badge Reels

Retractable badge reels are easy to use and show proper identification.

What are badge reels?
Badge reels are a personal identification accessory that allows someone to keep their name tag on them at all times. Typically, badge reels are made from a durable plastic and contain a retractable cord making them perfect for “functional” name tags, name badges and badge holders. They come with either a bull dog clip or a belt clip. They can also be ordered with a lanyard to wear it around your neck. They also give the option of customizing the fabric with logos and text as well as the reel casing. A customized lanyard with a badge reel will help make any brand stand out from the competition.

How does a retractable badge reel work?
The retractable cord is simply pulled away from the casing and then released to have it slide back in. This feature is perfect when needing to keep a name badge or other item easily accessible.

Who typically uses these retractable badge reels?
They are commonly used in office complexes and other organizations. Students are also frequently seen wearing badge reels. You can find them everywhere. Not only are they great for photo identification and name tags, but they can also hold keys and smaller items such as mini tools.

Where are they used the most?
Retractable badge reels are most often used at companies and organizations with keyless entry systems. However, they can be used anywhere you might see personal identification. Any business, school or organization can benefit from the use of these retractable badge reels. They are handy to have at meetings and conventions as most of the styles can be custom made with text and logos. Customize a badge reel to market your brand and company anywhere.

When are these commonly seen?
With an extendable cord, these retractable reels are perfect for any occasion. Use them to hold badge holders or other photo identification during conventions, conferences and other such meetings. They are also a great tool to attach to keys or other items that need to be kept accessible. Both options (with or without a lanyard) can be fully customized to promote any brand or logo.

Why should you use a these reels?
These retractable badge reels are increasing in popularity due to their simple and effective promotional uses. They come in a variety of colors and styles. The unique feature of the retractable cord makes these ideal for offices and other companies that use photo identification which is also used as a key or time card.