Name Tag Best Practices

Because a person’s name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten, because self disclosure is the single most effective way to build rapport and connect with people you just met, and because initiating the conversation is half the battle—these name tag best practices are your best friend.

Improper creation and wearing of name tags can work against you (and your business) if you are not careful.

Scott Ginsberg, aka “The Nametag Guy,” is internationally recognized as “the world’s foremost field expert on name tags.” He is an author and speaker who helps people maximize approachability, become unforgettable and make a name for themselves. Here are Scott’s responses to several name tag related inquiries about best practices pulled from his Building Front Porches Ezine.

name tag name badge scott ginsberg

What are some best practices for wearing name tags at trade shows?

Before you even pack your show, make sure your employees, salespeople and booth representatives each have company name tags. The reason to do this is because a) trade show name tags don’t always maximize your “name tag real estate,” and b) trade show name tags rarely include your logo—which helps for brand recognition.

A variety of name tags with logos, custom shapes and other upgraded features that show off the best practices of using identification.

Now, perhaps it seems redundant to wear two name tags, right? Well, think about the Superbowl: How many commercials does Budweiser run each year? Exactly. Always more than one. So even with name tags, it is all about the three Rs of networking: repetition, repetition, repetition!

Next, when you get to the show, wear your name tag in a visible location so that everyone who walks in and out of your booth sees it. Potential buyers need to make the instant connection between you and the booth. Also, when you get busy, it can get hard for prospects to locate the right person. The last thing you want is uncertainty about who the actual booth employee is! So use your name tag to identify and differentiate yourself among the masses.

How do you handle poorly designed name tags that are already provided for you at events?

Tough issue. About 80% of the name tags I have ever seen at events are designed without consideration of font size, color, etc. I always suggest that people create and bring their own custom name tag to all events in the situation that the given name tag is ineffective. You can wear both if security and identification is an issue. But most chairs or hosts of meetings will not be offended, as long as you initially take the name tag given to you as an extension of courtesy—even if you don’t wear it.

On which side of your chest should you wear a name tag?

Most books on networking, meeting planning or interpersonal communication say name tags should go on the right. They say you should wear your name tag on the right hand side so it is visible in the direct line with your handshake. For the most part, I agree. And so do most people. This is one of the few name tag best practices most people are familiar with.

A hostess wearing her name tag on the right side of her uniform.

On the other hand, the horizontal placement of your name tag should be dependent on the capacity in which you are wearing it. For example, if you work in a hotel, in retail, at a trade show or any other environment where there are aisles, rows and hallways, consider the possibility of wearing your name tag on the left side of your chest so it is most visible to oncoming traffic.

Now, this is a debatable issue. But the bottom line about horizontal placement is this: it does not matter on which side of your chest the name tag lays, as long as it is above your breastbone and readable from 10 feet away.

Is it redundant to have your first name twice on your name tag?

Yes and no. Doubling the first name is common for conventions, meetings or large groups. Usually, the first name is reprinted above the entire name in a larger font to be more visible. Doubling is helpful for people who go by abbreviated, middle or different names. After all, all you really need to get their attention is their first name! On the other hand, if your name is Don it would be an ineffective use of your name tag space to write it twice. So, just write Don…but make it bigger. As big as you can!

Are some name tags better quality than others?

Absolutely. Especially when it comes casual settings and parties, handwritten name tags are usually a last minute purchase. Most people just buy the first box they see at their local supply store. But I must warn you that there are plenty of name tags out there that are horrible. Some have faded colors, while others have paper quality consistent with that of tissue.

In fact, many companies advertise weak adhesive to prevent clothing damage on their packaging to protect your fabulous wardrobe. But keep in mind, this second rate adhesive will wear off in minutes and cause your name tag to curl and become unreadable. So decide what is more important: sticky stuff on your clothes or being unapproachable.

plastic high-quality name tag with a uv color printed logo
metal high-quality name tags with engraved logos and names
plastic high-quality name tag with full-color printing and a punched slot for use with a lanyard

From branding to color matching, name tags, like uniforms, help to symbolize your quality. Creating a positive influence with your brand means guaranteeing that all of the services and products of your business are consistent. Employees and customers know when that consistency is not present. So, make sure to choose name tags that reflect your brand’s commitment to quality. And once this is accomplished, showing that you commit to quality is easy.

Company name tags show you care about the quality of your brand. When employees wear name tags, they are more accountable for their actions as customers can comment on them by name. And branded name tags prove to customers that you pay attention to all details. So, when you commit to quality, it helps you gain public trust and grow your business.

Are first and last names necessary for employee name tags?

Anonymity and personal safety are two issues, and focuses of best practices, that must be taken into account when issuing name tags to employees. Most handbooks or employee manuals briefly mention their name tag policies. However, many organizations fail to address this issue. Some people may not feel comfortable wearing both their first and last names on the job. I have heard accounts of nosy customers who tried to contact, even stalk, employees outside of work because they could obtain their personal information.

One solution to this problem is to use first name only name tags. This protects the anonymity of the employee, maximizes the space and looks friendly. Besides, the knowledge of your Radio Shack salesman’s last name is not crucial to the service process! Should a situation arise where a person’s safety may be in jeopardy, it might be a good idea to have an extra name tag with alternate spelling, or even a different name.

How do organizations approach name tag best practices?

Some organizations have employees, members, guests and other people coming in and out all the time. In order to avoid alienating some of those people, the organization must first make a decision on their best practices: either everybody wears name tags or nobody wears them.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who refuse to wear name tags. The only solution is, if you decide to implement name tags for everybody, is to make it expressly written externally (signage) or internally (handbook) so people will adhere to the rule. Nobody should be “too cool” to wear a name tag.

Another concern is the name tag’s potential to segregate members based on job title. I think it can go both ways. For example, I am a member of the National Speakers Association. We recently had our National Convention during which each member was assigned a custom name tag based on years of experience, membership, if a guest, etc. To my surprise, people were actually more willing to encourage team building because of these designations. I couldn’t count how many of the veteran speakers who have been in the business longer than I have been alive came up to me and said, “So Scott, this is your first convention, huh? How do you like it so far?”

On the other hand, if isolation by way of name tagging is a possible threat, I would suggest having the exact same type of name tag worn by all people, regardless of employee status.

Should you KISS your name tag?

Yes. Not literally, of course. By KISS I mean “Keep It Simple Stupid.” Recently an audience member asked me, “Why don’t you put your last name, company, position, etc. on your name tag? Don’t you want people to know that information?”

Well, yes and no. We all want people to know who we are, what we do and how we can help them. But it is more effective if you tell them as a response to an open ended question such as, “Tell me about the work you do.”

So when you use your name tag as a conversation starter, if you have the chance to create it yourself, design it in a simple way that sets you up with an opportunity to share the value you give.

Always remember one of the best practices is to KISS (keep it short and simple) your name tags, and they will do the work for you. No matter what your situation, these KISSed tags will get the job done.


P.S. Scott Ginsberg said, “Over a half of a million people suffer every year from Emblema Nomenpenia, more commonly known as Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS). This debilitating condition has run rampant through the American business community for many decades, experts say, although only recently has it been classified.” Learn more here: Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS)

4 Ways to Get the Best Name Tag

Having the right tools to identify your team helps build better communication with customers. Name tags and badges help with these challenges by building trust and improving workplace security. They also increase employee networking opportunities. Explore this product gallery to discover the best name tag or badge for your needs.

Establishing Brand Awareness

While there are many ways to establish your brand, one of the simplest is to use name tags that feature your logo. Having your employees wear Logo Name Tags boosts brand awareness and builds communication between employees and customers. This vital step will pave the way for future business growth.

UV Color: We add your logo to your material choice using ultraviolet (UV) technology. This innovative process cures the ink as it is printed, creating vibrant colors that enhance visibility and appeal.


Digital (Full Color): Experience high resolution logos, sharp text and intricate graphics on thin plastic name tags, available through advanced digital printing technology.


Engraved: The text and logo are laser engraved onto the material’s surface, resulting in two color name tags. Choose from a variety of plastic and metal color combinations.


Simple Design with a Professional Touch

Create a personal touch with Classic Name Tags to help promote communication. They also help to make customers feel more at ease when they need assistance. A well designed name tag with legible text showing the employee’s name and title can make a big difference. This simple strategy can significantly boost customer engagement and satisfaction.

Name Tags with a Custom Design give you the freedom to express your style. Choose from various colors, unique designs and classic frames to create a name tag that reflects your business needs. Plus, we keep all custom orders on file, making reordering simple.


Name Tags Using Stock Templates are the perfect solution for anyone needing to balance budget with professionalism. You benefit from no set-up fees and 13 template styles in various materials, colors and sizes. Customize a classic name tag by choosing the color, finish styles and upgrades.


Smart and Sustainable Identification

Save time and money with Reusable Name Badges. These reusable options allow you to add or change the names on your badge as you need to. Use an office printer to create paper or transparent inserts or write names directly on the badges with erasable chalk markers. Choose from various styles to find the ideal badge for your needs.

  • Mighty Badges – Professional metal badges with a clear lens cover and printable transparent inserts (with or without a UV color logo).
  • Logo Only Badges – Badges with a logo (UV color or engraved), room may be left for adding names and information as needed.
  • Chalkboard Badges – Write on these black badges using erasable chalk markers. You can choose to add an optional UV color logo.
  • Speedy Badges – Plastic badges available in multiple colors with a clear protective cover. Use the printable paper inserts to add any names or information you need.
  • Dry Erase Badges – Available in black and white materials and with or without a UV color logo. Use a marker to write names and information.
  • Clear Badges – Acrylic badges featuring a slide out design for quickly replacing paper inserts. All you need is your design, then print inserts as you need them.
  • Adhesive Badges – Self adhesive paper labels allow for easy writing or printing. These single use badges are quickly attached at any event, party or meeting.

Your Best Name Tag, Your Way.

These other available professional identification solutions serve specific purposes, giving you more choices for your team. Using alternative tags will help you enhance security, build networking opportunities at social gatherings and improve customer communication.

Photo ID Badges: Including a photo on a name tag enhances security and helps associate individuals with their name tags. Personalize them by adding a person’s photo, name, title, organization or business logo.


Custom Shaped Name Tags: Whether enhancing business meetings, celebrating holiday promotions or creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, unleash your creativity with an exciting custom shape. These playful tags will make your events, office or products stand out.


Conference Name Tags: Lamination makes these tags durable enough for multi day events. They can be printed in full color with almost any desired information. Use them for social gatherings, meetings, events and more.


Invest in Your Brand Identity with the Best Name Tag

Choosing the right name tags is essential for building connections and growing your business. Whether you prefer the vibrant look of UV color printing or the flexibility of reusable badges, investing in high quality name tags will enhance your business. These identification solutions will also help build a sense of belonging among your employees and create better communication with your customers.

Your Logo and Customer Engagement

Reaching customers, promoting a brand or service and rewarding loyalty are essential to growing a business. But how would you go about fulfilling these different tasks? The answer is to use custom products that show your logo. By displaying a company logo on various products, you can increase customer engagement and advertise different services or products.

Another way to fulfill these different tasks is to add a creative message to product packaging. This will inform potential customers about what your business or organization offers. Now that you have taken the first steps to engage the customer you can make your brand more identifiable.

Ribbon rolls, name tags, reusable badges and custom top ribbons are fantastic tools when you want to engage with customers.

Customer Engagement

Professionals wearing reusable badges (Speedy Badge) and Logo Name Tags

Recognition is crucial to everyone’s success, whether you offer a service or product. The best way to create this awareness is to get your name out and remembered. How does someone get a business name out and what will be the result? Wearing a name tag or badge with a logo and contact name will get your name out. It will also build a link between yourself and the consumer.

Benefits of Name Tags

  • Engraved or printed
  • Choice of materials and colors
  • Professional upgrades

Benefits of Reusable Badges

  • Cost efficient
  • Reusable surface
  • Various styles and sizes

Other Products for Customer Engagement

NAME PLATES: Displaying a name plate with your logo and an employee name is a perfect way to engage with your customers.

BADGE HOLDERS: Wearing a badge holder with a printable insert is a will help advertise what product or service your company offers.

BADGE RIBBONS: Add badge ribbons to name tags, badge holders and other identification to promote brand recognition.

Customer Conversations

After creating that first impression, you still need to engage the customer to get them to stay. Offer them a custom top ribbon with an attractive message and logo. Talk about what is on the ribbon to start a conversation with the customer. It will help to further your business engagement. They are fantastic for sales, promotions and building a brand. Also, use these custom ribbons with a logo and message in promotional sales for your products. This tactic can lead to creating potential growth for your business.

Examples of custom top ribbons with company logos and different finishes

Benefits of Custom Top Ribbons

  • Full color printing with bleed
  • Custom text, images or graphics
  • Various top and bottom finishes

Customer Remembrance

After connecting with your customers and building a lasting relationship, offer them a keepsake. To make it even more memorable, add a custom ribbon roll tied around it that features your logo. This small deed can have a powerful impact. It can leave a positive reminder about your brand or service with the customer. Also, tie these attractive ribbons to gift bags or boxes and place them in public view when people enter your business or office. This tactic will engage the customers’ interest and help promote your brand.

A custom ribbon roll imprinted with a company name and logo wrapped around product packaging

Benefits of Ribbon Rolls

  • Personalize with text and logos
  • Continuous and favor print, full color
  • Satin, grosgrain, organza, etc.
Using custom products will increase customer engagement

Finding new customers is vital for business growth and development. Fulfilling these different requirements can be challenging. One way to increase customer engagement is with custom products. These are great tools to engage in conversations and create brand awareness.


Increasing Business Success Through Name Tags

As a business owner, are you always looking for ways to improve your company? Remember that even small things, like name tags, can make a big difference. Yes, they might seem small to most people, but name tags can get big things done for your business. As you start to plan for your next quarterly profit, keep in mind how identification can be beneficial for your company. Name tags can help with increasing business success.

Three styles of name tags that show how logos look when printed or engraved differently which helps when increasing business success.

Name tags help customers feel welcome

Acting as icebreakers, name tags help employees provide excellent customer service. They encourage communication between your customers and employees. After all, a name tag is essentially an unspoken introduction. When employees introduce themselves by wearing a name tag, customers feel welcome in your office or store. Name tags also permit customers to approach employees with a question or problem. As customers interact with your employees, your team gains valuable insight into what customers need and how to help them.

Sometimes, customers come into a store, restaurant or other place of business and are met with such friendly and helpful workers that they need an employee’s name to pass on compliments. When staff wears name tags, it is easy for anyone to know their names and give this praise. Name tags also provide a friendly invitation to say hello. All of this puts customers more at ease, which is great for business.

Increasing business success by keeping track of things

It is important to know who the employees are in larger businesses, like corporations or hospitals. Name tags help by providing job titles quickly. So, if everyone is wearing a name tag, you’re working on increasing business success through customer retention.

Name tags also make it easier when a business needs to resolve problems at work. When customers know an employee’s name, they feel more comfortable asking questions to get help when they need it. This means that things get done quicker and more efficiently. Name tags are one way to help establish good communication, and good communication is great for increasing business success.

Finding the right name tags

Name tags are like a mini billboard for your company. When everyone wears name tags with the same logo and colors, it creates a strong image for the business. From reusable to all the upgrades, here are some products to help you find the name tags and badges that best suit your company’s needs.

Clear Reusable Name Badge with a printed insert that shows how name tags work to increase business success.

Clear Reusable Name Badges

  • One size, reusable plastic badge
  • Printable paper inserts for any information and colors you need

Maintain your small business’s professionalism with Clear Reusable Name Badges. Made with sturdy acrylic plastic, these new tags are where quality meets reusability. Print inserts as you need to change the badges and then easily slide out the old to bring in the new.


Engraved Logo Name Tag with a first name and job title.

Engraved Logo Name Tags

  • Two layer, plastic material with engraved logo, names and titles
  • Multiple sizes and material colors
  • Optional upgrades: epoxy dome, classy frames, fasteners

Laser engraving the logo and text creates a two color tag that can have a great deal of detail. You can choose the material color, font and style options. Each name tag is made with your business in mind. And the engraving makes for a professional look.


UV printed logo, a classy frame and an epoxy dome all add to the professional look of this name tag.

UV Printed Logo Name Tags

  • Plastic, durable material with multiple sizes and color options
  • UV printed color logo with engraved names and titles
  • Optional upgrades: epoxy dome, classy frames, fasteners

Color logos are genius when it comes to the professionalism of your business name tags. Promote your company every time your employees wear name tags with bright UV color printing. Your logo will capture everyone’s attention, and the printing quality shows you are proud of your business.

Increasing business success, one name tag at a time

Success for every business comes when both employees and customers are happy with their experience with that company. And there are ways to ensure that happiness. We are here to help you find that success using personal identification.

Trust is important in business, and name tags help build that trust to make customers feel safe. From helping people remember each other’s names to leading to important business conversations, name tags increase success.

So, as you have read, something as simple as a name tag can do so many important things for any company. Name tags might be small, but they are mighty! Next time you put on your name tag, remember that it isn’t just a tag; it’s a tool for making your business better!

Question & Answer: How to Use Identification

We often receive the same questions from multiple customers. Sometimes, these questions are easy to answer, but sometimes they require a bit more clarification. Have you ever had a question about name tags or other identification products? We are taking some time to answer some frequently asked questions that our customer service team repeatedly gets. And we will expand on each question so that you, too, will understand our processes. 

Find any answer to any question about name tags, personalized ribbons and more.

Question: Which name tag size should I order?

Answer: The size of your name tags depends on how much information you want on them.

For a simple 1 or 2 line tag with only text (name and professional title), we typically recommend a 1 x 3 inch tag. However, if you are working with visually impaired people, you may want something much larger, so the text size can be increased.

If you are ordering tags with your company or brand logo, you will want to consider where you want the logo on your tag, and if it will fit there. For example, if you have a horizontally long logo, we don’t recommend putting it to the left of the tag because there won’t be as much room for your text. The best option would be to center it above the text and go with a taller tag, such as a 1.5 x 3 inches. If you have a more circular or square logo, they typically look best to the left of the text, and you wouldn’t need as tall of a tag.

Question: Most of your products require a list of names. How do I submit this list?

Answer: We have two options for submitting a name list for your customized order.

The first would be to upload them while you are on the order page. You can type them right into the provided form or upload an existing file. Our system will ask you to review everything to ensure that you entered the correct spelling and punctuation. You do want to make sure you submit the list in the case you would like on the product (upper and lower; e.g., Jane O’Connor).

You can also email your list after you place your order to nametag@nametag.com. Once your order has been placed, you will receive an order number that needs to be referenced in your email’s subject line. This email goes to the customer service representative who is in charge of your order, and they will make sure that it is usable. If there are any issues, they will contact you.

Question: What is the best way to print names for reusable name tags such as Mighty Badges?

Answer: We have multiple ways you can format your printable inserts for your reusable name badges.

The recommended way would be to use the NamePrint Graphics software. This software lets you add text and graphics to inserts using your printer.

The other option we have for your printed inserts is a small collection of predetermined templates. We do not have these for every reusable product, so check the bottom of the product order pages for available templates. 

Question: How can I order more of the same name tags I already have?

Answer: We have an online reorder program to make ordering more name tags easier.

The first thing you need to understand is what is a reorder? A reorder is when you need to order more of the same product you already have in use, but require different names. Lucky for you, our reordering system is easy to use and quick to understand.

All of your design info is kept on file under your customer number. Once you place your first order with Coller Industries, you receive a customer number. This number allows us (and you) to quickly and easily locate your information and previous orders. To place a reorder for your name tags, visit https://www.nametag.com/reorders/ or go to our home page (www.nametag.com) and select the “Reorder” link at the top of the page. Once there, you need to enter your customer number and select the layout you need to order. After making that selection, you only need to submit the new name list (text) for the new order.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here?

There are three ways to get your answer!

1. Visit our Facebook page on July 22, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. (Mountain time) for our first ever Live Video Event.

2. Leave a comment here, and someone will get back within one business day (Monday through Friday).

3. Contact customer service at 1-801-931-5000 (our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Other Question and Answer Blogs:

Week Two: Perfect Your Networking Strategy With Custom Ribbons

Week Three: Q&A: Your Name Tag Investment