Q&A - Influencing Identity

Q&A: Your Name Tag Investment

For our third and final installment of this question and answer blog series (the links to the first two are at the bottom), we wanted to focus on how you can get the most out of your name tag investment. While the questions here may not be as common as some of the others we have answered in the past couple of weeks, we feel that they are just as important.

ROI: Return on Investment

Let’s first answer this, what is ROI? Return on Investment (ROI) is a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of a number of different investments. ROI tries to directly measure the amount of return on a particular investment, relative to the investment’s cost.

Now, what does that have to do with your name tags? Well, shouldn’t you be getting a good return on your name tag investment? We think so, and that is precisely why we only offer the highest quality of products. Let us explain what we mean!

Question: Why should I use a name tag?

Answer: Because they are COOL! That and the fact that name tags can improve your business in so many ways.

From employee and visitor identification to showing off your company logo and branding, name tags will make your business complete. By utilizing name tags in your company’s culture, customers will relate better to your employees. Name badges eliminate any barrier between the customer and employees. Even name plates provide identification to offices and retail establishments. So, try adding these to your business today.

Question: Do I want a logo or the name as the focus on my name tags?

Answer: To determine that, you will want to consider what you will be the primary use of the tag.

For example, in a retail setting, your customer will already know which store they have come to. When wearing a name tag there, the name and title should be the main focus. You can even consider different color selections to distinguish different job roles. Use one for managers, one for trainees and another color for permanent staff to identify those roles quickly.

On the other hand, if you are using these name badges for a trade show or outside sales, your logo should be the tag’s focal point. Make sure to select the proper printing process to make your logo stand out to draw people in. After all, you want to make people remember who you are.

Q: If I don’t know how to design my name tag, can you design it for me?

Answer: We have several options available to aid you in your product design.

If you don’t know exactly how you want your name tags to look, we have a design team here to assist you. We also have many products with available templates to help you get the look you need for your business. We always send a digital proof on all of our custom products for you to approve before your name tags are put into production.

Don’t worry about making sure that your name tag looks great; we do that for you! That way, you can focus on other things that make your business retain your professionalism.

Question: How are my custom products made?

Answer: We make each product you order from a carefully designed proof approved by you before production starts.

All of our custom products are made only from the highest of quality materials. You can see the type of material you will be getting on every order page. From our plastics and metals to even our ribbon types, we make everything with our customers in mind. If you’re unsure of what you want, or the quality, simply order a product example before making your purchase.

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

There are three ways to get your answer!

Visit our Facebook page TOMORROW on July 22, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. (Mountain time) for our first ever Live Video Event.
Leave a comment here, and someone will get back within one business day (Monday through Friday).
Contact customer service at 1-801-931-5000 (our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Other Question and Answer Blogs:

Week One: How to Use Identification

Week Two: Perfect Your Networking Strategy With Custom Ribbons

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

Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS)

Is there really a condition called Emblema Nomenpenia (Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome)?

You better believe it.

Fact or Fiction: Emblema Nomenpenia (Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome) with three name tags with silly names.

Please know that Emblema Nomenpenia impacts everyone.

“Over a half of a million people suffer every year from Emblema Nomenpenia, more commonly known as Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS),” said Scott Ginsberg, The Nametag Guy.

“This debilitating condition has run rampant through the American business community for many decades, experts say, although only recently has it been classified,” explained Ginsberg.

The first thing to do is to check for any of the symptoms.

You may experience localized font shrinkage, inflammation of the company logo, noticeable eye irritation due to cluttered texts, absence of upper chest name tag placement and mild conversational uncertainty and frustration.

Other symptoms may include adhesive residue. Holes in the same spot on all of your shirts. Weird looks from other people as if they can’t see where your name tag is. Fidgeting with a lanyard to make sure your credentials are visible. And the list goes on.

Second, beware of the possible side effects.

Beware of sudden, severe attacks of name forgetting. There is also a possibility of networking anxiety and unapproachable behavior. You may experience missed opportunities to make new friends or business contacts. And it may even cause feelings of annoyance due to the inability to say hello to a new member or employee whose name you cannot read because their name tag is turned backward.

Other side effects of NTDS can include embarrassment from a poorly located or illegible name badge. Awkward gazes at your figure from others. And not being recognized for who you are.

While NTDS is completely “made up,” the side effects are serious! However, this disease is easily treatable and completely curable!

Don’t panic! The last thing to do is to remain calm; you can fix this!

The cure? Wearing your name tag correctly!

Kris Hay, Communications Coordinator at the University of Puget Sound, offers her advice:

When it comes to networking, a name tag is a necessity. Anonymity is not to your advantage in these situations. Worn properly, a legible name tag helps people remember your name and then quickly move on to exchanging information with you.

A poorly located, illegible or absent name tag can cause consternation and even embarrassment. A name tag should make it easy for people to meet and greet you without having to gaze at body parts other than your face. Wearing your name tag correctly demonstrates your etiquette and networking savvy.

Set yourself apart from those around you and become more approachable by wearing a name tag. Many companies use name tags on a daily basis to help customers and consumers identify employees and staff. The primary usage of wearing a name tag is to provide a distinguishing feature to the wearer.

It’s all about friendliness and identity. By branding and personalizing yourself with a name tag, you are helping those around you to remember who you are.

So, find your solution to Emblema Nomenpenia (Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome) at nametag.com today! We have every possible solution to this illness. From blank name tags you can write on to customized logo name tags, we are your one stop shop for all identification needs!

Classic Name Tag with a silly name (kelly green, engraved)

👉 Classic Name Tags

👉 Logo Name Tags

Conference Name Tag with a silly name (full color printing)

👉 Event Name Tags

Impressions of a Name Tag; Miss Manners

Miss Manners answered a question that runs rampant among workers who wear a name tag as part of a uniform. While this question is not always comfortable to ask, we are here to answer it. Name tags are a great tool for personal identification. People have been using them for many, many years in many, many circumstances. Retailers, restaurants, hotels and other consumer service providers continue to use them.

Miss Manners Judith Martin Name Tag Advice

The question posed: “Is it presumptuous to start a personal conversation with a person who is wearing a name tag?”

Miss Manners gave the following answer:

Miss Manners: A name tag does not invite personal questions. A server’s name tag is not an invitation for friendship.

By Judith Martin, “Miss Manners” (Advice Columns, August 11, 2015)

DEAR MISS MANNERS:

Sometimes I see patrons in a store or restaurant peer at the service employee’s name tag and say something like, “Hello there . . . Tiffany . . . how are you today?” It always comes out with this forced conviviality, as if to say, “Look, everyone! I’m a good, egalitarian person treating the lowly server as a person. Isn’t that great of me?”

I think it actually says, “You have such a menial job that you’re forced to wear a stupid name tag, so I know your name and feel free to use it even though I don’t know you — but you don’t know my name because I’m a higher-class person and get to dress the way I want.”

I think name tags are just so you know whom to refer to if needed, as in, “I think Tiffany is our server. Could you ask her to bring the check?” Am I right to see this as presumptuous behavior?

GENTLE READER:

The presumption in the greeting you mention is not in using Tiffany’s name, but in asking the waitress how she is “doing,” a question about her mood or life that is not relevant to the business at hand.

Miss Manners has no objection to using a form of address that has been supplied by the addressee, even if, in this case, it may technically have been Tiffany’s boss who chose the form. She does wish the form supplied was more formal, as she agrees with you that first names in this context are an invitation to mistreatment.

a server wearing a professional name tag

So, in not so many words, remember what Miss Manners teaches about the etiquette of respecting someone’s personal boundaries. While it is nice to know your server’s name at a restaurant, be kind. Treat all those in service positions in the same manner in which you want to be treated. Name tags are a convenient way of remembering someone’s name. They are an identifier and as such, we should treat them with respect.

No matter your profession, we have a name tag that is suitable for your needs.

Shop All Name Tags

Name Tag Etiquette: Part 2

Event badges are the best way to identify yourself, especially when networking is a primary focus. Follow these guidelines and you will always be safe from sabotaging your success. So, what is the best way to print an event name badge?

Printing Event Badges

Event Badge holder with printed insert and handwritten name

Providing pre-printed event badges is one of the most effective investments you can make to the success of an event, especially a networking event. Yet many people waste this opportunity to help guests meet and greet at an optimum level. Here are a few tips to ensure your event name badges look great and are the most productive.

Keep the Printing Simple

All your event badges need is a first and last name with your affiliation or company underneath. Think twice about the need to provide any more information beyond these basics.

Printing the first name larger than the last name

While there are no hard and fast rules governing whether to enlarge the person’s first name, I submit that it’s best to print both the first and last name in the same size font. You will obviously see the person’s first name. However, if the last name is too small to be easily read, an opportunity to connect is lost since a person’s identity comes from knowing both a person’s first and last name.

No Honorifics and Titles for Event Badges

Do not place honorifics such as Ph.D. or Dr. or titles such as President or Sales Manager on event badges. You can learn this information as you converse. Only at special events will honorifics or titles be helpful, such as a doctor’s convention where the doctor’s specialties are important or a company conference where titles let others know what that person’s responsibilities are.

Adding a Company or Organization Name

Event Badge holder insert has three lines: name, title and association.

Besides a person’s first and last name, the only other information to print for an event badge is a person’s company or organization name; this is a great way to begin conversations. While we should all be proud of our affiliated organizations, seeing the person’s name is more important than knowing their affiliated company. Therefore, place the company name or logo at the bottom of the tag in a font size that’s easy to read yet smaller than the person’s name.

Host and Sponsor Organizations

Give acknowledgment to the sponsors of your event through the design of the badges, but never allow that information to override the all-important role of a name badge which is to introduce the person who is wearing it.

Choose a Font

Use big, bold fonts for printing and avoid script or fancy fonts. The goal is to make the badges easy to read, so choose your font wisely. With several thousand choices on most computers, your name badges do not need to be boring when selecting a font for readability. Some popular fonts for name badges include Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, Calibri and Times.

Font Size Matters

Print the names on the badges in a font size that practically fills the tag. It is a waste of an excellent networking tool to print the information on any badges in small type. Instead, begin with a large 40-point font and adjust the size to fit the names on each line. Some names are larger or shorter, so adjust the font size accordingly.

Print a Test of the Event Badges

Before printing your badges, print a single badge and look at it from the same distance it will be viewed at the event. Then, if there is any difficulty in reading any of the information, go back and make adjustments and try it again.

Now that you have your event badges, learn how to wear them at Event Name Tag Etiquette: Part 1.

By Syndi Seid, the world’s leading etiquette trainer, celebrity speaker and founder of San Francisco based Advanced Etiquette.