As you may know, Fullidentity provides custom identification cards and accessories to companies across the country. Though the majority of our customer choose to have us do the printing for them, several of our customers have opted to order their equipment and materials through us, which allows them to do their printing in-house. There are a variety of benefits to doing in-house printing, ranging from a more hands on quality control protocol to convenience and overall savings, but identifying which options are best for you can be a challenge. Here are a few mistakes to avoid while doing your shopping for an ID card printer.
1 – Purchasing Based on Price
Sticking to a budget is certainly important, but it’s critical to purchase a printer that is going to give you the long-term results you need. While a low-volume printer may be easier on the wallet, a large print volume overtime will result in a much longer production process and excess wear and tear on the machine. In the long run, the extra expense needed for repairs can add up to just as much or more than you would have spent if you had purchased a higher volume printer to start with.
2 – Not Thinking Ahead
Do you have a growing business? Sure, you may only need a low volume of prints now, but will that change over the course of the next few months and years? Think ahead. It may be worth it for you to purchase the higher volume printer, even if you’re not currently utilizing it’s full capacity.
3 – Planning to Print Dual-Sided Cards with a Single-Sided Printer
If you only need a few cards at a time and know that you won’t need a higher volume in the future, this could work for you. However, this becomes a very arduous process when you’re printing in high volumes. If you know you’ll be printing a decent amount of dual-sided cards, it’s way more efficient to purchase the printer that has dual-sided print capability. This will save you time and it will also save you money on ink because dual-sided printers utilize a more efficient use of the ink ribbon.
4 – Failing to Consider Quality and Durability
The average ID card is made of PVC plastic and typically lasts 3-5 years. However, the card’s environment and method of use can reduce it’s lifespan. For instance, if the card is frequently exposed to sunlight or is used for swiping, it will experience expedited wear and tear. Here are two ways you can extend the card’s lifespan:
- Laminate your ID cards.
- Print your cards with a re-transfer printer.
If you would like more information about how to do in-house printing successfully, give us a call! We would love to talk through the options with you and help you make the most informed decision!
Call (866) 610-4308
