PVC cards are a must-have for any professional organization. High-quality PVC cards help with identification, facility access, and branding. Choosing where to print PVC cards can make or break your results, though. 

That’s the big question you’ll need to answer: where can I print PVC cards for my organization?

You must make the right decision, and many factors are at stake. This guide will help you choose the perfect cards for your organization.

Over 1 million organizations, including Microsoft, Nike, and Google, have trusted CustomLanyard.net. With a proven track record of delivering quality custom PVC cards and the help of our friendly team, we’ll get you set up with everything you need.

What to Consider Before Printing PVC Cards

Finding a sturdy, crisp PVC card for your organization that emits an aura of professionalism is easier than you may think at first. High-quality cards can transform your operations and make the lives of your employees a breeze.

You’re likely thinking, where can I print PVC cards like that?

We’ll discuss where to print PVC cards later in this article, but first, it's essential to take a step back.

By taking the time to consider all of the features and qualities you want on your card, you’ll be better informed. 

Let’s break down how to print an ID card and everything you need to add to your wishlist to find a retailer that checks all those boxes.

Design and Customization Options

PVC ID cards need to strike a precarious balance–you want them to contain security features, easy identification, and an eye-catching design that enhances your organization’s branding.

As such, you want to make sure you have access to as many customization options as possible. Prioritize high-resolution graphics, color schemes, the choice for personalization features like barcodes and photos, and a solid layout.

After all, if you try to fit all of those features into a small space, the design will clash, making identification difficult and harming your brand reputation.

You should also be able to choose special features such as embossing, holographic finishes, and different attachment hole options.

As you search for where to print PVC cards, you must ensure that your checklist covers these boxes.

Material Quality and Thickness

You can have a fantastic design, but it will be worthless if the card only lasts a month.

Consider what ID cards are made of. PVC is generally considered the superior choice for a nice blend of durability and cost-effectiveness–provided you’re sourcing it from the right supplier.

Look for waterproof PVC cards resistant to scratches and expertly printed to mitigate fading.

Thickness is another key factor. How big is an ID card, typically?

Standard cards should be at least 0.70mm thick to withstand wear and tear. However, cards that are 0.9 to 1mm thick will be even more durable.

Turnaround Time

Turnaround times should also be considered when determining where to print PVC cards. Even with a fantastic design and all the bells and whistles, you’ll never be able to outfit your employees in time if it takes an hour to produce a single card.

Find a reliable company with a reputation for fast shipping. If your order takes more than a few weeks, look elsewhere.

Printing Technology

Another vital thing to consider when figuring out where to print PVC cards is the printing technology itself.

You’ll want cards printed in high resolution, at least 300 dpi. When buying a printer or shopping with a company, consider other features, such as producing double-sided cards or adding magnetic stripes, barcodes, and QR codes.

Cost Considerations

With your design settled, there’s another essential question: how much do ID cards cost?

Some PVC card printing companies offer discounts for bulk purchases. This can reduce your organization's costs compared to buying cards individually or investing in a printer.

It’s important to note that printers have high upfront costs. Using a PVC ID printer means purchasing a printer, PVC material, and printing software, which can all add up quickly.

That does not include the potential mistakes you and your staff can make while learning the machine, which will further increase the costs.

Your best bet is usually a bulk order supplier–the costs are cheaper for small orders (no initial upfront investment costs) and large orders (with a bulk discount).

Lanyards, Badge Holders, and Other Essentials

While you can distribute ID cards to your employees and hope they keep them in their wallets, that can be risky.

That’s where accessories like lanyards, badge holders, and badge reels come in. These tools pair fantastically with PVC ID cards, allowing employees to carry their identification fuss-free.

Lanyards and badge holders also offer branding potential–you can customize them with your company logo or event slogan for a professional and stylish appearance.

Where Can I Print PVC Cards?

Now that you know what to look for while shopping, the big question is: where can I print PVC cards with all the features my organization needs?

There are many factors to consider when determining where to print PVC cards. You want access to customization features, high-quality materials, and speedy turnaround times.

Also, affordable bulk pricing and accessories like lanyards can make your employees’ lives easier.

Thankfully, one supplier has gone above and beyond to provide all these qualities: CustomLanyard.net!

What Makes CustomLanyard.net the #1 Choice?

If your organization needs custom ID cards, look no further than CustomLanyard.net.

Business owners, charity leaders, and other organizations worldwide have trusted us for over a decade. 

From renowned brands like Meta, Yelp, and Netflix to your local mom-and-pop shop, we’ve crafted high-quality customized products that are professional and functional.

Our ID cards are made of premium PVC and composite blends, ensuring unparalleled durability. Our online customization tool allows you to add all the features and tweaks you need, including holographic finishes, barcodes, artwork, and more.

With competitive pricing and lightning-fast turnaround in as little as a few days, we provide the best bang for your buck of any supplier in the world.

With industry-leading product quality, it’s no surprise that we’ve been a mainstay in the Elite Inc. 500 companies.

When you order with us, you’ll also have access to our 24/7 customer support, which will give you peace of mind throughout the process.

We’re also proud to be a one-stop shop for everything you need. We sell custom badge holders, lanyards, badge reels, and other accessories that will simplify the implementation of new ID cards.

There’s also no minimum order quantity–meaning you won’t be paying exorbitant prices just to update security for your small organization. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll enjoy fantastic bulk pricing discounts that are far more cost-efficient than any other ID printing method.

Tips on Getting Started Printing PVC Cards With Us

If you’re ready to dive in but are unsure where to start, we’re here to help.

We recommend settling on your preferred design. Choose a quality logo and color scheme, and consider whether you need additional features like barcodes or magnetic stripes. 

Then, you have a couple of options.

You can hop onto our product pages, such as our custom vertical ID badges. Each page has all the inputs you need to customize your cards simply. You choose your desired features, including thickness, hole style, and text.

Alternatively, you can contact our friendly support team directly–we’ll help you find the perfect ID card style for your organization and assist in the design process.

The more attention to detail and planning you perform upfront, the better your final results will be, so don’t be afraid to take your time before submitting your order!

You also receive a free digital proof for every order before paying, so be sure to use it to optimize your design.

Other Options to Consider

There are a few other options for printing PVC cards for your organization.

Walmart

Walmart locations are easy to find and have good turnaround times.

However, the primary drawback is their quality and customization options. Walmart uses lower-quality materials that can break easily. You won’t have access to many designs, custom logos, or security features.

Staples

Like Walmart, Staples locations are ubiquitous. You can order PVC cards to use on your printer.

Like Walmart and other retailers, Staples offers minimal customization potential. You may be able to customize some text for your brand, but nothing like the designs you’ll find at a specialized provider. 

Turnaround times are also cumbersome with their online ordering process.

Getting Your Own Printer

What about investing in your own printer?

Learning how to print PVC cards for your organization can be challenging for you and your staff. While owning your own printer gives you complete control over the process, inexperience can stifle you without the proper knowledge.

Acquiring your own printer is also a heavy upfront investment. You need to buy the printer, design software, PVC material, various colors of ink, and other equipment, which can be overwhelming.

For example, learning how to laminate ID cards at home can be burdensome. It’s another piece of equipment to buy if you’re printing your own cards, and it's easy to mess up. Each mistake can mean scrapping a card and starting all over.

If you repeatedly make mistakes, you’ll quickly exhaust your DIY budget. Unless your organization has an employee with ample experience and the necessary equipment, you’re better off finding a reliable supplier.

Closing Thoughts on Where to Print PVC Cards

PVC ID cards are a total game-changer for any organization. They bolster security, help employees and visitors identify one another, and provide plenty of marketing potential.

But you can’t just buy your own printer and start pumping cards like nobody’s business. If you want a high-quality set of cards with all the bells and whistles, you need a reliable supplier to help.

After all, ID cards are a direct reflection of your company. Put your best face forward with a professional design and high-quality materials, and your employees and visitors will respond positively.

The best place to find custom PVC cards and extra accessories is CustomLanyard.net. Our know-how, reputation, and affordable prices make the entire process easy.

With our intuitive online customization tool, you can complete an order in minutes–far quicker than fumbling around with a printer and hoping for the best.

Browse our store or contact our friendly team to get started today!