How can I start my own card program? Call or e-mail Arthur Blank and tell us what you would like to accomplish with your card program, give us some information about your business or organization and tell us what existing card programs you like. We will take that information and have our sales staff and a reseller/service partner contact you to put together a solution that will meet your business objectives How do I know which card will work with my existing systems? Start with the manuals or users guides for your system. It will usually have information on what the card requirements are for compatibility with your system. Resellers are a great resource for identifying which features and functions your card should be equipped with to work with your system. How much do cards cost? Card prices depend on the quantity you order and the features and options you require. Contact your reseller or Arthur Blank to discuss your card requirements. We will review your requirements, make program and product recommendations, and provide pricing. How long does it take to get cards? Lead times depend on the card features and options, quantity, and any additional card imaging or packaging services required. Simple orders can be shipped in two to three weeks from approved proof, more complicated projects take longer. Arthur Blank can provide specific timelines during quoting and order entry stages of your project. Contact us with your delivery requirements, our automated equipment and extensive capacity enables us to deliver quality products very quickly. How should my artwork be submitted? You can find everything you need to know about your card project on this website. Here is a direct link to our Artwork Specifications page that will provide you with mechanical specifications, production notes and product templates. What are some key benefits of gift cards? Gift Card programs are versatile and effective tools for supporting a company’s marketing efforts. Some highlights include: - Merchandising at Point-of-Sale (POS) displays to spark impulse buying, and deliver increased revenues – even during seasonal slowdowns - Increases of up to 40% in sales for Gift Cards vs. paper certificates - Since value is not “activated” until the time of purchase, Gift Cards can be displayed openly in the retail environment, generating more sales while giving the customer a heightened sense of security - Value may be added or recharged to the Gift Card, encouraging repeat business - Gift Cards can be used to track purchases, giving merchants the opportunity to personalize marketing and promotions based on customer preferences - Plastic Gift Cards are easy to carry and are more durable than paper What are some advantages of gift cards? Activated at the time of purchase, Gift Cards offer both speed and efficiency for retailers. For example: - By replacing paper gift certificates, Gift Cards reduce production, distribution and transaction processing costs - The retailer or restaurant collects and controls the funds prior to the delivery of any merchandise or services - Unlike paper certificates, the retailer never gives cash back - Gift Cards can be issued in lieu of cash refunds - Serves as an easy-to-use, secure payment method for customers What are some of the markets where gift cards are being used? Anywhere a paper gift certificate is issued. - General Retail - Supermarkets - Restaurants - Hotels - Corporate gifts Are gift cards here to stay? Yes, Gift Card sales have increased 20% annually since 2003. - 80% of national retailers now offer plastic gift cards. - Gift cards are no longer a gift of convenience, but are now the gift of choice. How do gift card programs support Internet retail? For many customers, Gift Cards serve as a physical link between Internet and brick ‘n’ mortar stores. By offering this “cashless payment” option, retailers can extend the online shopping experience to new customers such as teenagers or individuals reestablishing their credit. By creating an interactive “click ‘n’ mortar” experience, merchants can successfully vie for the attention of the 24-hour impulse buyer and encourage repeat browsing. Are there any additional marketing opportunities for gift cards? Gift Cards support branding efforts by literally inserting the brand into a customer’s hands and wallet – positioning your company in the top of their mind. As part of a larger marketing program, Gift Cards allow companies to reach customers at numerous ‘touch points’ for improved customer relationship management. Can Arthur Blank handle large run card programs? Yes, it’s one of our specialties. Today, through a network of distributors, we print, encode and personalize close to 850 million cards a year, and we have a capacity to produce 1.2 billion cards. These cards include the NEW RAC® Gift Card and the Active Label® Combo Card®. Our 100,000 square foot, world class manufacturing facility features 7 high speed offset and silk-screen presses, including our flagship six-color Komori. Our commitment to state-of-the-art technology means that cards can be produced with magnetic stripe encoding and hi-resolution inkjet imaging and numbering. How do loyalty card programs cultivate customer loyalty? Loyalty Card programs are suitable for retail, supermarket, hospitality or service-oriented applications. Creating a physical link between the merchant and the customer. - Making the experience more interactive and customer-friendly. - Supporting branding and awareness efforts by literally inserting a brand into customers’ hands and wallets. - Giving companies the opportunity to personalize marketing and promotions based on customer preferences. - Encouraging return trips to the retailer with effective marketing, brand reinforcement and strong customer service. Can loyalty card programs be used with Customer Relationship Management? Yes, the backbone of strong CRM is customer service. Loyalty Card programs allow companies to reach customers and personalize service at numerous ‘touch points’ including point-of-sale and the call center. A Loyalty Card can also act as the tool to track and record the history of the customer relationship, retail or otherwise. Can you use loyalty cards with the Internet? Yes, for many customers, the Internet is still unfamiliar territory, and they hesitate in using the Internet for retail or other transactions. Loyalty Cards familiarize the Internet for customers who otherwise might never log on. What should I know about Patents & Trademarks before I start a card program? You should know that Arthur Blank & Co. has or practices the patents for the Retail Activation Card (RAC® Card), which is normally used as a gift card. The Active Label® ComboCard®, which is a standard credit card with one keytag or two, you make the choice. This is an Instant Issuance card that can be used for any type of loyalty or rewards. We also hold the Patent on a standard credit card with a "removable/reusable" label, our Active Label® card. This card is again used for loyalty or rewards at retailers.