PROFESSIONAL NAMETAGS ON A NON-PROFESSIONAL'S BUDGET: A GUIDe

Want professional looking PVC nametags but don't have the budget to get the expensive system?  I have a potential option for you.  I have created professional looking PVC nametags for only a fraction of the cost that big companies use to make them.  Here's my setup..

What I used:

• Printer: Canon IP7200 picture printer; $75 on Amazon (click here to see amazon page)
• Blank PVC cards from Brainstorm ID; $18 for 100 cards on Amazon (click here to see amazon page); note: if you order from Amazon, make sure the vendor is Brainstorm ID.  I have ordered from a cheaper distributor, but those cards did not work.  You can also purchase it direct from Brainstorm ID (click here to see their webpage)
• PVC card printer tray (J tray): $20 on Amazon (click here to see amazon page; also available from Brainstorm ID website, click here)
• Slot Punch by TruLam: $16 on Amazon (click here to see Amazon page)
• Badge Clips: $10 for 100 on Amazon (click here to see Amazon page)
• Lanyards: $30 for 100 on Amazon (click here to see Amazon page); note: I was particular about this one because of the wide clip; there are cheaper and different options available

Startup cost (printer, tray, and punch): ~$111
Cost per nametag after that: $0.18 (pvc card) + $0.10 (badge clip) + $0.05 (ink cost approximate) = $0.33 per nametag
or if you use a lanyard: $0.53 per nametag

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Step by step guide:

1. download templates from BraistormID (click here to view webpage); make sure you download "Canon J Tray" template for the program you want to use
   
2. Design ID using template (I used Apple Pages); note, you may have to adjust the guides for your setup.  When I printed my first set of nametags, it was about 3/4" shifted, so I adjusted the guides and now it prints perfectly.
   
3. Print to Canon Printer; make sure to choose "printable disc" under media type and "disc tray" under paper source (on a windows computer, your options might be different so adjust for your setup).
   
4. If you are printing on both sides, flip the cards over and print again (for nametags for a conference, I put names on one side and the conference scheudle on the other)
   
5. Use slot punch to make a slot, then affix badge clip or lanyard.

Here is a video to help see the step by step process.  I was in the process of making our family's Christmas ornaments that we will be sending to family and friends.  Same process, just a different design.

It will take a little practice to get the final product you want, so be sure to order extra cards and know that you will have to toss a few while you perfect your setup.  It works quite well for me and I hope you can same some money and create some excellent quality nametags in your own environment.