InstantCard Cards

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   What size are the ID cards?

   ID cards are standard credit card sized, or in actual terms 2.125 X 3.370 inches. They fit perfectly into one’s wallet, but are not too large to hang off of a lanyard or wear with a clip. They can be produced in both vertical (portrait) and horizontal (landscape) format.

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   How durable are the ID cards?

   The cards are made of PVC plastic, which – as most people trying to destroy old credit cards have noticed – is very hard to damage. These cards are much less susceptible to tears or rips that are common occurrences with laminated or standard paper ID cards. They are entirely waterproof so there is no need to worry about coffee or soda damage to the IDs. They will last a very long time.

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   What print technology is used to make the cards?

   There are several types of printing processes available for the printing of photo ID cards. The process used at InstantCard is the highest quality available on the market today, called thermal re-transfer. The high-definition (300 dpi) printing is transferred to a clear plastic film, which is then heat-sealed to the surface of the card. This method is very cost effective, and ensures the highest quality of printing compared to that used by small, cheaper printers.

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   Do you work with HID/Prox cards?

   Yes, we do. We can often provide compatible Prox cards for existing security systems. The InstantCard system can also print your photo ID cards onto existing corporate prox cards. Doing so eliminates the need for employees to carry around multiple cards (visual ID, access control, time & attendance, etc.). Our printing process does not damage the chip or antenna inside of the prox cards.

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   How can I provide higher security ID cards for my company?

   There are several options that can be used to increase the security of ID cards. Some of the options which significantly reduce the risk of fraud or falsification include:
   • have a hologram security seal added to their ID cards
   • have the hologram embedded straight into the surface of the card itself
   • use micro-printing, which only high-quality high-definition printers can achieve
   • use ghosted and re-sized images on the card
   • overlay or underlay graphics over variable data (photo, name, etc.)
   We would be pleased to work with you to define the best security solution to meet your organization’s unique requirements.

Accessories

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   Is it possible to have a slot punch for lanyards or clips?

   Yes. Our extremely flexible service allows you to have your cards customized just about any way you want them, including having slots punched into the top. However, a slot punch does weaken the card, and the card becomes more likely to get cracked or broken near the slot punch. Instead, we highly recommend using badge holders for ID cards – these greatly prolong the life of IDs as they keep the card from unnecessary bending and protect the cards from other environmental hazards. Badge holders also allow more printable area on the surface of the card.

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   Do you offer custom lanyards?

   In addition to our standard lanyard offering, we can provide custom lanyards with logos and custom coloring. We are able to provide just about any kind of custom-made lanyard that you could think of, with a wide range of options available.

InstantCard Software

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   Can I change my card design after processing the cards?

   Yes. The InstantCard software allows for as many changes to card templates as one wants. In fact, you can make an unlimited number of card designs, at no extra charge. Most clients use multiple designs, such as for staff and students, or for temporary and permanent employees.

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   Is the system very complicated?

   From the beginning, we have worked hard to make the system as simple and intuitive as possible. Most clients, who have very few computer skills, find that once they’ve produced their first card, it is extremely easy to use the system on a regular basis.

   We believe that the software used to create and send the data for your own ID cards is absolutely the easiest to use. We do, however, understand that there are different levels of comfort that people experience with computers and new programs. We have therefore created a series of online tutorials demonstrating the process set-by-step, from design to production. The tutorials include screen shots of exactly what buttons to push and how to use all the main functions in the software. Beyond that, we offer free, unlimited telephone support to any user who needs further assistance.

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   Do I send you the employee photos?

   No. Our system avoids email entirely, which is the source of most errors when dealing with an outsourcing supplier. Our automated software allows you to just point to the photos for your IDs cards, then automatically embeds them onto your cards. The program also allows you to easily adjust how much of the picture you want to show up on the ID. There is no need to worry about pictures mismatched with employee names, or bad pictures, or improper sizing. The system displays an exact image of the printed card, to verify spelling and presentation, before you choose to process the ID card.

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   Can I use a webcam to take the pictures?

   Yes. The InstantCard system allows you to capture images directly from a webcam, providing the same cropping and sizing tools used when you point to a stored image (.jpg) on your computer.

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   I have a lot of people. Can I batch-upload from a spreadsheet?

   The system provides a very simple ability to upload your personnel database and photos as a batch. The data can come from Microsoft Excel, Text Files, MS Access, or a variety of other data sources. The import tool allows you to quickly map your columns to data fields.

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   I’m not very design-oriented. Can someone create a layout for me?

   Absolutely. We have expert graphic specialists at InstantCard who would be more than happy to design a custom template for you using your company logo and any other design specifications that you may have. Of course our software is also very simple to use; should you decide later to make changes to the design, we can walk you through how to do those changes yourself so that you can visualize those alterations immediately.

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   Does the software have pre-set card design templates?

   The software does offer a “Card Design Wizard” which allows you to work from a pre-existing layout. But at InstantCard we pride ourselves in making individual designs for each of our clients, meaning that we prefer to custom design your ID cards to best serve your needs. This is a free service. If you would like to get some inspiration as to what others in similar fields have done, you are welcome to take a look at our card gallery. We can gladly make your IDs to those specifications as well.

InstantCard Service

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   How long does it take for me to get my IDs?

   Our service guarantees our customers with the fastest turnaround time in the industry. As long as you process your cards by 4 p.m. EST, we will print and ship out your ID cards on the very same day. You decide how we ship the cards to you. FedEx or UPS get your cards to you overnight, while USPS will take standard postage time (generally 1-3 business days).

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   Is there a minimum number of cards per batch to avoid extra charges?

   Absolutely not. Sometimes someone loses an ID card, or sometimes there’s just one new employee period, and we completely understand. Clients can print individual cards if necessary at the same cost as cards within larger batches. There is never a “small-batch” fee.

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   We plan on having a big batch up front, with smaller batches in the future. How would that work?

   This is exactly why an outsourced service provides the most flexible solution for most organizations. Most companies produce a smaller number of cards, after the one or two large batches produced at the beginning. We have many clients who use our service because of the convenience we provide in this aspect of the business. Whether you require a small or a large batch, there is no change to our very simple process.

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   Do you provide support in setting up and using the software?

   Yes, we certainly do provide support, in various different ways:
   • We provide custom template design services to every new client – for free!
   • On our website you will be able to find tutorials for editing card designs as well as entering in company data. These videos go into play-by-play details as to the process of working different aspects of the program while at the same time being concise enough to avoid information overload.
   • We offer webinars for group training, so we can guide new users set-by-step through the process
   • We have an online screen-sharing tool, LiveLook, which allows us to see your screen (once you provide authorization) to help you overcome any specific issue you may encouter
   • Clients are always welcome to contact us directly by phone if they ever feel the need as well; we do provide personal support for any questions or concerns you may have about the service.