Are you ready to save money by printing your own ID cards? Here is a brief rundown of what you will need, besides a 
computer or laptop, to start printing your own ID cards.

ID Card Printer

There are a wide variety of ID card printers that will suit a variety of needs from basic single-sided printing, printers that also encode magnetic stripes, printers that add a layer of laminate over the top of your card, and more. What you’ll be printing on your cards and how they’ll be used will help determine what features to look for in a card printer.

ID Card Software

You can print ID cards from most any application, including Word and PhotoShop. The benefit of using ID card software is that, in addition to card design features, you’ll be able to store cardholder data records. ID card software differs in a few basic ways:

• Card design – All card software includes card design software.
• Design and save your cards in a database – The next level of software includes database capabilities. This allows you to save individual cardholder records.
• Design, save and network – Higher-end ID card software adds the ability to manage your card database and print over a network.

Consumables

You’ll need a ribbon for your printer, PVC cards to print on, and a printer cleaning kit to keep your printer running smoothly.

Accessories

Have you thought about how your cards will be worn? There are a many options in how to display an ID badge, including lanyards, retractable badge reels, badge holders and badge clips.

Extended Service Plans

To ensure that your card printing program is never out of commission and to protect the investment you’ll make in a printer, consider service plans such as an extended warranty plan or a printer loaner plan.

Training

Taking an hour or two to learn about the set-up and use of your new printer and/or software can save you time in the long run. Reputable resellers in the ID card printer industry will be able to offer you training on both your card printer and your ID card software, on anything from basic set-up to helping you connect to an external database.

Technical support

As with all online shopping, the expertise and service of the company you choose to do business with is important—perhaps even more important when shopping for technology products that you may or may not be familiar with. When shopping for an ID card printing system, look for a reseller who will be able to answer your questions and help you with problems after you’ve purchased from them.

For answers to any questions you may have about getting started with your new ID card printing program, talk with our ID Professionals at (800) 321-4405 x2.

Written by Thomas Yemne on September 27th, 2012 | Category: Before You Buy, Helpful Tips & Support | Leave a comment

Why wouldn’t I buy the lowest priced ID card printer that I can find? A printer is a printer, right? Wrong! There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an ID card printer – many of which do not come to mind until it’s too late.

Let’s say this year you buy a new single-sided printer because you just want to put a photo and text on the front of the card and leave the back blank. But, next year a new need arises to have data on the back of the card. Uh oh, you bought a single-sided printer, how is this going to work? Many printers ID Wholesaler offers feature a modular design that will allow you to add dual-sided printing capabilities any time, thus allowing you to handle the new need to print additional information on the back of the card.

This is just one simple scenario that can come into play. Before you choose an ID card printer, give us a call at (800) 321-4405. We can explain your options and help you find a printer within your budget that will grow with your changing needs.

Written by Brent Hascall on July 19th, 2012 | Category: Before You Buy | Leave a comment

Nearly every time a customer purchases a machine from us we get the same question: what does my printer come with? The easy answer to this question is nothing. Although this isn’t exactly true – some machines come with a free ribbon and others are accompanied with a basic software package (most customers require more than what these diluted software packages have to offer).

If you are looking to purchase a card printing machine, remember that you will essentially just receive the printer, cables, and driver disks to properly install the machine. This is why it is very important – especially for first-time card printer purchasers – to also get the supplies necessary for card production.

How do you ensure you get everything you need to start printing cards right away? Save time and money by shopping for a bundled system that includes printer ribbon, blank cards, ID software, and/or an ID camera. Bundled systems make shopping easy, plus you will receive cost savings over purchasing the items individually. You can customize your system by selecting from the enhancements available in the Options tab and/or Related Items tab with the product detail page.

If you have questions on building a customized plastic card printing solution, consult with an ID Wholesaler representative via phone at (800) 321-4405, chat, or email; we would be glad to assist! There is also a library of information on every product page. Feel free to use the description and specification tabs to educate yourself, watch videos, and even download demonstrations for different products. This is all helpful information in helping select the appropriate system for your needs.

Written by Justin Strauss on March 9th, 2011 | Category: Before You Buy | Leave a comment

Have you ever had any of the following issues with your ID card printing system?

• ID cards not feeding into the machine
• Card printer ribbons breaking
• Lines through your ID cards
• Diminished picture quality

If you have experienced any one of the above issues it was likely a frustrating experience. The good news is that they can usually be avoided with two very inexpensive items: a dust cover and cleaning kit.

Why purchase a dust cover and cleaning kit?
Adding these to your printer order are a no-brainer! They are the key to protecting the life of your printer and are also the least expensive items that go along with your purchase. Dust is a printer’s #1 enemy – and the enemy of anything electronic, for that matter.

A dust cover and cleaning kit can prevent small problems, like a particle of dust causing a blown print head pixel. Yes, one piece of dust can, and has, damaged many a printhead for those who have chosen not to invest in two items that together cost less than $75.  (FYI: New printheads start at about $475 and are not covered under most manufacturers warranties if damaged because of lack of proper care, such as regular cleanings.)

How/when do I use these items?
When the printer is not in use, simply place the dust cover over the printer and remove it when the printer needs to be used. Run a cleaning kit through the printer after every ribbon change or when the printer has been unused for more than a month or so. Two very simple-to-use, inexpensive items that will save you time and money in the future by protecting your ID card printer from the unnecessary evil that is dust!

To find the dust cover and cleaning kits made for your specific printer make and model, use our Card Printer Supplies Selector. To learn more about protecting your ID card printer, call an ID Expert at (800) 321-4405.

Written by Chris Knudtson on March 2nd, 2011 | Tags: Cleaning Kits | Category: Before You Buy, ID Card Printers & Systems | Leave a comment

Written by Kate Curtis on February 11th, 2011 | Tags: Visual Security | Category: Before You Buy, Card Printer Supplies | Leave a comment

Before shopping for a new ID card printer, you should consider two important factors: volume and durability. These can affect the model of printer that will best fit your needs.

Volume
How many cards will you be printing over the course of a month or a year?
Some printer models are equipped to print larger volumes of cards than others. For example, the Fargo DTC1000, Evolis Badgy System, and Magicard Pronto are suited for low volume, while the Evolis Quantum 2, Fargo DTC4500, NiSCA PR5350 are ideal for higher volume.

Durability
How durable do your ID cards need to be?
An average PVC card will last 1-2 years. Swiping bar codes or magnetic stripe card readers can wear on a card. It’s an important factor to consider, particularly for large organizations, as card replacement can be costly. You can extend the life of your cards with an overlay or lamination, which requires a laminating printer. You may also choose a thicker card (cards vary from 10 mil to 30 mil thickness) or composite card that offers more durability and warp resistance.

For assistance in finding the right printer that meets your volume and durability needs, call an ID Expert today at (800) 321-4405.

Written by Kate Curtis on November 22nd, 2010 | Category: Before You Buy | Leave a comment

I often receive calls from people who need to print ID cards for the first time. They call me up to learn about ID card printers and software and, more often than not, they underestimate what it costs to do something like this. I can understand that; card printers are more expensive than other types of printers. After all, you can walk into Target and buy a paper printer for about 50 bucks, so the average person has no reason to believe card printers would cost more than the average printer. But, they do. Card printers range from about $1,200 to over $10,000 – and that doesn’t even include the ID software, ID camera, printer supplies, lanyards, etc. Card printers are much more specialized and advanced than the average printer. It takes a different technology to print onto a plastic card, much different than the basic printer that prints on paper.

So, yes, card printers cost more money. And, it is important to remember the terms cheap and expensive are relative terms. A “cheap” paper printer is $50. A “cheap” card printer is $1,500. You wouldn’t expect a $50 paper printer to perform very well or last very long and the same applies to card printers. While $1,500 is a lot of money, it’s nothing for a card printer. The old adage is true – you can have it cheap or you can have it good.

My point is this: don’t “skimp” on your printer purchase. If you’re making a large investment for your company, be sure it will perform as you need it to and be sure it is the right printer for your particular application. Do you want a robust, reliable single sided card printer? Expect to spend a minimum of $2,000 and over $3,000 for a dual-sided card printer. Add a minimum of $1,000 on top of that for the remaining items – software, camera, supplies, etc.

I’ve never received a call from someone who regretted spending more money upfront for a good printer. But, unfortunately I’ve gotten hundreds of calls from people using cheap printers who end up purchasing a new printer – the printer they should have purchased initially.

We are photo ID experts. Give us a call. I promise we won’t “sell” you but rather guide you toward something you won’t regret.

Written by Jeff Berger on November 3rd, 2010 | Category: Before You Buy | Leave a comment

Need to buy an ID card printer and not sure where to start? Here are four tips to help you learn about the equipment needed to make ID badges and how to find the best ID card printer for you.

1. Visit the Learning Center
Our Learning Center is your resource for everything ID. It includes an ID dictionary, case studies, sample ID cards, articles (such as Single-Sided vs. Dual-Sided Printers and How to Choose an ID Card Printer), and much more!

2. Use the Printer Selector
Based on your answers to a series of questions regarding your needs and preferences, such as color printing, card technology, security features, and more, the Printer Selector will help you make the right ID card printer decision for your application. You will begin the session with access to ID Wholesaler’s full selection of ID card printers. As each preference is chosen, the list of ID card printers narrows, displaying only options best suited for your needs.

3. Use the Compare Feature (see example below)
Sometimes the easiest way to learn about a printer is to compare it to another printer. Compare up to four printers to get a quick snapshot of each printer’s price, accepted card thickness, color capability, encoding options, and more!

4. Call an ID Expert
It can be a daunting task to buy a new piece of technology. While there are resources, like the ones listed above, available to learn about the equipment needed to make ID badges, it may be easier and more efficient to talk with an ID Expert who can listen to your specific needs and make recommendations. Give an ID Expert at call today at (800) 321-4405!

Written by Kate Curtis on September 17th, 2010 | Category: Before You Buy | Leave a comment

We have all read them. Candid product reviews from people that already own the product we want to buy online. Oftentimes product reviews just as (or more!)  helpful as product descriptions provided by the website selling the item.

If you’re looking to read reviews of ID printers and supplies, you’re in the right place. Currently 211 products on IDWholesaler.com have been reviewed at least once (most have multiple reviews). Simply look for the orange stars within each product description to see the product’s ratings and reviews (see Single-Sided Photo ID Printers for an example).

While you’re reading reviews, feel free to write a review on any product(s) you already own. Others have taken time to provide helpful feedback for you – feel free to return the favor!

*SPECIAL OFFER* Now through June 30th, submit a product review and you’ll get a chance to win an 8GB iPod touch! Every review increases your chance to win. See our Reviews Promo for more information.

Written by Kate Curtis on June 11th, 2010 | Category: Before You Buy | Leave a comment