The Best Name Tags for a Low Budget

From blank tags to reusable badges, these name tags are the perfect solution for companies on a tight budget.

Name tags may feel like a luxury that your business can go without, especially when you have a tight budget. However, name tags are necessary for achieving business success. When everyone at your workplace wears a name tag, customers feel comfortable working with you. They see you and your colleagues as people, just like them, who can relate to their needs. The more customers feel comfortable doing business with you, the more sales you will have. If you want to not only survive but thrive in the business world, then having company name tags is a must.

Fortunately, providing name tags for your whole team does not have to be a financial burden. There are plenty of low cost alternatives to traditional, permanently engraved name tags. And, they look just as professional too.

Check out these high quality name tags (or name badges) that go easy on your budget while still making a great first impression.

Conference Name Tags

Two full-color Conference Name Tags customized for companies with a tight budget.

Full color, laminated name tags work just as well for everyday office work as they do for conferences. Because they are meant for large events, they come at a low price, making them a low cost solution for your identification needs. Use them to take control of your brand by customizing them with the colors, graphics, logos and text you need to promote your business. Once you see your new name tags in all their full-color splendor, you will want to keep them around forever.

Blank Name Tags

Looking for highly durable name tags that fit your budget? Plastic and metal Name Tag Blanks are made from the same quality material as our laser engraved name tags. Not only are they made to last, but they are also reusable. Just print the names and titles you need onto adhesive labels and stick them onto the name tags. If you want the text to be more permanent, write directly onto the plastic or metal surface using a marker. Customize the size, color and fastener for these blank name tags so they go well with your company uniform or dress code.

Badge Holders with Paper Inserts

By far the most affordable solution, badge holders are a professional choice for any company on a tight budget. They are made of quality vinyl plastic and come with reliable fasteners such as bulldog clips, magnets and pins. When you use them with colorful paper inserts, they make a positive impression on your customers. Use thicker badge holders for your full time employees and thinner ones for temporary staff (e.g., interns, volunteers) to save on business costs. If your staff does not like to wear name badges on their clothing, pair your badge holders with lanyards.

Reusable Name Badges

Three Mighty Badges with different shapes, ideal for companies with a low budget.

Quality reusable name badges are not only affordable, but they save you tons of money in the long run. Whenever you have a change in position, these badges let you replace names and titles on demand using printable inserts. By replacing old inserts with new ones, your company’s identification is up to date within minutes.

Mighty Badges™

With a metal back plate and domed lens, these reusable badges give your business a professional style. Choose name badges with a blank background or with a UV color logo to promote your brand. These badges also come in different sizes and various shapes (rectangles, ovals and squares) so you are sure to stand out from your competitors.

Speedy Badges

Each badge features a plastic, window style frame with a forward curve to give it a distinct look. Add a name and title by sliding an insert into the frame and placing the clear lens over the top. With a pin or magnetic fastener on the back, these badges will hold in place throughout a typical workday.

Name Tags for Any Budget

Whether you are a start up company, small business or large corporation looking to cut costs, these name tags are for you. They go easy on your budget while giving you the quality you deserve. As you use these quality name tags to identify your employees, you will see an increase in sales as customers come to trust your company’s ability to meet their needs.

Why You Should KISS Your Name Tags

From conference to convention and every event in between, when it comes to your name tags, you should always KISS them. In other words, keep it short and simple. Simplicity is necessary to make your name tags work for you. And, avoid unnecessary complexity.

Professional tools such as name tags are essential in marketing and communication. They provide not only personal identity but corporate branding as well. Employees who wear name tags offer a sense of customer service and responsibility for that business. And, name tags are often the hardest working element to a person’s uniform in meetings, at conventions or during any event.

Here’s how you can and should KISS your name tags.

The KISS Principle

KISS keep it short and simple in designing name tags

KISS, an acronym for “keep it simple, stupid” or “keep it stupid simple,” is a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated. The phrase has been associated with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson. The term “KISS principle” was in popular use by 1970. Variations on the phrase include: “Keep it simple, silly,” “keep it short and simple,” “keep it simple and straightforward,” “keep it small and simple” or “keep it stupid simple.”

Whether you’re adding names and titles or logos and names, you should always remember the KISS Principle. Make sure your text is concise and to the point. Avoid longer titles unless necessary, and use an appropriate logo for your brand.

Remember that you should use the KISS Principle on your name tags as it is the most important thing you can do for them.

Yes, you should remember your branding by adding a logo to all of the name tags in your office. Or when creating name tags for a conference, add different company logos to each company’s name tags. Everyone will appreciate their branded name tags, and it also helps with continued recognition for each business.

For a name tag to be the most effective, there are guidelines to consider. The first rule is to keep yours simple. Some people treat them like business cards or resumes, but personal identification should be straightforward and concise. Name tags should only include the bare minimum information necessary to identify the person wearing it. In commercial and retail settings, that means the person’s first name, unless there is more than one employee with the same first name. With such cases, adding a last name helps with identification.

So, for branding to work on your name tags, you need only to include what is necessary. Whether you are gathering information for a convention or making new name tags for your office, only include the bare minimum. 

According to Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy:

“How many times has someone rudely squinted at your chest desperately trying to make out those tiny letters? This is self defeating, embarrassing and actually works to decrease your approachability. Not to mention it makes the other person feel ridiculous! So, much like a retail price tag, your name tag must be readable from ten feet away — both the font and the name tag itself.

“According to a name tag survey done by David Alder of Biz Bash, 50% of a group of meeting planners claimed that ‘illegible font size of name tags was a major problem.’ And, consider the 75 million baby boomers that have reached, or will reach their bifocal days, this is a top priority. The recommended font size is 24 point – hopefully bigger if possible. Also, be certain to avoid cursive, script or other fancy letters.”

KISS keep it short and simple in designing name tags

So, always remember to KISS (keep it short and simple) your name tags, and they will do the work for you. No matter what situation you are in, these KISSed tags are sure to get the job done.

How Unique Name Tags Provide Fun for the Holidays

A name is what makes you unique. Well, that and your personality, quirks and other traits. But, without your name, you wouldn’t be who you are. Having a name is important. It makes you feel wanted and that you are a part of something. Well, the same goes for having unique name tags.

And what better way to show off your individuality than by wearing a tag with your name on it. There are many types of name tags to choose from: metal, plastic or paper; all sorts of different colors; different printing processes or engraving. The custom choices that you can make for your name tag will make them just as unique as you are.

From custom shapes to blank plastic, name tags have all sorts of uses. Especially around the holidays. Some of our customers use their name tags exclusively for identification. And others use them for creative and fun projects. There is no wrong way to use a name tag. And we have proof that everyone (and everything) needs a name tag! Check out this recent news article.

Here’s What Makes this Christmas Tree Farm Different

Nathan Wilcox started selling Christmas trees when he was 11 years old, and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.

“I would have a hard time quitting this because I’d feel I’d let a lot of people down,” Wilcox, 51, said.

The trees come from Wilcox’s farm in Floyd County, about 20 minutes from Radford University, and other parts of Virginia and North Carolina.

And get this: His trees all have names.

His older sister, Becky Belote, came up with the idea of naming the trees and when she stopped selling Christmas trees about 30 years ago, Wilcox decided to carry on the tradition.

Each year, his wife, Karen and their three daughters, Candice, Summer and Julia, would spend Thanksgiving filling out tags with names from family members, friends and classmates. (Karen) said she averages a box of 50 to 100 names a night while watching TV. In the past couple years, she has used popular celebrity names like Justin Bieber.

Both Karen and Nathan try their best to match the names to the right trees, i.e., putting “Charlie Brown” on a small, dinky tree rather than a big one. Once purchased, the trees are given a fresh cut and the employees remove the tree’s price from the name tag. Nathan said customers have told him they keep the name tags and use them as tree ornaments.

“A lot of people actually keep the name tag, for 10, 12, 15 years and use them as ornaments,” he said.

We love that someone is being so unique with their name tag usage.

green plastic unique name tags for Christmas party

Even here at Coller Industries, we have been known to get creative with name tag uses. Gift tags, shelf labels for organizing ribbons and so much more! We have even used them for prizes for picking a creative elf or reindeer name for our company Christmas parties. This creativity should know very few limitations. And adding names isn’t the only thing you should be able to do with name tags.

From brand recognition to conversation starters, name tags are just like names: useful in getting to know someone. And the holidays are no exception. Name tags are often seen as props for party games during company and family get-togethers. They are also great for family reunions and just hanging around with a group of friends.

Name tags are the glue that holds conferences and other events together. From decorations to meeting new clients, creativity is the key to making your name and name tags stand out. Add bright logos, graphics, names, titles and nearly any creative thing you want. Just remember to keep them as unique as you are.

Small Business Holiday Identification

Shop Small Business Saturday

Every time you pick up a coffee at your local café, grab lunch at the mom-and-pop shop or buy a new bag from a local store, you’re making an impact in your community. In fact, for every dollar spent at a small business in the US, approximately 67 cents stays in the local community.

Since its inception in 2010, the Shop Small Movement has grown rapidly. Many small, community retailers and other businesses participate in the sales involved on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to promote buying locally. And, with more than half of every dollar spent staying in the community where you are making your purchase, the small business owner is becoming more and more significant.

So, how does a small business owner keep up to date with that tradition? Here are three of our products that will aid any small (or large) business during their holiday endeavors.

Custom Graphic Signs

using graphic signs for a small business is a great way to keep your customers informed

Keeping consistent with a brand should be important to any small business owner. And, with these custom graphic signs, adding logos and text is simple. Post your hours of operation on the front door and feature your business logo next to them. Or, let your customers know which door they need to be entering through.

Another great way to use custom signage throughout your business is by labeling your departments. From shoes and cosmetics to fishing gear and outdoor wear, these signs will make sure that all of your customers know where to go to find just what they are looking for.

And, adding a holiday message to a sign anywhere in your business is sure to bring everyone a smile. Whether it’s a simple holiday movie quote or something a bit more involved with a graphic, keep your imagination going with these versatile tools.

Digitally Printed Plastic Name Tags

use a digitally printed name tag for a small business calling card

From using hashtags on social media promotions to advertising in your store or office, every small business owner understands the importance of getting their company name out there. And, name tags are here to do just that. By adding your logo and an employee’s name to every name tag, your customers get to know your brand even better.

Even we use name tags for reasons other than employee or volunteer identification. They are, after all, identification tools! Our ribbon shelves are labeled with small name tags featuring ribbon colors and sizes. It’s just one more way to stay efficient and get the job done well just for you. So, take a page from our book and use your name tags for labeling.

Another page from our book is to use a printed name tag like a business or calling card. While we created our calling card as a sample to give to our customers, a small business owner might consider using name tags as a calling card that will leave an impression.

Custom Text Ribbons

use custom text badge ribbons for to/from tags on small business gifts

Give your customers an interactive experience at your holiday events with unique giveaways, handouts and gift tags. Custom text ribbons are the perfect idea for event raffles as you can add any text you need on either a vertical or horizontal badge ribbon. Then, attach it anywhere you need to with either a pin or double sided tape. They also make great gift tags with a simple to/from imprinted on your ribbon color choice. Then, all you need to do is add a handwritten name.

Or, add information about any sales or promotions your business is having during the holidays. Give these to customers before your sale starts to bring back more people. And, with such a unique tool, your promotion is sure to be remembered. You can also attach the ribbons to your employee’s name tags to help promote any sale or other store events.

Use these ribbons as a great way to say hello or thank you! Custom ribbons are a great way to let people know your contact information or to send a quick holiday greeting. Your only limit to these identification tools is the size of the ribbon.

Other Ribbon Uses for a Small Business

What are some other ways you can use these three identification tools? What about the rest of our name tag products? Let us know, or better yet, show us what you did with your custom tags and signs for Small Business Saturday.

4 Important Reasons for Wearing Name Tags

wearing name tags is essential in business practices

Wearing name tags helps build a corporate identity. They also help employees and customers interact better with each other.

In any retail establishment (grocery store, boutique, department store, etc.), there are significant benefits to wearing name tags. Some of these benefits include the use of identification in marketing, providing security, identifying employees and other staff, as well as many other positive benefits. Here are some of our favorite reasons you need to utilize name badges in your retail business.

Identify Employees and Other Staff

wearing name tags that are metal material which has been laser engraved

Sometimes, especially in larger retail locations, it can be challenging to remember everyone’s name. By wearing name tags, or other identification, newer employees and other team members in the company are more apt to recognize each other. Name badges also provide accountability for all of your employees. When wearing name tags, it requires that your employees accept responsibility, one, for their actions and two, for the way they treat your customers.

Building Company and Brand Recognition

Corporate branding is a rising trend and doesn’t seem to be peaking any time soon. Add your retail store logo to your name tags, and quickly identify every employee, volunteer and other staff at your location. Inevitably when employees go to lunch, they leave their name tags on. Sometimes employees even wear them on their way home from work. When employees continually wear their name tags in public, a company’s brand is repeatedly advertised.

Conversation Starters for Customers

adhesive name badges

Name tags are an excellent way for customers to start up conversations with employees and other retail staff. They tell the customer who they are working with from the first moment they meet your employee. Identification provides an easy way for customers to distinguish your employees and other staff in your store from other customers. Then, when a customer has a question or requires assistance, they will know who to ask for help.

Wearing Name Tags Provides Better Security

photo identification badges are a perfect solution for wearing name tags and increasing security

When you require employees and other staff to wear name tags, you can quickly identify and acknowledge whether or not they belong where they are. Name tags are particularly valuable in companies and organizations that deal with high tech gadgets, expensive equipment or sensitive information.

While identification doesn’t seem to be as common as it once was, wearing name tags will always have an essential place in any retail environment. By utilizing name tags into your company’s culture, customers will be able to relate better to your employees. Name badges eliminate any barrier between the customer and employees, so try adding these to your business today!

Buy Your Name Tags Now!