New Year, New You (and New Name Tags)

Exciting things are happening in the world of name tags. We anticipate new products and many updated ways to use our products this year. We think that the best part of starting a new year is updating your company with new name tags!

New name tags are sure to be the best purchase you will make this year. And we’re sure your employees, volunteers and other staff will thank you. So, spice up your look with brand new identification!

Are you in need of new name tags?

Whether your name tags are just a couple of years old or are in desperate need of an upgrade, we have just what you are looking for. Our high-quality products are perfect for every identification need. Choose from engraved names and logos to bright, colorful printing (UV and full color).

Finding the Right Type of Logos

With several options available, your logo will never look better! Choose from simple engraving to our full color options. No matter what your logo looks like, it will look amazing on a metal or plastic name tag. Even if your logo has multiple colors (or white), we have a solution for you.

What makes a good name tag logo?

Frequently, a logo designed for use on the internet or printed media doesn’t come off as well when you try to fit it onto your name tag. Assuming you made the decision to have a logo on your name tags, here are a few things to consider.

Keep the size of the tag in mind. In most cases, the logo will be much smaller, and little details won’t be as visible anymore.
Remember that you may have to be flexible on the colors associated with your logo.
When adding names and logos, remember that the smaller your logo, the larger it’s presence can be.
Try to limit the amount of detail in your logo. Smaller details are not visible from a distance or on a smaller name tag. You only need enough detail to make the logo recognizable.
Even if your logo is mostly used for the internet or printed media, you should plan and have a single color version created. This is primarily used for our engraved tags.
Finally, consider a custom shaped tag. Your name tag might cut into a shape that follows your logo. Then you can add names and titles.

New name tags and name plates for every business

Match your name plates to your name tags for extra branding!

Just like our name tags, we have several options for your name plate needs. We even have a reusable option for short term or temporary positions. Choose from engraving or printing for names, titles and logos. Or, add directions and other useful signage to your business.

But no matter what you need, remember you can get it all in one place: Coller Industries. We are your one-stop-shop for everything identification related!

A Conversation With A Name Badge

Have you ever talked with an inanimate object? Well, today, we’re sharing a recent conversation we had with a name badge!

We sat down over the long, holiday weekend with a Name Badge and asked several questions about how a name badge works and why they think their job is so important. Here are the top three questions from that interview.

Question 1: Describe Your Job

Reporter: I would like to start with a simple question, Name Badge. Please explain your job and what it is that you do on a daily basis.

Name Badge: Whoa! Slow down there! That’s a super detailed question, and it will take more than just a few minutes to answer. Are you sure you want to start with that one?

Reporter: Yes, I am sure.

Name Badge: Alright, glad you’re sitting down. So, here it goes. Although my job isn’t a simple one, it is reasonably easy to do. You see, the basic concept of my job is to let people know my name. But, here’s where it gets complicated. My name changes. My design changes. Sometimes I have color and sometimes I’m plain or even blank.

Reporter: That is a lot to take in, Name Badge. But I think you’re deviating from the question. What is your job?

Name Badge: First off, call me NB, it’s easier. In a nutshell, my job is to tell others who I am.

Reporter: That doesn’t sound too hard, NB. So, why do you think it’s so complicated?

NB: My job is complicated because of the many different ways people customize and use me.

Question 2: What Customizations Are Available?

NB: As I mentioned before, my design changes. Some people use their first name. Others use first and last names, while still others add titles, company names and sometimes even logos. And, I come in many different colors. I’m a chameleon that way. Oh, and sometimes people write on me.

Reporter: So, basically what you are telling me is that you have many faces? If that is the case, how do people know how to use you?

NB: Yes, I do have many faces. And sometimes that makes it a bit harder to use me. Although, to most people, using me is a natural thing; especially when those people work in stores or offices with tons of employees. Most know that I wear best on the right side of their shirt, but sometimes people put me in their pockets or place me where I’m hard to read. I do my job best when worn correctly.

Question 3: Finding Your Best Feature

Reporter: So, NB, if you’re appropriately worn and used correctly, what is your best feature?

NB: You like asking loaded questions, don’t you?

Reporter: What do you mean?

NB: Well, my best feature is the one the consumer likes the most. So, if they worked hard on their company’s branding, the logo would be my best feature. But, if the person wearing me needs others to know that they are a volunteer, then my title would be my best feature. Does that make sense?

Reporter: Yes, I suppose it does. So, your best feature is what others need it to be?

NB: Exactly!

Reporter: Wow! I’ve learned a lot from you today, NB. Thanks. I should probably be wearing a name badge, too!

Using Last Names on Name Tags

While “John Doe” or “Jane Smith” are a bit more professional, it may not always be appropriate and safe using last names on name tags. Not everyone enjoys wearing a name tag while at work, but most organizations and companies find them necessary for communication and branding. Most restaurants require serving staff to wear personal identification. Name tags and badges are also often seen in retail settings. They are even worn in office buildings.

And, not just cashiers and waitresses wear these identifiers. Managers, security and CEOs also wear name tags on a regular, if not a daily, basis. Name tags are a great way to quickly identify someone if you need help with something. And, as such, they are often a required part of a work uniform.

Having a person’s full name on a name tag can be quite helpful to a consumer, however it may also be dangerous to the employee who is wearing the name tag. These name tags have been recently scrutinized for their validity. Safety issues have also come up in many conversations.

Question: Why would having both your first and last name on a name tag be dangerous to an employee?

There have recently been several studies and panels evaluating the usage of first and last names on name tags. They have concluded that a person’s safety and privacy might be endangered outside of the workplace should a consumer attempt to locate or make contact with an employee. However, this misuse of someone’s name has been proven highly unlikely by the same studies as above.

Question: Why would someone need to have both their first and last name on a name tag? Does it depend on the type of work you are doing (i.e. customer service vs lawyer)?

Again, “John Doe” or “Jane Smith” are a bit more professional than “John” or “Jane.” However, some companies and business types require that employees use last names on name tags. Typically wait staff at a restaurant is only identified with a first name. The same goes for someone in a retail situation.

In an office setting last names would be appropriate to use as a more professional way of identifying someone in their current position. By using someone’s last name on their name tag, it provides the prestige that can accompany a specific title in a company. It also helps current and future clientele identify the person with which they need help from.

Question: What happens in situations where security may be a factor, such as detention facilities, schools or hospitals?

Typically in security situations, name tags are used to determine if someone should be where they are. In places like schools these name tags are often used as a means to enter the building. They are also used to help students know who teachers and school workers are. This, in turn, helps them feel more secure.

The argument can be made that first names are not necessary when referring to Mrs. Smith as a teacher. However, the same argument can be made in hospitals that “Jane Smith” might be providing too much personal information to a patient. “Jane” would suffice in this instance.

Whether or not to use someone’s last name on a name tag is not necessarily an easy answer. However, in many circumstances, certain levels of personal identification are needed. They provide a service to consumers, and they also provide security in many situations. Make sure your reasons for using last names on name tags fit not only your needs, but your security situation.

SOLUTION: Design name tags specifically for your profession!

Choose Your Name Tag!

6 Ways To Personalize Name Tags

From logos to engraved text, name tags can be made to match a brand.

NAMES
While this may seem like a trivial thing to bring up, names are an important feature on name tags. Putting someone’s name on a tag or badge does raise a couple of quick questions. Should you put on the person’s full name (first and last) or simply the first name? What about placement? Whatever you decide, make sure it fits properly and is large enough to be seen.

TITLES AND COMPANY NAMES
Not all name tags have a title or company name on them. Sometimes, people settle for just a logo instead of a company’s name. And those titles can be a bit pesky if they don’t fit right on the size of name tag chosen. Whichever you decide to use, make sure it fits properly in the space provided.

LOGOS AND GRAPHICS
From bright colors to a simple engraved one, all logos look great on name tags. Just like logos, graphics can be perfection on the right name tag. When opting to use graphics, make sure you choose the appropriate name tag for the job such as the full color logo option.

As name tags are meant to identify an individual, we would like to add that when creating a name tag, take into consideration if it will be worn with or without a uniform. No sense in the overkill of the use of a logo.

PICTURES
Not many people have their picture on a name tag. However, our photo identification cards are great for that special security measure. Had names, titles, pictures and more to these great personal identification products. Photos are a great way to get all relevant information and identifiers onto a badge for all employees.

DURABILITY
This actually may need to be the first thing to tackle when choosing a name tag. Do you need something for a one time use, such as adhesive name badges? Or do you need something that is going to last a long time, such as metal or plastic laser engraved name tags? Making sure to select the correct material is key to getting the right name tag.

COLOR
Why, yes, this is an issue for a lot of companies. Don’t sell yourself short on this angle of making your name tag truly unique. You might think the person’s name and a company logo are it for branding, but what about a complimenting color? Or does your company actually have a branding color? Make sure to pick a color that matches your needs.

People Who Wear Name Tags

From politicians to office managers, all people wear name tags!

While traditionally people wear name tags in the work place or at a convention, some wear them to other events such as conferences and horse races. From babies and pets to famous people, name tags can be seen everywhere!

From Scott Ginsberg, “People wear name tags more often than you think. The majority of retail establishments, stores and other social gatherings require name tags for several purposes. Sometimes it’s for security. Other name tags are solely for identification. But simply stated, people wear name tags for one reason: so other people can use their names for friendlier, more personable service and conversation.”

Recently even Prince William and his wife Catherine were even spotted wearing name tags! They were sporting the bright purple name tags at the recent, and annual, Royal Ascot (a five-day social horse racing event). Rather than keeping with traditional first and last names, they were labeled with “HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) The Duke/Duchess of Cambridge.”

Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge along with James Meade people who wear name tags at Royal Ascot Photo Chris Jackson - Getty Images

Titles are often used in office settings or in retail environments, thus making managers and head staff stand out a bit more from other employees. Titles are also handy during a conference or convention to separate attendees from staff. Staff can range from the workers and servers to speakers and presenters. While typically titles are kept brief, remember to not sell anyone short when using their title on a name tag or name badge.

So, what other people wear name tags? Even politicians have been known to wear a name tag. Typically it has a support message along with their name and title encouraging the viewer to remember their cause as well as their name.

Another person who might wear a name tag is: YOU!
Have you ever worn a name tag for a job or other purpose? If so, where and when?

Something to always remember about name tags:

“A person’s name is the sweetest sound they will hear in any language. When you use their names, you will make them feel appreciated, welcome and important. Maybe it’s printed on a plastic clip. Maybe it’s written on a paper name tag. Even if it hangs from a lanyard, stares you in the face, look at it, and SAY IT!” exclaims Scott Ginsberg.