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How to make gift cards for my business?

Making a gift card for your business is simple, requiring a few easy steps:

  1. Determine POS integration and encoding
  2. Design your gift card
  3. Send encoding data
  4. Proof and then pay
  5. Get your cards

How do I order custom cards from Plastic Resource?

Use our online instant quote system for the product you are interested in by browsing our products.

Or, submit your order to sales@plasticresource.com or call us at 833-290-5684 with the following information:

  • Type of card and quantity
  • Artwork, logo and/or design specifications
  • Numbering/encoding instructions (if applicable)
  • Ship to name and address

Upon submission of your order we will email you a proof for your approval within 24 hours prior to putting your order into production.

Are gift cards reloadable?

A common concern is the long-term usability of our custom gift cards. The short answer is, “yes, they are reloadable.” Cards with barcodes or magnetic strips are linked to an account. When used with a compatible POS system, they can be used over and over like currency. Contact one of our team members to learn more and find if your system is compatible.

Can I add my business’ contact information to the back of the card?

Yes. We recommend you include your contact information and disclaimer text. If you have questions, contact us, and we will be happy to answer any questions and provide standard disclaimer text examples.

Can I offer gift cards without a point-of-sale (POS) system?

Absolutely! One common approach is to sell one-time use cards with a face value printed on the face of the card ($5, $10, $25). An example of this are coupon cards. We also have a number of clients that keep track of balance in a spreadsheet, or come up with other creative solutions to avoid the complexities setting up a new POS system.

Can magstripes be added to cards, key tags, and combo cards?

Yes. Plastic Resource can add magstripes to cards, key tags, and combo cards depending on the nature of the encoding/numbering required on the key tags and combo cards. Contact us at sales@plasticresource.com or 833-290-5684 for additional information.

Can you design me custom cards or key tags?

Yes. We have full in-house capabilities to assist you in designing your custom gift cards and key tags. To learn more visit the Custom Design Services web page.

Can you help me select a gift card, loyalty, or membership software system?

Yes. Most point-of-sale (POS) systems and credit card terminals have the ability to accept gift cards. Getting started is often as simple as swiping the gift card or contacting your POS provider to activate the gift card module. Plastic Resource has over 20 years of experience manufacturing gift and loyalty cards for hundreds of software systems. We can help you determine if you POS system or terminals are compatible with gift cards and/or recommend you to one of preferred gift cards software providers. Contact us to start the conversation.

Can you produce a standard business card size (2 x 3.5) on plastic?

Yes. We have a custom die for square or rounded corners using the same dimensions (2 x 3.5) as your standard business cards. Custom dies (unique shapes and sizes) are also available for an additional charge. Business cards are also available in a selection of material like clear, frosted and white plastic. Visit the plastic business cards page for details and an instant quote.

Do you have pre-designed cards I can choose from?

Yes. Plastic Resource offers a number of pre-designed gift and loyalty cards for you to choose from. Once you've chosen a design, send us a logo if available and we'll add it to the final design.

Do you sell gift card envelopes and sleeves?

Yes. Plastic Resource offers a wide selection of custom and pre-designed folding and hanging carriers and sleeves (a.k.a. gift card backers or gift card presenters). Visit to view our Card Carriers & Sleeves section to browse pre-designed options, or receive an instant quote on printing custom envelopes / sleeves.

Do you send samples of your custom plastic cards and key tags?

Yes. We offer samples of all our custom plastic gift, loyalty, membership cards, and key tags as well as our custom carriers and sleeves. Samples can be requested using our Request Samples form.

How do I design custom plastic gift cards?

Getting great looking custom plastic cards that reflect your brand is easy. Choose from one of our three user-friendly card design methods:

  • Visit our card design gallery and customize any of our pre-designed cards with your logo and information.
  • Use our custom design services to build a card with your brand from scratch.
  • Designing or have a design ready to upload? Our card templates are available to place your design into the right card.

How do I get gift cards to sell in my restaurant?

Restaurant gift cards are a no-brainer. They promote your establishment, raise brand awareness, recruit new customers and reward loyal patrons. They are a currency unique to your eatery that anyone can use.

Getting top-notch gift cards to sell in restaurants is simple and efficient with Plastic Resource. Contact us today to start planning your restaurant’s cards.

How does proofing and production work?

  • Once you submit your artwork, we will send you a proof within 24 hours.
  • Standard CMYK card, key tag and carrier orders of 5,000 or less ship in 4-6 business days from proof approval.
  • Specialty card orders or orders of more than 5,000 ship within 15 days of proof approval.

How to make discount cards?

Making a discount card is simple, requiring just a few easy steps:

  1. Plan your discount
  2. Design your card
  3. Proof and pay
  4. Start reaping the benefits

I've never sold gift cards before but want to start. What do I need to do first?

The first step in selling gift cards is having a system to manage them. If you have an existing POS System; you will need to find out whether or not you can accept gift cards.

If you can, simply contact our sales department and they will be happy to help you get started. Or, if you prefer, you can also review our step-by-step guide.

If you don't have an existing POS System, contact us at 833-290-5684 and we would be happy to refer one.

What are the minimum order requirements for cards and key tags?

The minimum order required for custom cards (you design) is 250 pieces. This includes custom printed gift cards, membership cards, business cards, and key tags with unique artwork. The minimum order for pre-designed gift and loyalty cards is 100 pieces.

What is a CR80?

A CR80 is the standard size of financial cards (credit, gift, loyalty, etc.) in the United States. CR80 specifications are 3.375 inches x 2.125 inches and .030 inches thick.

What is card “encoding?”

Encoding is a fancy way of saying unique numbering. Gift, loyalty and membership card and key numbering may be consecutive, random or based on an algorithm and may include letters and special characters. Card and key tag numbers are embedded into magstripes, barcodes or QR codes. The specific encoding format we use with your custom cards and key tags depends on the system you will be using them with. Please feel free to contact us with specific system or card encoding questions.

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