Badges are a low-cost, effective way to maximize the success of any event by making it easier to network and communicate with other people. In service-based and retail businesses, a name badge helps customers identify who they need to talk to with queries and for assistance.

In an office, a badge helps create an environment of respect and professionalism. A badge can also promote a brand, message or cause when fundraising, launching a new product or simply spreading the word.

Randy Carr is the CEO of Top 40 supplier World Emblem.

In many cases, a name badge also serves as a security measure, making it easier to identify an intruder or troublemaker. Customers or attendees can approach a staffer wearing a nametag with confidence that the employee is part of the organization or event. Nametags also can be designed for use as an access card to a restricted facility.

No matter the reason a client may come to you for decorated apparel or promotional products needs, badges should always be introduced into the discussion as an easy add-on sale. They come in a wide range of materials, sizes and colors, and in price points to fit any budget.

There are suppliers that have no minimum requirements; you can order as few as one piece. And in most cases, quantity discounts will apply.

When designing a name badge, the overriding consideration is purpose. If it’s primarily to identify the individual wearing it, you always want to print the name in spoken order, which would be a given name followed by a surname. Sometimes the given name is presented in a larger or bolder type, but otherwise, first and last names are normally the same size.

In addition to the name, you might include a title and the name of the company, organization or affiliation. You might also want to include a logo or other representative graphic.

One of the biggest mistakes made when designing a badge is making the font too small or trying to crowd too much in the space. In general, it’s recommended to keep the badge looking clean, with adequate white space to maximize readability.

For an event such as a conference, the badge should be readable from as far as 15 feet. Use a simple sans serif font, and avoid all caps. Many times, the conference dates might be included, but for attendees already there, this just clutters up the design. If there are a variety of sponsor logos, position these in the least-interfering way possible.

Most nametags are made of plastic or metal. A plastic version is the most cost-efficient, while a metal style offers a polished, professional look.  

Engraved badges are available in plastic or metal. Either material will offer a variety of colors, with the engraved lettering and/or logo being in a limited choice of colors. This style is durable and long-lasting.

Plastic

Plastic badges are the most popular because they look professional while still being affordable. They come in a range of sizes and can be printed with full-color logos and text with no limit on background colors. (Photo courtesy of NameBadges International)

These are generally the most cost-efficient. They can be printed in full color with logos and text, and there’s no limit on the range of background colors. You can choose any color your client wants, including using an RGB, HEX or Pantone color code.

Fittings include a pin or a magnet, and you can choose between border or no border. Border colors are limited based on the style of badge chosen. Sizes also vary based on the style. Once the badge is printed, it’s coated with an epoxy resin to protect the print from wear and tear.

Metal

A metal badge costs more than a plastic one and is a great option when your client wants to have an added perception of quality and position. (Photo courtesy of NameBadges International) 

Metal gives an added perception of quality and position. Consider metal badges for management if supervised employees are wearing plastic – or for any situation where your client wants to communicate a person’s authority.

Lettering and logos can be added in full color over the metallic finish of the badge, and a variety of fonts are available. This style has a border, typically in gold or silver depending on the badge color chosen. The fitting is magnetic, and it’s protected with a scratch- and fade-proof polyurethane coating.

Reusable

In a situation where there’s high employee turnover or temporary workers are employed, a reusable badge can save money. (Photo courtesy of NameBadges International) 

A reusable name badge saves money when used for temporary workers, special occasions, events or any job with high turnover. A printed name card is slid behind a clear plastic covering, so the name can easily be removed and replaced when needed.

Most reusable badges come with a clear border and are offered in a variety of window sizes. As with plastic and metal, background colors are unlimited. Single- and two-color backgrounds are available, and you can usually upload an image for the background. 

The badge will include an appropriate number of name badge and tag card inserts. The A4 perforated card insert sheets can be run through any inkjet, laser or wax-based desktop printer. 

Engraved

A laser-engraved name badge has the advantage of eliminating the possibility of the printed graphics wearing or scratching off with time. The color of the graphics or text is generally dictated by the color and type of badge. It’s limited to a single color, whether it be plastic or metal, and background colors are also limited. For example, a white badge would have black engraving, a black badge would have white or tan, and a brushed silver or gold would have black engraving.

Within these broad badge categories, you’ll find that suppliers offer extras, often called “premium” features, that include beveled edges, larger sizes, heavier materials and more sophisticated designs.

Badges are an easy add-on when selling to any type of business. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to increase the sale by failing to mention that you offer this product. By choosing a reputable supplier, you can receive your order in just a few days, and profit from the sale without any of the labor.

Randy Carr is the CEO of Top 40 supplier World Emblem (asi/98264), a global supplier of a wide range of emblems and patches. The Hollywood, FL-based company has multiple manufacturing facilities in the U.S., as well as facilities in Canada and Mexico. With 2021 North American promotional products revenue of $65 million, the supplier ranked 21st on Counselor’s latest list of top suppliers.