Plastic Card Mailing: How Do You Print and Mail Valuable Plastic Card Items?
Plastic cards allow businesses to represent their brand through tangible items, spreading awareness for their products and services. However, this is not the only reason for producing over 37.1 billion cards globally in 2020 (per the State of the Card Industry industry report by the International Card Manufacturers Association). These cards have several other benefits, compelling firms to incorporate them into marketing, sales, and other operations.
This blog discusses the meaning of plastic card mailing, its significance, features, card sizes, and more. You can also learn how to use plastic card mailers and which industries benefit the most. Let us begin!
Key Takeaways
- Plastic card mailers are an excellent way for businesses to connect with customers by sending loyalty, gift, membership, or ID cards through the mail.
- These cards are durable and eye-catching, making customers feel special and increasing response rates and engagement.
- PostGrid’s Print & Mail solution enables businesses to design, print, and send direct mail plastic cards quickly and easily, saving time and effort.
- It offers pre-built templates, fast printing, real-time tracking, and analytics to improve mailing campaigns.
- Using plastic postcards can help businesses increase sales, build customer loyalty, and make a strong impression on their audience.
What is Plastic Card Mailing?
It refers to shipping plastic card mailers to help businesses improve client relationships, communicate their contact details, promote items, etc. The use cases are endless, but they always involve the production and mailing of plastic cards, which include:
- Loyalty program cards
- Membership cards
- Business cards, etc.
Customers can use these cards for shopping, discounts, or access to special services. Companies send them to attract new buyers, reward loyal ones, or promote special deals. The cards are usually attached to a letter or postcard and mailed in an envelope. This type of mailing helps businesses stand out and create a stronger connection with their customers. It is an excellent way to keep customers engaged and encourage them to visit or buy again.
Businesses can use a Print & Mail solution, like PostGrid, to design, print, and send their plastic mailer cards to target customers. This tool reduces manual labor and increases internal productivity, helping you save time and resources.
Also Read: Plastic Card Printing
Significance of Plastic Card Mailers
Many businesses wonder why using direct mail plastic cards is crucial for them and what their significance is. Here are some of the top reasons to incorporate them into your daily operations:
High Response Rates
Plastic card mailers get more attention than regular paper mail. People are more likely to open them because the card inside feels valuable. Unlike emails, which customers often ignore, these mailers are physical and stay in homes longer.
Customers also respond better because they see the card as a reward or special offer. Many businesses use them for discounts, memberships, or loyalty programs, increasing customer action. The creative, eye-catching design makes them hard to throw away. Since they feel necessary, people use them more, leading to higher sales, better engagement, and stronger customer relationships.
Valuable Marketing Investment
A plastic card direct mail item gives businesses a high return on investment (ROI). Direct mail itself has a median ROI of 29%. They last longer than paper ads, keeping the brand in front of customers.
These mailers encourage repeat purchases, boosting sales over time. Unlike digital ads that disappear quickly, physical cards stay in wallets or homes. They also help businesses track responses, making it easy to measure success. Companies get more value from each mailing because they attract attention and drive action.
Creative Styles to Grab Audience Attention
Businesses can design plastic card mailers in many ways, which is why they stand out. Bright colors, bold fonts, and glossy finishes make them hard to ignore. To make them feel special, you can shape them like keycards, VIP passes, or gift cards. Adding features like scratch-off areas, QR codes, or custom names makes them more engaging.
A well-designed plastic card mailing piece feels like a gift rather than an ad, making people more likely to use it. By being creative, businesses can grab attention, increase responses, and make a lasting impression on customers.
Also Read: Best Print and Mail Services Feature of Plastic Card Mailers
High Perceived Value
These direct mail items feel valuable and significant to recipients. Their sturdy, professional look makes customers see them as a gift or special offer, increasing customer engagement and improving response rates. Companies use them for discounts, memberships, or rewards, making customers feel appreciated.
Well-designed plastic card mailers create a strong first impression and build trust. Since people associate them with quality, they are more likely to act on the offer, leading to more sales and customer loyalty.
Personalization
You can customize plastic card direct mail according to your brand’s style and message. Choose different colors, shapes, fonts, images, and other elements to grab the recipients’ attention toward your messages. Cards can include barcodes, QR codes, or magnetic strips for easy tracking and use. The best part is that you can personalize the items, like printing the customer’s name or adding their locations, to increase responses.
Some cards even have scratch-off sections for surprise offers, making them more interactive. This flexibility allows businesses to create unique and eye-catching designs that attract attention.
Durability
Plastic card mailers are strong and long-lasting. Unlike paper, they do not tear, bend, or get damaged easily. They can withstand water, heat, and rough handling in the mail. Because they last longer, customers keep them for weeks or months, increasing brand exposure.
Many people store plastic mailers cards in wallets, purses, or drawers instead of throwing them away. It makes them helpful for loyalty programs, membership cards, and special offers. Their durability ensures the message stays clear and readable for a long time.
Easy Tracking
Plastic mailers cards can include barcodes or unique serial numbers to track customer responses. Organizations can see how many people use the card, helping them measure success. This data shows which offers work best and helps improve future campaigns.
Tracking allows businesses to personalize follow-ups, like sending reminders or better deals. Unlike paper coupons, plastic cards are harder to lose, increasing the chances of customers using them. Thus, you stay informed about your ROI and can adjust strategies to achieve better results.
Versatility
Companies leverage plastic card mailing for many reasons, like sending gift cards, membership cards, discount cards, or VIP passes—for promotions, rewards, or customer appreciation. They work for different industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and gyms. The cards can also include features like contactless payment, magnetic strips, or barcodes for easy scanning. Because they serve multiple functions, businesses can maximize their use and reach more customers.
Also Read: Best Print and Mail Solution
Different Applications of Plastic Card Mailing
There are infinite use cases of plastic card mailers for businesses, including:
Discount CardsBusinesses send discount cards to offer customers savings on future purchases. These cards are easy to carry, making customers more likely to use them. Offering discounts increases the chances of repeat business and helps businesses attract more loyal buyers. |
Promotional OffersYou can deliver special promotional offers, like limited-time deals or free trials, to grab attention and encourage customers to act quickly. These plastic mailers cards often include a unique code or offer that drives customers to purchase or visit a store. |
Loyalty ProgramsPlastic cards mailers are commonly used in loyalty programs. Businesses send cards to reward repeat customers with points, discounts, or exclusive offers. They encourage customers to make more purchases, helping companies build long-term relationships and increase customer retention. |
VIP PassesSend VIP passes for exclusive events or services to make customers feel appreciated and give them access to perks that others don’t have. These plastic card mailers help you create a sense of exclusivity, encouraging more people to engage with them and sign up. |
Gift CardsDirect mail plastic cards are perfect for sending gifts. You can also use them to offer customers a way to buy products or services. Shipping gift cards make them easy to give as presents, increasing sales during holidays or special events. |
Membership CardsYou can send membership cards to give customers access to special services, discounts, or events. This type of plastic card mailing lets businesses create a sense of exclusivity and keep members engaged, increasing their loyalty and encouraging them to use the service more often. |
Also Read: Best Print and Mail checks Services Standard Plastic Card Mailer Sizes
3.375 x 2.125 Plastic Cards
The most common size for plastic card mailers is the credit card size, measuring 3.375 x 2.125 inches. It is convenient because it fits easily into wallets, purses, or cardholders, making customers more likely to keep and use it.
This size is also widely recognized, so people instantly know how to handle and store the card. It offers enough space for designs, logos, text, and barcodes, making it a practical option for loyalty, membership, or gift cards. Businesses prefer this size for its ease of use and visibility, maximizing brand exposure.
3.5 x 2 Plastic Cards
Another popular size is the business card, which typically measures 3.5 x 2 inches. This size is similar to a traditional business card, making it easy to fit into a standard cardholder. It is compact yet offers enough space for a straightforward design and key details, such as a logo or offer.
These direct mail plastic cards are ideal for brands that want to send promotional offers, discount cards, or small loyalty cards. The smaller format helps reduce costs while still providing an effective marketing tool. It’s perfect for businesses that want a cost-effective yet impactful way to engage with customers.
6 x 4 Plastic Cards
Plastic card mailers can also come in a larger, postcard-sized format, usually 6 x 4 inches. It allows businesses to create eye-catching designs and include additional information, like offers or instructions. The larger size makes the mailer stand out more in a stack of regular mail, increasing the chances of people opening it.
It’s an excellent option for firms that want to offer more details alongside the plastic card, such as special promotions, loyalty rewards, or membership benefits. The added space helps attract more attention and drive higher customer engagement.
Industries That Benefit From Plastic Card Mailing
Many sectors leverage plastic card mailers to improve their brand image and connect with broader audiences. Here are the top industries that benefit from this direct mail tool:
Retail
Businesses benefit significantly from plastic card mailing. They can send gift cards, loyalty cards, or discount cards to customers, encouraging repeat purchases. These cards make customers feel rewarded and valued, increasing their chances of returning to the shop.
Sending these cards in the mail helps boost sales, attract new customers, and keep existing ones engaged. Thus, plastic card mailers are an effective tool for customer retention and business expansion for retail brands.
Hospitality
Hotels, resorts, fast food stores, and other businesses can benefit from plastic card mailing by sending membership or loyalty cards to guests. These cards offer special perks, discounts, or exclusive service access, encouraging guests to return. They are also convenient for managing bookings and rewards.
Fitness and Gyms
These businesses can use plastic card mailers to send membership cards, access passes, or discount offers. The cards help customers quickly access gym facilities and encourage them to use the services more often. Also, these items offer a way to track memberships, promotions, and rewards, improving customer engagement. Gyms can build stronger relationships with members, boost retention, and create a sense of exclusivity, encouraging customers to stay committed to their fitness goals.
Healthcare
Providers and other healthcare-related companies, such as clinics or dental offices, can use plastic cards mailers to send appointment reminder cards, membership cards, or insurance cards. They make it easy for patients to access their services and keep track of appointments.
Businesses can offer special health programs or discounts. Mailing these cards increases patient engagement, improves appointment attendance, and strengthens client relationships.
Why Use PostGrid’s Plastic Card Print & Mail Solution?
PostGrid’s plastic card Print & Mail Solution makes it easy and prompt for companies to send custom plastic cards directly to customers. It saves time and effort by handling everything from designing and printing to mailing the cards. Hence, businesses can send loyalty cards, membership cards, or promotional offers without needing to manage separate steps or tools.
The process is efficient, cost-effective, and designed to improve customer engagement. PostGrid enables businesses to create lasting impressions and build stronger customer relationships. Here are some of our best features:
- Pre-Designed Templates: PostGrid offers ready-made templates that make card design simple and fast. You can choose a design, add your details, and start mailing in no time.
- High-Quality and Variable Data Printing: PostGrid ensures your cards are printed with excellent quality. It also allows for variable data printing, meaning each card can be personalized with unique information, like a customer’s name or a special discount.
- 2-Business-Day SLA: Businesses get super-fast service with a two-business-day turnaround, ensuring your cards are printed and mailed quickly.
- Real-Time Tracking: You can track the progress of your card mailings in real-time, so you know exactly when they’re sent and delivered.
- Campaign Insights: PostGrid provides valuable insights into your mailing campaigns, helping you understand response rates and improve future efforts.
Talk to our sales team for more details about our API and dashboard solution to help you print and mail plastic card mailers!
