ID Online Aust

Lanyards; which clip is for you? Karabiner, Snap Swivel or perhaps an Alligator?

2010-12-03T12:02:00.001+11:00

We often get people calling up wanting lanyards but when we ask what type of clip are you after? this invariably leads to a very confusing conversation about " you know the one with the bit that you pull down and clip on" or, "you know the metal one with the clippy thing at the end" and trying to describe them can be a little confusing, and equally frustrating for the customer and for us aswell.

So I thought I would write a blog about the subject of lanyard clips, I know possibly not the most riveting of reading, but If you need to organise custom printed lanyards for your company you will thank me for this later.

Karabiner Clip

Karabiner Clip:

Differs from the karabiner/carabiner clip that is often referred to in rock climbing or rope work. It does not possess the same screw lock mechanism, instead it features a pull down clip. I have included a picture below

I would have to say this is one our most popular types of clips, as they are easy to open and close, durable, and features a superior swivel head. Suitable to any lanyard and will clip onto card holders, keys and mobile phones attachments.

Alligator Clip

Alligator Clip:

Resemble the mouth of a crocodile/ alligator in that they have a top and bottom section that meet in the middle with ridges similar to that of teeth that hold your object in place. This clip is really great to use if you are attaching card holders to your lanyard, I find that it sits flat in a slot punch hole.

Snap Swivel Clip

Snap Swivel:

This one of the more affordable options available, simply apply pressure to the side of the clip and it opens allowing you to attach keys, card holders, USB stick for example. The snap swivel clip is not as easy to open and close as the alligator clip or the karabiner, so it is a better option to attached to something that does not need to removed regularly. It also has a swivel function where the clip meets the lanyard tape.

Safety Breakaway (Flat)

Safety Breakaway:

Safety Breakaway (Cup)

This is an additional feature that can be added to your lanyard and often companies prefer to have this additional clip as it appeals to their health and safety policy. If you lanyard happens to get snagged on a door handle the breakaway will automatically open and let the lanyard free from the users neck, eliminating the chocking hazard. The safety breakaway comes in many different styles depending on the manufacturer but these are two of the main types the cup and the flat version. The cup is more suited to round or cord style lanyards, whilst as the flat, you guessed it is used with the flat tape lanyards.

Detachable Buckle Open

Detachable Buckle:

Detachable Buckle Closed

The detachable buckle is a great addition to any lanyard where the attached item, be it a mobile phone, set of keys, swipe card etc is something that needs to be detached on the go. The buckle comes in several sizes and this is determined based on the thickness of the tape you are using for your lanyard.

Event security and the role of single use wristbands

2010-10-18T09:25:00.001+11:00

When planning an event, function, festival or even a party at your own house, security and safety is a crucial component to take into consideration for all your guests.

Have you considered the role that a single use wristband could play at your next event. A simple PVC writable wristband can assist in maintaining a level of security, allowing you to monitor those entering your event or alcohol consumption for any of your underage guests.

Wristbands are very versatile in there uses where it is necessary to track or identify a guest.

Here are some instances where a wristband is a useful tool:

Alcohol consumption and minors - by wearing a wristband it is easy for event security, hosts or bar staff to identify those that are underage. Buy using a different coloured wristband or some kind of identifying feature on your wristband, with a simple glance the age of the wearer can be efficiently determined.

Unwanted guests - If you are holding a birthday party, gate crashers are always a risk, and if you are running an event invariably fences are jumped or people try to sneak other non paying friends in by switching tickets. By having a single use wristband, guests cannot remove the band easily, this can help to avoid such unwanted visitors to your occasion.

Tracking admissions: Simple identifying tool to track guest attending your event. One quick scan on the eye for a wristband is much more efficient then having to check tickets. Some wristbands can even feature a barcode which can be scanned and allow you to track the amount of people entering your event, and any other additional details you may require.

Keeping track of pre-purchase items: At some festivals and events alcohol is pre-purchased where a guest will pay for 5 drinks at once for example. Or if you are at a showground, you may pre-purchase tickets to ride the rides. Well wristbands can play a part here too, you could place different coloured wristbands on guests which display the number of rides or drinks they are entitled to. There are also wristbands available with built in tabs that can be removed or hole punched when a drink has been ordered, or ride taken.

Types of wristbands - There a endless possibilities when it comes to designing your wristband. They can be different colours, they can be custom printed to carry your company logo, or design. They can be made from paper, high quality PVC, woven fabric, adhesive, waterproof, writable and the list goes on.

Next time you are planning an event perhaps consider the role of single use wristbands and the time they could save you, with the added benefit of peace of mind.

What does your email signature say about you?

2010-09-24T11:40:00.001+10:00

I worked on developing a new company logo today and wanted to explore the role of email signatures in Outlook. Have you ever taken the time to look at those people you email everyday and really taken notice of the signature that appears at the bottom of each email.

This is such a wasted opportunity that many of us don't take the time to get right. Just like that of websites, business cards, blogs and even down to your very own appearance. Those few simple lines at the bottom of each email have the potential to show prospective clients about how serious you are as a business, and simply how professional you are.

If you don't include all your contact information you could potentially miss a future job prospect simply because you made it too complicated for someone to get in contact with you. The world we live in is driven by convenience; make it convenient for your clients or customers to contact you.

Are you looking at the bottom of your email now and all you see is your name in blue, perhaps with a telephone number, and hyperlinks to your email and website, how boring, why not take this opportunity to make you company details standout.

Have you thought about linking in your Twitter, Face book or LinkedIn profiles so clients have the opportunity to explore more about your company with just one simple click?

I received an email earlier where the client had inserted their outlook vcards so that you click on the specific person in the company that you want the details for and the information was setup automatically in your outlook contacts. How simple is that, what a great tool to use if you are changing premises, or there is a change in employment in your company. You could provide you clients with the new employee contact details in the click of a button.

Think of colour or a theme that stands out, insert a slogan, a quote or a testimonial, be creative with you email signature. The days of writing letters on your professionally printed letterhead are over; email signatures are the new 'letterhead' so let’s treat it as such.

Designing Your Business Card - File & Size Requirements

2010-09-21T12:32:00.001+10:00

When designing a card for your business, event or any of your identification needs, there are a few simple elements that you need to consider to ensure that your design takes advantage of both the cards space and functionality.

File Document Size: Size is a vital ingredient to your design as there quite a small surface area to fit all the information into. You want to make sure that all the content that appears on your card is legiable and relevant.

Landscape: document size must be no larger than 91mm x 60mm

Portrait: document size must be no larger than 60mm x 91mm

TRIMMED: size is 85mm x 54mm

Signature Panels:Opting for a Signature Panel to

the rear or front of your card adds the additional benefit of security as each individual is required to provide a signature, this gives you a second secuirty checkpoint.

Signature panels can come in a variety of different widths, and in different positions on the card, but are always rectangle.

Always keep in mind when designing your card that nothing should overlap the signature panel.

Sample of PMS Colours

Colours For Printing:

When selecting colours for your card it is important to choose from a Pantone or PMS colour chart, which can be found on our website.

A pantone colour chart or Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another.

Images: If you decide to put a id photograph on your card keep in mind that the photograph should be no less then 300dpi resolution when it is at 100% or acutal size.

Logos: If you wish to have a logo in your design it is important that it is provided to us in a high quality file format, similar to that of the id photographs.

Borders: Avoid designing a card with border close to the trimmed edge as you may find that the borders can be cropped when printed.

Tips To Taking a Good ID Photo

2010-09-13T15:11:00.001+10:00

Taking your own identification photos can be both time efficient and cost effective for any company, big or small. It means that you are not answerable to a specific time slot set by a professional photographer, or if you have new employees joining the company, you don't have to wait to get enough people together to justify paying for another photo shoot.

You don't need expensive camera equipment to take an identification photograph you just need to follow the few simple steps detailed below, to produced clear and consistent shots every time.

Ensure you are in a well lit area, sunlight gives your photos the best possible light source. Poorly lit areas can lead to shadows being cast on the persons face and also avoid using the flash or shooting under fluorescent lighting as they can distort and wash out the colours in the photograph. Perhaps designate an area in the workplace so that all your photos are consistent.

Choose an appropriate background that does not distract from the photo, sky blue is a good background.

Capture a head and shoulder shot, similar to a passport photo. Go in close up to your subject as one of the most common mistakes made when taking ID shots is that the photographer has not zoomed in close enough to the face. You need the facial image to be clear and defined, so that image can be effectively used as photo identification.

Use a tripod and the timer on the camera. This will assist in preventing motion blur in the photo.

Photo Identification Card in Soft Card Holder

If you want to turn your fabulous identification photographs into professional cards to be used in the office, ID Online provide a card printing service, just visit our website to get a quotation and more information.

http://www.idonline.com.au/

ID Online Supplying Custom Printed Lanyards to Schools

2010-09-13T10:53:00.000+10:00

ID Online (Aust) is a specialist at supplying schools with low cost individually designed custom printed lanyards unique to their school. Creating and designing a lanyard for your school can be a daunting process but ID Online aims to makes the process easy.

With a low minimum order of 50, custom printed lanyards are achievable for even the smallest school with some schools making the lanyards available to students through uniform shops or utilizing them for excursion or sports events days, as giveaways to visiting special guests or attached to medals of achievement.

Lanyards can be customized to include attachments for keys and ID Cards. All School colours are covered with the full Pantone PMS colours available, in most instances the school logo can easily be printed on the lanyard. The option of a safety breakaway can assist with Health and Safety requirements, as it releases when caught or pulled and can be easily reattached.

To assist with the range of options available ID Online sends out complimentary Custom Printed Lanyard Sample Packs which include a range of different lanyard samples and explains the easy step process. Click Here to Request A Complimentary Custom Lanyard Sample Pack

A range of Pre-printed lanyards including STAFF, VISITOR (See Pictured) and GUEST are also available which could be useful for school reception areas for visiting guests or parents.

We also stock a full range of accessories including card holders, card printing, wristbands, slot punches and plain coloured lanyards.

For more information or to request a Custom Printed Lanyard Quotation either click on this link to visit our website or simply email sales@idonline.com.au or call Ruth on National Free Call 1800 552 117 www.idonline.com.au