Membership Cards – Quality Matters.

If you arm your members with a membership card – BRAVO! If that card is a low quality paper card or a digital card, then we should talk. While digital applications work for many industries, you might want to re-think it when it comes to your membership cards. And while paper cards are great for short-term use, such as a gift card, they do not hold up well long-term. So what are the other reasons you should use a professional-looking high-quality plastic membership card? I’m glad you asked! Here’s why.

BRANDING
There’s no doubt that it probably took years for your organization to build its brand. Your reputation, values and member loyalty are all part of your brand identity. Your membership card is part of your brand too. Think of it as a mini billboard for your organization. The type of card you give to your members should reflect your organization’s values. Do you think an inferior paper card says “We have high standards”? And what about after it starts to wear and tear around the edges? That’s why a sturdy plastic card is a great choice for your members. It’s not only durable, but it is available in a variety of thicknesses and finishes, allowing you to match the look and feel of your current marketing efforts.

 MEMBER PRIDE
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “I’m a proud card-carrying member.” Certainly when someone uses this expression they are referring to the organization itself, not their membership card. But would it hurt to extend that pride to the card they carry? A high quality card will give them something to show off and it will also communicate that you care about maintaining your organization’s image. Sometimes people join an organization just to have the right to carry their membership card!

MEMBER ACQUISITION/RETENTION
A high quality card communicates that your organization is one worth joining. It reaffirms that your association cares about its members and the overall experience they will enjoy. And if your members receive a handsome durable card, they will carry it around – and it will serve as a constant reminder of their membership. A card can also help remind them to participate in the association, so when membership renewal time comes around, they will be more likely to re-join if they have been active.

 MEMBER BENEFITS
A membership card can provide your members with the identification needed to access third-party benefits. The quality of the mag stripe or barcode can, if applicable, affects its usability. A paper card would not stand up well to repeated uses and a digital card requires your member to store it on their mobile device.

So, as you can see, there are a number of reasons you would want to select a high-quality plastic card over a paper or digital card. And when it comes to cost, a plastic card is more affordable than you may think. There are typically two options for membership cards – traditional laminated cards, or cost effective UV coated cards. You really have to ask yourself a few questions to select the right type of card for your organization. 1. Which card best represents your brand? 2. Will the card need to be durable? 3. Do you want to stay top of mind with your members? And 4. Do you want members to be proud of the card they carry?