The use of an employee name badge provides a more welcoming atmosphere for customers and helps employees in a larger corporation get to know each other more easily. They are also very handy for conventions, conferences and trade shows, so your employees can represent your company as they network.

There are several styles of employee name tags available. Each style has its advantages, depending on why you need it. Consider employee name badge pricing and costs and how your company will use it before making a final decision on which of the following styles to go with.

1. A photo ID employee name badge is great for hospitals or other businesses with a lot of employees.

2. There are employee name badge kits available for more temporary usage.

3. Choose an engraved plastic or metal employee name badge for a more professional look.

Action Steps
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Verify employees with an employee name badge photo ID

Photo IDs for employees have several advantages. For high security businesses, they can verify that the person wearing the name tag is the right employee. They can also make it easier for others to learn the employee's name. While these employee name tags tend to be a bit more expensive and require software, hospitals, security agencies and the government find them valuable.

I recommend: Use the online software provided by Greentea Solutions' EasyIDCARD to create photo ID badges for approximately $10 to $20 per ID. Oak Tree Data also offers this online design service with name tags ranging from $6.50 to $7.50 each, depending on how many you order. Larger orders result in a discount.

Design and print your own employee name badge

Many businesses don't require their employees to wear name tags, but an event may come up where name tags are a pretty good idea, such as a conference many of your employees are attending, or an event hosted by your company. In this case, you may want to stick to a small budget and produce a temporary employee name badge for everyone on your own.

I recommend: Avery Dennison offers many different kits such as this hanging badge style of 100 for about $80. You can also find Avery products at many office supply stores, such as this clip-on name badge kit at Office Depot for around $75 for a box of 100. Pin-on name badge kits are available from InstaOffice at for about $20 for 100 badges.

Obtain a professional look with an engraved employee name badge

Schools, city offices and other businesses that see clients regularly may want to consider investing in engraved plastic or metal name tags. You can secure many of these by pin or magnet, depending on your need. Most manufacturers will customize the shape and design to match your other marketing tools, including the implementation of your logo.

I recommend: MyNameBadges has several designs to choose from, ranging in price from $2.50 to $8 each. Click on “home” in the navigation bar for a list of available designs. Naag Tag offers many design possibilities as well, ranging from $1.25 to $10 per name tag, depending on what you want it to look like.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Companies that offer a custom employee name badge typically charge a one-time, non-refundable set up fee for new clients, usually ranging between $25 and $50.

Everyone is familiar with the standard employee name badge found in businesses big and small. With many companies, there is a security concern that the use of an employee badge answers. Other business uses are as simple as ensuring customers have easy access to the employee's name. Whatever the reason, locating an employee name badge provider that fits your business needs is important.

An employee name badge can keep employees out of restricted areas, assist in keeping track of who has access to a work site or work in conjunction with a sophisticated employee name badge directory that ties into your business security system. Many companies use an employee badge with a data strip to manage hours and payroll. Find employee name badge providers by considering the following:

1. Help customers quickly identify employees with a custom employee name badge matching your business logo.

2. Use onsite laminated employee name badge systems for basic office security.

3. Secure offices and work sites with an employee name badge that has a magnetic data strip.

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Use a plastic or metal employee name badge for a business with lots of customer contact

The classic plastic or metal employee name badge, designed to wear on a shirt or blouse provides easy customer recognition of employees. The simple employee name badge usually includes the employees name and position.

I recommend: Stoffel Seals is a custom employee name badge provider that matches your business logo and identity to create sturdy and easily identifiable plastic badges. Inexpensive metal employee name badges are available from Name Badge Pro in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Purchase laminated employee name badge systems for low security office applications

Simple employee name badge systems often consist of card stock and a lamination machine. This is an excellent way to produce employee name badges in small environment or work areas that have frequent outside visitors. Lamination systems allow a business to include a picture or use simple preformatted card stock.

I recommend: Software Solutions Supply provides laminated employee badge tools that work with or without ID photos. Baudville is an employee name badge hardware and software provider for companies of all sizes.

Simplify time card and security access considerations with magnetic data strips on an employee badge

Employee Name Badge information included on a magnetic data strip is the first step in building a high security system. Tied in with an employee name badge list in a computer controlled security system, access can be monitored and recorded to work sites, building and secure areas within an office. Knowing who is on site at all times is as easy as clicking a mouse.

I recommend: Fargo Electronics sells complete employee name badge systems from light to high security business needs. Online Distribution Company offers time card and access solutions through Clockmax.com designed to work with an employee name badge that includes a magnetic data strip.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  High security access systems are turning to biometric identification in place of an employee name badge. Current biometric security systems eliminate the costly need to replace lost or stolen badges at a reasonable price.

An employee name badge is an important part of employee attire. Whether you have a large company where security is of the utmost importance or would like to be able to make your customers feel like they are on a first-name basis with your employees, employee name badges are the center of employee name recognition. With the variety of types and styles available, it's important to learn which product or type of name badge is best for your business.

Not only can employee name badges assist in name recognition, many of them perform other functions as well, such as security measures and tracking. Certain types of badges can allow only certain employees into specified areas. The type of employee name badge you choose can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Here are a few types you might be familiar with and how they can help your company.

1. Purchase a custom employee name badge for your employees for added flair.

2. Consider the security benefits of an employee name badge that has security data strips.

3. Explore engraved employee name badge types and styles for a professional look.

Action Steps
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Obtain custom employee name badge styles to show off your company logo

Custom employee name badge styles can add flair and recognition to your employees. You can use them to show off your company logo or name brand along with sharing your employees' names with customers, allowing them a feeling of recognition.

I recommend: Nice Badge allows you to order customized badges with your logo or other information. Stoffel Seals also offers custom badges with logos and company names included.

Explore the safety benefits of an employee name badge that has added security

Employee name badges can also benefit your company and its safety. These types of badges have security data strips that you can utilize in many ways. One such way is with limited-access areas that can be programmed into the badge.

I recommend: Both Fargo ID Systems and Clockmax have specialized employee name tags that have magnetic strip functionality.

Consider engraved employee name badge types and styles for a unique style

Plastic name badges are functional, but having an employee name badge that is engraved can show professionalism and style. This shows your customers that your employees are valued members that are there to stay. It also allows your employees to feel not only more professional but like special members of your company.

I recommend: Name Tag Inc offers customized name tags with engraving for professional appeal. Recognition Products has a variety of engraved name tags available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider purchasing laminated or plastic employee name badge styles if you are on a budget or have high turnover.

Many companies find that employee name badges are a great benefit to their company. However, when deciding which types of name badges to purchase, you may come across some terms that you don't know. Should you pay the extra money for a photo ID badge or save money with a window name badge? Do you need the extra security that a magnetic badge swipe system or biometric badge can give you? Take the time to learn these common terms to make the right decisions for your business.

Action Steps
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Laminating machine

Companies that need simple name badges for their employees may find that they can save money by doing them in-house rather than hiring a printing company. A laminating machine helps make this possible. When you laminate a badge, you take the paper with the badge printed on it and place it between two plastic film sheets. The laminator heats the plastic and melts it together, creating a sturdy badge.

I recommend: See examples of laminating machines at Fellowes.

Window name badges

A window name badge has a window that displays the employee's name. This helps save money because you don't have to order new name badges for new employees. You can simply reuse an old one by inserting a new name.

I recommend: Stoffel Seals shows window name badges.

Photo ID badge

A photo ID badge prominently displays the employee's photo on the badge. This adds a level of security, especially if you have a guard in your office building that checks badges as employees enter.

I recommend: Visit EasyIDCard to see examples of photo ID badges.

Name badge attachments

The name badge attachments allow employees to wear the badges. These attachments could be a simple pin or may be a lanyard that they hang around their necks.

I recommend: To see the variety of name badge attachments available, visit Need Badges.

Magnetic badge swipe system

A magnetic badge swipe system is an extra level of security for your office. All employee name badges have a magnetic stripe that allows them to enter the building. The employee swipes their card through the machine and the doors unlock.

I recommend: Clockmax.com describes its magnetic badge swipe system.

Biometric identity card

Biometric identity cards offer a high level of security. They contain a small microchip that stores biometric information, such as fingerprints.

I recommend: To learn more about biometric cards, visit BiometricIdentityCards.info.