Name Tag Wizard Blog - Ideas and Tips for Using Name Tags

July 2, 2024July 2, 2024

Celebrating 70 Years of Customization: What Sets Name Tag Wizard Apart?

At Name Tag Wizard, we’ve spent the past 70 years creating customized products that bring your vision to life. As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we’re reflecting on how we’ve played a role in evolving the world of customization.

Our rich history, strong connections, advanced machinery, unwavering commitment to quality, and efficient shipping set us apart from the competition, making us a leader in the industry.

History

HC Brands, the parent company of Name Tag Wizard, was first started by Owen Holmes in 1954, right out of his garage in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Holmes had a passion for connecting with his community and wanted to give people an easy way to express themselves through personalized products. In the early days, customized products relied on manual processes, and Mr. Holmes’ dedication to quality and personalization laid a strong foundation for the company.

As the business grew, we continuously discovered ways to improve and innovate. In 2009, Bryan Croft took over as CEO, bringing a fresh vision and strategic direction to Name Tag Wizard. Recognizing the potential of the internet, Bryan moved the business online, making it easier for customers nationwide to access our personalized name tags. This shift not only expanded our reach but also streamlined our operations and enhanced customer experience.

Machinery

Before modern technology, the production of custom name tags relied on manual carving or chemical etching. While effective, these traditional processes were time-consuming and less precise. Manual carving demanded immense skill and patience, often resulting in variations in quality and consistency. Chemical etching involved the use of hazardous substances that posed significant risks to the health and safety of workers.

The introduction of laser engraving machines revolutionized custom name tag production. Unlike older methods, laser engraving allows for intricate designs to be replicated with exceptional accuracy. The speed of laser technology enables rapid production, reducing turnaround times and increasing efficiency. This advancement has not only streamlined manufacturing but also elevated the safety and standard of custom production.

Raising the Bar for Quality

With all of our products made here in the USA, we ensure that only the highest quality products leave our facilities. We have set the standard for what high-quality customized products should look like. Our quality check process consists of 10 steps:

Our laser engraving machines and UV printers are cleaned first thing in the morning to ensure consistent quality throughout the day.
Our durable name tag sheets are precisely aligned with the appropriate machinery for the material.
Any dust generated during the engraving process is vacuumed away to prevent debris interference.
The engraved name tags are hand-scrubbed with soap and water to ensure a clean product.
Our experts perform a visual examination to check for proper depth and style.
The name tags are sorted, reviewed, and sent to production.
The name tags are hand-assembled with the correct backing.
Each name tag is packaged with a heat seal for added protection.
A final visual check is conducted to ensure the quantity is correct.
The name tags are scanned and shipped to the customer.

Nationwide Shipping

While we take pride in our Jacksonville, Florida roots, we wanted people nationwide to have the opportunity to shop our personalized products. To make this possible, we made the shift to our online stores and began shipping to all 50 states.

From the very beginning, we committed to shipping within two business days, ensuring our delivery driver dispatched orders promptly. Today, with the help of modern technology and our experienced team, we continue to uphold our tradition of super-fast shipping across the country, providing the same reliable and speedy service our customers have come to expect.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate 70 years of innovation and excellence, we are excited about the future. We’re aiming for another 7 decades of not only increased connections with our customers and fantastic products, but opening more paths of opportunity and security for our team members. At the time of writing we have had 700 employees come and go since 2012, and have several second generation employees on our staff.

Name Tag Wizard is nothing without the people that keep it running and through continued focus on customer service, innovation, and creating great products.

With our CEO Bryan at the helm, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of customization, continually enhancing our processes, and expanding our reach. We are grateful to our loyal customers for their trust and support, and we look forward to many more years of helping people express themselves through our high-quality personalized products. Thank you for being part of our journey.

April 18, 2024April 18, 2024

How Name Tags Can Forge Stronger Connections Beyond Professional

The benefits of name tags can be limited or expanded by how you see and use them in your company. If you’ve just been relying on simple name tags with your company logo, this post is for you.

The Importance of Name Tags

Name tags are facts of life in many businesses. If you have public-facing employees, the odds are good that you use name tags to identify them. If you stop to think about why name tags are important, you might say they put names to faces and make employees accountable to company standards. But have you ever thought about how simple name tags could be building relationships that go far beyond the professional?

If you ask yourself “What are the benefits of name tags” or “What is the aim of a name tag,” you might not answer, “To build human connections using creativity.” But if you open yourself to that possibility, your company name tags can be relationship builders that create trust and spark excitement in your customers.

How? Let me tell you a story.

The Power of Personal Connection Through Name Tags

A couple of weeks ago, I took my kids to Disney World. All of the employees wear name tags that include their name, the Disney logo, stars for the number of years they’ve been there, and the city and country the employee comes from. A young man serving hot dogs was from Venice, Italy, where I visited with my family last summer. I chatted with that young man about his home city.

His name tag created a human connection that wouldn’t have been possible without that one extra detail – the city he came from. Name tags are professional necessities, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Name tags can also build relationships and encourage human connections. With customized name tags, your customers might remember your employees long after they leave your business. And that means they’ll remember your business, too.

The Impact of Name Tags on Customer Relationships

I have a personal theory about the trust factor name tags can provide. Imagine a bartender with no name tag working for a month. They’ll make sales for the company and earn tips for themselves. But what if they wear a name tag for the next month? Do you think it might make the bartender more friendly? Will that name tag start building relationships between the bartender and their customers? Do their customers stay longer, start conversations, and have another beer? Will the bartender make more sales and tips as guests connect on a personal level? I think they will. Why? Because humans like to connect, and that name tag creates a connection.

The Significance of Names in a Fast-Paced World

As sophisticated and crazy as the world is getting, starting with a name, also slows things down. For many people, our names are our favorite word. For example, I’m Bryan with a Y. Most people with my name are Brian with an I. I’m proud of my “Y”. When I see it out in the wild, like driving through Bryan County, Georgia, I get a little thrill. When someone asks about the spelling of my name, that builds a connection between us.

Name Tags as Career Milestones

Here at Name Tag Wizard, we recently got an email from a long-term customer named Katie. She shared a photo of her collection of name tags, starting as a Food and Beverage Assistant at a golf club and moving up the ranks all the way to General Manager. These name tags were part of building her relationship with her career. They trace her personal history and have been an important part of her identity with the company. Katie’s name tags stated her title at every stage of her professional development, giving her both something to claim and something to aspire to.

Creative Customization of Name Tags

So, how can your company’s name tags get to work at building relationships? Why not add some creativity and customization to those tags? One great way is by adding a question. Questions build connections by engaging people. Here are some ideas:

Lego asks what employees’ favorite Lego brick color is.
A pet store might ask: “Team Cat or Team Dog?”
For a golf course, “What’s your lowest round ever?”
A brewery’s name tag could ask, “What’s your favorite type of beer?”
An Italian restaurant might ask what kind of pasta the employee loves most.

If we both love dogs, stout, or fettuccine, we’re going to connect over that. How can you have fun with name tags in your industry? What kinds of questions can you add to your employees’ name tags to help them with building relationships?

Using Name Tags to Spark Conversations

When you add titles to name tags, they don’t have to be formal. For instance, I use a name tag when I attend trade shows that says, “Bryan Croft, Visionary.” When people ask about it (making connections!), I tell them I’m a dreamer. I dream about everything. I had a dream of building this ecommerce company that we’re having fun with. And a dream about helping the kids in Haiti where we have an orphanage. And my trade show name tag builds relationships by creating an opening for conversations about that title and what it means to me as a person.

Reflecting Company Culture Through Name Tags

You can reflect your company culture with your colors, logo, font, and the size of the elements you choose. And you can go in any direction that will create connections and make your customers feel comfortable. You can let your employees’ name tags build relationships if you think of that surface area as an open invitation for connection.

What will you do with your company name tags? Whatever you decide, we make thousands of customized name badges at Name Tag Wizard every day. With many options for customizing, we can help you bring your imagination to life. Create your own custom name tags today with our easy-to-use design tool, and start building those relationships!

March 24, 2022April 26, 2022

All About Sharing Pronouns in the Workplace

Achieving inclusivity in the workplace is no easy task, but promoting the use of preferred pronouns is one step in the right direction. In order for all employees to feel they truly belong in your company, they must first feel comfortable being themselves. When you put in the effort to create an open environment for all, your business will certainly see positive results.

What Are Preferred Pronouns?

According to mypronouns.org, a person’s pronouns describe what they wish to be referred to by in the singular third person. While cisgender individuals go by traditional pronouns such as she/her and he/him, many non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals are adopting more gender-neutral terms. This could include they/them, all pronouns, no pronouns at all, or many other pronouns.

Importance of Sharing Pronouns in the Workplace

Within the past 4 years, there has been a significant increase in Americans using gender neutral pronouns. The Pew Research Center found that 42% of Americans personally know someone who is transgender, and 26% of Americans know someone who goes by a gender neutral pronoun. As more businesses seek to expand diversity and inclusivity, being educated on preferred pronouns and gender identity is crucial.

When someone is continuously misgendered, it can leave them feeling alienated and distressed. Because people’s exteriors don’t necessarily match their identities, it can be difficult to know what their pronouns are. This is why normalizing the use of pronouns on the job makes it much easier for both transgender and cisgender employees to communicate.

How to Incorporate Your Pronouns at Work

Making small changes in the office environment can be incredibly effective. These changes can be as simple as installing all-gender restrooms, getting rid of outdated dress codes, and adding pronouns to external and internal communications. Even if you use traditional pronouns, sharing your preferred pronouns sends the signal that you are an ally to non-binary and transgender people. Some of the ways you can easily share your pronouns are:

Pronoun name tags
Email signatures
Company directories
Display names
LinkedIn profiles
Desk plates

Pronoun Name Tags

Creating an open-minded workplace starts with letting coworkers know they are safe to be themselves. In order to encourage the use of preferred pronouns, you can wear them right on your name tag. This will make it easy for team members to understand each other’s gender identity and form long-lasting bonds. Check out some of our unique custom name tag designs:

Full Color Photo ID Badge

Our full color photo ID badges will proudly display your favorite image and your pronouns. This design is perfect for employees who want to stand out and self-express freely.

Hello My Name Is Name Tag

Our personalized name tags with pronouns are ideal for workers who want a simple yet stylish design. These are available in different colors and fonts so you can choose the one that suits your personality.

Custom Pronoun Photo ID Badge

Our custom pronoun ID badge allows you to show off your profile picture and job title. Your pronouns are accented in the color of your choice for easy readability.

Custom Logo Photo ID Badge

Add your company logo to this custom ID badge for a more professional look. This sleek and white design is perfect for adding personal touches while still presenting a modern look.

Take the step toward gender inclusivity at your job today by ordering a custom pronoun name tag. For under $10, you can inspire your coworkers to openly talk about their pronouns and be a part of a more welcoming office. Not only can you increase productivity and morale by sharing your preferred pronouns, but you will build stronger relationships with your teammates.

December 1, 2021April 26, 2022

How to Get the Perfect Gift for Remote Employees

Gift Ideas
Desk Name Plate
Name Tag
Luggage Tag
Indoor Plants
Headphones
Daily Planner
Streaming Services
Food Delivery
Gift Card

With remote work becoming increasingly more popular, learning how to keep remote employees satisfied is vital to the success of your company. Making positive interactions and improving company culture is always important, whether your coworkers are in-person or at home. One way to achieve this is by practicing gift-giving during the holidays, or for any occasion, in order to give thanks to those that help your business thrive. These gifts don’t necessarily have to be store-bought, but they should let your employees know you care.

Why Gifts Are Important To Your Business

Remote workers can often feel alienated from the rest of the team. Getting them holiday gifts can be a great way to help them feel included and engaged. Gifts can also act as a symbol of appreciation for your remote workers. It is important to let them know all of their hard work has not gone unnoticed just because they aren’t in the office. Gift-giving is beneficial for the entire team as well. Even on-site employees will be more motivated to produce high-quality results when they know their dedication is being rewarded. Getting gifts for employees can also:

Increase job satisfaction
Encourage loyalty
Boost the morale
Create positive memories
Show gratitude
Strengthen bonds

Gift Ideas for Remote Workers

If you wish to get gifts for your remote employees and coworkers but you don’t know what to get them, we can help! Here are some gift ideas that are sure to be a holiday hit:

Desk Name Plate

Click to buy this desk plate — Perfect for adding some functional style to your home office

Decorating your work space comes with many benefits that help boost your productivity and overall energy. Although distance workers cannot personalize their desk at the office, they can still get the same benefits from adding décor to their desks at home. Gifting your remote workers a customized desk name plate can instill a sense of importance and belonging that they might be missing.

Name Tag

Name tags not only give workers a sense of identity, but they establish your company brand as well. Getting your distance workers their own personalized name tag will show them they are part of team and highlight their specific duties. Name tags can also be a great way to spread awareness about your business, especially if your remote employees are working at different public locations.

Luggage Tag

Because remote employees can work from anywhere, there is a good chance they could be travelling. A custom luggage tag can be very helpful when flying frequently so they can keep track of their baggage and prevent suitcases from getting lost. A remote employee’s bags can be storing equipment that they need for work, so keeping them safe is crucial for your business.

Indoor Plants

Plants are a great gift for employees as there are many different ones to choose from. All you have to do is make sure the plants are safe for indoors, and that they can continue to grow. Placing plants near your work area comes with countless benefits such as:

Reducing stress
Increasing productivity
Replenishing focus
Heightening creativity
Cleaning the air
Preventing sickness

Headphones

Employees working from home may struggle with unavoidable interruptions such as children, pets, and housework. Employees working at public locations, like a coffee shop or library, may also have a hard time focusing while being in the same room as many other people. Gifting them some new headphones gives them the option to cancel out external noises and play music of their choice.

Daily Planner

With all the distractions that remote workers encounter on a regular basis, it could be difficult to stay on task. Keeping your home neat and organized is stressful enough, and that only intensifies when your home is also your office. A daily planner could be useful when trying to meet deadlines and stay motivated to finish projects. Planners can also be helpful for life outside of work, and this gift could be the boost they needed.

Streaming Services

While gifting your employees with items that can help their work is a great option, sometimes they may want something to help them kick back and relax. Streaming services have become a popular way to watch movies and shows without having to leave your home. Gifting a subscription to any streaming service can be done virtually through email or text which makes it easy for remote workers.

Food Delivery

With new food delivery service apps, getting food at your door is more convenient than ever. No matter where your remote workers live, gifting them with an online food delivery is easy and accessible. Make sure you know what types of foods your distance employees enjoy, and then send them a wonderful treat.

Gift Card

If you aren’t well informed on your remote worker’s likes and dislikes, you can always play it safe with a gift card . Similar to other virtual gifts, a gift card can be sent online without having to meet with your remote employees in person. Your remote workers will appreciate getting the choice of how to use their reward. Everyone can benefit from a gift card that they can use to purchase whatever they may need.

Key Takeaways

Although getting gifts for remote employees is not as easy as walking down the hall to a colleague’s desk, it is worth the extra effort. Some gifts can make your remote coworkers’ lives easier, while others just show that you value them and all the work they do. Simply put, you should strive to get a gift that will make your employees happy. If you are still unsure of what to get distance workers, we’ve got you covered! Follow these quick tips to ensure successful gift-giving:

Get to know your remote employees
Try to think outside the box
Make the gifts more personal and meaningful
Don’t just give away your company swag
Consider the employee’s location
Don’t forget about the presentation
Be inclusive toward all demographics
Continue practicing gift-giving after the holidays

Use our coupon code below to take advantage of seasonal savings on a variety of different holidays gifts!

Looking for more gift inspiration? Check out some of our other accessories and gifts that can be personalized for any worker!

November 3, 2021April 26, 2022

Tips For Hiring Remote Workers

Table of Contents
Making Use of New Technology
Asking the Right Questions
Arranging Personality and Skills Test
Contacting Their References
Creating A Welcoming Environment
How We Can Help

Despite all the setbacks the pandemic might have caused, businesses have learned to adapt to the situation. Most have utilized new technologies, created new goals, and adjusted work schedules in order to succeed during the pandemic. The most common change that occurred in the workplace was the increase in remote work. Even with businesses returning to normal, it looks like remote work is here to stay.

What Is Remote Work?

Working remotely has become the norm with many companies today. Even if you have been working in person for a while now, chances are your job allows you certain days to work from home, or has a few full-time remote workers. Remote work is defined as employees working from a location other than a traditional office environment. This could be any place such as your home, a coffee shop, a library, or anywhere else that offers access to the internet.

Benefits of Remote Work

While hiring remote workers can be more difficult than hiring traditional employees, it does come with many advantages. Some of these benefits include:

Greater flexibility
Better work-life balance
No geographical limitations
Less commuting stress
Lower overhead costs
Decreased carbon footprint
More comfortable environment
Increased inclusivity

Tips For Hiring Remote Workers

If you think hiring remote workers could be a great addition to your team but you don’t know where to start, we are here to help! Here are some of our tips to help you hire the right person for the job:

Make Use of New Technology

Even though you cannot meet with this potential employee face-to-face, new technology allows for a smooth interview process. Instead of relying on emails and phone calls, schedule a video chat so you can make a more accurate evaluation. Online services such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Facetime, and many more can still offer the same personal connection you could get in your office. Similar to the benefits of remote working, virtual meetings offer the same cost efficient and flexible advantages.

Ask the Right Questions

A remote worker will need a different set of skills to be successful than a traditional employee would, therefore you should ask a different set of questions. Because remote workers make their own schedules most of the time, it is important for you to ensure they have decent time management skills. Remote workers will also need a good sense of self-direction and self-discipline since they do not have the ability to constantly check in with the rest of the team. Testing your potential employees on their technological abilities is crucial in order to maintain regular communication with them and keep business flowing as planned.

Arrange Personality and Skills Tests

Although remote workers will not be in the office with other employees, it is still important that they fit in and add to the company’s culture. Personality and skills tests can reduce the chances of hiring the wrong person for the job. These tests will help you understand the candidates better and give you some insight on their unique traits. You can also use the information you gain from these tests to see how employees coordinate with others, solve problems, and manage their workload.

Contact Their References

If you still feel unsure about hiring a remote worker, you can always contact some of their references to make sure they are a good fit at your company. Previous managers and coworkers can be a great resource to you, and they can let you know about some of the candidate’s accomplishments at their last job. Performing reference checks can also help you confirm that the person you are interviewing is in fact who they say they are.

Create a Welcoming Environment

Just because you are interviewing a potential employee online, does not mean you should not treat it the same as an in-person meeting. The candidate will benefit from you being as open and informative as possible so that they can get a better understanding of your company’s needs. You can even get creative and take them on a virtual tour of the building or introduce them to other employees so that they feel included and know the ins and outs of the work culture.

How Name Tags Can Benefit Remote Workers

Because remote workers are not meeting face-to-face with other employees, keeping them in the loop is necessary for them to be successful. Giving them the opportunity to have their own personalized name tag or desk plate can make a big difference when it comes to open communication and inclusivity. Here are just a few of the benefits of getting your remote workers their own custom name tags and desk name plates:

Makes them feel valued and appreciated
Shows them they are a part of the team
Improves their productivity even at home
Highlights specific job roles and duties
Helps to build trust among coworkers

Check out some of our custom name tags and name plates that can help your remote employees feel like truly belong at your company:

Name Tag With Job Title

A name tag that includes your remote employee’s full name and job title can be a great way to help them feel confident and proud of their new role. This custom name tag could also be beneficial for other workers to know exactly who they are communicating with online.

Full Color Acrylic Desk Plate

A unique desk plate that displays your remote employee’s name could help them stay motivated even when working from home. Giving them the chance to decorate their own space with this name desk plate could also increase productivity and overall energy.

Customizable name tags or desk plates can be a great way to make your remote employees feel included and special. It is beneficial for the whole team when everyone is working together and communicating properly.

October 8, 2021May 4, 2022

Tips For Rebuilding Teams in the Office

The pandemic has had a large impact on many aspects of our lives, and our jobs are no exception. Returning to normal after over a year of Covid-19 related changes is no easy task. If you are struggling to find your rhythm again at the office, we are here to help. Here is a guide we have put together to help you get back on your feet:

Reflect On Time Spent Outside the Office

Acknowledging that the pandemic shook things up at your job is the first step toward recovering. Along with making work-related tasks difficult, the pandemic also affected many people’s personal lives. These are some things to think about in order to learn and grow from pandemic troubles:

Disrupted Work Relationships

If you miss eating lunch with your coworkers, working on projects with your staff, or chatting with other employees about weekend plans, you are not alone. Getting to form relationships with your coworkers not only makes work more fun, but it can also make you more productive. Although working from home has resulted in many new online forms of communication, it is admittedly not the same as meeting in person.

Benefits of A Positive Work Culture

Inspiring your team to reestablish a positive work culture is key to getting stronger as a company. Here are just a few of the goals you can achieve when working together with your team and forming bonds:

Engaged employees
Enhanced creativity
Boosted morale
Increased profitability
Faster learning
Decreased stress
Improved customer service
Increased trust

Try gifting your teammates with some elegant name tags, badges, and name desk plates to keep the positive energy circulating. These personalized gifts can help to unify your team and improve employee satisfaction.

Tips For Rebuilding Office Teams

If you are ready to see your business flourish again, follow our tips for rebuilding your team:

Provide Safety Measures

Many of your coworkers might still be worried about the dangers of the pandemic. In order to make your employees feel more comfortable at the office, it is important to prioritize their health and safety. Some of these protocols can include encouraging employees to wear a mask, staying home if you feel sick, taking workers’ temperatures, and arranging desks to be six feet apart.

Be Lenient With Deadlines and Schedules

Getting accustomed to working all day at the office again will take some time after working remotely for so long. You can help your employees get back on track with their regular routines by letting some things slide. For example, allowing employees to arrive a few minutes late while they get used to traffic can be extremely helpful for the first couple weeks back at the office. On the other hand, scheduling meetings at 9 AM sharp and expecting full participation is not very realistic and can be overwhelming.

Get Employee Feedback

Giving employees the space to deliver feedback will enable teams to work more effectively toward their goals. Taking the time to listen to your coworkers’ thoughts can help to build trust and transparency. During a time when workers are still adjusting to their schedules, it is important to give them the confidence to come forward with any issues they are having. Not only will this show your coworkers that you care about their needs, but it will also lead to higher productivity overall.

Plan Low-Risk Activities

Just because your office is practicing social-distancing, does not mean you cannot still have fun. There are plenty of Covid-safe activities you and your team can plan out to help reform work relationships. Some of these activities can include company potlucks, brainstorming sessions, competitions, outdoor games, and much more. Fun activities can help employees relax and take their minds off the pandemic while giving them a chance to catch up.

Set New Goals

In order to lead your team and company to success, setting goals is critical. After spending so much time apart, regrouping and defining a new purpose will encourage your team to stay motivated. Especially during a crisis like Covid-19, common goals can help you bounce back and get stronger together. Reestablishing goals can also trigger new behaviors and help you stay focused on your task at hand despite the craziness. Once your team accomplishes one of these goals, your confidence will skyrocket and you will want to keep the ball rolling.

Be Inclusive Toward Remote Workers

Some of your coworkers might be vulnerable to Covid-19 or live with someone that is too high-risk to get back in the office at this time. Even if they cannot be there in person to contribute to the team, they are still valuable employees. Having meetings that are also available to join on online platforms can help your remote workers stay in the loop. Keeping in communication with them is important for them to feel included and for your other team members to feel more united.

Be Kind to Your Coworkers

No matter where you work, being patient to the people you work with is beneficial. Some might be having a harder time than others during the pandemic, and showing kindness will always be appreciated. Extending grace so your coworkers feel supported will result in a more positive environment that everyone can enjoy.

How Name Tags Can Help You Rebuild Office Teams

Investing in name tags for your company can make a big difference when trying to increase communication and transparency. Here are just some of the ways custom name tags or name plates can lead to a stronger team:

Increased workplace safety
Stronger identification
Better customer relations
Interpersonal communication
Established company brand
More style and personalization

Here are a couple name tag and desk plate ideas to help get your team feeling excited and ready to tackle any pandemic obstacles:

Floral Name Tag

This name tag with a floral background adds a pop of color and shows off your employee’s style! Not only will this name tag let you know more about your coworker, but it also makes communicating more fun for the office.

Colorful Desk Block

Decorating office desks can be a whole lot more fun with a full color desk name plate! This name plate can add a lot of personality to workers’ desks and create a better company culture.

Customizable name tags can be a fun and creative way to get to know your coworkers better. No matter where you work, there are name tags that best represent your brand. You can even create your own unique name tags if you want identification that really stands out. Whether you want to rebuild your team or spruce up your work space at home, Name Tag Wizard has got you covered!

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021

Desk Plates that’ll Liven Up Any Work Space

Working from home – Some people love it. Others loathe it. Remote work has its ups and downs, but we’ve got some new and colorful products and ideas that will liven up your work from home space. The best part is, these work from home accessories will easily travel back to the office with you later. Desk plates are the ultimate desk accessory for professionals who want to show their status, and feel connected to the company they work for.

Tips to Match Desk Plates to Your Personality and Desk Theme:

Acrylic Desk Plates

A clear acrylic desk plate adds a touch of style to your work space, and it goes with almost any theme or color palette. For the minimalist who likes a clean work space, to the art lover who wants pops of color, this acrylic desk plate is perfect for anyone! These also make great gift ideas for remote workers, and new hires who you want to energize and connect with as they work from home.

For the minimalist:

Keep it simple! Customize with only a name
Pair this clear botanical desk plate with with a touch of greenery! A faux or real plant will bring the outdoors in, and keep you calm during long work days
Simplify and reduce. Clear away unused papers, pens, business cards and other clutter for the ultimate Zen space.

For the art and design lover:

Get color crazy! This pink gradient acrylic desk plate makes a statement
Customize with your name, title or meaningful quote
Pair it with colorful accessories, such as a bright colored pen holder and a fun figurine

Clear Acrylic Desk Plate with Diamond Border

For the refined:

Simple yet decorative, this clear desk plate with diamond border is perfect for the employee who’s the perfect blend of artsy and minimalistic
Customize with a name and job title
Pair it with elegant desk accessories, like silver or rose gold wire pen holder and file organizer

Chalkboard Desk Plates

Chalkboard write-on desk plates are great for teachers and students, and just about anyone who likes the flexibility of writing a new message every day. Some of our new schoolhouse inspired desk plates come customized with a name, and others are a blank slate, waiting for your daily hand written message. Here are 3 great uses for our new chalkboard desk plates:

Teacher’s Desk Plate with School Subjects

For Teachers Teaching Remotely

Help teachers feel supported and connected to their students and other staff! Gift a learning themed desk plate with school subjects, and hand writing inspired font
Educators can have fun pairing their new desk plate with their favorite grading stamps, red pens, and adorable notes from their students
These teacher desk plates are also perfect for displaying in classroom when the time comes!

Handwriting Practice Desk Plate for Kids

For Young Students Learning to Write

These name tracing desk plates help younger students learn to write their name
Children can also use this blank chalkboard desk plate to write a new word every day!
School staff can send these desk plates as gifts to connect students and teachers who’ve learned remotely for a long time

For The Creative Who Likes to Doodle

Chalkboard desk plates are great for the creative employee who loves to write a creative or inspirational message each day
They’re also versatile for writing new employee names or trainee’s names

New Desk Plate Card Holders

Stay organized and true to your unique style with our new designs in card holder name plates. These new designs will liven up any work space, whether it’s a home office desk, a breakfast table that’s been turned into a work space, or an office cubicle that needs a pop of color.

We have a card holder for everyone, from art the lover, to new business owners and company executives.

Gifts for Artsy Employees

Our new art lover desk plate with card holder is reminiscent of Picasso and Mondrian! Any lover of the visual arts will adore this new abstract mahogany card holder desk plate. Easily customize it with a name and send it as a gift to your art-loving employee, or get it for yourself!

Abstract Mahogany Card Holder Name Plate

Gifts that Inspire and Reconnect Your Team to your Company Goals

Customize one of these new company logo desk plate card holders for every member of your team, and send them as gifts to remote workers. These gifts are sure to revive team members who may be feeling disconnected from the company and their team members.

Company Logo Card Holder Desk Plate

Working and learning from home has not been ideal, but dedicated workers, students and teachers have put their best foot forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you are looking for a way to spruce up your work space at home, the office, or you need a gift that will reconnect your team members to your company’s core values – custom desk plates have several benefits. We’ve updated our assortment to include fun new colors and designs to help you get the most out of your work from home, or socially distanced work day! Shop the full collection of desk plates here.

September 18, 2020September 29, 2020

Costume-Friendly Face Masks For Halloween 2020

trick or treat custom face mask with bats

Costume-Friendly Face Mask Ideas
Fun Phrases & Seasonal Face Masks
Scary Mouth Face Masks
Your Face Face Masks
Jack-o-Lantern Face Masks
Skeleton Face Masks
Vampire Face Masks
Joe Exotic Face Masks
Carole Baskin Face Masks
Clown Face Masks

With Coronavirus safety standards in place, Halloween is sure to look a little different this year. Whether you’ll be celebrating with a small group of close friends, taking your kids out for some socially distant trick or treating, or you’re just looking for a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit, face masks make it easy to stay safe and keep things spooky.

Make the most out of this spooky season! Custom face masks give you the opportunity to incorporate your mask into your costume and create something that’s unique to you.

If you’re looking for creative ways to stay safe on the spookiest night of the year, we’ve got you covered with tons of creative face mask designs and design-your-own options that let you take your one-of-a-kind costume to the next level. Here are some of our top Halloween 2020 face mask ideas to help you start planning your seasonal attire and creepy costumes:

One-of-a-Kind Spooky Season Face Masks

Custom face masks allow you to take control with your creativity and design something that perfectly matches your Halloween costume or something that can be worn all season long. For a face mask that embraces the Halloween spirit but is still wearable for everyday use, out and about, or at the office, design a mask inspired by your favorite seasonal phrases like “boo” or “trick or treat”.

Create a simple face mask design with Halloween or fall-inspired elements like bats, falling leaves, cobwebs, ghosts, ghouls, goblins or any type of seasonal icons and drawings.

Scary Mouth Costume Masks

Push the envelope with a scary mouth face mask design. Create your perfect design inspired by scarecrows, witches, werewolves, or any of your favorite classic Halloween characters.

With design-your-own mask options, the possibilities are endless. Build your costume around your custom mask or create a mask to complement your existing costume.

Be Yourself Costume Face Masks

Be Yourself! For a fun and easy-to-put-together costume that’s perfect for Halloween at the office, dress up as yourself.

Create a custom “your face” face mask by uploading an image of yourself to our easy-to-use design tool and adjust your image for the appropriate sizing. Put together an outfit featuring your normal attire and put on your custom face face mask for a Halloween costume that’s unique to you.

Classic Jack-O-Lantern Face Masks

Create a face mask with a custom jack-o-lantern smile for a costume that’s a Halloween classic. Jack-o-Lantern masks make the perfect addition to any pumpkin costume or the perfect finishing touch to any outfit throughout the spookiest season of the year.

At Name Tag Wizard we offer face masks in two sizes, for adults and children, to fit all of the pumpkins in the patch.

Skeleton Costume Face Masks

Keep things creepy with a custom skeleton face mask. Completing your bone-rattling skeleton costume is easy with a custom sugar skull or skeleton face mask!

Put personality into your classic costume by creating your own design and showing off your own one-of-a-kind skeleton mask.

Vampire Costume Face Masks

Add the perfect finishing touch to your blood-thirsty vampire costume with a custom vampire fang face mask. Design a mask that matches your vampire costume and shows off your frightening fangs.

DYO vampire fang face masks let you stay safe and stay in character throughout all of your Halloween plans.

Joe Exotic Costume Face Masks

Create a recognizable costume as the Tiger King himself, Joe Exotic. Build a funny costume with everything tiger print and an outfit inspired by Joe Exotic.

Complete your wild Tiger King look with a tiger print face mask or a custom mask inspired by the king of wild cats.

Carole Baskin Costume Face Masks

For all of the cool cats and kittens that are Team Carole this Halloween, put together a costume inspired by Carole Baskin. Create a custom face mask featuring animal prints or your favorite Carole Baskin phrases, or opt for a simple wild cat print mask to complete your look.

Use custom face masks to create a group costume with Carole Baskin, Joe Exotic, and all of your favorite members of the Tiger King cast of characters!

Scary Clown Costume Face Masks

Create your own killer clown costume with a custom face mask as the finishing touch. Our easy-to-use design tool lets you create your perfect clown makeup-inspired mask to complete your costume.

Whether you’re looking to put together the scariest costume on the block or you’re searching for the perfect addition to your everyday seasonal office attire, custom face masks give you the freedom to get creative. Create your perfect costume or turn heads with an everyday face mask inspired by your favorite fall seasonal elements.

Happy Halloween from Name Tag Wizard! We’re here to help you create your perfect costume and stay safe this spooky season. For a costume that’s complete from head to toe, check out our entire Halloween costume collection filled with creative costume name tags and face masks!

Share your one-of-a-kind unique costume ideas with us @NameTagWizard and don’t forget to follow us to stay up-to-date with all things name tags.

Other Blogs You Might Like:

Work-Friendly Halloween Costume Inspiration

10 Halloween Costume Ideas Under $15

Tips for Halloween Safety

September 4, 2020September 4, 2020

Making QR Code Name Tags Work for Your Business

Man scanning QR code on iphone in office

Keeping up with the latest trends and technology is a crucial part of running any business. The more you can offer your customers and clients the better chance you have of making a sale or creating a partnership. QR codes are one of the newer applications that can keep your business running efficiently. Whether you manage a start-up, local food chain, or small business, this modern system can greatly benefit the way you run things.

What is a QR Code?

A QR Code, aka quick response code, is a label made up of black squares on a white background. Much like a traditional barcode, this unique label is read by imaging devices like the camera on your mobile device. This one-of-a-kind code essentially links to specific information or data on a website or application.

Getting your unique QR code is simple. Money sharing apps like Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal give you a code that is personal to you when you sign up. There are also a ton of free websites that offer a QR code generator, which helps you create your marketing materials in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is create an account to acquire your code. There are many uses for QR codes! They can be applied to money-sharing apps, menus, informational pages, websites, social media pages, and more.

How do you scan a QR code name tag?

Get out your smartphone and open your camera app
Point and focus the camera on the QR code you wish to scan
Wait for your phone to notify you of the scan and provide a link
Click on the link to be sent to the landing page or app

Here are a few ideas on how you can implement QR codes in your business!

Create separate accounts on a money sharing app for each sector of your business. For example, a small restaurant may choose to have different QR Codes for inside tables, patio seating, bar, and valet. Then, provide your essential employees with their own QR code name tags and buttons. This way, customers or clients can easily tip or pay hands-free! Money sharing apps make splitting costs among guests easy. Instead of performing multiple transactions for one table, individuals can divide the bill among themselves. This creates a seamless checkout process. This added convenience is sure to lead to increased tips and business! Each transaction on the app includes a comment section. You can ask patrons to add their waiter or waitress’s name and the bill number. They can even leave a quick review of their experience.

QR codes can even help you create your personal marketing campaign. A QR code name tag can act as your tech savvy business card. Send recruiters or potential customers or clients to your LinkedIn page. With a quick scan of the dynamic QR codes on your custom badge, clients can instantly save your phone number and other contact information into their phone so they can reach out to you later.

Established businesses may not feel the need to update their processes, but as we’ve learned in the past few months, nothing is guaranteed. Outside factors can have major affects on the stability and longevity of a business. COVID-19 is just one instance, where taking proactive measures can keep your business from shutting down. Wearing a simple professional name badge will remain a timeless, professional accessory, but with certain businesses it is wise to also wear a QR code accessible badge.

Benefits of QR Codes

Implementing products like QR code buttons or name tags to your business, is just one of the tools you can use to be a few steps ahead of the curve. Whether you work for a big corporation or a small business, there are benefits that QR codes can bring to any industry.

Accessible – You do not have to provide a QR code reader, everyone with a mobile device has their very own QR code scanner. QR codes work on both iPhone and Android devices. This easy accessibility will turn potential customers into happy customers.
Safe – With COVID-19 taking over the way business are run, wearing face masks and implementing hands-free payment options is vital. QR codes offer a contactless solution to paying, which helps keep your staff members and patrons safe!
Easy to Use – All customers need is their mobile device. In three quick steps a bill can be paid for. It’s as simple as scanning the QR code name tag, clicking the link, and sending the money!
On the Go – As stated, these unique codes can be used in practically any industry or business. With a QR code name tag, business that offer on-the-go services like valets or bar carts can make instant transactions on the spot. Your employees won’t have to go back and forth to swipe a credit card. Clients or customers can simply scan, pay, and be on their way!
No Fees – With the quick scan of a QR code, no fee is taken out. Certain card readers can be attached to your phone. They plug in and allow cards to be swiped, but most of these devices take a commission on your sales. In this case, providing convenience to customers won’t lose you any money.
Instantaneous – You can see all transactions instantaneously. Owners and managers don’t have to wait until the end of the day to see sales and revenue. They can pull out the money sharing application, log into the desired account, and see all purchases immediately. (For example, you could set up a “bar tips” account on Venmo, and a separate account on Venmo for “section 3 tables.”)

Take the time to create QR codes for your business, they will be well worth the effort. Offering custom QR code products to your valued staff members will help your business run safely and efficiently. Not only can they increase tips, but they can help you get through difficult economical times. Custom QR codes bring convenience to you and your customers. Test our one-of-a-kind badges and let us know how they work for you. Share your success stories and photos with us by tagging @nametagwizard in your social media posts.

Other related blogs you might like:

Building Relationships with Name Tags

Maintaining Professionalism While Practicing Social Distancing

Fostering Creativity with Name Badges

June 30, 2020April 9, 2021

Fostering Creativity at Work Can Start with Name Tags

Creativity and individuality are among the most important things employers are looking for when recruiting new talent. Even the smallest things can make an enormous impact on the overall culture and attitude of a business, right down to the details on employee name tags. Incorporating creative, fun, and exciting details on name tags for your employees will create a less strict atmosphere where employees can express themselves. Anything you can do that makes your company culture stand out will make customers more likely to choose you over your competitors.

Creative name tags…..

allow employees to express themselves in a unique way
boost overall performance
create a more accepting environment to work in
inspire innovative thinking
unlock the door for exciting & creative contests and prizes

Creative Name Tags Allow Employees to Express Themselves

Self-expression allows people to fully be themselves, and lets their unique talents thrive. Younger employees often feel they’re being put into boxes of how to act, dress, talk, and work. Every business has rules and safety measures to create orderliness, but there are ways to let each employee’s individuality shine. Name tags are an incredible way to help your employees or community members express themselves in whatever way they feel.

Allowing employees to add a creative or unique quote or characteristic to their name tag can boost their performance.

Name tags serve a deeper purpose than just communicating a name. Name tags have the power to unlock a part of your team members that customers wouldn’t otherwise know. Unique name tags can represent who each person is such as their interests and values.

For example, if you own a small business that sells board shorts and sunglasses, your employees will exemplify a love for the ocean when wearing a Beach Banner Shaped Name Tag. Customers notice small details, and a unique ocean themed badge communicates to your customers not only an employee’s name, but a strong support for the products you’re selling.

Name Tags are a Blank Canvas for Your Staff Members to Express Themselves

In most workplaces, employees are required to wear professional attire or a uniform. Although there are pros to this, as it adds a sense of orderliness to a workplace, it does remove the ability to express oneself with clothing.

Dependent on the type of industry you are in, self-expression is vital to morale and creativity. Name tags are a blank canvas for people to add their own expressions, quotes or experiences.

For example, if you own a flower shop, you could customize this wooden name badge with engraved flowers, and the name of each employee’s favorite flower. This could not only spark conversation between staff and customers, but could help a customer make a final purchase decision. No matter what type of name tag you currently have, even the simplest of name tags can be spruced up to include an interest or passion.

How Companies are Making their Employees Stand Out

A company that really accomplishes this well is the founder of the chicken biscuit, Chick-Fil-A. If you go into any Chick-Fil-A location, you will immediately be greeted by an employee with the most genuine smile, and a unique name tag that displays his or her dream occupation. When you learn that your local Chick-Fil-A employee wants to be an astronaut or a doctor when they are older, you instantly feel more connected to him or her. This is the power of the name tag!

Name tags give you a glimpse into who a person truly is outside of their day to day duties. It is with this that we can start to build stronger connections between people who work together, and between customers and employees.

Create a Less Strict and More Accepting Creative Environment

Younger job seekers are often looking to work for companies that foster free expression and open thought.

Harvard Business Review said in their article, Creating the Best Workplace on Earth, that you must “let people be themselves” to create the ideal workplace. If you are trying to create a more accepting and creative work environment, it is necessary to allow employees to be themselves. Personalized and creative name tags are a small, but impactful step in the right direction!

Allowing openness and expression makes staff members more comfortable being a part of a working community, and can initiate improved relationships between employees and customers. Your staff members and the customer experience they provide is the first and most lasting interaction the public has with your brand. The right name tags can inspire thoughtful and memorable communication.

This kind of communication and expression has also proven to boost morale and make employees happier in their jobs. Name tags can give your staff a platform and a voice!

Name Tags Can Inspire More Innovative Thinking & Creativity at Work

People are truly the product of their environments. If your employees or community members are surrounded by creativity, they’re likely to feel an intrinsic push to match that creative thinking in their own work. This sense of innovation and out-of-the-box thinking will spread to every part of your business! You will see your company as a whole become a hub of creative energy and innovative ideas that put you miles ahead of your competition.

Creative Ideas for Name Tags

Themed Name Tags for the Season or Year

People are looking for freshness in their daily routines. We tend to get tired of the same old routine, uniform or style. We are constantly seeking new trends, new ways of doing things, and new ways of dressing – this includes name tags.

Companies can be innovative and allow this human need for freshness to inspire new name tags. Every year employee name tags can be updated, changed, or even re-styled, and each time you could allow employees to have input on the theme. It is important to show your employees that you care about them, and that you want to add a bit of excitement to the workplace.

Name Tag Design Contests

Contests provide a great opportunity to engage your staff and to foster creativity. A name tag contest will push people to think outside the box when it comes to stylizing a name tag design. Name tag contests could be the event that so many of your employees look forward to. Employees will want to work with their colleagues to think of different ideas and get creative to come up with the best name tag styles. Even if the prize is as simple as a gift card to a desired restaurant or a household item that anyone can use, people will be motivated to get involved.

Other Creative Ideas to Include on Name Tags

• Nicknames
• Favorite movie quotes
• Inspirational quotes
• Home town
• Hobbies or interests
• Aspiring career or life goal

Allowing people to express themselves with their name tags is one of the easiest ways to foster individuality in the workplace and create an inclusive atmosphere.