The basics of name badges

Many people think that name badges are something we pass up on once we're out of Girl Scouts or our early school years, but the truth of the matter is that for the most part, there is always a need for name badges. Even as an adult we may find ourselves in a position or situation where it makes sense or we have to wear a name badge. People who attend support groups, for example, are often asked to pick up one of those, "Hello, my name is ___" badges and use a pen or Sharpie marker to fill in the blank with their own name. Employees of discount retailers, restaurants, fast food joints, gas stations, houseware, homeward and hardware establishments often wear name badges. Actually, a lot of people who are considered "middle class" or the "working class" will often work at a job or have a career that requires the wearing of a name badge. Name badges aren't bad. On the contrary, it helps the people in charge to quickly identify all of the people they are responsible for directing or keeping track of, and it helps everyday individuals to not fumble for names or resort to a rude saluation like, "Hey you".

Some general information about name badges

Name badges are more popular than a lot of people think. Believe it or not, custom name badges come in many different styles and varieties, so there should definitely be some that will fit your needs. There are three basic types of name badges. These include paper (usually adhesive), plastic and metal. I can tell you from firsthand experience that the paper/adhesive name badges are usually the disposable ones. Plastic name badges are required for employees of retail, wholesale and food establishments, while the fancier and nicer looking and feeling metal name badges are reserved for those in a position of authority -- assistant managers, managers, supervisors, etc.

In general, metal and plastic name badges need to be special ordered. This is because they are engraved or imprinted with names. Generally, engraved name badges can be expensive

But there is a workaround to using plastic name badges and metal name badges. This workaround requires the use of blank name badges, and a label maker. The label maker can be used on the fly to generate an adhesive label stating a person's name on an as-needed basis. I worked at several jobs that approached the use of name badges in this manner. It was a great way to save money and re-use high quality metal name badges.

What are some of the available types of name badges?

Magnetic name badges are one type of badges. They're not used as frequently as other types of badges (such as plastic and metal), but they are nice because they are quick to put on, easy to rearrange and safe. Most "permanent" badges are worn using a sharp pin that pierces through the wearer's clothing. A magnetic name badge, on the other hand, has a magnetic back, so the two pieces are fitted together with a piece of clothing in between. It's this clothing that "anchors" the name badge in place. Some employee name badges may be made out of magnets, but most are done with plastic, since plastic is cheaper and often more durable.

What type of name badges should I order?

The type of name badges you order depends on your use for them. If you have a large restaurant or retail establishment to run, consider ordering plastic name badges and metal name badges. If you use the label maker trip as described above, you'll greatly cut down on costs, because you won't have to order personalized name badges every single time you hire a batch of employees.

For one-time sessions like support groups, conferences and job fairs, you should definitely order a batch of conference name badges. These are the popular paper badges that have adhesive on the back. They are cheap, easy to use, quick to apply and quick to remove.

Where can I purchase name badges from?

Most office supply stores and a few discount retailers will have a basic selection of name badges (Walmart is one store I know of that has them). Typically they'll carry the paper or disposable ones, but sometimes they'll have personalized name badges that are made out of plastic inserts, so any type of name, information or logo can be displayed inside. For personalized name badges and special ordered badges like metal and magnetic ones, look to mail order catalogs and custom printing companies.

Additionally, if you have the right templates and the right computer software, you can take the time to print up your own name badges. This may be an ideal solution if you want to have everything prepared before a meeting or a group session. You can find blank name badge templates in any stationery shop or office supply store.