Retail card & variable-data planning
Custom Gift Card Printing
Printed gift cards suit retailers and brands that already define how their gift program works. The physical card, identifier and carrier must fit that redemption process.
- Program identity
- Linked identifiers
- Gift presentation
Illustrative product configuration
Product overview
A physical carrier for a gift program.
A printed gift card carries a retailer’s gift presentation and redemption identifier. A carrier or sleeve supplies message space without crowding the card. Paper card, protected card and an exposed writing area serve different handling needs. A serial or QR code must connect to the issuer’s existing process; printing does not create activation, stored value or payment-system access.
Program identity
The printed face brings brand, value information and terms into one compact card.
Linked identifiers
A printed ID or code links the card to the issuer's own redemption process.
Gift presentation
A sleeve, carrier or envelope adds space for a message and presents the card as a gift.
Specifications & materials
Specify the Card, Identifier and Presentation Pack
Start with card width × height in mm; carrier dimensions if included. Then compare the material and construction choices below.
Use these options to prepare your specification. Material grades, weights, thicknesses and feasible dimensions are confirmed for the quoted construction. A paper weight is not a finished thickness or a strength rating.
| Parameter | Options or Information to Supply | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Finished dimensions | Wallet-format example: 86 × 54 mm; A6: 105 × 148 mm | Reference formats or explicitly labeled design examples. Select by the use cases below; custom trim and final construction belong in the quotation. |
| Format and component count | Cards plus carrier or envelope components per gift set | Count complete sets separately from individual cards; reconcile card IDs, front/back pairing, instructions and pack contents. |
| Card material | Paper card; other materials only after capability confirmation | State expected life, handling and compatibility with any reader or holder. |
| Variable information | Serial, barcode or QR data supplied in an approved format | Test with the actual redemption workflow and reconcile the supplied records. |
| Covered codes | Scratch panel where specifically quoted | Review coverage, removal and code legibility on a converted sample. |
| Presentation | Carrier, sleeve or envelope as specified | Keep terms and the identifier accessible in the assembled gift presentation. |
Swipe the table to compare selection checks.
Compare materials and construction
Choose around the intended use. These are alternatives to discuss, subject to the confirmed specification.
Paperboard card
- Suitable for
- A printed card supplied with a separate redemption system.
- Check before selection
- Check code readability and surface handling; print does not activate monetary value.
Quoted specialty substrate
- Suitable for
- A particular finish or mechanical presentation.
- Check before selection
- Confirm production compatibility, scan behavior and pack-out before approving the material.
Surface finish options
Printed card faces
Choose film or selective gloss around the artwork. Keep signatures, redemption codes and machine-readable areas clear where required; check glare, scanner readability and compatibility with any personalization.
Matte lamination View effect & artwork guidance
Gloss lamination View effect & artwork guidance
Spot UV View effect & artwork guidance
Illustrative finish samples, not photographs of this product. Final suitability follows the confirmed stock, construction and approved sample.
Compare all surface finishesConstruction & finishing
Keep Printed Codes Compatible With Redemption
Focus the review on code readability, data-to-card matching and carrier fit.
01 / SELECTION CHECK
Keep printed data tied to the issuer
Agree record fields, uniqueness rules and card-to-record mapping. Test printed identifiers with the actual redemption process. A visually readable code is not proof that the issuer's system accepts it.
02 / SELECTION CHECK
Check the complete presentation
Trial any scratch panel, writing zone and carrier together. Confirm information remains accessible after assembly and that removal or handling does not obscure required codes or terms.
Retail card & variable-data planning
Reserve a secure, readable area for the value and redemption workflow
A gift card combines a brand presentation with a redemption instrument. Confirm whether value is fixed or variable, how the code is generated and checked, and whether the card must fit a carrier or wallet before artwork is finalized.
Compare dimensions and usable space
Published reference formats and labeled design examples, with their selection notes.
Wallet-format example · 86 × 54 mm
Compact wallet-format design example; longer gift terms and messages can move to a separate carrier.
Read every format’s selection note
- Wallet-format example: 86 × 54 mm. Compact wallet-format design example; longer gift terms and messages can move to a separate carrier.
- A6: 105 × 148 mm. A larger card face offers message and redemption space; check whether the issuer expects wallet-sized handling.
- Brand & value
- Code / barcode zone
- Terms & carrier fit
Select the material by its finished behavior
Paper card and a protected paper-card surface serve different handling needs. A carrier can hold longer terms and messages. Select the card around identifier readability, actual finished thickness and issuer handling; film or coating must leave any intended writing field usable.
Production checks that prevent avoidable rework
Define data ownership and validation
Specify who supplies codes, whether each code is unique and how the approved sample will be scanned or entered. Never place live confidential codes in an unprotected artwork proof.
Keep code zones production-safe
Confirm quiet area, contrast, orientation and final printed size with the redemption system owner. Test a printed sample using the actual scanner or entry flow.
Check card and carrier together
If the card is packed in a sleeve or folded carrier, test insertion, removal and any adhesive or slot placement with the final dimensions.
Use-case selection
Choose a configuration for the job it has to do
Fixed-value retail card
Print the value clearly and keep terms, expiry rules and redemption channel consistent with the retailer's policy.
Trade-off: A fixed denomination requires separate artwork or controlled variable print for each value.
Variable-value card
Reserve a defined value field and identify whether it is printed, encoded or applied at point of sale.
Trade-off: The field must remain compatible with the retailer's activation workflow.
Gift-ready carrier
Coordinate card size, carrier opening, message area and envelope fit as one assembled sample.
Trade-off: Extra packaging adds assembly and pack-out requirements.
Problem → cause → solution
Resolve the failure points before production
The code is printable but cannot be redeemed
Why it happens: Artwork identifiers were not reconciled with the issuer’s live program.
How to prevent it: Validate the supplied identifier manifest and test an approved sample through the issuer’s redemption workflow before releasing the data.
The set or pack does not fit
Why it happens: Packaging was sized from one flat card or nominal GSM.
How to prevent it: Measure the complete finished stack after cutting and surface treatment; include dividers or carriers in the fit sample.
Alternative formats
When another construction is a better fit
| Alternative | Structural difference | Selection trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Gift voucher | A larger paper entitlement with message space. | Better for detailed terms or a service gift; less compact than a wallet-sized card. |
Sampling & production
Choose a Sample That Answers Your Main Concern
A structural sample, a print proof and a finished sample answer different questions. Confirm the sample scope before approval. Free samples are prepared within 15 days; courier arrangements and transit time are separate.
Structure and material sample
Review card material and variable information with the proposed dimensions and component count. Agree whether the sample uses production materials or substitutes. An unprinted construction sample does not approve printed color.
Print and artwork proof
Review representative artwork at finished size on the agreed proof condition. Check fine detail and important colors. A screen proof cannot establish physical feel or the performance of the finished assembly.
Complete finished sample
Assess code readability, data-to-card matching and carrier fit with the specified components and finishing present. Record the approved revision and any differences to resolve before production.
How to Order Gift Card
Send your project brief
Send card width × height in mm; carrier dimensions if included. Specify cards plus carrier or envelope components per gift set. State the number of cards or complete gift sets per design and data batch, delivery destination and required arrival date. Tell us which options are undecided.
Compare the quotation
Ask for pricing by cards or complete gift sets per design and data batch. Compare the same configuration at each quantity. The quotation should identify materials, finishing, sample scope, packing and freight, plus payment and order terms.
Review the right sample
Choose a sample that can demonstrate code readability, data-to-card matching and carrier fit. Confirm what the free sample includes and any differences from the intended production specification. Preparation is completed within 15 days; courier arrangements and transit time are separate.
Approve the production version
Confirm the specification, file revision and sample decisions in writing. Production scheduling follows the agreed approvals and order release conditions; changes may require a revised quote or schedule.
Confirm packing and delivery
Keep identifier batches and carrier versions traceable. Pack without rubbing scratch areas and agree how controlled data or remaining printed stock is handled. Agree the destination and shipping arrangement, with production, dispatch and transit dates listed separately.
Details to Confirm in the Quotation
- Order unit and price breaks
- Specify cards or complete gift sets per design and data batch. Request the feasible minimum and quantity breaks for that exact configuration; a change of material, version or component count can change the price.
- Sample scope and delivery
- State whether you need a material trial, a print proof or a complete finished sample. Free samples are available, with preparation completed within 15 days. Confirm the included materials and processes; courier arrangements and transit time are separate.
- Approval and schedule
- State the required arrival date and whether versions ship together or to separate destinations. The quote must distinguish sample work, production and transit; a requested date is not a confirmed schedule.
- Packing and identification
- Keep identifier batches and carrier versions traceable. Pack without rubbing scratch areas and agree how controlled data or remaining printed stock is handled.
- 01
Provide an approved data schema and unique record list with face-to-record mapping. Separate scratch masks and carrier templates from printed code and terms layers.
- 02
Use the PDF/X export preset and output condition confirmed with prepress. Embed fonts and identify the approved file revision.
- 03
Check continuous-tone images at about 300 effective pixels per inch (ppi) at their final placed size. Fine linework can require a different resolution or vector artwork.
- 04
Extend trim artwork by 3 mm unless the approved template specifies otherwise. Keep structural, folding and binding clearances separate from trim bleed.
- 05
Identify named spot colors or physical references and the intended substrate. Agree proof acceptance and keep finishing separations distinct. A screen PDF does not approve printed color.
Engineering & purchasing FAQ
Questions Before Ordering Gift Card
Does printing a gift card activate it?
No. Activation, balances and redemption belong to the issuer's system. State what identifiers the print job must carry and test examples in that workflow; production must not imply that printing creates stored value.
Can a scratch panel protect a redemption code?
It can be evaluated as a concealment feature. Confirm position and material on a sample, then test readability after removal. Its presence alone does not establish security against every misuse.
Which sample should I request first?
Start with the uncertainty that could change the specification: code readability, data-to-card matching and carrier fit. If the concern is physical, request the relevant material or functional sample. If it is print appearance, agree a suitable proof. Confirm the sample scope before approval. Free sample preparation is completed within 15 days; courier arrangements and transit time are separate.
How should I state quantities for a quote?
Use cards or complete gift sets per design and data batch. Separate versions and give a delivery destination and required arrival date. This lets the quote distinguish the production quantity, packing and shipping scope.
Your project specification
Plan Your Gift Card Order
Send card width × height in mm; carrier dimensions if included. Specify cards plus carrier or envelope components per gift set. State the number of cards or complete gift sets per design and data batch, delivery destination and required arrival date. Tell us which options are undecided.