Paper for Gift Cards and Thank-You Cards: Writing and Reading Come First
A store may need to write a message, a customer may need to scan a code, and the card may need to fit a sleeve. Each is a separate use requirement. Asking only for a thicker sheet can leave the important decisions until too late.
A store may need to write a message, a customer may need to scan a code, and the card may need to fit a sleeve. Each is a separate use requirement. Asking only for a thicker sheet can leave the important decisions until too late.
Test with the pen that will actually be used
Use the intended pen on the candidate papers and review writing, drying and smudging under agreed conditions. Terms such as matte, pearlescent or soft-touch do not settle whether every grade will work with every pen.
Light MONO uncoated options can be shortlisted for writing-led work. For a card with a detailed product photograph, IMPRINT coated options may also be relevant. The two components can share an identity without sharing a single grade.
Original selection diagram / colour concept. Confirm paper, colour and processes physically.
Give the code a clearly specified area
For a scannable code, preserve the clear space required by its symbology and confirm size, position and printed contrast. GS1 includes these in its barcode-quality guidance.[1] Keep decorative effects out of the code area unless the complete result has been validated.
Test the printed card with the intended equipment and arrange formal verification where the application calls for it. This is a paper-and-print discussion, not approval of a stored-value, payment-security or redemption system.
Original selection diagram / colour concept. Confirm paper, colour and processes physically.
Select thickness with the sleeve
Tell the converter whether the card is a single sheet or a mounted construction, and whether it must slide back into a sleeve. Do not treat grammage as a universal thickness specification or describe a mounted card as the thickness of the original sheet.
Mineral Green 26 with Almond Taupe 07 can place the dominant colour on the sleeve while reserving the card for information. Rosewood 20 with Cloud White 02 offers another proposal. After choosing the palette, approve the grade, writing sample, print and sleeve together.
Original selection diagram / colour concept. Confirm paper, colour and processes physically.
For gift and thank-you cards, specify handwriting, codes and sleeve requirements. Those details make the sample request more useful than grammage alone.
References
[1] GS1 — What should I check to ensure good quality barcodes?