--- title: CARDSource News and Updates - Blog (3) description: Learn the latest in card news - what is changing in the industry, exciting events at CARDSource and ideas for your card programs. (3) image: https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/Cardsource%20January2018/Images/Main-Page-Slider-Storefront.jpg --- - ** [651.686.0660](tel:16516860660) - ** [651.686.0660](tel:16516860660) - [About](https://www.cardsource.com/about/) - [Contact](https://www.cardsource.com/cardsource-contact-us-for-custom-printed-cards/) - [Resellers](https://www.cardsource.com/resellers/) - ** Search this site on Google Go [![CARDSource Designed Success](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/Cardsource%20January2018/Images/CARDSource_logo_DesignedSuccess.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/) Search this site on Google Go [![shutterstock_1075042007 (1)](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/shutterstock_1075042007%20(1).jpg)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/all-of-your-embossing-questions-answered) ## [All of Your Embossing Questions, Answered.](https://www.cardsource.com/news/all-of-your-embossing-questions-answered) [embossed card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/embossed-card) December 5, 2018 It's easier than ever for businesses to emboss plastic cards. Embossing is a traditional way to pers... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/all-of-your-embossing-questions-answered) [![conference badge](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/Images%20for%20sharing%20(bigger%20files)/conference%20badge.jpg)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/our-5-favorite-event-pass-designs-from-2018) ## [Our 5 Favorite Event Pass Designs From 2018](https://www.cardsource.com/news/our-5-favorite-event-pass-designs-from-2018) [Event Passes](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/event-passes) December 4, 2018 2018 was a big year for design. We expanded our offerings to include graphic design services for our... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/our-5-favorite-event-pass-designs-from-2018) [![multiple holiday cards](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/Images%20for%20sharing%20(bigger%20files)/multiple%20holiday%20cards.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/14-awesome-holiday-gift-card-designs-youll-want-to-steal) ## [14 Awesome Holiday Gift Card Designs You'll Want to Steal](https://www.cardsource.com/news/14-awesome-holiday-gift-card-designs-youll-want-to-steal) [Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/gift-cards) November 4, 2018 Gift card sales continue to steadily rise; there's a projected $160 billion dollars to be spent on g... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/14-awesome-holiday-gift-card-designs-youll-want-to-steal) [![6 reasons why your business (1)](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/6%20reasons%20why%20your%20business%20(1).png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/6-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-loyalty-program) ## [6 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Loyalty Program](https://www.cardsource.com/news/6-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-loyalty-program) [rewards card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/rewards-card)[loyalty programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/loyalty-programs) November 3, 2018 There are heaps of successful businesses that have implemented a loyalty program, and for good reaso... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/6-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-loyalty-program) [![7 Reasons Your Business Should Offer Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/7%20Reasons%20Your%20Business%20Should%20Offer%20Gift%20Cards.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/7-reasons-why-your-business-should-offer-gift-cards) ## [7 Reasons Why Your Business Should Offer Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/7-reasons-why-your-business-should-offer-gift-cards) [Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/gift-cards) November 5, 2018 If you want to boost your revenue, build meaningful relationships with your customers, increase traf... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/7-reasons-why-your-business-should-offer-gift-cards) [![stocks and finishes](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/stocks%20and%20finishes.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/the-ultimate-cheat-sheet-for-card-stocks-finishes) ## [The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Card Stocks & Finishes](https://www.cardsource.com/news/the-ultimate-cheat-sheet-for-card-stocks-finishes) [Stocks and Finishes](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/stocks-and-finishes) October 5, 2018 Each type of stock or finish brings out different vibrancy in plastic cards, adding a shine or flat ... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/the-ultimate-cheat-sheet-for-card-stocks-finishes) [![expand your business](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/expand%20your%20business.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/expand-your-business-with-partnerships) ## [Expand Your Business With Partnerships](https://www.cardsource.com/news/expand-your-business-with-partnerships) [Business Tips](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/business-tips) October 2, 2018 Customers are much more interested in working with full-service providers, then splitting up their p... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/expand-your-business-with-partnerships) [![Competitors Gift Cards Blog-1](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/Competitors%20Gift%20Cards%20Blog-1.jpg)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/8-things-your-competitors-can-teach-you-about-successful-gift-card-programs) ## [8 Things Your Competitors Can Teach You About Successful Gift Card Programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/8-things-your-competitors-can-teach-you-about-successful-gift-card-programs) [Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/gift-cards) September 3, 2018 Most of your competitors already have a gift card program in place because they’re a cost-effective ... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/8-things-your-competitors-can-teach-you-about-successful-gift-card-programs) [![15 minnesota artists](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/15%20minnesota%20artists.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/15-local-minnesota-artists-to-follow-on-instagram) ## [15 Minnesota Artists to Follow on Instagram](https://www.cardsource.com/news/15-local-minnesota-artists-to-follow-on-instagram) [design](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/design)[inspiration](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/inspiration) September 3, 2018 Supporting local artists is an important part of any community. We combed through Instagram and foun... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/15-local-minnesota-artists-to-follow-on-instagram) [![graphic designer1](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/graphic%20designer1.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/11-creative-color-palettes-to-help-you-with-your-next-project) ## [11 Creative Color Palettes to Help You With Your Next Project](https://www.cardsource.com/news/11-creative-color-palettes-to-help-you-with-your-next-project) [Graphic Design Resources](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/graphic-design-resources) August 2, 2018 Color palettes are a graphic designers best friend. However, creating a color palette can be a compl... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/11-creative-color-palettes-to-help-you-with-your-next-project) [![chakra yoga studio punch cards](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/chakra%20yoga%20studio%20punch%20cards.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/loyalty-programs-reward-cards-know-your-options) ## [Loyalty Programs & Reward Cards: Know Your Options](https://www.cardsource.com/news/loyalty-programs-reward-cards-know-your-options) [rewards card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/rewards-card)[loyalty programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/loyalty-programs) August 6, 2018 Trust is still a number one priority when it comes to making purchasing decisions. Building an impac... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/loyalty-programs-reward-cards-know-your-options) [![reward program](https://www.cardsource.com/hubfs/reward%20program.png)](https://www.cardsource.com/news/successful-loyalty-programs-for-restaurants) ## [Successful Loyalty Programs for Restaurants](https://www.cardsource.com/news/successful-loyalty-programs-for-restaurants) [restaurant](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/restaurant)[rewards card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/rewards-card)[loyalty programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/tag/loyalty-programs) August 4, 2018 70% of consumers are more likely to recommend a brand with a favorable loyalty program, while 71% of... [Read more...](https://www.cardsource.com/news/successful-loyalty-programs-for-restaurants) - [embossed card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/embossed-card) ## [All of Your Embossing Questions, Answered.](https://www.cardsource.com/news/all-of-your-embossing-questions-answered) It's easier than ever for businesses to emboss plastic cards. Embossing is a traditional way to personalize cards, giving them a high-value look. Most major credit card companies use embossing for their variable data, I'm sure you have a card in your wallet that's embossed right now. **Jade Beaver** | December 5, 2018 - [Event Passes](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/event-passes) ## [Our 5 Favorite Event Pass Designs From 2018](https://www.cardsource.com/news/our-5-favorite-event-pass-designs-from-2018) 2018 was a big year for design. We expanded our offerings to include [graphic design services](https://www.cardsource.com/graphic-design-services) for our clients so we could turn their card dreams into a reality. We created heaps of designs within the past year, but here are the 5 event pass designs that stood out the most.  **Jade Beaver** | December 4, 2018 - [Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/gift-cards) ## [14 Awesome Holiday Gift Card Designs You'll Want to Steal](https://www.cardsource.com/news/14-awesome-holiday-gift-card-designs-youll-want-to-steal) Gift card sales continue to steadily rise; there's a projected [$160 billion dollars](https://wallethub.com/edu/gift-card-market-size/25590/#sales) to be spent on gift cards in 2018 alone. Having holiday cards available to your customers gives them an opportunity to give your products or services to their friends and families. As the holiday season draws near, we wanted to share 14 of our favorite holiday gift card designs with you. **Jade Beaver** | November 4, 2018 - [rewards card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/rewards-card) - [loyalty programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/loyalty-programs) ## [6 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Loyalty Program](https://www.cardsource.com/news/6-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-loyalty-program) There are heaps of successful businesses that have implemented a loyalty program, and for good reason. They improve customer loyalty, increase overall purchases, encourage repeat business, and much more.  Let's dive into it. **Jade Beaver** | November 3, 2018 - [Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/gift-cards) ## [7 Reasons Why Your Business Should Offer Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/7-reasons-why-your-business-should-offer-gift-cards) If you want to boost your revenue, build meaningful relationships with your customers, increase traffic, and grow your business; gift cards are one of the best ways to get started. They’re extremely cost-effective to produce and the potential revenue you can earn makes them vital to a growing business. Let’s look further into the benefits of offering gift cards within your business. **Jade Beaver** | November 5, 2018 - [Stocks and Finishes](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/stocks-and-finishes) ## [The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Card Stocks & Finishes](https://www.cardsource.com/news/the-ultimate-cheat-sheet-for-card-stocks-finishes) Each type of stock or finish brings out different vibrancy in plastic cards, adding a shine or flat look. You can add two different finishes to cards, one on each side, bringing out different colors or making it a writable surface. Some stocks are only available on one side (pearl) due to the way the stock is created before it is printed on. The most popular finishes are; Matte, Satin, and Gloss. The stocks we offer in house are Frosted Clear, Metallic, Clear, and White. I'll walk you through a few examples of cards we have made with each stock and finish so you can get a sense of what stock/ finishes you want to use. **Jade Beaver** | October 5, 2018 - [Business Tips](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/business-tips) ## [Expand Your Business With Partnerships](https://www.cardsource.com/news/expand-your-business-with-partnerships) Customers are much more interested in working with full-service providers, then splitting up their projects within multiple companies. What if we told you that there’s an extremely affordable way to offer your customers everything they dreamed of, making your business look like the ultimate hero? **Jade Beaver** | October 2, 2018 - [Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/gift-cards) ## [8 Things Your Competitors Can Teach You About Successful Gift Card Programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/8-things-your-competitors-can-teach-you-about-successful-gift-card-programs) Most of your competitors already have a gift card program in place because they’re a cost-effective way to make extra revenue, create loyal customers and spread brand awareness. Here are 8 things your competitors can teach you about creating a successful gift card program. **Jade Beaver** | September 3, 2018 - [design](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/design) - [inspiration](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/inspiration) ## [15 Minnesota Artists to Follow on Instagram](https://www.cardsource.com/news/15-local-minnesota-artists-to-follow-on-instagram) Supporting local artists is an important part of any community. We combed through Instagram and found some extremely talented individuals that would add inspiration to your feed. Art comes in all shapes and sizes, so we picked out extremely different artists to give you a wide variety of Minnesota-made beauty. **Jade Beaver** | September 3, 2018 - [Graphic Design Resources](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/graphic-design-resources) ## [11 Creative Color Palettes to Help You With Your Next Project](https://www.cardsource.com/news/11-creative-color-palettes-to-help-you-with-your-next-project) Color palettes are a graphic designers best friend. However, creating a color palette can be a complex task since there's an extraordinarily large color library.  The way that most palettes are built is in a monochromatic way, which means that the palette is created from a single base hue and extended using shades, tones and tints. Nonetheless, there are still many other types of palettes to be aware of that could help you build the look and feel you would like to portray. We came up with 11 palettes from some of our favorite card designs to help spark some inspiration for your next project. **Jade Beaver** | August 2, 2018 - [rewards card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/rewards-card) - [loyalty programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/loyalty-programs) ## [Loyalty Programs & Reward Cards: Know Your Options](https://www.cardsource.com/news/loyalty-programs-reward-cards-know-your-options) Trust is still a number one priority when it comes to making purchasing decisions. Building an impactful loyalty program is the perfect opportunity to build that relationship with your customers. Getting started with a reward program is easy to do; we’ll [help you every step of the way.](https://www.cardsource.com/news/how-do-i-setup-a-reward-card-program) **Jade Beaver** | August 6, 2018 - [restaurant](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/restaurant) - [rewards card](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/rewards-card) - [loyalty programs](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/loyalty-programs) ## [Successful Loyalty Programs for Restaurants](https://www.cardsource.com/news/successful-loyalty-programs-for-restaurants) 70% of consumers are more likely to recommend a brand with a favorable loyalty program, while 71% of consumers who are already a part of a loyalty program say it’s an important part of their purchasing relationships. Loyalty programs are an incredible addition to every business, restaurants included! **Jade Beaver** | August 4, 2018 [Previous](https://www.cardsource.com/news/page/2) [All posts](https://www.cardsource.com/news/all) [Next](https://www.cardsource.com/news/page/4) ![Subscribe](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2558854/hubfs/DreamPack/letter%20Icon.png?t=1496817989590&width=86&name=letter%20Icon.png "Subscribe") ## Subscribe Subscribe now and receive a box filled with hand-picked awesome items ![book cover](https://www.cardsource.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ebooks%20or%20Guides/book%20cover.png?width=2550&name=book%20cover.png "book cover")   ### Plastic Card Solutions: A Guide to Quality Understand the differences in quality for plastic cards and printing companies. We touch on quality, price, risk assessment and trustworthiness! Get your free copy! [![Get Your Copy](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/3911782/ba457bc1-ba2a-467f-80da-ae6785c344c4.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/3911782/ba457bc1-ba2a-467f-80da-ae6785c344c4) Recent Posts - [Gift Card Program](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/gift-card-program) - [No POS Required](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/no-pos-required) ## [Do gift cards work without a POS system?](https://www.cardsource.com/news/gift-cards-without-a-pos-system) #### Many small businesses assume they need an expensive POS (Point of Sale) system or special software and hardware to sell gift cards. The truth? You don... [Read more](https://www.cardsource.com/news/gift-cards-without-a-pos-system) - [business success](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/business-success) - [card choices](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/card-choices) - [CARDSource News](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/cardsource-news) ## [You Can Have Two: The Reality of Cheap, Fast, and Quality](https://www.cardsource.com/news/you-can-have-two-the-reality-of-cheap-fast-and-quality) #### Cheap, Fast, or Quality Why Every Business Must Choose Two There is a simple truth in business that never goes away. You can have something cheap. You... [Read more](https://www.cardsource.com/news/you-can-have-two-the-reality-of-cheap-fast-and-quality) - [CARDSource News](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/cardsource-news) ## [How Custom Shapes and Pieces Help Brands Stand Out](https://www.cardsource.com/news/how-custom-shapes-and-pieces-help-brands-stand-out) #### In a competitive marketplace, brands are always searching for ways to rise above the noise and create memorable experiences for their customers. One o... [Read more](https://www.cardsource.com/news/how-custom-shapes-and-pieces-help-brands-stand-out) - [CARDSource](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/cardsource) - [CARDSource News](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/cardsource-news) - [CARDSource Services](https://www.cardsource.com/news/topic/cardsource-services) ## [Why Physical Gift and Loyalty Card Programs Outperform E-Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/news/why-physical-gift-and-loyalty-card-programs-outperform-e-cards) #### In today’s digital first world, it feels like everything has moved online. From e-wallets to mobile coupons, there is no shortage of digital alternati... [Read more](https://www.cardsource.com/news/why-physical-gift-and-loyalty-card-programs-outperform-e-cards) [![CARDSource_logo_DesignedSuccess_Footer](https://www.cardsource.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cardsource%20January2018/Images/CARDSource_logo_DesignedSuccess_Footer.png?width=252&name=CARDSource_logo_DesignedSuccess_Footer.png "CARDSource_logo_DesignedSuccess_Footer")](https://cardsource.com/) #### Products - [Gift Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/plastic-gift-card-printing) - [Membership Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/plastic-membership-card-printing) - [Reward Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/plastic-reward-card-printing) - [Badges & Event Passes](https://www.cardsource.com/plastic-access-badge-printing) - [Business Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/plastic-business-card-printing) - [Custom Shape & Die Cut Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/custom-shape-die-cut-plastic-cards/) - [ID Badges & Access Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/plastic-access-badge-printing) - [Fundraising Cards](https://www.cardsource.com/business-type/plastic-fundraising-cards/) - [Gift Card Holders](https://www.cardsource.com/gift-card-holders) #### Resources - [Card Design Services](https://www.cardsource.com/graphic-design-services) - [FAQs](https://www.cardsource.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Templates](https://www.cardsource.com/resources/card-templates/) - [Become a Reseller](https://www.cardsource.com/resellers/) #### Phone [651.686.0660](tel:16516860660) #### Email [info@cardsource.com](mailto:info@cardsource.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/CARDSourceMN/) [**](https://www.instagram.com/CARDSourceMN/) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardsource) © 2024 CARDSource, All Rights Reserved - [Sitemap](https://cardsource.com/sitemap/) - [Privacy Policy](https://cardsource.com/privacy-policy/)