10 Benefits of Offering Membership Cards To Your Customers

For any organization, making lasting relationships with customers is most important in a highly competitive market. But How can these relations be built? For this, there is one Proven way, which is a well-designed membership card programme. These cards will create a sense of belongingness and loyalty in the customer's heart. In the modern scenario, membership cards have become a part of life, widely used in clubs, gyms, retail stores, restaurants and service-based businesses. IVYPrints is a prestigious provider of membership cards, providing durable and effective cards to its customers, who aim to grow and retain its customer base.

What is a Membership Card?

In today's security-conscious world, membership cards are digital or physical cards issued by organizations, institutions and clubs to provide privileges to their members, like easy log-in and log-out in the arena, ensuring security by incorporating features like RFID, QR Codes, magnetic strips etc., exclusive discounts, priority services etc.

 

Basic Usage Of Membership Cards 

Membership cards are now a daily essential due to their utmost significance. These are utilized across various industries because of their Versatility and convenience. Some common uses of these cards are as follows:-

 

Retail Shops:- These shops offer discounts, rewards or points to their loyal customers, supermarket or pharmacy cards are common types. 

 

Libraries:- At Libraries, these cards allow borrowing of books and materials.

 

Professional Associations:- The membership cards at Professional Associations show memberships in trade or industry groups or provide privileges to the company's partners. 

 

Gyms or fitness Clubs:- These cards provide access, security features and Facilities to its members.

What Should You Include on Your Membership Cards

Whenever you are Ordering for membership cards, you must include these key elements on cards to make them effective:-

 

Member Information: The main motive of membership cards is to identify its members and provide them privileges, that's why having member Information on cards is important. It must include a member's Full Name, membership ID and photo for easy identification. 

 

Organization Details: For the popularity and Branding of the organization, these cards must include Details like the organization name, logo and contact information like phone, email, website, etc. on cards.

 

Membership Details: To Use the benefits of cards to its maximum, it is necessary that it must include the membership Details like membership type(e.g. Gold, Premium, or Basic), date of start and expiry, and features like Barcodes, QR codes, and magnetic stripes for scanning or digital access. 

 

Design Elements: It is essential that membership cards have a clear layout and Readable fonts, with proper colouring and Branding of the organization. 

What are the main types of Membership Cards?

Membership cards are generally of two types:-

• Physical Membership Cards 
• Digital Membership Cards 

 

Physical Membership Cards are tangible cards made up of different materials like plastic, PVC, paper, and key tag Cards. These cards are generally the size of a credit card,  which members carry with them as proof of their membership in a group, organization, club or service. 

 

Digital Membership Cards: In the modern era of digitalization, everything is done digitally. Similarly, membership cards are also present in digital form; it is a virtual version of a physical membership card that exists electronically, typically stored on a smartphone or other digital device.

What are the Benefits of a Digital Membership Card

The Benefits of using digital membership cards are top-notch, from convenience to enhanced Security it offers everything, some benefits are as follows:-

 

Convenience:- One of the significant advantages of digital membership cards is their accessibility; it is easily accessible anywhere and anytime on smartphones, resulting in no need to carry a physical card.

 

Safe Front Being Misplaced:- There is no fear that digital cards will get lost; it is saved in mobile and can be integrated with apps, websites or wallets for seamless use.

 

Cost-effective:- Digital Membership Cards save printing and mailing costs.

 

Environmentally-friendly:- Digital Membership Cards are sustainable as they reduce plastic and paper use, making them Environmentally friendly. 

 

Real-time updates:- Easily update member Information, renewals, or offers instantly. 

 

What are the Benefits of a Physical Membership Card

The advantages of Physical Membership Cards are Unparalleled, They provide you following benefits:-

 

Tangible Proof Of Membership:- Physical Membership Cards bring a sense of belongingness and loyalty towards the organization, physically holding a card reinforces a sense of exclusivity. 

 

Branding Opportunities:- Physical cards contain information like organization name, logo and tagline which is an easy source of enhanced branding. A well-designed card serves as a mini advertisement and strengthens brand identity. 

 

Accepted Everywhere:- Digital cards can only be accessible at the place where an internet connection is available, or the members have smart gadgets. But Physical Membership Cards work even where digital systems or internet access may not be available. 

 

Easy to Use:- Physical cards are simple to use, members only have to present cards at entrances, check-ins or Counters without needing any device.

 

Security Enabled:- These cards can include security features like Magnetic stripes, holograms, RFID chips, etc., for secure access.

10 Benefits of Using Membership Cards 

Membership cards act as bridges between businesses and their members, helping build stronger relationships and enhancing user experiences. Here are 10 key benefits of using membership cards for both organization and their members:- 

Streamlined Access:

Due to the advent of membership ID cards, the lengthy process of verification on entry of gyms, clubs, events, or special areas has ended. A simple scan, swipe or tap gets members where they need to be making the access process fast and effective. 

Enhanced Security Features:

Membership cards can integrate various security features to enhance the productivity of organization cards can include the following security features:

 

RFID and NFC Technology 

 

RFID means Radio-Frequency IDentification which enables contactless check-ins and real-time Tracking of organization members.

Barcodes and QR codes 

Barcodes and QR codes are machine-readable representations of data used for identification and tracking. Barcodes, typically found on products, use a series of parallel lines and spaces to store information like product numbers. QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional and can hold more data, including URLs, text, and contact details. Scanned using smartphones or scanners, QR codes are widely used in digital payments, marketing, and logistics. Both technologies enhance efficiency, accuracy, and speed in data processing. Their use spans industries such as retail, healthcare, and transportation, making them essential tools in modern data management and automation systems.

Mobile Integration 

In the era of digitalization, organizations are shifting towards the use of enhanced technology, and a digital membership card is one of them, as it is the virtual version of a physical card that is stored in a member's smartphone. 

AI and facial recognition 

Advanced card systems integrate facial recognition or biometrics for enhanced Security, reducing the risk of card misuse and Fraud.

Customization and Branding Potential:

A membership card is more than just an identification tool; it is a representation of an organization's brand.  These cards provide endless customization features to reflect a professional and prestigious image.

High-quality Printing 

Membership cards made up of material like PVC, or strong Plastic supports high resolution, full-color printing, allowing organisations to create visually appealing cards. High Technology-based printing ensures strong brand identity through the company logo and professional grade finish, enhancing credibility and visual appeal.

Personalization and member recognition 

Membership cards allow for custom printing based on membership level, reinforcing exclusivity and recognition. Colour codes differentiate membership levels at a glance, and personalized names and ID numbers create a sense of belongingness.

Exclusive Benefits:

Membership cards bring a lot of benefits for its members, bringing a sense of exclusivity, which results in more sign-ups and keeps members engaged. The cards provide benefits like discounts, early access, loyalty rewards, priority services, birthday or anniversary perks and referral bonuses.

Professional Appearance:

A professionally designed membership card instantly reflects the quality and credibility of an organization. These cards act as mini brand ambassadors in the hands of its members. A Sleek, well-branded card signals that the organization is established and reliable. Also, a professional card helps organisations to stand out in a crowded market, especially when competitors have outdated designs.

Efficient Tracking and Analytics:

Modern membership cards allow businesses to gather and analyze data on members' activity with ease. Each swipe or scan can provide valuable data on usage patterns, member behaviour, and service popularity. These insights help businesses optimize their offerings.

Increase in Members of Organization:

Due to well-designed membership cards, the brand popularity will significantly increase, and the benefits provided to the organization’s members will attract other people too to become part of the organization, resulting in an increase in the members of the institution and enhanced popularity. 

Multiple Platform Integration:

Digital Membership Cards can easily be integrated with multiple Platforms like mobile apps, wallets, and websites, creating a seamless experience across multiple touchpoints. Also, it easily updates member Information, renewals, or offers instantly making great experiences for members.

Reduced Administrative Work:

Automated systems of membership cards reduce the need for manual check-ins, paperwork or spreadsheets. Members just have to show their membership cards, making the whole process productive, reliable and easy.

Final Thought 

In conclusion, the use of membership cards in today's modern era is indispensable, every organization, institution, club, gym etc. investing in the membership cards due to their plenty of advantages, it not only serves for identification they are powerful relation builders. They enhance convenience, boost brand loyalty, provide valuable data insights, and deliver exclusive value to members. So, investing in membership cards is one of the smart decisions any organization can take