Plastic cards may be an inexpensive marketing tool

These days, firms ignore advertising at their peril. Organisations that do not project themselves in a positive way and boost interest in their goods and services effectively risk getting left behind. However, many enterprises are struggling financially so they have to be particularly savvy when it comes to marketing campaigns.

One cost effective technique adopted by many organisations concerns the use of plastic card printing services. Plastic cards can be used as loyalty cards, gift cards, business cards and so on and, as long as bosses know where to source them from, they do not have to part with much cash to benefit from the items.

This could be particularly crucial now. According to a Bellwether Report produced by Markit and IPA, marketing budgets declined in the UK during the second quarter of 2012 for the first time in a year. A negative balance of one per cent of companies polled reported a reduction in spending.

Commenting on the findings, Markit’s chief economist Chris Williamson said: “The second quarter saw some fairly typical risk aversion creeping in to marketing plans as the economic outlook dimmed and sales often disappointed.

“The downturn in confidence is not surprising given recent events in the euro area, which is the UK’s main trading partner, and gloomy domestic economic news in recent weeks.”

It seems as though the uncertainty affecting the market may remain for some time to come. Analysts have not forecast major improvements in the short to medium term.

During difficult times like this, managers may be even more careful than usual in terms of how they allocate their advertising expenditure. Many may turn to plastic card printing services to help them draw attention to their offerings.

Plastic cards are not expensive to source and as long as bosses use them effectively, they can generate an impressive return on investment.

For more information visit www.plastic-cards-direct.com/uk