Scratch off cards give people a reason to pause and interact with your message. Businesses use them to reveal offers, thank customers, recognize employees, and add a hands-on moment to events. The right format depends on how many cards you need, how much you want to personalize, and whether you want them ready to hand out or prefer to assemble them yourself.
Ready to explore options? See custom scratch off cards for business, or use the guide below to choose a format and plan your campaign.
Choose the right scratch off format
Fully custom printed cards work well when you need your logo, a consistent design, and hidden messages prepared as part of the finished card. Browse custom card sizes and quantities before planning your artwork and distribution.
Bulk DIY cards give your team room to write different messages or offers on the cards. They are useful for smaller local campaigns and programs that change often. See bulk DIY scratch off cards.
Scratch off stickers let you cover a message on a piece you already produce, such as an insert, postcard, or reward card. Match the sticker size to the space available for the hidden text. Explore scratch off stickers and sizes.
Six ways businesses can use scratch off cards
1. Reveal a customer offer
Give customers a card with their purchase or at the register. Under the scratch area, place a clear offer such as a discount, a complimentary add-on, or a gift with a future visit. State the expiration date and redemption terms on the card so staff and customers know how it works.
2. Add a surprise to an order
Slip a scratch off card into an outgoing package with a thank-you message or a next-order offer. A small card is easy to include, and the reveal makes the insert more engaging to open. Use a distinct code if you want to track redemptions.
3. Start a conversation at a trade show
Hand attendees a card with a simple, relevant reveal: a product sample, a demo invitation, or an event-only offer. Keep the card connected to your booth message and make the next step obvious. If you collect contact information, explain that separately rather than making the scratch reveal depend on a surprise sign-up.
4. Thank employees
Use cards to reveal a preselected reward such as a team lunch, a gift card, or a workplace privilege. Decide who receives a card and how rewards are recorded before distributing them. For recurring recognition, choose messages and quantities that are easy for your team to administer.
5. Recognize safe work practices
A safety recognition card can reveal an approved reward after a supervisor acknowledges a specific safe behavior. Keep safety criteria clear, apply them consistently, and check your organization’s policies when designing the program. The card makes the recognition tangible; it does not replace training or safe procedures.
6. Support a launch or grand opening
Invite visitors to reveal a product perk, introductory offer, or invitation to return. Match the number of cards to your expected attendance and set redemption rules before the event. A card with your branding can also point visitors to a landing page with more details.
Plan the campaign before ordering
- Choose one goal. Decide whether the card should encourage a return visit, introduce a product, thank a customer, or recognize an employee.
- Write the hidden messages. Keep each message short enough to fit under the scratch area. Decide how many of each message or reward you need.
- Choose the format and quantity. Compare fully custom cards with bulk DIY cards and stickers based on your team’s time and the finish you want.
- Set the rules. Write down eligibility, redemption instructions, expiration dates, and how you will handle the rewards you promise.
- Plan distribution and measurement. Decide where cards will be handed out and use a campaign code or simple tally if you want to measure responses.
For custom printed cards, choose a package and provide your design information before production planning begins. Standard production is approximately 14 business days after all design information has been received; timing is an estimate, not a guarantee. Check your event date with our team before ordering. If you are preparing your own artwork, review the artwork requirements first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to design the card myself?
Check the design options included with the custom card package you choose. You can also prepare your own artwork using our print-ready specifications. Contact us before designing if you are unsure about the card size or scratch area.
Can different cards have different hidden messages?
Yes. Plan the messages and quantities before placing a custom order so the variation setup can be reviewed with your package. With DIY cards, your team can write individual messages before applying the scratch off stickers.
Should I use custom cards or stickers?
Choose custom printed cards when you want a branded, finished piece ready to distribute. Choose stickers when you already have a printed card or insert and want to cover your own message. Bulk DIY cards are a practical middle option when your team wants to write messages by hand.
How can I tell whether the campaign worked?
Use a unique redemption code or record how many cards were distributed and redeemed. Compare the result with your campaign goal, such as repeat visits or event follow-ups. The result will depend on the offer, audience, distribution, and timing.
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