9 December 2016

BPIF member Plastic Card Services uses video technology with traditional print

BPIF member, Plastic Card Services (PCS) continually work to bring new products and technologies to the marketplace and are therefore delighted to be able to offer a new innovation to the gift card market bringing together digital technology and traditional print whilst adding value to the customer experience. 

The PCS video card powered by Livstick, allows customers to include a personalised message on the gift card which can be a video, photo or simply text, enabling them to connect with the recipient of the gift card in a way not previously possible.  

Originally approached by Olivier Adler, creator of the Livstick back in 2015, PCS have since been working closely with him to ensure the smooth running of the system to a position where it can be offered to the UK plastic card market. Olivier commented "The Livstick is already proving popular outside of England and during the last year it has been great to work with PCS to ensure compatibility with the UK marketplace."

Adam Unsworth, Sales Director at PCS added "At PCS we are committed to providing the best products and service to our customers and are constantly looking at ways to bring innovations to the plastic card market. We invest heavily in Research and Development to ensure anything we offer always adds value to customers and their products.

The PCS video card works by printing a code (simple alphanumerical or QR code) on the gift card which the purchaser scans (or types on a dedicated web page) to get to a setup page where they can create their message. It can be a video or picture that can be recorded on the spot or uploaded from their current library. They enter their email address so that they can get notified when the message is viewed. When the recipient receives the card, they simply scan the code, the message is viewed and there is the option to send a reply.

This personalisation enhances the gift card experience for both the sender and receiver, and removes the stigma of being unthoughtful that is quite often associated with sending gift cards. As well as offering an improved customer experience, retailers will capture important data along with additional brand exposure every time the message is viewed.

PCS will be demonstrating the video card at PrintWeek Live on 8-9 March 2017.