Determine your name plate's purpose

The function of a name plate may seem obvious, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Your company may need personalized name plates for employees to hang up, name plates for desks or name placards to exhibit products or services. Other uses include barcode name plates for pallets in a warehouse or name plates for datecodes in food processing plants. With so many types available, you must consider the function your name plate will serve carefully.

I recommend: Review different uses for name plates at ThomasNet. You may find uses you didn't even consider, such as using wall name plates to point the way to the restrooms or remotely located offices. Read over a list of name plate manufacturers to see what types of corporate name plates are available.

Review a variety of business name plates for your company

You don't need to get the most expensive engraved name plate on the market. But you do need to buy one that best represents your company. Name plates are as unique as your business, so take time to choose and design one that makes your company stand out. Remember, it's a good investment that will last your company for years.

I recommend: Check out Customized Engraving for tons of corporate name plates. Names Plates Plus also has a good selection of name placards in various font styles.

Choose the material for your name plates

This isn't as simple as choosing the material you think will look the best such as wood, brass, stainless steel or even zinc. Those materials will do just fine if you need interior office name plates or desk plates. But if you're buying name plates for harsher environments you need to use a material that will withstand the elements prevalent in the climate where the name plate will be installed.

I recommend: Check out name plates by Metalcraft for aluminum nameplates, stainless steel, color-designed plates and etched name plates. They will stand up to whatever Mother Nature dishes out, including high temperature manufacturing environments. Get a free quote on custom name plates or sample pricing for more specific information.

Establish a custom design for your business name plates

Name plate design is as important as your business logo. Business name plates are part of your company's branding campaign. The design you create reflects your company's strong identity. Stay away from the run-of-the-mill tin or plastic desk name plates with cursive writing. Instead, make your company stand out with a creative logo. Make sure the logo leaves an appropriate amount of background space on the engraved name plate, so it doesn't appear cramped. Don't be afraid to mix materials and colors for a truly unique look. In addition, consider engraved name plates in a variety of different fonts.

I recommend: Visit ID3, Inc for rules on designing a good name plate for your business. The company makes 3-dimensional nameplates in plastic, metal and domed. You can get a quote on 3-dimensional corporate name plates.

Pay for durability in your office name plates

It won't do your business much good if you get great-looking name placards that start to peel or fall apart in a few months. Look for name plates that not only look professional but are durably constructed.

I recommend: For durable, custom designed office name plates, check out Nameplates for Industry. They print your design on the sub-surface, so a layer of plastic material protects the name plates from wear and tear. Plus, the adhesive backing is made to withstand all types of temperatures and environments.