# Mr. Scratch Off: Extended Knowledge File (llms-full.txt) > Comprehensive, machine-readable digest of Mr. Scratch Off's product catalog, industry playbooks, materials specs, FAQs, and glossary. Intended for AI assistants that want full context in one document. Mr. Scratch Off is a US-based custom scratch-off card printer (a division of Lawton Connect, in print since 1900). We produce classic silver/gold-panel scratch cards, full-color reveal cards, and custom scratch-off advent calendars (any number of daily windows). 250-card MOQ on card SKUs ordered online (500 cards for phone and email orders) and a 50-calendar MOQ on advent calendars, 7-10 business-day turnaround after proof approval, same-day digital proofs, 12pt C2S stock standard, with 280gsm blue-core security, 14pt, and 16pt options. Site: https://www.mrscratchoff.com Contact: https://www.mrscratchoff.com/contact-us · Quote: https://www.mrscratchoff.com/quote --- ## Product families ### Classic Scratch-Off Cards: /products/classic-scratch-off-cards Classic scratch-off cards use the traditional silver latex panel over a printed text reveal, the workhorse format for fundraiser pledges, promotional coupons, and instant-win giveaways. Available mini to large, from 250 cards online or 500 cards by phone or email, printed in the USA. The classic scratch-off card is the format nearly everyone recognizes: silver panel, text or code underneath, coin-scratch reveal. It's the most cost-effective scratch format and the go-to for high-volume fundraiser, restaurant, and direct-mail work. Key points: - **Silver latex panel**: Standard scratch-off ink; universal recognition; lowest per-card cost. - **Any reveal shape**: Rectangle, circle, or custom die-cut zones for any promotion mechanic. - **Prize-legend design**: Our team designs the prize legend and odds calibration for your campaign. - **Variable data**: Personalize names, codes, and addresses card-to-card in one press run. Variants: - Mini Classic (2" × 3.5"): /shop/mini-classic-scratch-off-card · Business-card-sized promo drops - Small Classic (2.75" × 4"): /shop/small-classic-scratch-off-card · Restaurant receipts, loyalty rewards - Medium Classic (4" × 6"): /shop/medium-classic-scratch-off-card · Fundraiser pledge cards - Large Classic (6" × 9"): /shop/large-classic-scratch-off-card · Premium fundraiser and event pieces - Custom Size & Shape (Any size / die-cut): /shop/custom-size-classic-scratch-off-card · Non-standard trims and custom die shapes FAQ: - **Q:** What's the smallest quantity of classic scratch-off cards? **A:** 250 cards when you order online, or 500 cards by phone or email. Below that, press setup costs make per-card pricing impractical. - **Q:** How long do classic cards last in storage? **A:** Indefinitely, scratch ink is stable through storage, mail handling, and normal room-temp conditions. ### Full-Color Reveal Cards: /products/full-color-reveal-cards Turn photographs, illustrations, and branded artwork into an interactive reveal people want to scratch, share, and remember. Ideal for announcements, events, gifts, and promotional campaigns. Traditional scratch-off cards reveal text. Full-color reveal cards uncover an image, making the interaction more visual, emotional, and memorable. They are especially effective for weddings, announcements, events, gifts, and promotional campaigns. Key points: - **300 DPI CMYK reveal**: Print any full-color image under the panel: photos, illustrations, brand artwork. - **Emotional payoff**: The reveal moment is dramatically more shareable than text-only formats. - **Custom-color panel option**: Pair with a brand-color latex panel for premium on-brand look. - **Small-batch friendly**: Order online from 250 cards, which works for guest lists of 40 to intimate 400-person events. Variants: - Mini Full-Color (2" × 3.5"): /shop/mini-full-color-scratch-off-card · Business-card-sized keepsakes - Small Full-Color (2.75" × 4"): /shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card · Save-the-dates, favors, gifts - Medium Full-Color (4" × 6"): /shop/medium-full-color-scratch-off-card · Gender reveals, holiday cards - Large Full-Color (6" × 9"): /shop/large-full-color-scratch-off-card · Retail launch mailers - Custom Size & Shape (Any size / die-cut): /shop/custom-size-full-color-scratch-off-card · Custom die-cut PR mailers and keepsakes FAQ: - **Q:** Can I put a photo under the scratch panel? **A:** Yes. This is the primary use case for full-color reveal. Send us any 300 DPI CMYK image. - **Q:** Do full-color reveals cost more? **A:** About 20-30% more per card than classic silver-only reveals, because we print an extra full-color layer beneath the release coat. ### Custom Scratch-Off Advent Calendars: /products/custom-advent-calendars Custom scratch-off Advent calendars print numbered windows, one for each day of your countdown, each hiding a scratch-off reveal (message, coupon, image, or activity). A favorite holiday-season format for retail, church, corporate gifting, and family keepsake, with a 50-calendar minimum. Custom scratch-off advent calendars turn daily reveals into one premium seasonal experience. Retail brands use them for offers and product launches, churches for scripture and reflection, and families for activities, messages, and traditions. Production runs August through November for reliable holiday delivery. Key points: - **Individual daily reveals**: Create one scratch panel for each day of your countdown, with a message, image, reward, activity, or promotion hidden underneath. - **Built to be kept**: Premium heavy stock gives the calendar a substantial feel that works for display, gifting, framing, or seasonal reuse. - **Custom layouts and shapes**: Choose a traditional calendar grid or create a custom silhouette such as a tree, house, ornament, snowflake, or branded shape. - **Planned for holiday delivery**: Seasonal production starts early so printing, proofing, packing, and delivery are completed before the countdown begins. Variants: - Starry Night: /shop/starry-night · Elegant night-sky layout, holiday & religious variants - Season of Giving: /shop/season-of-giving · Warm festive layout, holiday & religious variants - Design-It-Yourself: /shop/design-it-yourself · Upload your own artwork, place the scratch windows FAQ: - **Q:** When should I order an Advent calendar for December delivery? **A:** Order by mid-October at the latest. Design and proofing take 1-2 weeks, production 7-10 business days, plus shipping. Rush is available but limited during holiday season. - **Q:** What's the minimum quantity? **A:** 50 calendars. Most retail brands order 1,000-10,000 for holiday-season direct-mail or in-store distribution. --- ## Shop SKUs (orderable configurations) ### Mini Classic Scratch-Off Card: /shop/mini-classic-scratch-off-card 2" × 3.5" · Classic Reveal · From $387.50 / 250 cards ($1.55 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) Business-card sized (2" × 3.5") and priced to hand out by the boxful. Our mini classic is the lowest per-card cost we make, the go-to for trade-show swag, in-bag promos, restaurant table drops, and street-team giveaways where the goal is volume, not real estate. Common use cases: Trade shows, Bar & restaurant promos, In-bag inserts, Street teams, Business-card swap, Loyalty punches. FAQ: - **Q:** How big is a mini scratch-off card, exactly? **A:** Trim size is 2" × 3.5", identical to a standard US business card. Fits in a wallet, business-card sleeve, or a standard #10 envelope with room to spare. - **Q:** Why choose mini over the larger sizes? **A:** Two reasons: cost and volume. Mini classic is our lowest per-card price, $1.55 each at 250 cards, the smallest online order, and as low as $0.08 each at 25,000, which makes it the right pick for high-quantity handout campaigns where a mailer-sized card would blow your budget. - **Q:** How much scratch area fits on a mini? **A:** Plenty. We typically design a 1" × 0.6" scratch panel that leaves room for a headline, prize legend, and your logo. If you need a bigger reveal or more copy, jump up to the small (2.75" × 4") size. - **Q:** What's the difference between classic and full-color scratch? **A:** Classic uses a metallic silver or gold latex panel, the classic metallic look and the lowest cost per card. Full-color prints a CMYK image under the panel that reveals when scratched, which reads more like a designed brand moment than a promo card. - **Q:** Is the minimum really 250 cards? **A:** Yes, when you order online: 250 cards is the smallest online order across all our sizes. Phone and email orders start at 500 cards. That keeps per-card pricing efficient on a custom press run. ### Small Classic Scratch-Off Card: /shop/small-classic-scratch-off-card 2.75" × 4" · Classic Reveal · From $450 / 250 cards ($1.80 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) Small (2.75" × 4") is the sweet spot when a mini feels too tight but a postcard is too much. Enough real estate for a real headline, prize legend, and a scratch panel you can actually see, without the mailer-size cost. Popular for loyalty programs, event tickets, and coupon drops. Common use cases: Loyalty rewards, Event tickets, Coupon drops, Fundraiser tickets, POS handouts, Save-the-dates. FAQ: - **Q:** How is small different from mini? **A:** Small is 2.75" × 4" versus mini's 2" × 3.5", about 55% more surface area. You get a bigger scratch panel, room for a real headline, and space for terms/legal without cramming the layout. - **Q:** Will small cards fit in a #10 envelope? **A:** Yes, 2.75" × 4" slips into a standard business envelope easily, which makes small a common pick for mailed fundraiser tickets and coupon drops. - **Q:** What's the ideal use case at this size? **A:** Anywhere you'd normally hand out a rack card or postcard, but want a reveal mechanic instead of a static offer. Loyalty punch cards, coupon mailers, and event tickets are the top three. - **Q:** What's the difference between classic and full-color scratch? **A:** Classic uses a metallic silver or gold latex panel, the classic metallic look and the lowest cost per card. Full-color prints a CMYK image under the panel that reveals when scratched, which reads more like a designed brand moment than a promo card. - **Q:** Can I get variable data (unique codes per card)? **A:** Yes, variable data is included on every classic size. We can print unique codes, names, or prize tiers card-to-card in a single press run. ### Medium Classic Scratch-Off Card: /shop/medium-classic-scratch-off-card 4" × 6" · Classic Reveal · From $495 / 250 cards ($1.98 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) Medium is a standard 4" × 6" postcard trim, USPS-optimized for direct mail, and the size restaurants, dealerships, and franchisees reach for when they want a physical piece that lands in mailboxes and actually gets opened. A scratch panel on a postcard beats "prize inside!" every time. Common use cases: Direct mail, Dealership offers, Restaurant promos, Real estate leave-behinds, Event flyers, Franchise campaigns. FAQ: - **Q:** Do medium cards qualify for USPS postcard rate? **A:** Yes, 4" × 6" is the standard USPS First-Class postcard size, so mailing a medium classic scratch-off costs the same as any other postcard. Under $0.60/piece with the current postal rate. - **Q:** Can you handle the direct-mail drop for us? **A:** We hand off finished cards to your mail-house of choice, or we can recommend a partner who handles addressing, sorting, and drop-off. Cards ship boxed and ready for a mail-shop. - **Q:** How much prize copy fits on a medium? **A:** Enough for a hero headline, a 5-7 tier prize legend, terms/odds copy, and a scratch panel around 2" × 1.5". Postcards are the size that stops feeling cramped. - **Q:** What's the difference between classic and full-color scratch? **A:** Classic uses a metallic silver or gold latex panel, the classic metallic look and the lowest cost per card. Full-color prints a CMYK image under the panel that reveals when scratched, which reads more like a designed brand moment than a promo card. - **Q:** What about a full-bleed image on the front? **A:** Standard. Both sides print full-color, edge-to-edge. The classic silver/gold panel goes over whichever side you want the reveal on. ### Large Classic Scratch-Off Card: /shop/large-classic-scratch-off-card 6" × 9" · Classic Reveal · From $675 / 250 cards ($2.70 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) Large (6" × 9") is a full oversized-mailer format, bigger than a magazine spread, impossible to file under "junk mail." It's the size you use when the campaign has to land: a car dealership sale, a resort re-open, a franchise grand opening, or a VIP event invite where the physical object is part of the pitch. Common use cases: Oversized direct mail, Dealership sales, Resort promotions, VIP event invites, Real estate mailers, Trade-show hand-outs. FAQ: - **Q:** Is 6" × 9" too big to mail affordably? **A:** 6" × 9" mails at USPS large-envelope (flat) rate rather than postcard rate, so postage is higher, but the response rate on an oversized piece typically justifies the difference. Talk to your mail-house about First-Class flat pricing. - **Q:** How large can the scratch panel be on a large card? **A:** We routinely design 3" × 2" or larger scratch panels on large cards, big enough to be theatrical and to fit multi-line prize copy or a full winning image under it. - **Q:** What if I need a large card in a custom shape? **A:** Custom die-cuts (rounded corners, house/car/gift-box silhouettes, tabbed cards) are available on large. Request a quote and we'll price the die. - **Q:** What's the difference between classic and full-color scratch? **A:** Classic uses a metallic silver or gold latex panel, the classic metallic look and the lowest cost per card. Full-color prints a CMYK image under the panel that reveals when scratched, which reads more like a designed brand moment than a promo card. - **Q:** Can large cards do variable data too? **A:** Yes, variable data (unique codes, personalized names, address panels) is included on all sizes, and large cards give you the most room to design around the personalized fields. ### Custom Size & Shape Classic Scratch-Off Card: /shop/custom-size-classic-scratch-off-card Custom · Classic Reveal · Custom quote: 250 cards online, 500 by phone or email (from $1.55 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) When none of our four standard trims fit the plan, we cut to spec. Custom size and shape classic scratch-off cards are built to your exact dimensions and die: square tickets, ticket-stub perforations, house-shaped keys, oversize game boards, wallet-slim inserts, whatever the campaign calls for. Same silver or gold latex panel, same 12pt C2S stock, same minimums (250 cards online, 500 by phone or email), you just get to draw the outline. Common use cases: Custom die-cut promos, Square social-media tickets, House- or car-shaped keys, Ticket-stub perforations, Oversize game boards, Non-standard mailer inserts. FAQ: - **Q:** What sizes and shapes can I actually order? **A:** Any square or rectangle from 2" × 2" up to 8.5" × 11", plus custom die-cut shapes: circles, tickets, house/car silhouettes, keys, gift boxes, tabbed cards, perforated stubs. If the shape can be cut on a rotary die, we can print it. - **Q:** How much does a custom size or shape cost extra? **A:** Card pricing follows the standard classic tier for the trim size (per-card cost scales with area). Custom dies add a one-time tooling fee, typically $150-$450 depending on shape complexity, quoted before the run. Reorders reuse the die at no extra tooling cost. - **Q:** Is the minimum still 250 for custom shapes? **A:** Yes. Online orders start at 250 pieces regardless of shape, and phone and email orders start at 500. The tooling fee is the only setup difference; per-card pricing follows the same classic tiers as our standard sizes. - **Q:** How long does a custom-die run take? **A:** Add 3-5 business days to the standard 7-10 day turnaround for die tooling on the first run. Reorders using the same die run at standard turnaround. - **Q:** Can I get a proof of the custom shape before printing? **A:** Yes, we always send a die-line proof (showing trim, bleed, and scratch-zone placement on your exact shape) alongside the digital art proof. Nothing prints until both are signed off. - **Q:** What's the difference between classic and full-color scratch? **A:** Classic uses a metallic silver or gold latex panel, the classic metallic look and the lowest cost per card. Full-color prints a CMYK image under the panel that reveals when scratched, which reads more like a designed brand moment than a promo card. ### Mini Full-Color Scratch-Off Card: /shop/mini-full-color-scratch-off-card 2" × 3.5" · Full-Color Reveal · From $520 / 250 cards ($2.08 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) The premium version of our smallest card. Same business-card 2" × 3.5" trim as the mini classic, but instead of a metallic panel the reveal is a full-color CMYK print: a photo, an illustration, brand artwork, whatever should feel like a designed moment when it appears. Costs more per card than mini classic; feels a category up. Common use cases: Brand launches, Wedding favors, Retail gift-with-purchase, Influencer PR mailers, Premium loyalty cards, Save-the-dates. FAQ: - **Q:** Why pay more for full-color at mini size? **A:** Because the reveal itself is the moment. When a brand launch, wedding favor, or PR mailer hits, a full-color illustration or photo emerging feels premium in a way a silver panel doesn't. If the reveal is the payoff, pay for it. - **Q:** How sharp is the printed reveal? **A:** 300 DPI CMYK: indistinguishable from any premium print piece. Photos, gradients, thin line-work, and small type all reproduce cleanly. - **Q:** What's under the scratch panel? **A:** Whatever you send us. Full-color reveal prints your CMYK artwork edge-to-edge under the panel: photos, illustrations, prize graphics, or brand imagery. Scratching lifts the panel cleanly to reveal the print underneath. - **Q:** Can I match my brand colors on the reveal panel? **A:** Yes, the top scratch layer can be a custom brand color rather than metallic, so both the top of the card and the reveal underneath stay on-brand. - **Q:** Is this really only 2" × 3.5"? **A:** Yes, same business-card trim as the mini classic. The upgrade is in the reveal, not the size. ### Small Full-Color Scratch-Off Card: /shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card 2.75" × 4" · Full-Color Reveal · From $572.50 / 250 cards ($2.29 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) Small full-color at 2.75" × 4" is the format for guest-list events and boutique campaigns: wedding favors, gender reveals, boutique retail launches, and gift-with-purchase. You get more room than a mini for artwork and prize copy, with a printed reveal that photographs beautifully and feels intentional. Common use cases: Weddings, Gender reveals, Baby shower favors, Boutique launches, Gift-with-purchase, Milestone announcements. FAQ: - **Q:** Is small full-color the right pick for wedding favors? **A:** Yes, 2.75" × 4" is a favorite for weddings because the reveal (a photo, a message, a "will you be my bridesmaid?") fits without feeling cramped and the piece is small enough to sit on a place setting. - **Q:** What's the smallest order for a private event? **A:** Online orders start at 250 cards, and phone and email orders start at 500. For weddings and events with 150-300 guests, that's the starting point; most couples use them. - **Q:** What's under the scratch panel? **A:** Whatever you send us. Full-color reveal prints your CMYK artwork edge-to-edge under the panel: photos, illustrations, prize graphics, or brand imagery. Scratching lifts the panel cleanly to reveal the print underneath. - **Q:** Can the printed reveal be a photo? **A:** Yes, photos reveal beautifully. Send high-res source images (300 DPI at print size) and we'll proof how it will look before printing. - **Q:** Do you offer matching envelopes? **A:** Not in-line, but small full-color slips into standard A2 envelopes (4.375" × 5.75") which are easy to source from any stationery supplier. ### Medium Full-Color Scratch-Off Card: /shop/medium-full-color-scratch-off-card 4" × 6" · Full-Color Reveal · From $610 / 250 cards ($2.44 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) The postcard-size premium mailer. 4" × 6" full-color mails at standard USPS postcard rate, but instead of the classic silver panel your recipient scratches to a full-color image: a car, a resort suite, a prize product, a personal photo. Retail brands, real-estate teams, and travel companies love this size because the reveal reads like a designed brand moment, not a coupon. Common use cases: Premium direct mail, Retail launches, Real estate reveals, Travel & resort promos, Corporate gifting, Event invitations. FAQ: - **Q:** Does medium full-color still mail at postcard rate? **A:** Yes, 4" × 6" hits USPS First-Class postcard dimensions regardless of the scratch finish. Your mail-house handles it the same as any other 4×6 postcard. - **Q:** What kind of imagery reveals best on a postcard? **A:** Hero product shots, key-visual illustrations, and any image that has one clear focal point. Busy compositions with fine text can look muddled. Send us your artwork and we'll flag anything that won't reveal cleanly. - **Q:** What's under the scratch panel? **A:** Whatever you send us. Full-color reveal prints your CMYK artwork edge-to-edge under the panel: photos, illustrations, prize graphics, or brand imagery. Scratching lifts the panel cleanly to reveal the print underneath. - **Q:** Can I do variable data + full-color reveal? **A:** Yes, unique codes, personalized names, and per-recipient reveals (yes, the printed reveal itself can vary card-to-card) are all supported. Great for personalized direct mail. - **Q:** Is the panel color customizable at this size? **A:** Yes, the top scratch layer can be metallic silver/gold or a custom brand color. Standard on all full-color reveal sizes. ### Large Full-Color Scratch-Off Card: /shop/large-full-color-scratch-off-card 6" × 9" · Full-Color Reveal · From $732.50 / 250 cards ($2.93 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) The flagship. 6" × 9" full-color reveal is the most theatrical piece we print, oversized enough to be unmissable in the mail, with a printed reveal big enough to carry a full brand image, a photo, or a full winning experience. Auto dealers use it for launch mailers, resorts for VIP re-opens, hospitality brands for guest recovery. When the campaign has to feel like an event, this is the SKU. Common use cases: Auto launch mailers, Resort VIP invites, Guest recovery mailers, Grand openings, Presidential-tier fundraisers, Awards / gala reveals. FAQ: - **Q:** What does $2.93/card get me at this size? **A:** A 6" × 9" oversized mailer with full-color print both sides, a custom scratch panel with a photo-quality reveal underneath, and variable data if you need personalization. This is the highest-production-value card we print. - **Q:** How much does 6" × 9" cost to mail? **A:** Oversized cards mail at USPS large-envelope (flat) rate, noticeably more than postcard rate, but response rates on 6×9 pieces typically double or triple a standard postcard, so cost-per-response usually improves. - **Q:** What's under the scratch panel? **A:** Whatever you send us. Full-color reveal prints your CMYK artwork edge-to-edge under the panel: photos, illustrations, prize graphics, or brand imagery. Scratching lifts the panel cleanly to reveal the print underneath. - **Q:** Can the reveal be a full product photo? **A:** Yes, a large card gives you enough panel area to reveal a full car, room, prize, or experience shot at high resolution. This is the size for reveals that are meant to feel cinematic. - **Q:** Are custom die-cuts available on large? **A:** Yes, rounded corners are standard, and custom shapes (car silhouettes, keys, house cutouts, ticket perforations) are available on request. Tooling adds cost; we'll quote the die separately. ### Custom Size & Shape Full-Color Scratch-Off Card: /shop/custom-size-full-color-scratch-off-card Custom · Full-Color Reveal · Custom quote: 250 cards online, 500 by phone or email (from $2.08 ea) · MOQ 250 online (500 by phone or email) When the reveal has to be a printed image AND the trim has to be non-standard, this is the SKU. Custom size and shape full-color reveal cards are printed to your exact dimensions and die: square keepsakes, ticket-stub perforations, house/car silhouettes, oversize invites, with a full CMYK image hidden under the scratch panel. Same 12pt C2S stock, same photo-quality reveal, same minimums (250 pieces online, 500 by phone or email); the trim and die are up to you. Common use cases: Custom die-cut PR mailers, Square wedding favors, House-key real-estate reveals, Ticket-stub event invites, Oversize retail launches, Non-standard corporate gifting. FAQ: - **Q:** Can I really print any shape with a full-color reveal underneath? **A:** Yes, any square or rectangle from 2" × 2" up to 8.5" × 11", plus custom die-cut shapes (circles, tickets, keys, houses, gift boxes, tabbed cards, perforated stubs). The full-color reveal registers to the die shape, not just to a rectangle. - **Q:** How much does a custom shape add to the price? **A:** Per-card pricing follows the standard full-color tier for the trim size. Custom dies add a one-time tooling fee, typically $150-$450 depending on shape complexity, quoted before the run. Reorders reuse the die at no extra tooling cost. - **Q:** Does the reveal image have to fit inside the panel, or the whole card? **A:** Both work. Full-color reveal can print edge-to-edge on your custom shape, with the scratch panel sized/shaped to whatever area you want revealed. You can also do multiple reveal panels on a single custom card. - **Q:** Is the minimum still 250 for custom-shape full-color? **A:** Yes. Online orders start at 250 pieces across the board, and phone and email orders start at 500. Only the one-time die tooling fee changes; per-card pricing follows the same full-color tiers as our standard sizes. - **Q:** What lead time should I plan for on a custom-die full-color run? **A:** Add 3-5 business days to the standard 7-10 day turnaround for die tooling on the first run. Reorders using the same die run at standard turnaround. - **Q:** What's under the scratch panel? **A:** Whatever you send us. Full-color reveal prints your CMYK artwork edge-to-edge under the panel: photos, illustrations, prize graphics, or brand imagery. Scratching lifts the panel cleanly to reveal the print underneath. ### Design-It-Yourself Advent Calendar: /shop/design-it-yourself DIY Advent · Custom quote: 50-calendar minimum · MOQ 50 Want to design your own advent? The DIY path lets you use your own graphics and make the calendar truly custom. Design online or upload finished print-ready PDFs, place each scratch window where you want it, and we handle the print run and fulfillment, no design fee, no back-and-forth if you already know exactly what you want. Common use cases: In-house design teams, Agencies, Brands with their own artwork, Repeat advent customers, Fully custom advent art, Design-savvy buyers. FAQ: - **Q:** Do I have to design it myself? **A:** No, DIY is for people who want to skip the quote/proof cycle and use their own artwork. If you'd rather have our team design the advent for you, request a quote instead and we'll take it from there. - **Q:** What file formats does the designer accept? **A:** PDF is preferred (print-ready with bleed and crop marks). We also accept AI and EPS. If you upload a PDF that's not quite print-ready, our prepress team will flag issues before printing. - **Q:** Can I still get a proof before you print? **A:** Yes, even on DIY orders, we send a digital proof of the full calendar layout and every scratch window for you to approve before the press run. Nothing prints without your sign-off. - **Q:** Can I place the scratch windows anywhere on the calendar? **A:** Yes, the designer lets you place, size, and shape every window, and you choose how many. Traditional grid, tree layout, or fully custom placement over your artwork. - **Q:** What if I need help partway through? **A:** Save your design and reach out, our team can jump in, fix layout issues, or take over the design entirely and convert your project to a full-service quote. ### Season of Giving Advent Calendar: /shop/season-of-giving Holiday Advent Template · Custom quote: 50-calendar minimum · MOQ 50 Give goodwill this season with an advent calendar that shows each day is a gift. Season of Giving is a pre-designed festive scratch-off advent: daily scratch windows on a warm holiday layout, with a religious variant available for church and ministry use. Customize the daily reveals with your messages, prizes, scripture, coupons, or artwork; keep the layout so you skip the custom-design lead time. Common use cases: Corporate holiday gifting, Church & ministry advents, Nonprofit end-of-year, Retail holiday loyalty, Family Christmas keepsake, Employee appreciation. FAQ: - **Q:** Is Season of Giving an advent calendar or a single-panel card? **A:** It's a countdown advent calendar: one scratch window per day, in whatever day count you need (24-day Advent, 25 days, eight nights, or custom). Season of Giving is the festive-holiday version; there's also a religious variant of the same layout for church and ministry use. - **Q:** When should I order for December delivery? **A:** Order by mid-October at the latest. Advent production runs August-November; the ship window closes mid-November for reliable December 1 delivery. - **Q:** Can I customize the daily reveals? **A:** Yes, that's the whole point. Swap in your logo, brand colors, and each day's message, coupon, scripture, or image. The festive layout stays; the content behind every window is yours. - **Q:** Is there a religious version? **A:** Yes, same Season of Giving layout with a religious variant designed for churches, ministries, and faith-based nonprofits. Ask for it by name when you quote. - **Q:** What sizes are available? **A:** The advent calendar prints on 12pt C2S stock at the calendar's fixed size, with 14pt and 16pt options for a more rigid keepsake. For smaller single-panel holiday scratch cards, see our full-color reveal cards instead. ### Starry Night Advent Calendar: /shop/starry-night Holiday Advent Template · Custom quote: 50-calendar minimum · MOQ 50 An elegant design featuring a bright starry sky, use the days to prompt a new reveal each night. Starry Night is a pre-designed scratch-off advent calendar with daily scratch windows set against a deep-navy night-sky layout with metallic-gold accents. Available in a festive-holiday variant and a religious variant designed for church, ministry, and faith-based use. Common use cases: Church & ministry advents, Faith-based nonprofits, Corporate holiday gifting, Retail holiday loyalty, Family Christmas keepsake, Christmas Eve countdown. FAQ: - **Q:** Is Starry Night an advent calendar? **A:** Yes, Starry Night is a scratch-off advent countdown calendar. Recipients scratch one window per day, revealing your daily message, scripture, image, or coupon under a night-sky layout. - **Q:** Is there a religious version? **A:** Yes, Starry Night ships in a holiday variant and a religious variant. The religious version is designed around scripture, hymn, or devotional prompts for church, ministry, and faith-based advent use. - **Q:** How customizable is the Starry Night layout? **A:** The starry-sky layout, palette, and typography are fixed, that's what makes it a template. What you customize: the daily reveal behind every window (message, image, scripture, coupon) and your branding on the cover. - **Q:** When should I order for December delivery? **A:** Order by mid-October at the latest. Advent production runs August-November; the ship window closes mid-November for reliable December 1 delivery. - **Q:** How is this different from Season of Giving? **A:** Both are pre-designed scratch-off advent countdown calendars. Starry Night is an elegant night-sky layout (available in religious and holiday); Season of Giving is a warmer festive layout (also available in religious and holiday). Pick by aesthetic, pricing and format are similar. --- ## Industries & use cases ### Real estate agents & brokerages: /use-cases/real-estate-agents Real estate agents use custom scratch-off cards as door hangers, just-sold postcards, and open-house giveaways because prospects physically interact with them, which lifts response well above a standard flyer. Every card can hide a home-valuation offer, gift-card prize, or listing-consultation coupon. Postcards get glanced at and tossed. A scratch-off card is picked up, scratched, and remembered. Agents nationwide use our cards for farm-area drops, buyer-lead magnets, closing gifts, and referral programs, each with a scratch panel hiding a home-valuation offer, gift-card prize, or listing-consultation coupon. - **Farm-area door hangers**: Hang on 500-2,500 doors in your farm ZIP. Prospects physically interact with the card instead of glancing at it, which is the whole point of the format. - **Just-sold mailers**: Scratch to reveal the sale price on every neighborhood mailer, a proven listing generator. - **Open-house giveaways**: Every visitor scratches a card at the door for a chance at a gift card, staging consultation, or closing credit. - **Client-anniversary touches**: Variable-data cards personalized with the past client's name and closing date keep referrals warm. - **Brokerage-wide programs**: Co-branded templates for each agent in your office with consistent brand chrome and per-agent contact details. Recommended product: Full-Color Reveal Cards (/shop/full-color-reveal-cards). FAQ: - **Q:** What's the minimum order for real-estate scratch-offs? **A:** Order online from 250 cards; phone and email orders start at 500 cards. Most agent farm drops order 1,000-2,500; brokerages ordering for multiple agents typically start at 5,000. - **Q:** How much does a real-estate scratch-off card cost? **A:** At 1,000 quantity, expect roughly $0.89-$1.28 per card in full color with a scratch panel, competitive with a full-color postcard, with a reveal the recipient has to take part in. - **Q:** Can every card have a different agent name? **A:** Yes. Variable-data printing swaps the agent photo, name, phone, and license number card-to-card so one PO covers your entire office. - **Q:** How fast can I get them? **A:** Standard 7-10 business day production from proof approval, plus shipping. Rush 3-5 business days is available on most jobs. ### Restaurants, cafés & QSR: /use-cases/restaurants-and-qsr Restaurants use custom scratch-off cards to drive repeat visits, lift average check size, and gamify limited-time offers. Handed out with receipts or as loyalty rewards, they turn one visit into two, with prize legends and odds set to protect food-cost margins. The single biggest lever in restaurant marketing is frequency. Custom scratch-off cards turn a completed check into a next-visit trigger: 'scratch for your reward on your next order.' We print for single-location bistros, regional coffee chains, and national QSR brands, with prize legends and odds designed to protect food-cost margins. - **Receipt drop-ins**: Every guest leaves with a scratch card, small prize odds calibrated to your check average and food cost. - **LTO campaigns**: Limited-time-offer scratch cards drive urgency on menu launches, seasonal drinks, and app-order incentives. - **Loyalty rewards**: Replace punch cards with scratch-to-win versions: the gamification lift is real and measurable. - **Multi-location odds control**: We build prize legends with statistically controlled odds so your grand prize doesn't hit in week one. - **Compliance-ready**: Cards printed with 'No purchase necessary' variants and full official-rules micro-copy where sweepstakes law requires it. Recommended product: Small Full-Color Scratch-Off Card (/shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** How do I set prize odds so I don't lose money? **A:** Start from your target redemption cost per card (typically $0.10-$0.30). We work backward to prize values and odds so 100% of cards win something, but the weighted average redemption stays inside your budget. - **Q:** Are restaurant scratch-off promotions legal? **A:** In most US states, 'every card wins' promotions are treated as coupons, not sweepstakes. Anything with a grand prize requires official rules and 'no purchase necessary' language, and we help set that up correctly. - **Q:** Can I match my restaurant's brand exactly? **A:** Yes. Full CMYK printing with Pantone matching on request. Send us your brand guide and we'll match on press. ### Nonprofits & fundraising teams: /use-cases/nonprofits-and-fundraisers Scratch-off fundraiser cards let nonprofits raise $500-$50,000 per campaign with almost no upfront cost. Volunteers ask supporters to 'scratch and donate': each spot reveals a random pledge amount from $0.50 to $3, and a fully scratched card returns roughly $100. The scratch-off fundraiser is one of the simplest paper fundraisers to run: a 60-spot card raises around $100 when fully scratched. Little Leagues, PTAs, church youth groups, and nonprofits nationwide use our cards because the format is turnkey: no product to sell, no inventory to move, just conversations and scratching. - **$100 per fully-scratched card**: Standard 60-spot card yields ~$100 in pledges when every spot is scratched. Order to the goal you want to hit, allowing for cards that come back partly filled. - **Choose your goal**: 10 cards = ~$1,000. 50 cards = ~$5,000. 500 cards = ~$50,000. Order to your fundraising goal, not a warehouse minimum. - **Prize-donor sponsors**: Local businesses sponsor the top-tier prizes in exchange for logo placement: funds raised are pure profit. - **Custom card back**: Your mission statement, cause photo, tax-ID line, and donation-usage breakdown on every card. - **Compliance guidance**: We help with donation-ask language so your campaign stays inside your state's charitable-solicitation rules. Recommended product: Medium Classic Scratch-Off Card (/shop/medium-classic-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** How much can a nonprofit raise with scratch-off cards? **A:** A single 60-spot card raises ~$100 when fully scratched. Most groups run 10-100 cards, raising $1,000-$10,000. Larger organizations scale to 500+ cards and $50,000+ per campaign. - **Q:** Is a scratch-off fundraiser considered gambling? **A:** In most states, no. Donors are asked to donate the amount revealed, not to purchase a chance at a prize. Prizes (when included) are typically donor-thank-you gifts. Check your state charitable-solicitation office to be sure. - **Q:** How long does a fundraiser card last? **A:** Most groups run their campaign 2-8 weeks. Cards don't expire. Reuse leftover cards for future events. ### Schools, PTAs & booster clubs: /use-cases/schools-and-ptas Schools, PTAs, and booster clubs use scratch-off fundraiser cards because they replace product fundraisers such as candy, wrapping paper, and cookie dough with a paper-only campaign that yields about $100 per fully scratched card, with nothing to warehouse or deliver. PTAs and booster clubs are tired of moving pallets of cookie dough. Our scratch-off cards give volunteers a stack of paper and a talking point: 'scratch to donate to the band.' No warehouse, no delivery, no allergen liability. A student running one card in a weekend raises ~$100 for the program. - **Zero product to move**: No cookie dough freezer risk. No wrapping-paper inventory. Just cards, scratching, and pledges. - **Kid-safe format**: Students collect pledges from family, neighbors, and vetted adult contacts, not door-to-door sales pitches. - **Team, band, or class-color print**: Card art matches your school colors, mascot, and program branding. - **Grand-prize sponsor slot**: Local sponsor donates a $200-$1,000 top prize in exchange for logo placement on every card, pure fundraiser profit. - **Turnkey rollout kit**: Digital pledge tracker, parent-permission slip template, and campaign-launch flyer included with every order. Recommended product: Medium Classic Scratch-Off Card (/shop/medium-classic-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** How much does a PTA scratch-off fundraiser raise? **A:** Typical middle-school PTA campaigns run 25-75 cards and raise $2,500-$7,500. Larger boosters run 200+ cards and clear $20,000. - **Q:** How long does the campaign take? **A:** Most schools run a 3-4 week campaign, aligned to a season or program milestone. Cards arrive in 7-10 business days from proof approval. - **Q:** Do you have templates for school fundraisers? **A:** Yes. Send us your school name, colors, and mascot; our team lays out an on-brand card at no extra cost, with any required disclaimer copy placed exactly as your organization supplies it. ### Weddings, showers & private events: /use-cases/weddings-and-events Wedding and event planners use custom scratch-off cards for save-the-dates, gender-reveal announcements, favors, and reception games. Each card hides the moment, the date, the baby's gender, or a favor code, under a scratch-off area printed in your wedding palette. A save-the-date that guests actually scratch is a save-the-date they remember. We print scratch-off wedding cards for save-the-dates, gender-reveal announcements sent to family and friends, reception table favors, and destination-wedding room-drops, with the scratch panel hiding the date, the gender, or a favor code. - **Scratch save-the-dates**: Guests scratch the panel to reveal your wedding date, an interactive alternative to the standard postcard save-the-date. - **Gender-reveal announcements**: Mail scratch cards to family and friends so everyone reveals at the same moment, no expensive party required. - **Reception table favors**: One card per seat; scratch to reveal your gift, seating table, or a couples-trivia prompt. - **Anniversary & shower keepsakes**: Bridal-shower scratch games and anniversary announcements, in the couple's colors and monogram. - **Small-batch friendly**: Order online from 250 cards, enough for guest lists from 40 to 400, no bulk you'll never use. Recommended product: Small Full-Color Scratch-Off Card (/shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** How far in advance should I order wedding scratch-off cards? **A:** Order 4-6 weeks before you need them in hand. That covers 1-2 weeks for design and proofing, 7-10 business days production, plus shipping. - **Q:** Can I do a scratch-off gender reveal by mail? **A:** Yes. This is one of our most-loved formats. Cards ship to family and friends who scratch on video, all at the same coordinated moment. - **Q:** Can I have a photo under the scratch panel? **A:** Absolutely. Full-color reveal cards print a full-CMYK image under the latex, sonogram photos, engagement portraits, or your wedding-date announcement. ### Churches, ministries & religious nonprofits: /use-cases/churches-and-religious-organizations Churches and ministries use custom scratch-off cards for mission-trip fundraisers, capital-campaign donor engagement, and youth-group events. A 60-spot pledge card raises about $100, so a campaign of 100 cards raises roughly $10,000 with no product to sell. Church fundraising works best when the ask is simple and the participation feels light. Scratch-off pledge cards let youth-group students raise money for a mission trip, or capital-campaign volunteers create tangible touchpoints with donors. We print in-color with religious-friendly imagery and full-color reveal art for holiday and Advent programs. - **Mission-trip fundraising**: Youth groups raise $2,500-$15,000 per trip with 25-150 pledge cards, no product to sell. - **Capital-campaign engagement**: Multi-tier pledge cards give donors a physical, memorable touchpoint alongside your written appeal. - **Advent & holiday programs**: Custom scratch-off Advent calendars printed in your ministry's brand or religious artwork. - **Youth-ministry events**: Scratch-to-win game cards for retreats, VBS, and youth-night attendance rewards. - **Faith-friendly imagery**: In-house design team works with religious themes, scripture references, and church branding at no extra cost. Recommended product: Custom Advent Calendar (/shop/custom-advent-calendars). FAQ: - **Q:** How much can a church raise with scratch-off cards? **A:** A single 60-spot card raises ~$100 when fully scratched. Mission-trip campaigns typically run 25-150 cards ($2,500-$15,000). Capital campaigns supplement written appeals with cards to individual donor households. - **Q:** Can our church logo and scripture go on the card? **A:** Yes. Full-color printing lets you include your logo, a scripture reference, mission statement, and photo of the trip destination or capital project. - **Q:** What about Advent calendars? **A:** We produce custom-branded scratch-off Advent calendars in any day count, a favorite children's-ministry and homeschool product for the Christmas season. ### Golf tournaments & country clubs: /use-cases/golf-tournaments Golf tournaments use custom scratch-off cards as mulligan and skip-hole tokens, sponsor-branded tee gifts, and 'scratch to win' prize cards at the turn. Country clubs run them for member drives, with tournament-color and sponsor-lockup design at no extra cost. The mulligan card is a $10-$25 donation ask at every charity golf tournament in the country. We print branded mulligan cards, hole-sponsor scratch-off tokens, and clubhouse tee-gift decks, with your tournament name, date, title sponsor lockup, and prize legend printed and packed for tee-off day. - **Mulligan cards**: Offered to players at check-in for a $10-$25 tournament donation; scratch to redeem a do-over on any hole. - **Sponsor lockups**: Title sponsor on the back, presenting sponsors on the tuck, hole sponsors on individual cards; every tier gets visibility. - **Hole-in-one & auction cards**: 'Scratch for a chance at $10,000' cards drive silent-auction traffic and clubhouse activation. - **Country-club member drives**: New-member scratch-and-win incentives for referral programs and open-house events. - **Fast tournament turnaround**: 7-10 business day production. Tell us your tee-time date and we'll work backward from it. Recommended product: Small Full-Color Scratch-Off Card (/shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** How many mulligan cards should a tournament order? **A:** Plan for 2-3 mulligans per golfer, plus a 20% cushion. A 100-player tournament orders 300-400 cards. At a $15 donation each, that is $4,500-$6,000 in additional tournament support. - **Q:** Can we put multiple sponsor logos on one card? **A:** Yes. Title sponsor on the back, presenting sponsors on the front or tuck flap, and hole sponsors on individual card variants. - **Q:** How early should we order? **A:** 3-4 weeks before tee-off: 1-2 weeks for design and proofing, 7-10 business days production, plus shipping buffer. - **Q:** Do we need a special license for mulligan cards? **A:** For promotional giveaways (no purchase necessary), no license is required in most US states. Rules vary by state for any promotion where money changes hands, so your compliance team should confirm the structure. We place the prize legend and disclaimer language they supply, to their specification. ### Trade shows, expos & conferences: /use-cases/trade-shows-and-conferences Trade show and conference exhibitors use custom scratch-off cards to drive booth traffic and capture leads. Attendees have to scratch at your table to reveal a prize, which buys your team a conversation that a static giveaway never earns. The trade-show booth with the scratch-off card has the line. We print branded scratch-off cards for expo booths, conference welcome bags, and post-event thank-you mailers, with prize legends designed to qualify leads (bigger prizes hidden behind demo requests, smaller prizes on general attendance). - **Booth traffic drivers**: Attendees line up to scratch a card at your booth, measurably more effective than a static candy bowl. - **Lead-qualification prizes**: Best prizes only unlock after a demo or badge scan; consolation prizes go to all comers. - **Welcome-bag drops**: Sponsor-branded scratch cards in the conference welcome bag drive booth visits on day one. - **Post-event thank-yous**: Follow up with attendees via mailed scratch cards, meeting-request prizes drive Q2/Q3 pipeline. - **Multi-booth variants**: One PO covers regional-show variants (Vegas, Chicago, NYC) with location-specific dates and prize legends. Recommended product: Small Full-Color Scratch-Off Card (/shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** How many scratch cards should we bring to a trade show? **A:** Plan for 1 card per expected qualified booth visitor plus a 25% cushion. A booth targeting 400 conversations orders 500 cards. - **Q:** Can prize odds be weighted by lead value? **A:** Yes. We build prize legends where the top prize is behind a lead-capture threshold (scan-my-badge, book-a-demo), while smaller consolation prizes go to all comers. - **Q:** How fast can we get cards for a show next month? **A:** Standard 7-10 business day production plus shipping. Rush 3-5 business days is available on most jobs when a show date is tight. ### Auto dealers & service centers: /use-cases/auto-dealers-and-service Dealership teams use scratch-off mailers when a plain coupon would disappear into the stack. The reveal moment turns service reminders, VIP event invites, and lease-equity messages into trackable offers that customers bring back to the showroom or lane. Auto retail already has the data: VIN, mileage band, lease maturity, service history. A scratch-off lets that data become a tactile reason to act: reveal a trade allowance, maintenance bonus, accessory credit, or manager's-event invitation without leading with another generic discount. - **Showroom event invites**: Hide the appointment bonus, trade allowance, or accessory credit until the customer scratches, then route redemptions to a tracked landing page or sales desk. - **Fixed-ops retention**: Use the reveal panel for service packages tied to mileage bands: tire rotation, brake inspection, detailing, alignment, or seasonal readiness checks. - **Lease-equity mail**: Personalized cards can reference the current vehicle, maturity window, or manager contact while keeping the incentive under the scratch panel. - **Dealer-group versioning**: One production run can carry different rooftop names, addresses, offer codes, and sales managers without rebuilding the whole campaign. - **Mail-house friendly**: We design formats that fit common automotive direct-mail workflows and can ship bulk-packed, banded, or ready for your mailing partner. Recommended product: Full-Color Reveal Cards (/shop/full-color-reveal-cards). FAQ: - **Q:** What redemption rate do auto-dealer scratch mailers get? **A:** We don't publish a response-rate figure, since it depends on your offer, list, and market. What the format changes is engagement: the recipient has to scratch the card to find out what they won, so the piece gets handled instead of tossed. - **Q:** Can we mail 10,000+ pieces at automation rates? **A:** Yes. We design to USPS automation specs and can hand off to your mail-house or ship in-house on request. - **Q:** Can each mailer be personalized? **A:** Yes. Variable data prints recipient name, lease-end date, current vehicle, and dealer contact card-to-card in one press run. ### Salons, spas & med-spas: /use-cases/salons-spas-and-med-spas Salons, spas, and med-spas use custom scratch-off cards to drive rebooking, referrals, and service upgrades. Handed over at checkout, they turn a one-time guest into a regular, with brand-color and service-menu design included at no extra cost. The salon industry's rebooking rate is the single most important number in the business. Scratch-off cards handed at checkout, 'scratch to reveal your next-visit reward,' give the front desk a reason to book the next appointment before the guest walks out. We print for solo stylists, boutique studios, and multi-location spa chains. - **Rebook-driver cards**: Every guest leaves with a scratch card revealing next-visit discount, add-on service, or product. - **Referral rewards**: 'Scratch to reveal your friend's welcome gift': clients hand cards to friends, tracked by unique code. - **Service-upgrade prompts**: Prize legend biased toward add-ons (deep conditioner, foil accent, aromatherapy) drives service-menu upgrades. - **Med-spa injectable promos**: Higher-value scratch cards for injectables, filler, and body-contouring intro pricing on new patients. - **In-brand design**: Match your salon palette, logo, and photography, our design team lays out at no extra cost. Recommended product: Small Full-Color Scratch-Off Card (/shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** What kind of prize should salon scratch cards offer? **A:** Weight the odds heavily toward service upgrades (add-on conditioner, gloss, brow shape) which cost you $5-$15 and drive next-visit rebooking. Reserve top prizes for a full-service upgrade or a retail take-home. - **Q:** How many cards should a solo stylist order? **A:** A 250-card online order, the smallest online run, lasts a solo stylist 3-6 months at typical guest volume. Phone and email orders start at 500 cards. Multi-chair studios reorder monthly. - **Q:** Can each card have a unique referral code? **A:** Yes. Variable-data printing sequences unique redemption codes card-to-card so you can attribute referrals accurately. ### Retail stores & e-commerce brands: /use-cases/retail-stores-and-ecommerce-brands Retail stores and e-commerce brands use custom scratch-off cards as packaging inserts, checkout handouts, and loyalty signup incentives. The reveal turns a flat discount into a moment customers open, keep, and redeem, which lifts repeat purchase and email or SMS opt-in rates. A coupon code in an email gets skipped. A scratch-off card in the bag or the shipping box gets opened. Retail and DTC brands use scratch-offs for unboxing inserts, second-purchase offers, loyalty and SMS signups, store openings, and seasonal promos, with prize odds and redemption terms controlled before a single card prints. - **Packaging inserts**: 'Scratch for your next-order reward' rides free inside the box and pulls one-time buyers back for a second purchase. - **Checkout handouts**: Turn every in-store transaction into a reason to return: front-desk and bag-stuffer sizes stack easily at the register. - **Loyalty & SMS signups**: Gate the reveal behind a signup or QR scan to grow your list with a real incentive instead of a plain 10%-off popup. - **Margin-safe prize mixes**: Weighted prize levels, printed odds, and redemption terms keep a grand-prize headline affordable at volume. - **Store openings & seasonal pushes**: Grand-opening giveaways, BFCM promos, and clearance events land harder with a physical reveal than another banner ad. Recommended product: Full-Color Reveal Cards (/shop/full-color-reveal-cards). FAQ: - **Q:** Do scratch-off inserts actually improve repeat purchases? **A:** They give a one-time buyer a physical, dated reason to come back, and because the reward is unknown until scratched, the card gets opened and kept instead of tossed with the packing slip. Pair it with a unique code or QR link so you can measure redemption directly. - **Q:** Can each card have a unique code for online redemption? **A:** Yes. Variable-data printing puts a unique discount code, QR link, or loyalty ID under the scratch panel so you can track redemption per card and cap total exposure. - **Q:** What's the minimum order for a retail or e-commerce promo? **A:** 250 cards when you order online (500 by phone or email), which is enough for a single store's counter or a small insert run. Most DTC brands order 5,000-100,000 for ongoing packaging inserts, where per-card pricing drops sharply. ### Employee recognition & loyalty programs: /use-cases/loyalty-and-employee-recognition HR teams and loyalty programs use custom scratch-off cards for spot bonuses, safety-milestone recognition, employee-of-the-month awards, and B2B rewards. A card a teammate scratches at their desk lands harder than a Slack ping, and the prize legend keeps budgets fixed. Digital recognition tools scale, but they also fade instantly. A physical scratch-off card handed by a manager feels like an event. We print for HR teams running spot-bonus programs, safety-milestone drives, and B2B loyalty programs where partners scratch to reveal quarterly rewards. - **Spot-bonus cards**: Managers keep a stack; hand out on the spot for above-and-beyond moments. Scratch reveals bonus amount or gift-card tier. - **Safety milestone rewards**: Hand at safety-goal milestones (30/60/90 days incident-free). Scratch reveals a company-store credit or PTO hour. - **Employee-of-the-month**: Card presented at all-hands; recipient scratches on stage for a real moment. - **B2B loyalty tiers**: Distribute to channel partners at QBR; scratch reveals tier upgrade, marketing-fund add, or event invitation. - **Fully branded**: Match your employer brand, program name, and internal art guide, designed by our team at no extra cost. Recommended product: Small Full-Color Scratch-Off Card (/shop/small-full-color-scratch-off-card). FAQ: - **Q:** How many recognition cards should we order? **A:** For a 500-person company running a monthly spot-bonus program, 1,000-2,500 cards is a typical annual order. Scale down for smaller teams; online orders start at 250 cards and phone or email orders at 500. - **Q:** Can we have tiered prize amounts? **A:** Yes. Weight prize odds toward mid-tier rewards ($10-$25 gift cards) with rare top-tier ($100+) for standout recognition. We design the odds for you. - **Q:** Are the cards tax-treated as compensation? **A:** Consult your tax team. We print any language you need on the card. --- ## Materials & specifications ### Cardstock options: /materials/cardstock-weights Standard pricing is based on 12pt C2S cardstock. Additional options include 280gsm blue-core security stock, plus 14pt and 16pt cardstock for specialized program work. Availability and pricing vary by project. Cardstock affects the feel, durability, security, mailing requirements, and overall cost of a scratch-off card. Most projects use our standard 12pt C2S stock, while blue-core security stock and heavier 14pt or 16pt options are available for select programs. Specs: - 12pt C2S: Our standard cardstock and the basis for published pricing. A versatile choice for most custom scratch-off card programs. - 280gsm blue-core security: Security stock with an opaque blue core designed to help prevent show-through and protect concealed information. - 14pt cardstock: A heavier option available for specialized programs that require added rigidity or a more substantial feel. - 16pt cardstock: Our heaviest listed option for specialized program work. Availability and pricing depend on project requirements. Best for: 12pt C2S: Standard scratch-off cards and most promotional campaigns, 280gsm blue-core: Programs requiring added opacity and security, 14pt: Specialized programs needing additional rigidity, 16pt: Premium or specialized applications requiring a heavier feel. FAQ: - **Q:** What's the difference between C1S and C2S? **A:** C1S is coated on one side (back is uncoated for writing). C2S is coated on both sides. Almost all scratch-off cards use C2S so scratch ink adheres cleanly to a coated surface. - **Q:** Which weight is most popular? **A:** 12pt C2S is our most-ordered weight, sturdy, mailable, and cost-effective. About 70% of our jobs run on 12pt. ### Classic silver scratch-off latex: /materials/classic-silver-latex-ink Classic silver scratch-off latex is the metallic ink most people recognize from instant-win tickets. Scratching with a coin or fingernail removes the opaque layer to reveal printed copy underneath. It's the most cost-effective and highest-contrast scratch option, the default for most promotional cards. The silver panel is the icon of the scratch-off format for a reason: universal recognition, high contrast against printed reveals, and the lowest per-card cost. Here's what goes into it and when to use it. Specs: - Ink system: UV-curable scratch-off coating - Finish: Metallic silver, opaque - Application: Screen printed over release-coated print - Coverage: Any shape: rectangles, circles, custom die-cut zones - Removes with: Coin, fingernail, or dry cloth Best for: Fundraiser pledge cards (60-spot / 100-spot layouts), Instant-win promotional cards, Cost-sensitive high-volume campaigns, High-contrast reveal readability. FAQ: - **Q:** How much of the card can be scratch-off? **A:** Any area up to about 80% of the printed surface. We recommend leaving at least 20% for brand chrome, prize legend, and reveal instructions. - **Q:** Does the scratch ink smear before scratching? **A:** No, once cured, the panel is dry and stable through mail handling, coin-scratch, and storage. ### Custom-color scratch-off ink: /materials/custom-color-scratch-ink Custom-color scratch-off ink replaces the standard silver panel with a brand-matched color: gold, brand red, matte black, and pastels are common. It costs 10-20% more per card than silver but delivers on-brand cohesion that silver can't match. For brand-driven campaigns, the silver scratch panel can feel like a jarring break in the design. Custom-color latex ink lets your brand color BE the scratch panel, while retaining full scratch functionality. Specs: - COLOR MATCHING: Out-of-process color matching available. Final color may vary due to security coatings and the scratch-off application process. - Common colors: Gold, brand red, matte black, blush, navy - Opacity: Matches silver's opacity, reveal underneath is fully hidden - Cost delta: +10-20% vs. classic silver - Minimum quantity: 250 cards online, 500 by phone or email Best for: Luxury retail and hospitality, Wedding and event branding, Corporate gifts with strict brand guidelines, Advent calendars and holiday campaigns. FAQ: - **Q:** Can you match my exact Pantone color? **A:** We can use your Pantone value as a color reference, but an exact match cannot be guaranteed. Custom scratch-off colors are produced out of process, and the final appearance may vary due to security coatings and the scratch-off application process. - **Q:** Does colored scratch ink work like silver? **A:** Yes, same scratch mechanic, same reveal quality, same durability. ### Full-color reveal (under-panel CMYK): /materials/full-color-reveal-printing Full-color reveal cards print a full-CMYK image or design under the scratch panel: sonogram photos for gender reveals, product photos for retail, or wedding portraits for save-the-dates. The reveal is a complete printed image, not just text or a code. The classic scratch-off reveals text ('You won $10 off!'). Full-color reveal cards hide a full-CMYK image, dramatically more emotional and shareable, especially for announcements, events, gifts, and promotional campaigns. Specs: - Reveal resolution: 300 DPI full CMYK - Under-panel size: Any shape from 1×1 in to card-size - Compatible substrates: 12pt-16pt C2S cardstock - Scratch ink compatibility: Classic silver or custom-color - Turnaround: Same as classic reveal (7-10 business days) Best for: Gender-reveal announcements, Wedding save-the-dates, Retail product-launch teasers, Advent-calendar daily reveals. FAQ: - **Q:** Can I put a photo under the scratch panel? **A:** Yes. This is the primary use case for full-color reveal. Send us any 300 DPI CMYK image. - **Q:** Is full-color reveal more expensive? **A:** About 20-30% more per card than classic silver-only reveals, because we print an extra full-color layer beneath the release coat. ### Foil stamping & metallic accents: /materials/foil-and-metallic-accents Foil stamping adds gold, silver, rose-gold, or holographic accents to scratch-off cards for wedding, luxury retail, and premium event campaigns. It adds 20-40% to per-card cost but transforms perceived value, best used on the front chrome, not the scratch panel itself. Foil turns a printed card into a premium keepsake. On scratch-off cards, we apply foil to logo lockups, borders, and headlines, never to the scratch panel itself (foil would prevent the latex from adhering). Specs: - Foil types: Gold, silver, rose-gold, copper, holographic - Application: Hot-stamped onto printed card - Coverage areas: Logo, headline, border, monogram, not scratch panel - Cost delta: +20-40% per card - Minimum quantity: 250 cards online, 500 by phone or email Best for: Wedding save-the-dates and favors, Luxury retail and hospitality, Executive corporate gifts, Anniversary and holiday keepsakes. FAQ: - **Q:** Can I foil-stamp over the scratch panel? **A:** No, the scratch latex needs to sit on a coated print surface. Foil placement is limited to the non-scratch areas of the card. - **Q:** Which foil color is most popular? **A:** Gold, followed by silver. Rose-gold is trending for wedding and beauty-brand work. ### Die-cutting & perforations: /materials/die-cutting-and-perforations Die-cutting produces custom card shapes (rounded corners, hangers, badges, tickets) beyond the standard rectangle. Perforations allow multi-panel tear-off designs, common on Advent calendars and multi-visit loyalty cards. Both add ~$0.05-$0.20 per card depending on complexity. The standard rectangle works for most jobs, but custom die-cuts and perforations unlock formats the flat card can't do: door-hanger holes, tear-off entry stubs, month-view advent calendars, and shaped promotional pieces. Specs: - Custom shapes: Rounded corners, ovals, badges, hangers, tickets - Perforation types: Straight tear, micro-perf, kiss-cut - Tooling cost: One-time $75-$300 for custom die; standard dies free - Cost delta: +$0.05-$0.20 per card - Minimum quantity: 250 cards online, 500 by phone or email Best for: Door-hanger promotional pieces, Multi-panel advent calendars, Multi-visit loyalty cards with tear-off stubs, Retail POP displays with hangers. FAQ: - **Q:** Do you have standard die shapes available for free? **A:** Yes, rounded corners, standard postcard sizes, and common ticket shapes have no tooling fee. Custom shapes require a one-time die charge. - **Q:** Can I perforate the scratch panel itself? **A:** No, perforations run around the scratch area. The panel stays intact for the reveal. --- ## Glossary ### Bleed: /glossary/bleed Bleed is the 0.125-inch (or 3mm) buffer of extra printed art extending beyond the final card trim line. It ensures that when the cutter is off by a hair, no unprinted paper edge shows through: background color, imagery, or scratch panel runs cleanly to the edge. Every print-ready file for Mr. Scratch Off should include 0.125-inch bleed on all four sides. Related: safe-zone, trim-line, cmyk, 300-dpi. ### Safe zone: /glossary/safe-zone The safe zone is the printable interior of a card where important text, logos, QR codes, and other critical elements should stay. It sits 0.125-0.25 inch inside the trim line, inside of the trim, and well away from bleed. This buffer protects your important content from being clipped by cutter drift. Related: bleed, trim-line, 300-dpi. ### Trim line: /glossary/trim-line The trim line is the exact dimensions of the finished card. Everything outside the trim line is bleed and gets cut off; everything inside is the visible card. Design your card at trim-line dimensions plus 0.125-inch bleed on each side. Related: bleed, safe-zone. ### CMYK: /glossary/cmyk CMYK is the four-color subtractive process used in commercial offset and digital printing. All full-color scratch-off card artwork should be built in CMYK color space, not RGB. RGB files convert on press and can shift color unpredictably. Related: pantone, rgb, color-match, 300-dpi. ### Pantone: /glossary/pantone Pantone (PMS) colors are pre-mixed spot inks that match brand colors precisely. When brand-color match is critical (corporate identity, wedding palette), specify Pantone values in your artwork and we'll match on press. Related: cmyk, color-match, foil-stamp. ### GSM: /glossary/gsm GSM (grams per square meter) is the metric measure of paper weight and thickness. Standard scratch-off cards run about 250-300 GSM, which corresponds to roughly 12pt-16pt in the US point system; our 280gsm blue-core security stock sits in that range. Heavier GSM feels more premium but pushes mailing pieces into oversize postage rates. Related: c2s, cardstock-weight. ### C2S (coated two sides): /glossary/c2s C2S (coated two sides) cardstock has a smooth coating on both the front and back, giving both surfaces the same ink adhesion. Scratch-off cards use C2S because the release coat and latex ink adhere cleanly to a coated surface. Related: gsm, cardstock-weight. ### Spot UV: /glossary/spot-uv Spot UV is a clear, glossy coating applied to targeted areas of a printed card: logo, headline, borders. It creates a raised, high-shine accent against the matte or satin surrounding print. Adds tactile and visual premium feel; typically +$0.05-$0.15 per card. Related: foil-stamp, cardstock-weight. ### Scratch-off latex: /glossary/scratch-off-latex Scratch-off latex is an opaque UV-cured coating printed over a release-coated area to conceal the reveal underneath. Standard silver is the most common, while custom colors can be produced to complement a brand or campaign. The coating is removed by scratching it with a coin or fingernail. Related: release-coat, reveal-area, silver-latex. ### Release coat: /glossary/release-coat The release coat is a clear coating printed between the underlying reveal art and the scratch latex. It's what allows the latex to be scratched off cleanly without lifting the ink underneath. Every scratch-off card includes this layer even though it's invisible. Related: scratch-off-latex, reveal-area. ### Reveal area: /glossary/reveal-area The reveal area is the printed content underneath the scratch latex, a prize amount, code, image, or message. It can be full-CMYK art (full-color reveal) or simple black text (classic reveal). Design at 300 DPI and inside a defined mask. Related: scratch-off-latex, full-color-reveal, 300-dpi. ### Silver latex: /glossary/silver-latex Silver latex is the metallic-silver formulation of scratch-off ink. It's the most cost-effective option and the highest-contrast against printed reveals. It's the default choice for fundraiser cards, promotional prize cards, and most direct-mail campaigns. Related: scratch-off-latex, custom-color-latex, pledge-card. ### Prize legend: /glossary/prize-legend The prize legend is the printed table showing what prizes are available and the odds of winning each. Required by sweepstakes law when a grand prize exists; recommended for every promotional card so redeemers know what to expect. We design and print prize legends as part of every promo card layout. Related: odds-calibration, official-rules, no-purchase-necessary, pledge-card. ### Odds calibration: /glossary/odds-calibration Odds calibration is how promotion designers assign frequency of each prize tier so the weighted-average cost per card stays inside campaign budget. For a restaurant giving out 1,000 scratch cards with a $0.20 target redemption cost, most cards would be small discounts, a smaller subset mid-tier, and a handful top-tier. Related: prize-legend, sweepstakes, pledge-card. ### No purchase necessary: /glossary/no-purchase-necessary U.S. sweepstakes promotions generally require a way for participants to enter without making a purchase. Otherwise, the promotion may be classified as a lottery, which is regulated as gambling. “No purchase necessary” language and an AMOE (alternative method of entry) help distinguish promotional scratch-off campaigns from illegal lotteries. Requirements vary by state and by promotion, and some projects may require review by a qualified sweepstakes attorney. Customers are responsible for confirming compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Related: sweepstakes, official-rules, prize-legend. ### Official rules: /glossary/official-rules Official rules govern any promotion with a grand prize: eligibility, entry period, prize description, odds, sponsor identification, and dispute resolution. The scratch card includes a 'see full rules at [URL]' reference; the rules themselves live on your website. Related: sweepstakes, no-purchase-necessary, prize-legend. ### Sweepstakes: /glossary/sweepstakes A sweepstakes is a promotion with prizes awarded by chance and no purchase required to enter. Scratch-off cards with grand prizes are sweepstakes; scratch cards where 'every card wins' something are typically coupons. The legal treatment differs: sweepstakes require official rules; coupons do not. Related: no-purchase-necessary, official-rules. ### Variable-data printing (VDP): /glossary/variable-data-printing Variable-data printing (VDP) prints unique content on each card in a single press run: recipient name, unique redemption code, mailing address, custom prize. Enables personalized direct-mail and unique-code tracking without the cost of multiple print runs. Related: direct-mail, unique-code, pledge-card. ### Direct mail: /glossary/direct-mail Direct mail is postal delivery of marketing pieces to a targeted list. Scratch-off cards are exceptional direct-mail pieces because the physical scratch drives 3-5× the response rate of standard postcards. We produce automation-rate USPS-compliant designs in-house. Related: variable-data-printing, postcard-rate, usps-automation-rate. ### Postcard rate: /glossary/postcard-rate The USPS postcard rate applies to mailings between 3.5×5 in and 4.25×6 in on stock 7-14pt, which covers our standard 12pt C2S cards. Larger or thicker pieces mail at First-Class or automation letter rates. Our design team sizes to postcard-rate specs by default unless a larger format is required. Related: direct-mail, cardstock-weight, usps-automation-rate. ### Die-cut: /glossary/die-cut Die-cutting produces non-rectangular card shapes: rounded corners, hangers, badges, tickets. Requires a metal die tool; standard shapes (rounded corners, standard postcard) have no tooling fee; custom shapes incur a one-time $75-$300 die charge. Related: perforation, kiss-cut, advent-calendar, foil-stamp. ### Perforation: /glossary/perforation Perforations are dotted cut lines that let a card be torn along a defined edge, common on tear-off entry stubs, multi-panel Advent calendars, and coupon books. Straight-line or micro-perf variants available. Related: die-cut, kiss-cut, advent-calendar. ### Kiss-cut: /glossary/kiss-cut A kiss-cut is a shallow die cut that goes through the top layer (typically a sticker face or lamination) without cutting the backing sheet. Used to produce peel-away scratch-off stickers on liner sheets. Related: die-cut, perforation. ### Foil stamp: /glossary/foil-stamp Foil stamping applies a thin metallic film to specific areas of a printed card via heat and pressure. Adds premium tactile and visual accent for wedding, luxury, and executive-gift work. Adds 20-40% to per-card cost; not compatible over the scratch panel. Related: spot-uv, custom-color-latex. ### Unique code: /glossary/unique-code Unique codes let a marketer attribute each scratch-off card's redemption to a specific mailing, region, or channel partner. Generated in bulk and printed via variable-data, visible on the card face or hidden under the scratch panel. Related: variable-data-printing, qr-code. ### QR code: /glossary/qr-code QR codes are 2D scannable barcodes that link to a URL when scanned by a smartphone camera. Popular hybrid: print a unique QR code under a scratch panel so the tactile scratch drives the reveal AND digital tracking. Related: unique-code, direct-mail. ### Full-color reveal: /glossary/full-color-reveal Full-color reveal cards print a full-CMYK image or design under the scratch panel: a photograph, illustration, or brand artwork. More emotional and shareable than text-only reveals; ~20-30% more expensive per card. Related: classic-reveal, reveal-area, advent-calendar. ### Classic reveal: /glossary/classic-reveal Classic reveal cards print simple text or codes under the scratch panel, the traditional hidden-text format. The most cost-effective scratch format and the workhorse of fundraiser pledge cards and promotional loyalty programs. Related: full-color-reveal, reveal-area, pledge-card. ### Custom-color latex: /glossary/custom-color-latex Custom-color latex replaces the standard silver scratch panel with a brand color: gold, brand red, matte black, pastels. Adds 10-20% to per-card cost; delivers on-brand cohesion silver can't match. Related: silver-latex, scratch-off-latex, pantone, foil-stamp. ### Advent calendar: /glossary/advent-calendar A custom scratch-off Advent calendar prints numbered windows, one per day of your countdown, with a scratch panel over each. Window count is up to you: a traditional 24-day Advent, 25 days through Christmas, eight nights for Hanukkah, or any custom countdown. Each day, users scratch to reveal a message, coupon, image, or activity. A perennial holiday format for retail, church, and family use. Related: full-color-reveal, die-cut, perforation. ### Pledge card (fundraiser): /glossary/pledge-card Pledge cards are the workhorse fundraiser format. Each of 60-100 spots hides a small pledge amount ($0.50-$3). A single fully-scratched 60-spot card raises ~$100 in pledges, a high yield per card handed out. Related: classic-reveal, silver-latex. ### Artwork file: /glossary/artwork-file Print-ready artwork is submitted as PDF, AI, or PSD at 300 DPI resolution, in CMYK color mode, with 0.125-inch bleed on all sides and critical content inside the safe zone. Our team reviews every file for free before production. Related: bleed, safe-zone, cmyk, 300-dpi. ### 300 DPI: /glossary/300-dpi 300 DPI (dots per inch) is the resolution standard for commercial print. Lower-resolution images print pixelated or soft. All raster imagery in a scratch-off card design should be embedded at 300 DPI at its final print size. Related: cmyk, artwork-file, bleed. ### Proof: /glossary/proof A proof is the pre-production preview we send after file review, showing final layout, colors, and construction. Production doesn't start until you approve the proof. This is the last chance to catch typos, layout issues, or color concerns. Related: press-proof, artwork-file, turnaround. ### Press proof: /glossary/press-proof A press proof is a physical proof pulled from the actual printing press, the highest-fidelity color check available. Used on high-volume or color-critical jobs. Adds cost and 3-5 days to timeline; worth it for corporate brand-color match on 5,000+ card runs. Related: proof, pantone, turnaround. ### MOQ (minimum order quantity): /glossary/moq MOQ (minimum order quantity) is the smallest number of cards we'll produce in a run. Our MOQ is 250 cards for online orders and 500 cards for phone and email orders. Below that, the fixed press setup costs make per-card cost impractical. Above 250, per-card cost drops sharply through 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000. Related: cardstock-weight, turnaround. ### Turnaround: /glossary/turnaround Turnaround is the production window from approved proof to shipment. Standard turnaround is 7-10 business days for orders up to 10,000 cards. Rush 3-5 day turnaround is available on most jobs for an added fee. Related: proof, moq. ### USPS automation rate: /glossary/usps-automation-rate USPS automation rate is a discounted postage tier for mailings that meet strict size, weight, and addressing specs: machine-sortable pieces. Bulk direct-mail campaigns save 15-30% on postage vs. First-Class by mailing at automation rate. We design to spec by default. Related: direct-mail, postcard-rate. ### Color match: /glossary/color-match Color match means the printer pulls the specific color you specified (via Pantone or CMYK values) on press, matching within an acceptable Delta-E tolerance. Critical for brand-critical work. Press-proofing is recommended for 5,000+ card runs where color drift would be visible. Related: pantone, cmyk, press-proof. ### RGB: /glossary/rgb RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the additive color model of digital screens. Print uses subtractive CMYK. Artwork submitted in RGB gets converted to CMYK on press, often with unpredictable color shifts. Always build print files in CMYK from the start. Related: cmyk, color-match. --- ## Authors - **Mr. Scratch Off Team**: /authors/mso-team · Editorial: The Mr. Scratch Off team has printed custom scratch-off cards, tickets, and advent calendars in the USA since 1900. Our writers combine hands-on press-room experience with campaign data from thousands of client projects. - **Ty Koon**: /authors/ty-koon · Founder & Print Production Lead: Ty founded Mr. Scratch Off after more than two decades running custom print jobs for brands, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 marketing teams. He personally reviews production files on complex jobs. - **MSO Editorial Desk**: /authors/editorial-desk · Content & Research: The MSO Editorial Desk researches promotional-marketing trends, interviews clients, and translates production know-how into practical guides for marketers, event planners, and nonprofit teams. --- ## Operational facts - Founded: 1900 (division of Lawton Connect). - Manufacturing: Orlando, FL, USA. Address: 649 Triumph Court, Orlando, FL 32805. - Phone: 844-287-2855. - Turnaround: 7-10 business days after proof approval; rush available. - Proofs: same-day digital proofs on most orders. - Card stock: 12pt C2S standard; 280gsm blue-core security, 14pt, and 16pt options. - Scratch panels: silver, gold, or full-color CMYK reveal. - Minimums: cards start at 250 online and 500 by phone or email; advent calendars start at 50 units. - Volume: 1 billion+ scratch cards printed to date.