With orientation season quickly approaching, there’s perhaps no better time to make sure that your card office is fully stocked and ready for the annual rush.

The size of the institution, the type of credential, and even the time of year, can all affect the ordering process. In a flashback to 2014, ColorID’s corporate marketing manager, Mark Degan, offered his insights to better explain the factors that campuses should consider when it comes time to restock.

“Depending on the university’s orientation sizes, as well as the functions that they are using their ID cards for will help determine the amount of card stock it should keep handy,” explains Degan. “I would suggest having at least six months worth of card stock in house at any given time.”

The size of the institution might also play a role in the restocking process, as larger universities usually place larger orders. Alternatively, larger universities can order more frequently rather than placing a single, high-quantity order.

Know your lead time

The key consideration with restocking your office’s supplies is lead time. The lengthiest lead times can typically be found with custom, technology card stock orders. As Degan explains, these orders routinely take around 4-6 weeks, but in the summer months can balloon up to 6-10 weeks.

“Non-custom, non-technology, or blank, card stock is usually available in sleeves of 500 in a number of options and varieties,” says Degan. “For blank card stock, the standard lead time is one week, and if for some reason it isn’t in stock, a new order could take up to four weeks.”

Replenishing card stock can very easily slip to the bottom of the to-do list, but it’s nonetheless a task that’s worth the time to complete. With just a little bit of planning in advance and an understanding of your university’s needs, a card office can avoid catastrophe and be well prepared for the rush of students come orientation time.