Plastic Products Prevail in Changing Markets

Consider phone and gift cards. Mike Lettmann, sales associate for Xtreme Graphics/Travel Tags, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., sees no signs of these markets slowing down. "Because phone cards tend to be cheaper, many people are abandoning long distance carriers altogether," Lettmann said. "And issuing gift cards instead of gift certificates eliminates the option of cash-back change, which customers can spend elsewhere. The balance stays on the gift card, encouraging customers to return to the store."