Picture this: You’re at a busy local market, talking with a vendor whose products you love. You want to follow them on social media or check out their website later. But they’re helping other customers, you’re carrying bags, and searching for their business on your phone feels like too much work right now. So you tell yourself you’ll look them up later—and then you completely forget.
This happens all the time. And for small business owners, it means losing potential customers and followers.
That’s what happened when we met the founder of a cosmetics company at the Utah Nail Expo. She made an amazing lotion that we both loved. At the end of the event, we gave her something different—not a business card, but a small NFC tag. She tapped it on her phone, and our contact information opened instantly. No typing, searching or apps to download. She was interested. Two weeks later, she ordered custom NFC tags with her own brand design.
That moment taught us something important: when you make it easier for people to connect with you, they actually do it.
The Problem with Business Cards
Business cards have been around for a long time, and they work. But they also pile up in drawers, get thrown away, and need to be reordered constantly. For small businesses at markets and events, printing costs add up quickly. And if you change your Instagram handle or update your website, those cards become outdated right away.
At local events, we’ve seen that many vendors either don’t have their information ready to share, or sharing it takes extra time that customers don’t want to spend. When someone is interested in the moment but has to search for a business later, they often forget. The chance to connect is gone.
What Is an NFC Tag?
If you’ve ever used Apple Pay or Google Wallet, you’ve already used NFC technology. NFC stands for Near-Field Communication. It’s the same safe wireless system that lets you tap your phone to pay for things.
An NFC tag is a small chip that you tap with your smartphone. When you do, it instantly opens whatever you programmed it to show—your website, social media page, contact information, or even emergency details. You don’t need an app. You don’t need to type anything. Just tap and go.
Here’s the best part: nearly 94% of smartphones around the world can read NFC tags right now. By 2027, that number will be almost 100%. This means almost everyone you meet at an event or market can use an NFC tag today. A 2024 study by the NFC Forum and ABI Research found that people are using mobile contactless technology more and more for everyday tasks, not just payments.
Why Small Businesses Love NFC Tags
We started making NFC tags after seeing others in the 3D printing community create fun designs—Instagram logos, nail polish bottle shapes for nail techs, and more. Our first big test came when we pitched the idea to a company we know. They loved it. At their first event, they sold out completely.
For a business where team members need to network quickly with each other and potential customers, NFC tags changed everything. They keep ordering from us, trying different colors and designs, giving their team options to switch things up.
Here’s why NFC tags work so well for small businesses:
They make connecting easy at the right moment. When someone is at your booth or talking to you after a workshop, a quick tap gives them everything they need without stopping the conversation.
You can update them anytime. Change your Instagram handle? Update your tag right away using the free NFC Tools app (available on Apple and Google Play stores). No need to throw away and reorder physical cards.
They help you stand out. At crowded events, a custom NFC tag looks modern and professional. It shows you’re easy to connect with.
They save money over time. Starting at just $6 each, one NFC tag replaces hundreds of business cards you’d need to print and replace.
Why Custom Design Matters
We sell basic designs—simple tap symbols, Facebook and Instagram logos. Our most popular design is the custom-made, personalized designs. When your NFC tag shows your actual logo or brand colors, people remember your brand better. It’s not just a tool—it’s part of your business identity.
Compared to QR codes, NFC tags are smoother to use and have stronger security built in. QR codes need special systems to work and can be changed by hackers. People are tired of scanning QR codes. NFC feels easy and modern.
Keeping Kids Safe: NFC Tags for Families
While we were making NFC tags for businesses, we realized they could help families too—especially for emergency information.
In 2025 we learned that two of our children have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Having something they can wear or keep in their backpack that shares contact information instantly in an emergency gives us peace of mind. While our kids can talk, we know this could be really helpful for families with non-verbal children or kids with special needs.
Think about situations where every second matters—when a child gets separated at a crowded event, when a teacher needs to reach a parent fast, or when first responders need medical information. An NFC tag gives quick access to important details. You can program it with emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, or anything that might help keep your child safe.
While we are still learning the best way to reach families who could benefit from this, we’re committed to it, as we understand how much peace of mind it provides.
Why Choose V & L Prints
We’re a small, family-run business, and that shapes everything we do. When you order custom NFC tags from us, you’re not getting mass-produced products from a warehouse. You work directly with us through the whole design process.
We make test versions, stay in communication and make sure the design represents your brand the way you want. For the cosmetic company, we finished the entire process—from idea to finished product—in two weeks, talking with her every step of the way.
Each NFC tag comes with an easy-to-attach chain made to work as a keychain, though customers find creative ways to use them. Whether you need tags for your booth, your sales team, your family’s safety, or something else, we design with real-world use in mind.
Ready to Make Connecting Easier?
Are you a small business owner tired of watching potential customers walk away because they feel getting your information is too much work? Or a parent looking for a modern way to share emergency information? Our custom NFC tags are what you need.
We’d love to talk with you about creating a design that works for your needs. The process is simple, we work quickly, and the cost—starting at just $6 per tag—pays for itself in connections made and peace of mind gained.
Let’s start a conversation. Reach out to V & L Prints today, and we’ll show you how custom NFC tags can work for your business or family. In a world where people’s attention is short and moments matter, making it easy for people to connect with you isn’t just convenient—it’s necessary.