Discussion: Is a Duplicate Order Possible (and is it worth it)?
A question that often comes up in our community is whether you should order a duplicate of your novelty ID. Most vendors offer a "duplicate" or "backup" option at a discounted price if ordered at the same time as your primary card. But is it really worth the extra $30 or $40?
From a collector’s or prop master’s perspective, having a duplicate is almost always a good idea. Accidents happen. Cards get lost, they get bent, or they simply wear out over time. Having an identical backup ready to go can save you the hassle (and cost) of placing an entirely new order and waiting another two weeks for shipping.
Benefits of Ordering a Duplicate
- Cost Savings: It’s much cheaper to get a second copy now than to order a single replacement later.
- Peace of Mind: If one card has a minor defect that you only notice later, you have a second chance with the other one.
- Consistent Quality: Since they are printed in the same batch, you know the color and security features will be identical.
Some people even use their duplicate as their "daily driver" and keep the original in a safe place. This is a common strategy for high-end props that are difficult to replace. What are your thoughts? Do you always check the "add duplicate" box, or do you prefer to just stick with one card and take your chances? Let’s hear your experiences with backup cards.
