Rack cards are the tall, narrow cards found in hotel lobbies, visitor centres, waiting rooms, and counter displays. At 4 by 9 inches, they fit standard brochure racks and slip easily into envelopes and shopping bags. This Black Friday rack card is designed for that format, with a bold headline at the top, a photo in the middle, a short price list, and a tear-off coupon at the bottom that customers can bring back to the store.
What a Rack Card Is For
Rack cards are read from the top down while they sit in a holder, so only the top third is visible at first. That is why this card puts BLACK FRIDAY in huge letters at the top, where it can be seen even when the card is partly covered. Once someone picks it up, the photo, deals, and coupon tell the rest of the story.
The Tall Antonio Headline
BLACK is set in white and FRIDAY in orange, both in Antonio, a tall condensed typeface that fits the narrow format perfectly. Underneath, DEALS ALL WEEKEND is set in white. The navy background makes the type stand out in a crowded rack.
Orange Bands and a Photo
Two orange bands of different thickness separate the navy top from the cream lower half, like stripes on a shop awning. Below them, a wide photo slot shows your store, products, or a lifestyle scene. Choose a horizontal photo with the subject in the centre.
The Department Price List
| Department | Offer |
|---|---|
| Home decor | 30% off |
| Kitchen | 25% off |
| Lighting | 40% off |
| Rugs | from $49 |
The departments are listed in navy Antonio with offers in orange on the right, separated by thin lines.
The Tear-Off Coupon
A dashed line near the bottom marks the tear-off coupon. Above it, TEAR OFF, BRING THIS COUPON is printed in small capitals; below it, EXTRA $10 OFF $75 appears in large orange letters, with the store name and address. Customers tear along the line and bring the bottom part to the till.
Why Coupons Help Measure Results
A tear-off coupon tells you exactly how many people acted on the rack card. Count the coupons after the weekend and compare with the number of cards you distributed. This is valuable information for planning next year’s marketing.
Customising the Rack Card
- Edit DEALS ALL WEEKEND if needed.
- Replace the photo.
- Change the four departments and offers.
- Update the coupon offer.
- Retype the store name and address at the bottom.
Where to Place Rack Cards
Ask local hotels, tourist information centres, cafes, gyms and community centres if you can leave a stack in their racks. Visitors looking for things to do often pick up cards for nearby shops. Place a holder by your own till too.
Printing Rack Cards
Rack cards are usually printed on thick card stock so they stand upright in holders. A print shop can print several on a large sheet and cut them. At home, you can print on card stock in Letter size and trim with a guillotine; the card is 4 inches wide, so two fit side by side with trimming.
Perforating the Coupon
For a professional result, ask your print shop to perforate along the dashed line. Customers can then tear off the coupon cleanly. If you print at home, the dashed line still works as a guide for cutting with scissors.
Using the Card in Mailings
Rack cards fit into standard business envelopes. Include one with invoices, order shipments, or holiday cards to customers. A personal mailing with a coupon is a friendly reminder of your sale.
Home Stores, Galleries and Attractions
The sample is for a home store, but rack cards suit galleries, museums, tour companies, restaurants and attractions. Replace the departments with tickets, tours, or menu items, and the coupon with a family discount.
Designing for a Narrow Format
Narrow cards need tall, condensed fonts and short lines. When editing, keep text short and avoid long phrases that wrap awkwardly. If a department name is long, abbreviate it or reduce the font slightly.
Keeping Coupons Easy to Redeem
Train staff to accept the coupon quickly and keep redeemed coupons in a box at the till for counting later. If your system allows, give the coupon a code so it can be entered quickly and tracked automatically.
Writing Short Lines for a Tall Card
Every line on a rack card has to fit a narrow width. Use one or two words for departments and keep offers short, like 30% off or from $49. Short lines also look tidier in the tall Antonio font, which is designed for narrow spaces.
Choosing a Photo for the Rack Card
A wide shot of your shop interior or a styled product group works best. The photo sits between the headline and the price list, so it should feel inviting and give a sense of what the store sells. Avoid dark or busy images that make the card look heavy.
Distributing Rack Cards With Partners
Neighbouring businesses often trade rack card space. Offer to display a cafe’s or gym’s cards in your store in exchange for space in theirs. Partnerships widen your reach for free and strengthen relationships with local businesses.
Planning How Many Cards to Print
Estimate how many racks and counters you can reach, then print a modest first batch. Count how many coupons come back in the first few days and print more if the cards are working. It keeps costs down and avoids boxes of unused cards after the sale.
Refilling Rack Card Holders During the Week
Check the racks every few days and refill them, because an empty holder sends visitors to the next card in the rack.
Rack Card Questions
Is 4 by 9 inches a standard rack card size?
Yes. It fits most standard brochure racks and business envelopes.
Can I remove the coupon?
Yes. Delete the dashed line and coupon text, then extend the price list.
Can I print it double-sided?
This template is one-sided. Add a second page in the editor for the back.
