In the fast-paced world of retail and customer service, first impressions are everything. Whether you're managing a café, dental practice, or exhibition stand, how you display your marketing material can significantly influence customer perception. Strut cards are a popular, affordable solution—free-standing display boards ideal for reception desks, counters, or product displays. But choosing the right size matters. Mini strut cards are compact and budget-friendly, while maxi strut cards offer greater visibility and impact. 

This blog compares the pros and cons of both, highlights how they stack up against tent cards, and offers helpful design and placement tips for maximum effectiveness.

What Are Strut Cards?

Strut cards are printed display boards with a folding strut at the back, allowing them to stand upright on flat surfaces like tables, tills, or counters. They are often made from thick card or display board and can be laminated for durability.

Businesses use a strut card to advertise special offers, new arrivals, contactless payment information, seasonal greetings, and much more. From A6 to A3 and beyond, these cards are customisable in size and design, which makes them perfect for both subtle messages and eye-catching promotions.

Mini Strut Cards: Small Size, Sharp Impact

Mini strut cards typically come in A6 or A5 sizes and are ideal for more compact spaces. If your counter is limited in size—or if you're looking to keep the messaging discreet but effective—mini versions might be just what you need.

When to Use Mini Strut Cards:

• Cafés and restaurants to display WiFi passwords or menu highlights
• Retail counters to promote discount codes or product bundles
• Reception desks with appointment reminders or contact details
• Health and beauty clinics with service lists or waiting time updates

Mini cards are easy to handle, quick to change, and budget-friendly. Despite their size, they can still make a bold statement if designed smartly.

Design Tips:

• Use bold typography to make sure your message is clear from a short distance.
• Keep the message focused—avoid cluttered layouts.
• Use strong contrast between background and text for better readability.

Maxi Strut Cards: Maximum Visibility, Bold Presence

Maxi strut cards are often A4 or A3 in size and are better suited to open counters, larger desks, or entrance areas where visibility from a distance is key. These are the attention-grabbers—perfect for bigger, bolder messages.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Hotels or salons showcasing premium services or loyalty programmes
• Large reception areas announcing new procedures or upcoming events
• Retail displays promoting new product ranges or limited-time offers
• Trade exhibitions with special deals or branding messages

While they require more space, maxi cards are powerful visual tools. Their larger surface allows for more information, visuals, and creative layouts.

Design Tips:

• Incorporate engaging imagery or graphics to draw the eye.
• Consider the viewing angle—design should work both up close and from afar.
• Use clear calls to action like “Scan Here,” “Book Now,” or “Ask for Details.”

Size Comparison Table: Mini vs Maxi Strut Cards

Here's a simple breakdown to help you compare both options:

Summary: Choose mini cards for concise messaging in compact spaces and maxi cards when you want to make a bigger visual impact.

How to Choose the Right Strut Card Size for Your Counter

When deciding between mini and maxi strut cards, it’s not just about the available space—it’s about your goal.

Ask yourself:

• What is the main message?
• How far away will the customer be standing?
• How busy or cluttered is the environment?

For example, in a waiting room where customers sit at a distance, a larger card is more likely to be seen. But if you’re placing something near a till or desk, a mini card may be more suitable and less intrusive.

You can also consider using both sizes together for different purposes. A maxi card can act as the centrepiece of your display, while mini cards can provide supporting information. It’s a simple yet effective way to layer your message.

If you're testing layouts for a new promotion, use paper mock-ups to judge the visual balance on your counter before printing.

Strut Cards vs Tent Cards: What’s the Difference?

While strut cards stand with the help of a fold-out support at the back, tent cards are freestanding displays typically printed on both sides and folded like an A-frame or tent.

Here’s how they compare:

Both serve important roles. Use tent cards for dining tables and strut cards for more directional or promotional messaging on counters and desks.

Design & Messaging Tips for Both Sizes

• Keep it simple: Focus on a single message or promotion per card.
• Use brand colours: Stay consistent with your brand’s identity.
• Legibility matters: Choose easy-to-read fonts and limit word count, especially for mini cards.
• Think about lighting: Use a finish that prevents glare under artificial lighting.
• Include a CTA: Whether it’s scanning a QR code or booking a service, make sure the next step is clear.
  

It’s Not Just About Size

While size does affect visibility and space usage, the purpose of the card is what truly matters. Choosing the right size depends on how much you want to say, where the card will sit, and how far the customer will be from the message.

Mini strut cards work well for quick reads and close-up messages. Maxi versions are ideal when you want to stop someone in their tracks. The most effective displays often combine both for layered and versatile communication.

Conclusion

Whether you’re promoting a seasonal offer, guiding customers through your services, or simply displaying opening hours, strut cards are one of the most powerful tools you can use at point of sale. By choosing the right size and design, you ensure your message gets noticed—and remembered.

For professionally printed strut cards, tent cards, and other point-of-sale materials tailored to your business needs, VC Print offers high-quality, custom solutions with fast turnaround and expert support.