One of the most vital decisions is choosing the manufacturer before placing an order for your pin badges. Whether customisation or execution, examining several factors will ensure you don’t make a mistake, allowing you to pick the best one.
Check the Minimum Order Quantity
How much will you order? Many companies have a minimum order quantity, and it’s essential to know that information before moving forward. If you meet the minimum order limit of, let’s say, five hundred, you won’t have to worry about finding another badge maker in the UK. Also, if you’ve already chosen a manufacturer, only to find out later that you don’t meet their order requirements, that can put the brakes on your project. Delays cost money, so determine their criteria before choosing a manufacturer to prevent those problems. Some companies might not have minimum order limits, so you might want to entertain those options, too.
Look at the Maximum Order Quantity
Most orders are below the maximum order limit, so you don’t have to worry that you exceed the limit. That rarely becomes an issue, especially if you select a badge maker in the UK with a vast network. However, it’s still information you need to find out. If you successfully grow your profits and expand your business, you might quickly outgrow that maximum order limit. It’s best to be ready if that happens, especially if it involves you finding a new manufacturer. You could also split the orders, which would mean scheduling them in batches and assigning realistic deadlines to make that arrangement work. While there are many creative ways to go about it, that alone shows how essential a manufacturer is, how many things your choice affects, and why you must find one that can support your needs.
Be Curious About the Process
Ask the manufacturer about their process, too. For instance, how do they make the personalised badges? What printing technology do they use? What are the steps? They don’t have to provide a step-by-step account, but knowing the general idea is helpful. If the manufacturer’s customer service personnel can’t give a satisfying answer, that could point to a disconnect or issue within the company. Paying attention can help you avoid working with a problematic manufacturer.
Examine Product Lineup
What products does the manufacturer focus on? Some specialise in different types of pin badges. You’ll want to see if they have already produced the product you have in mind. Do they also offer other items in the pipeline? A diverse product lineup isn’t unusual, showing clients that the company can handle multiple orders from different clients. That versatility is also an excellent sign that they can handle different orders from your team, whether name badges, enamel pin badges, custom signs, or even bespoke products like lanyards, key fobs, photo IDs, and product brochures.
Consider Eco-Friendly Items
Scientists predict the earth’s atmosphere might be too hot to grow cocoa beans in forty years unless measures are taken. If you’re updated on global warming and climate change issues and how these are affecting jobs, businesses, and industries around the world, then you might also be interested in choosing eco-friendly items. Putting your money behind those campaigns or programs can make eco-friendly options visible to other consumers.
Discuss Materials and Customisation Options
One thing you want to discuss with a badge maker in the UK is the materials they’ll use. That will affect the customisation of your orders. Do they have the materials you prefer? Do they often deal with those materials? Do they ask you to choose between soft and hard enamel pins? Hard enamel pins are an excellent choice for durable, polished pin badges. Soft enamel is often used for giveaways since they’re more low-cost. As for the customisation, what kind of texture and colour can they offer? What about the size and shape? For instance, do you want the company to use your logo’s colours? Will that be possible? How about the shape? Can they recreate the sketches you sent?
Ask About Packaging Choices
After you’ve sorted out the materials and customisation, talk about the packaging next. That can provide another opportunity to customise the way the products are packaged. What little touches can they add? Some companies add stickers to the orders to make it easier to differentiate the badges. Some add personalised notes. Look at what the manufacturer offers and consider which options suit the audience. With an appealing package, your pins are sure to stand out.
Watch Out for Red Flags
Does the manufacturer have a long history of excellence in the industry or field? How many years have they been in business? Do they have a solid online presence? If that doesn’t seem to be accurate, they might not be reliable. Look at their social media pages, online reviews, and customer feedback. Look elsewhere if they don’t seem active, trustworthy, or professional.
