Lapel Pins Wholesale : How To Avoid Costly Mistakes When Designing And Ordering A Custom Lapel Pin or Emblem
This
guide contains excerpts from the handbook, The Ultimate How-To Guide
For Creating Your Custom Fraternal Lapel Pin. To learn how to obtain a
copy of The Ultimate How-To Guide For Creating Your Custom Fraternal
Lapel Pin, please refer to the end of this guide or visit
http://www.fratline.net
It's
no secret that the members of fraternal organizations, clubs and
associations enjoy receiving, wearing and even collecting lapel pins.
Lapel pins(Lapel Pins Wholesale) identify the individual as a member and they are a great
source of pride for those who wear them. Badges, medals and insignia of
membership are as old as the institutions themselves. Lapel pins and
emblematic jewelry items have become an important part of fraternal
culture the world over.
Fraternal organizations can use custom
lapel pins in a variety of ways. Lapel pins are used to promote
membership, commemorate the term of a presiding officer, celebrate
anniversaries, recognize veteran members and raise funds for charitable
and other projects.
Lapel pins and emblematic jewelry are (1)
VERSATILE - appropriate for men and women; older members appreciate them
and youth think they're fun; they come in virtually limitless sizes,
shapes and color combinations. (2) DURABLE - they last; most people
have emblematic jewelry items that were handed down from their parents
and grandparents. (3) COST EFFECTIVE - no other item can be customized
by size, shape, quantity and process to fit any budget.
Now I'll answer common questions associated with ordering custom lapel pins.
What things should I consider when designing my custom pin?
The
elements of your design will include: theme, symbols, colors, shape
and size. Your theme will depend greatly on the purpose of the pin.
For example: If you're designing a pin to commemorate your term as
presiding officer, maybe you have adopted a slogan that embodies your
goal for the term. This slogan can be incorporated into your design in
order to promote your theme during the term. If you're designing a pin
to celebrate your organization's anniversary you'll want to include the
name, location and anniversary date into the design.
What symbols or emblems should I include?
Most
fraternal organizations have many symbols from which to choose, each
with their own meaning. However, there is usually one primary symbol or
logo that is most commonly used. In Freemasonry, it's the square and
compasses with the letter "G". With the Odd fellows, it's the "three
links". In some organizations the presiding officer may adopt an emblem
he or she likes that's not necessarily taken from the ritual or
symbolism of the organization. How about a bird, flower or fruit? If
you're from Georgia, a peach would be appropriate. You can use one
symbol or several, the choice is yours.
How should I determine what, if any colors to use?
Does
your organization have standard colors that you would like to include?
The Order of the Eastern Star's primary symbol contains five colors
that make a beautiful emblem. Choose colors that you like. If you're
of Irish heritage, use some green. When asked about the color, you'll
have the opportunity to talk about it! Pins don't always have to
include color. Many designs look beautiful in bright gold or silver
finishes without enameling. With the variety of manufacturing
processes, the sky is the limit. You may want to consider a die struck
pin that has an "antique" or even a "sandblasted" finish.
What shape and size should I choose?
There
are literally hundreds of "standard" shapes of pins. Standard shapes
include: round, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, state outlines,
flags and everything in between. Membership pins and presiding officer
pins are often made in the shape of the respective state or
jurisdiction. Would your symbol be a good overall shape for your pin?
If your primary symbol / emblem is an apple, you could make the outer
shape that of an apple, put additional symbols and your name and year
inside the shape and enamel it in red. Sometimes the information and
symbols to be included on the pin dictate the shape.
The size of
your pin is very important. A good rule to follow is this: If you
can't easily read what's on the pin, it's too small! Pins are typically
made in sizes from 1/2" to 1-1/2" and cost varies with size. After
you've sketched out your design and decided on a shape, you're ready to
select a size. A trick to determining size is to use a photocopier.
For best results, draw your design on plain white paper using black ink.
Place the paper on the photocopier and shrink the image. Keep
shrinking it until it looks right to you and the wording is still
legible. Using a ruler, measure the design at the longest distance
between points. Example: a square is measured diagonally.
How do I know what manufacturing process will be the best choice for my design?
We
offer several manufacturing processes to our customers. By far, the
most popular processes are Cloisonné and Acid Etched Soft Enamel. You
must consider how much detail your pin will require because some
processes may not be suited to your design. For example: If exact
color matching is required, some processes can't be used. Review the
processes offered and take a look at quality samples. When in doubt,
forward your design sketch for a professional recommendation.
What is included in the price of a custom pin?
We
can only answer this question using our own policies. Our base price
includes standard shapes, either gold or nickel plating, up to five
colors of your choice, an epoxy dome (if applicable), a military clutch
back or safety pin attachment and individual poly bag packaging.
I've heard that I must pay a die charge in order to have a custom pin made?
Again,
we can only answer this question using our own policies. While it's
true that the majority of lapel pin suppliers make customers pay die and
set-up charges, that's NOT our practice. Die charges for custom pins
can range from $75 to $300 or more from other sources. M. Warren &
Co. is a DIRECT supplier. Due to the volume of custom fraternal lapel
pins we sell, we are able to pass incredible savings on to our
customers. With M. Warren & Co. there are NEVER any lapel pin die
charges, set-up charges or color match fees.
How many pins should I order?
The
answer to this question depends on several factors. Whether the pins
are to be sold or distributed at no cost; the size of the organization;
in what time frame will the pins be distributed; etc. We suggest that
you be conservative. You don't want to get "stuck" with a bunch left
over. Besides, you can always order more.
How long will it take to manufacture my custom pin?
In
general, we ask that our customers allow six to eight weeks. By
allowing ample time you won't have to worry about your order being
delayed. Also, you'll avoid rush charges and expensive express delivery
costs.
We have specialized in custom fraternal lapel pins for
over eight years. Notice that we said FRATERNAL lapel pins. Fratline
(TM) has quickly become the best known name in custom fraternal lapel
pins and emblems. Of course, there are a number of companies from which
you could purchase your custom pin, but none have the combined years of
experience, involvement in the organizations and the best guarantee -
100% Satisfaction.
We're sure you agree that it makes sense to
order from folks who know about your organization and understand your
needs. We are proud members of most of the organizations that we serve.
Because we specialize, we have compiled one of the most complete
libraries of fraternal emblems available.
When you choose M.
Warren & Co. to supply your custom pins, you can depend on: the
best selection to fill your needs, quality to meet your demands,
competitive pricing to fit your budget and on-time delivery to meet your
schedule.
Thanks for reading!
By B. Shawn Warren, CEO
Fratline Emblematics by M. Warren & Co.
Shawn
Warren is President of M. Warren & Co. located in Louisville,
Kentucky. He is a member and past presiding officer of several
fraternal organizations. Since 1991, M. Warren & Co. has been
supplying fraternal groups and associations with custom lapel pins,
emblematic jewelry and souvenirs. Fratline EMBLEMATICS has quickly
become the best known name in custom fraternal lapel pins and emblems
nationwide. M. Warren & Co. is listed with the Jewelers Board of
Trade, Kentucky Manufacturers Register and the Advertising Specialty
Institute. In 1996, Shawn received certification from the Gemological
Institute of America as an insurance replacement appraiser. He is also a
graduate of the Drouhard National Jewelers School, Columbus, Ohio.
http://www.fratline.net
To
order his book, The Ultimate How-To Guide For Creating Your Custom
Fraternal Lapel Pin, send $8.95 (postpaid) check or money order to: M.
Warren & Co., P.O. Box 9258, Louisville, KY 40209. Please visit
the website
http://www.fratline.net