Lapel Pins Help Stretch Your Holiday Marketing Dollars

Lapel Pins Wholesale

By Caryn Smith

The economy - it was a major issue in the last election and with its roller coaster drops has caused average consumers to hold tightly to their wallets. Shoppers seem to be cutting back on everything that isn't a necessity. So where does that leave retailers as they approach the holiday season? After all, the day after Thanksgiving, better known as Black Friday, kicks off the time of year when many businesses make the majority of their profits. Retailers are expected to drastically cut prices this season, but they still have to advertise sales to draw in consumers.

Customized lapel pins can make a big impact on your holiday sales without putting a big dent in your budget. They're high quality, which makes them more like jewelry than buttons or stickers. They can be custom-created in every style and design imaginable, making them a perfect match for sales or holiday events. Best of all, they're inexpensive compared to other forms of advertising. Just look at some of the ways they can make a difference in your business.

Promote Specials and Sales with Lapel Pins

Because lapel pins can be made into any shape and with any color, they're a great idea for sales associates who need to promote holiday specials. Lapel pins showing the company logo with copy such as "Ask About Our 25% Off Specials" are sure to get attention not only in the store, but anywhere the associate wearing your pin happens to go. It's a walking advertisement. If your business offers a lay-a-way policy, use lapel pins to let consumers know. Someone who can't afford an item today might be willing to purchase it if they can make payments over time and not pay interest.

Spread the Word

In the service industry? Try using lapel pins to bring in new clients. Have holiday pins made with your logo then give them to your regular customers. If those customers give their pin to someone who becomes a new client, they both get a discount. This can work for hairstylists, manicurists, pet groomers and countless others. If you sell cookware, jewelry or other items via in-home parties, give holiday lapel pins out with each order. When your customers wear their pins, it gives them the perfect opportunity to share what they like about your product with others. It's a well-known fact that word of mouth is the best advertisement of all.

Lapel Pins Boost Holiday Giving

Lapel pins work wonderfully for nonprofits as well. They can be given to contributors to help increase holiday giving and to say thank you for past and future support. Having a holiday bazaar or other program? Order lapel pins that advertise the event and pass them out to members of your organization. Wearing their pins when they're out and about is a perfect way to spread the word and promote ticket sales. You may even want to give lapel pins to customers for buying tickets early, or for buying a certain number of tickets.

During this holiday season, when everyone is trying to make the most of their money, businesses and consumers alike win with the use of lapel pins. Businesses enjoy increased sales without enormous advertising expenses, while consumers benefit from reduced prices and give-a-ways. Try lapel pins for your group or business this holiday season and see what a difference they make.

Caryn Smith is Manager of Lapel Pins R Us. When you need affordable restaurant advertising, lapel pins are an excellent option. Visit http://www.lapelpinsrus.com today for custom lapel pins in just 10 days, guaranteed! 2008, All Rights Reserved

LAPEL PINS WHOLESALE - The Versatile Promotional Item and Collectable

Lapel Pins Wholesale

By Christopher Luck

Lapel Pins Wholesale : Whether you are a big company or a small firm, corporate spirit is important. With a nice, well-made lapel pin wholesale, employees and executives alike will be able to show off the corporate logo in style. No logo? No problem, simply order a lapel pin that is simply the company name, a motto, or an unofficial slogan.

You can also use a lapel pin wholesale to recognize members of prominent organizations. With a creative logo or message, a lapel pin will let those with whom you come in contact know what you do by identifying your allegiance. By having all of the members around wearing lapel pins, it increases the recognition, and at the same time, appreciation.

Use Lapel Pins Wholesale  to give recognition and to reward special successes. A lapel pin can be a great way to recognize the achievement of a goal, or mark a long time service to your company. The lapel pin will be great for increasing the employee’s pride. You can also use the pins to participants or as prizes in a contest can really increase the memories associated with that event for your employees. You can also use them to reward volunteers to your organization, members of the board, or meeting fun raising goals.

Maybe you need to figure out a gift for someone special. Why not a nice, hand made lapel pin. There are a lot of people out there who started colleting lapel pins as children. They end up remaining loyal to the hobby, though, because it remains a popular one even today. Many lapel pins are, literally, works of art that cost a great deal of money. In addition, some that are limited in availability go up in value with time. So for that lapel pin collector, have one made special or at least one that is in limited supply. That way, you do not have to spend too much, but can end up giving a valuable gift.

Lapel pins are extremely versatile. They can be used effectively in business, churches, charity organizations, events, and even families. As a collectable, they are popular and varied which makes them fun. As a promotional item, you will find that they are affordable for your group or business. However, you will also find that the perceived value of a nice looking lapel pin is much higher than the literal cost. That makes it a fantastic promotional item and reward. So, for your next promotion, consider lapel pins for a good reaction from your people and your budget.

If you would like to find more of my personal articles on lapel pins, [http://www.lplapelpintips.info] please check out my collectibles website [http://www.lpilapelpintips.info]!

Read About the Uses of Lapel Pins

Lapel Pins Wholesale

By Sooraj Surendran

Lapel pins are much cherished ornaments worn by both men and women from time immemorial. Noblemen wore lapels to show their social status. Lapel pins were worn on the left lapel of jackets and was designed with the emblem of the noblemen.

These days it is no longer an ornament to show the status of the wearer. Lapels are generally worn as promotional items. On Valentine's Day sweethearts gift each other lapels and wear them to express their love for each other. The designs are always arrows, hearts, "LOVE", roses and stars, in various colors, styles and designs. It is a subtle way of conveying a message. Lapels made for a particular purpose are called custom lapel pins

Custom lapels are cost effective promotional items of corporate identity. These pins can be crafted to specific designs for promoting certain events of both, small and large organizations. Generally corporate organizations get lapels manufactured to the design of their emblem. Employees are proud to wear their company lapels. They gain confidence and are committed to work for their company. Lapels make it easy to recognize members of prominent clubs and organizations such as protection of wild life, environment protection and sports clubs.

Lapel pins are made from methods and materials like enamel, offset printed, silkscreen, die struck and photo-etched. In the photo-etched lapels, the image is transferred from the negative of a photograph onto the surface of the metal. Using acid it is then etched, cleaned and then colored. If many colors are used on the emblem, the coloring is done one at a time by hand. It is then baked for 12-15 minutes at 450 F, after which it is cut into the required shape and polished. Of course custom made lapels are expensive, but when ordered in bulk will be less expensive. The photo-etched lapels are the best choice for intricate designs. They are highly polished with a smooth finish and the logo and text are clear.

Besides being used as showpieces, lapels pins have served several good causes like cancer awareness and for fund raising. They are given as awards to encourage employees in the quest for excellence. In educational institutions, top rankers and students holding important positions in their school wear lapels to show their identity. In the soccer fields, fans wear lapel pins on their shirt collars or caps to show their support to their favorite teams. Lapels pins are also great collectible items.

Click here to know more about lapel pins.

Enhance Your Security Measures With Custom Lapel Pins

Lapel Pins Wholesale

By Caryn Smith

In this day and time when breeches in security are all too common, more and more organizations are looking for ways to ensure the safety of people, ideas and property. Photo ID badges are a good way to identify persons that are authorized to enter and work in sensitive areas. However, badges - even those with both photos and barcodes - can be easily duplicated. In order to shore up security and reduce the risk of forgery, something that is highly difficult to replicate should be worn in addition to photo ID badges. Customized lapel pins are the affordable solution.

There are many situations that require people other than employees to enter your organization. Businesses and government offices, for instance, may have vendors on the premises to offer installation, technical support or repairs to computers and other equipment.

Lapel Pins are not Easily Duplicated

Contractors will typically have identification from their company. They may even be issued a visitor's badge from your organization upon arrival. Unfortunately, both of these can be duplicated with little effort using equipment purchased at any office supply store. Not true of lapel pins. Because of the extensive manufacturing process required to produce these custom pins, counterfeiting would be quite an undertaking.

Reduce Security Risks for Every Organization with Lapel Pins

Lapel pins can be used in conjunction to your existing badges to enhance security in sensitive areas. Create customized lapel pins that are presented to visitors, vendors or contractors. When a non-employee arrives, verify their identity and their destination/purpose at your organization. Issue a customized lapel pin to the guest that must be worn at all times in addition to their visitor's badge. Before leaving, the person must check out and return the pin.

A similar scenario would hold true for hired security officers that are contracted to protect banks, hospitals, courthouses and other facilities. Security uniforms can be rented by anyone off the street. Using a desktop computer, it's simple to produce authentic-looking photo identification. Unfortunately, there are frequent news reports about imposter security personnel whose actions sometimes result in serious consequences to companies.

By using lapel pins that are specifically designed for your business, the risk of having an unauthorized person slip through security is greatly reduced. Employees will know that anyone without the appropriate lapel pin should be reported immediately. These small lapel pins could help you take tremendous steps in preventing fraud and/or theft in your line of work.

Lapel Pins are an Affordable Security Measure

Lapel pins are affordable and are custom created in any design imaginable, making them a great partner with your current security measures. Because lapel pins aren't costly, you can produce individually designed pins for each department, group or class. Try using different lapel pins for each month, division or branch.

With their versatility, lapel pins can easily add to the security of banks, hospitals, software manufacturers, government agencies, schools, sports arenas, airports and more. When used in addition to your existing security protocols, lapel pins make a big impact on warding off potential threats.

Caryn Smith is Manager of Lapel Pins R Us. When you need affordable an affordable way to boost security, lapel pins are an excellent option. Visit http://www.lapelpinsrus.com today for custom lapel pins in just 10 days, guaranteed! © 2009, All Rights Reserved

Lapel Pins Wholesale : Fraternal Lapel Pin Question & Answer Guide From Fratline

Lapel Pins Wholesale

By Shawn Warren

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.

http://www.fratline.net

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 Jeweler’s Board of Trade, Kentucky Manufacturer’s 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

How to Design a Lapel Pin

Lapel Pins Wholesale

By Tom Abe X Barnes

Designing a lapel pin for your own needs and uses can be a very exciting project. Many people have a general idea of what they want their lapel pin for (fundraiser, social gathering, business meeting, conference or trade show) but they're not exactly sure what they want the lapel pins to look like, or how to begin designing one for that matter.

If you don't have the time or creative liberty to design your own lapel pin, don't worry; many custom pin manufactures will actually design your pin for you (most of the time free of charge with an order). If you're like me and like to have control over things, you prefer to design, or at least begin the design, of your lapel pins yourself.

Ok, let's begin, shall we?

Assuming you already have a purpose for a lapel pin, we'll begin by identifying key points in the design of your lapel pin. Let's begin by determining the colors you'll use. For a company/corporate or logo lapel pin, most of the time you're going to want to stick to your company's color scheme. If you can, make sure to look up the corresponding Pantone colors so that you can provide these to the design company. You'll also want to choose your metal plating in this phase. Some options include 14K gold, Silver or Brass depending on your personal preference.

After your colors are selected, begin to outline a sketch of the composition of your pin design. Will the lapel pin be a circle, or, a square perhaps? Maybe you want your lapel pin shaped like your logo with no solid background - that's entirely possible!

Figure out if you want to include other elements aside from just your corporate logo. Maybe a slogan or byline and something to signify your company's direction or goals. A visual symbol that tells people what you're about, or something that communicates a theme for an event or tradeshow. For example say your company is holding a conference in Las Vegas, maybe displaying the well-known "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign on your pin design would be an idea. Maybe an image of a full-house hand of cards, or a slot machine. Something that communicates your ideal or goals. Remember, lapel pins are a very powerful communication device, and even though they're small they can speak your company's ideals to people just walking by you who see the pin on your tie, shirt collar or lapel.

Creative Ideas to Communicate Your Company Message 

Sometimes a simple logo pin will suffice, but what about if you want to get across a message without including a bunch of small wording on your pins that nobody will be able to read?

Time to be creative!

Let's say your company builds boats. You have a logo and you know your company's colors. You know you want to include your logo (maybe the logo has an image of a boat, maybe it does). This is the perfect way to show off your company's image. Your lapel pin would ideally consist of your corporate logo, along with an image of an attractive boat that your company sells or makes. Possibly in the water, with the sun setting or rising in the background, perhaps some cat-tails or other aquatic vegetation at the edges of the design to show some detail. What about adding some seagulls in the horizon flying about? Think pale blue skies and deep blue water with wave detail etched in 14K gold. See where I'm going with this? Open your mind's eye and let your creative imagination go to work.

The Office Supply Warehouse

So your company does something exciting... It sells office supplies. Ok, OK so it's not that exciting, but that doesn't mean the lapel pin you design to represent your company can't make your company look exciting. You've included your logo, but your colors are kind of stale (maybe a bit boring?) and you need to spruce things up. What about adding an image of a stack of papers curling up at one end almost forming a C like they're being blown in the wind from a desk top. Maybe a pen or pencil drawing out your company's slogan. Oh! What about a stamp stamping on your company logo or the shape of the pin is actually a ring-bound binder and your logo is on the first sheet of paper? Maybe the theme could be a thumbtack stuck through a sticky note and your logo is displayed on the note with your slogan in a hand-written looking font.

Let's Break it Down

Below I've listed the most important aspects to consider when designing your own lapel pins. If you have anything you'd like to add to the list, please let me know and we'll get it put up here.

Colors (be consistent with your company's colors or corporate branding guidelines)

Shape - Do you prefer a circular shape or square? Even in the shape of your logo.

Slogan or byline - What do you want to say to your potential customers?

Creative images - Think of ways you can visually communicate your company's message without going overboard.

Plating (14K gold, Silver, Brass, Copper, etc)

Size (not too big for a lapel pin now, ya here?) About 3/4" to 1" seems to be the most widely accepted. Nobody wants to wear a dinner plate.

Type (Hard Enamel, Soft Enamel, Die Cast, etc)

So you've learned a little bit about designing your own lapel pin. Hopefully I've been able to lead you on the right path and maybe even save you a few bucks in design charges.

Designing your own pins is a great feeling and is rewarded when you hold the actual pin in your hand that you (yes YOU) designed and can be proud to wear.

The possibilities are near endless if you just put your creative mind into gear. Next time your company needs to customize lapel pins, try to take on the task yourself. There's a little pride that comes with knowing that you designed your company's pins, and people around the office will be giving you high-fives.

Tom Barnes is a veteran pin collector and enjoys trading lapel pins in his free time.

Patriotism and Purpose: Military Lapel Pins

Lapel Pins Wholesale

By Seth Miller

Military lapel pins serve many purposes; patriotism, remembrance, recognition and membership. Military lapel pins are some of the most popular lapel pins today. Pins from WWII are highly collectible, and there are entire trading communities just for military pins and other memorabilia. Early lapel pins dating back to the US Civil War are the ribbon and medallion type of pin and are extremely collectible. There is a rich history to be discovered in collecting military lapel pins. The passing down of military lapel pins to younger family members is a wonderful way to stimulate an interest in world history and to share your family's history.

Lapel pins are given to members of military squads to identify them as belonging to a certain unit or group. While these types of military lapel pins are difficult for non-military personnel to acquire, you may be able to find one via an auction, or garage sale or from a family member. Today the types of military lapel pins that are most popular are those which show support for the military.

You can easily recognize a family member or friend of an enlisted person by the signature yellow ribbon pin worn on a lapel. It provides the wearer an emotional connection to a loved one far away. It may also be worn in memory of a loved one. Military lapel pins connote many things, so a collector should be sensitive when buying and especially when displaying military lapel pins, making sure to show respect for the person who originally earned and wore the pin.

The types of military lapel pins commonly found from stock lapel pin manufacturers are great ways to show support for troops and for the work done by military personnel. Lapel pins can be found for any branch of the military, with full color or simple die-cast metal. These military lapel pins are an elegant way to show your support or affiliation every day.

Lapel Pins Info [http://www.WetPluto.com/Choosing-a-Lapel-Pin-Manufacturer.html] provides detailed information on lapel pins including many lapel pin options such as custom, military, cloisonne, Christian, and patriotic lapel pins. Lapel Pins Info is the sister site of Lanyards Web.