Irvin H. Hahn is a family-owned and operated company and has been since 1898. That’s over 100 years of experience helping customers with their badge designs, including logo placement, sizing, lettering, and more. What we’ve learned is that customers new to custom badge design, or when in a rush, don’t always know what to look for or what to double-check.
To prevent reorders, delays, or multiple revisions, we’ve pulled together the most common mistakes when ordering a custom badge for your department. Everything from checking spelling and dates to selecting complementary colors that will hold up to the test of time. We’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to.
It’s your badge, the symbol of your dedication, hard work, and commitment to your community, so let’s make sure it’s something you wear with pride. Prepare for your badge order today and contact us with any questions to get started. Based in Baltimore, MD and shipping nationwide.
5 Most Common Mistakes When Ordering a Custom Badge
1. Checking Spelling and Dates
One of the most common mistakes when ordering a custom badge is also the most preventable: double-checking the spelling and accuracy of names, titles, ranks, and dates. In the rush of ordering custom badges, departments are often focused on placement, lettering, seal submission, fasteners, and enamels. However, you never want to reorder a badge because there was a typo in a name, a mislabeled rank, or an inaccurate date.
Take the time and double-check it twice:
- Employee names
- Badge titles
- Department names
- City or agency names
- Badge numbers
- Dates
2. The Right Badge Fastener
Different officers may require different badge attachments based on their day-to-day duties. Some officers require durable attachment points for tougher conditions, while others primarily work in more relaxed environments. You want to avoid the custom badge mistake of ordering a fastener that is either too weak or too uncomfortable for some members of the department. Consider the needs of the organization and ask for a consult on badge fasteners before finalizing your design.
Fastener Options May Include:
- Pin and safety catch
- Long screwback
- Clutch back
- Wallet clip
- Neck chains
3. Preparing for the Future
Police, fire, and government departments will see many changes in even a few years, including new hires, promotions, and lost badges. You never want to order custom badges for exactly what you need right now and nothing else.
Custom badge orders allow for the flexibility to plan ahead, so consider increasing your order for lost badges or new hires, and a design that allows for promotions without an entirely new badge replacement. A couple of preparations now can reduce costs in the long-run and ensure you are always prepared.
Consider:
- Promotions
- New hires
- Lost badges
4. Colors, Finishes, and Uniform Appearance
A common custom badge mistake is looking only at the badge during the design phase and not how the badge will work on a uniform or within company branding. Enamel color options, for example, may clash with seals or uniform colors. Some lettering options may also not match the lettering and branding of your organization, leading to a mismatched appearance. Not considering all of your finishing options may leave out valuable options for extra protection, shine, or easy maintenance.
When designing a custom badge, consider the badge, uniform, and department as a whole. If you are closing in on your final design, ask your consultant for any options you may have overlooked.
- Finishes
- Border style
- Lettering
- Dimensions
- Color
5. Delivery and Timeline
Custom badge designs are manufactured when the design is confirmed and a deposit is sent; they are not pulled from an existing inventory. Even personalized badges, where only minimal changes are made to a template, require several weeks’ lead time for processing, manufacturing, final review, and shipment.
Departments that wait until the last minute to place their custom badge order may experience higher fees for rush orders or risk late delivery. To avoid the scramble, make sure you contact your badge manufacturer at least 3 months ahead of time for important due dates.
Badges with Important Timelines:
- Academy graduations
- Promotions
- New department launches
- Award ceremonies
- Celebrations
How to Avoid Common Custom Badge Mistakes With Your Order
To avoid extra costs, delays, or multiple revisions, work closely with your consultant for personalized service and feedback. Have a dedicated point of contact in the department, so there are not multiple conflicting requests being submitted. Ask all relevant staff for their input before finalizing a design, but don’t overwhelm with too many opinions. At the end of the day, your order should encompass everything your department stands for with simple designs, clear lettering, and a durable finish.
Always Proof Your Final Design:
- Spelling
- Badge number
- Rank
- Colors
- Alignment
- Department seal
- Overall layout
And Ask About Custom Features:
- Multi-level construction
- Cut-out lettering
- Raised seals
- Colored enamel
- Specialty finishes
- Custom shapes
- Protective coatings
Order Your Custom Badge with Confidence
The good news is that an exceptional, dedicated badge company won’t leave you alone with your badge design. At Irvin H. Hahn, we work closely with our clients to ensure a final product you are proud of that suits your needs. We discuss every option at each stage, so you are well-informed of your choices and how they work within your badge design.
Talk to us today to discuss your options and get started. We offer everything from complete custom badge designs to personalized badges with pre-designed templates. Our staff can handle seal input, lettering options, fastener advice, durability recommendations, and more. With us on your side, you will have a long-lasting badge your staff wears with pride.
Irvin H. Hahn
We are a family-owned business that takes pride in being an American manufacturer for over 120 years since 1898. Located in Baltimore, MD, we have six generations of experience making handcrafted badges, buckles, cap devices, collar insignia, and other insignia for law enforcement, fire departments, and other officials.
