Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I check the status of my order?

    If you have any questions regarding the status of your order please contact one of our Customer Service representatives at 888-379-6265. They can answer any question you may have concerning the status of your order.

  2. What does a badge cost?

    SymbolArts offers a flat $65 price on most badges. This price includes a full color seal, any attachment, two-tone plating and all custom banner engraving. Volume discounts may apply so call us toll free at 888-379-6265 to discuss your specific order.

  3. Is plating better than a solid badge?

    Plating is not necessarily better than a solid badge it just has more flexibility. Plating does provide more finish options and more two-tone options and will generally hold its shine longer than a solid metal badge.

  4. Does SymbolArts offer price breaks?

    Yes. Price breaks are determined based on the quantity ordered and type of product ordered. To get the best price for your specific project contact us at 888-379-6265. We provide FREE Artwork with orders and Free Quotes to make the process risk free.

  5. Can I design a badge over the website?

    Since all of our badges are custom designed and very detailed we have found that our customers get a better result when orders are designed directly with the assistance of a customer service representative rather than directly through the website. Our customer service and sales teams are very knowledgeable about badge design and are more than willing to help consult you through the process.

  6. What are your badge plating options?

    We have numerous plating options, as well as solid metal badge options. See the list below. For complete information view our on-line catalog for more details. Or feel free to contact us toll free at 888-379-6265.

    • Rhodium plate
    • Gold plate
    • Nickel plate
    • Two-tone plate
    • Swat (subdued black nickel finish)
    • Gold Satin Antique
    • White Satin Antique
    • Natural (solid brass metal)
    • Goldtone (solid metal)
    • Silvertone (solid metal)

  7. Can I get the badge as a wallet badge?

    Yes, all badges can be designed and manufactured to your specific needs, either curved, domed, or flat with many types of attachments including none, clip or pin.

  8. Why do badge repairs take so long?

    A repair badge goes through essentially the same process as a new badge, regardless of what needs repairing. In the repair process other things get damaged which requires re-soldering, re-enameling, re-plating, and re-polishing. The same individual attention is still required. Because of this it still takes time. We have prioritized repairs to cut the turn around time to 4 weeks rather than the normal 8-10 weeks.

  9. If I receive a badge that has a manufacturing defect and cannot be repaired why do I have to send it back?

    Our policy is that our factory determines whether a product is repairable or not. They can often utilize components or scrap to help control costs to keep the cost of our badges down for everyone. We try making the return process easy by providing you a call tag to return the product at no cost to you.

  10. Why can’t I get a straight answer on when my badge will be here?

    Because of the custom nature of the badge business and the human intervention that is required to make each individual badge there is a certain percentage of badges that get rejected in the process. This delays delivery of that badge because it must be remade. Because we are unable to predict which badges are affected, the lead-time sometimes is affected. We are constantly looking for ways to reduce rejects and improve our communication with our customers so you have accurate information to work with.

  11. What is your minimum order?

    The minimum order varies per product. But as a general rule the following minimums ensure you get the best value for your money:

    • Badges – as little as one badge
    • Pins – 300 pieces
    • Coins – 100 pieces
    • Patches – 100 pieces

    We can sell lower quantities but the piece price will be much higher. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888-379-6265 for a free quote and to determine the best price for your needs.

  12. I saw a coin/pin on your website I liked can I buy one?

    All of our coins, pins, key chains, and other products displayed on our website are custom made for a specific customer and are not sold individually. We do not stock individual designs for sale to the public. We do this to protect the integrity, security and interests of each of our customers. SymbolArts does have a few coins and merit pins that we have designed to sell to individuals such as the Armor of God series and merit pins. Call us at 888-379-6265 for stock availability.

  13. What does antiquing do?

    Antiquing is designed to make the item look “old and weathered”. What it does is fill in the recessed areas of the product giving the product a darker appearance. In essence it reduces the overall shiny look of the product. It is very useful in making a products intricate detail stand out.

  14. What’s the difference between hard and soft enamel?

    Soft enamel is applied to the coin or product; the excess is wiped off, and allowed to “air dry.” It does not fill the areas to the level of the raised metal. Since there’s no hardening process, if you take a sharp object, you can scratch through it to the metal below the paint. It produces what we term a “good coin.” In some cases a layer of clear epoxy is applied over the coin to help protect the finish.

    Hard enamel uses a different process. The areas that are colored are actually overfilled with enamel, and then the coins/product are “baked” to harden it to a nearly ceramic hardness. They are then ground/polished flat, and then plated with the metal. Hard enamel can be scratched, but will not go through the metal below. Hard enamel gives the cleanest, crispest detail on a coin/product, and since it’s hardened, epoxy isn’t needed to protect the finish. Hard enamel produces what we term a “superior coin”.


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  15. What are the lead times for SymbolArts products?

    Since all of our products are custom made, lead-time varies per product and specifications. Listed below is a general guideline for normal orders:

    • Badges – Existing molds: 8-10 weeks
    • Badges – New molds: 10-12 weeks
    • Pins, coins, patches, key chains: 4-6 weeks

    Please always consult with a Customer Service Representative for more exact lead times based on your specific order.

  16. Do you make rings?

    Yes, we make rings. We can design a custom ring to your specifications or you can utilize some of the stock molds we have available. Contact a customer service representative for a picture of our stock molds. Each ring is custom quoted due to the fluctuating prices of precious metals.

  17. Is the artwork free?

    Yes, all artwork is free with your order, we want to make the buying decision easy and worry free. We do however charge a revision fee for more than 3 requested changes.

  18. What is your turn around time for artwork?

    The turn around time for artwork is generally 4-6 days. However it can vary based on the number of projects we have pending. Please consult with our Customer Service team to determine a more specific turn around time on your individual artwork.

  19. What are the shipping costs

    The cost of shipping is dependant on the total dollar value of your order. Our customer service representatives can quote you a rate based on your specific order. We try to keep our shipping costs as low and competitive as possible.

  20. Can I get your business card?

    Yes we can provide you a business card at your request.

  21. What forms of payment do you accept?

    Purchase orders, Check, Money Order or Credit Card (AMEX, Disc, Visa, MC)

  22. Where is your product made?

    We have manufacturing both in the US and abroad. The quality and price the customer desires generally dictates where the product is made.

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