CUSTOM LAPEL PIN
QUICKSTART GUIDE
Creating custom lapel pins is not always straightforward. That is why choosing the right manufacturer is important. Not only do we help bring your pin ideas to life, but we do it by providing you with the knowledge you need to be certain you’re making all the right decisions… from start to finish!
FIND THE INFO YOU'RE LOOKING FOR HERE!
In the Quickstart Guide, you’ll find a ton of info to help you get started!
Helping to Bring Your Pin Ideas to Life. Every Step of the Way!
There are many decisions to make when creating your own custom lapel pins. That is why we arm you with as much knowledge as possible! Whether you are researching options, creating your pins, or need help after your order is placed. Lone Star Pins is here for you every step of the way!
We understand that there are many decisions that go into producing a pin, and choosing a manufacturer is just one of many choices you must make a long the way. That is why we try to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible. We have very talented in-house graphic artists and sales staff with years of industry experience that can help add a professional touch to rough designs, assist you with any question or concern, or even give advice on which options would help take your project to the next level. You can rest easy knowing that Lone Star Pins will be there for you every step of the way. Even after your order has been placed, if you have questions regarding shipping or placing a reorder we are here to assist!
How to Submit Your Project
Sending in an inquiry is easy! Simply click the Get Free Proof & Quote button below and fill out the form. You will begin building your project inquiry by choosing the pin type, size, and quantity. The order estimate will then be calculated at the bottom of the page displaying your estimated order total. If you then add on upgraded features or extras, it will update the total and keep track of the costs for you. If for any reason you want to go back to add or remove upgrade options the estimated total cost will update in real time. This makes it extremely easy for you to build an inquiry that fits your budget!
GETTING STARTED IS EASY!
Follow these 3 simple steps to make your pin ideas come to life!
See What Our Customers Are Saying
Setting Up Artwork for Manufacturing
Before your artwork can be sent to be manufactured, it must be vectorized and meet minimum manufacturing specifications. We set up your artwork for you free of charge and get it ready for production. When we do that, we send you a proof for your review. One thing to keep in mind when sending in artwork is that pins have certain limitations due to the way they are produced. Colors for instance, are separated by metal by created recessed grooves called color channels. This also limits the amount of detail that we can add. The larger the pin, the more detail that can be added to it.
What Kind of of Files Can You Send In?
We can work with virtually any file type with the exception of CorelDraw files (.cdr). Vector files such as .ai, .svg, .pdf and .eps files are our preferred file types as they are already vectorized and that helps with accuracy and turnaround times. However, if you don’t have vector files, that is perfectly file. We can vectorize an image for you and even improve it if needed. You don’t need professional artwork to get started. Just an idea. Sketches and written descriptions are sufficient enough to get started!
Choosing Colors for Custom Lapel Pins
When it comes to choosing colors for your custom lapel pins, you will want to use the Pantone Solid Coated library as it’s the industry standard for lapel pin manufacturing. We always recommend using a Panton swatch booklet to look up colors as colors viewed on a monitor can vary depending on its settings. However, if you do not have access to one you can look the colors up online at:
Online Pantone Solid Coated Library
Note: Our graphic artists can also color match your artwork for you. So no worries if you don’t have specific colors picked out.
Navigating the Design Proof
1. Contact Information
If you need to contact us for any reason, you can find our contact info at the top of the proof.
2. Customer Name
Here you can find the name of the person or organization who requested the proof.
3. Enlarged Pin Design
The enlarged view allows you to easier view the design’s finer details. Keep in mind that this is not the actual size.
4. Proof Number
When requesting changes or reorders, having this number on hand makes referencing the exact design easier for the sales associate.
5. Extra Upgrade Options
Here you will find a list of our upgrade options. If one or more are applied to your design, the box will be checked and the option name will be highlighted.
6. Color Chart
These are the Metal finish and colors used in your design.
7. Size and Thickness
The sizing is listed width first and height second.
8. Cardstock Design
If you requested a cardstock design, it will appear here.
9. Backstamp Design
If you requested a backstamp design, it will appear here.
10. Pin Sizing Chart
This is where you will find your pin design at actual size. If you print your proof at 100% you can see how big it will actually be before placing your order.
Requesting a Revision
We offer free unlimited revisions so don’t worry if a change comes up last minute or the proof isn’t exactly what you were envisioning. To request a revision, simply reply to the email that contains your proof and quote with any updates you would like made, and we will take care of it for you. You can typically expect your updated artwork with a new proof and quote within 24 to 48hrs, but if you have a pressing deadline let one of our sales associates know and they will work with you to meet your timeline.
Purchasing Your Custom Lapel Pin Order
There are two ways to place your order:
Just let us know that you are ready to purchase by replying to your proof and quote and we will send you a link to our secure online payment system so that you can place your order. Simply click the link and fill out your payment and contact information.
Payment Over the Phone:
If you would prefer to place your order over the phone, one of our sales associates would be happy to help. Simply call us at our toll free number: 1-726-268-0183, provide them with both the proof & quote numbers, and they will collect your information and place your order for you over the phone.
How Lone Star Pins Adds Value to Every Order
Here are some standard perks all of our customers can expect with every order:
U.S. CUSTOMER SERVICE
OUR EXPERT SALES STAFF IS EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND CAN ASSIST YOU WITH ANY QUESTION OR CONCERN.
TOP QUALITY ARTWORK
DON’T WORRY IF YOU CAN’T DRAW, OUR TALENTED DESIGN TEAM CAN ADD A PROFESSIONAL TOUCH TO YOUR PROJECT.
FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING
THE FASTEST OPTION AVAILABLE! ALL ORDERS RECIEVE FREE INTERNATIONAL PRIORITY SHIPPING TO THE U.S.
FREE PROOF & QUOTE
NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE. GET STARTED TODAY BY SUBMITTING YOUR INQUIRY WITH OUR FREE QUOTE FORM.
UNLIMITED REVISIONS
WE PROVIDE YOU WITH FREE REVISIONS SO THAT YOU CAN FEEL 100% CONFIDENT WITH YOUR PURCHASE!
QUALITY GUARANTEE
IF SOMETHING DOESN’T MATCH THE PROOF YOU APPROVED WE’LL REMAKE IT FOR FREE. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!
FAST TURNAROUND
MANUFACTURING TAKES 10 DAYS OR LESS AFTER THE ORDER IS PLACED AND MOST SHIPPING TAKES ONLY 2 DAYS.
TRANSPARENT PRICING
NO HIDDEN FEES AND NO HASSLES! THE AMOUNT YOU SEE ON YOUR QUOTE IS WHAT YOU PAY.
SECURE PAYMENT PORTAL
WITH OUR SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL YOU CAN SAFELY PURCHASE YOUR CUSTOM LAPEL PINS WITH CONFIDENCE.
PEACE OF MIND
BUYING DIRECT CAN BE RISKY BUSINESS! INSTEAD ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND WE PROVIDE!
Each order gets FREE Priority International shipping, one free mold fee, 8mm butterfly or rubber backings and up to 7 colors free! Any additional molds cost $55 each and each color over 7 adds 10 cents to the unit price. The total provided on our quote form serves as an estimate and may change slightly depending on the options chosen. However, the price we send you in your quote is what you pay. No additional fees or costs with the exception of tax in select states!
IF YOU HAVE ANY PRICING QUESTIONS OUR FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SALES STAFF IS HERE TO HELP!
Choosing a Custom Lapel Pin Manufacturer
Wholesaler vs Manufacturer:
At a base level, wholesalers are essentially liaisons between end consumers and manufacturing facilities, but we do much more than that. We also provide free professional in-house artwork, sales support, customer service and peace of mind. While it’s true that factories can be cheaper at times, that is not always the case. In addition, there are many downsides and risks involved with doing business directly with factories. Below we’ve listed a few major issues when choosing to buy direct from a pin manufacturer.
1) No Quality Guarantee
Manufacturing facilities do not provide customers with Quality Guarantees. Small errors and imperfections are considered standard as these are custom, hand-made products. We however are able to provide our customers with a Quality Guarantee on all orders because of our relationships with the manufacturers. If for some reason there is an error, simply contact us with a description and photos of the issue and we will have the defective products replaced ASAP.
2) Hidden Fees and Non-Secure Payment
The reason one would consider buying directly from a factory is simple; you can save money. However, what if we told you that that is not always the case? It’s unfortunate, but factory invoices can often include hidden costs disguised as import or exchange fees, and you may also have to worry about currency exchange rates. To make matters worse, wiring money internationally to China is not very secure and taking the essential steps to ensure that you get what you paid for can prove to be extremely tedious and time consuming. When you purchase through us it is done so through a secure online payment portal. Also, we are an American-based business. That means that you can trust us to deliver what is expected 100% of the time.
3) Shipping Costs Are Often Not Included
Manufacturers do not offer free shipping most of the time, and if they do it is standard international shipping. That means that it can take up to a month to get your package, and if you want expedited shipping it’s going to cost you. With us, International Priority Shipping is included with every order. You will get it in days, not weeks, and at no cost to you.
4) Timezone Differences Make Communicating Problematic
Because there is a 12 hour time delay, Chinese manufacturers essentially operate on a complete opposite schedule to our own. While we are awake and active their facilities are closed, and visa-versa. That means that if you need to communicate with them, it is often late at night or very early in the morning. That gives American consumers very narrow time gaps in which they can interface with the factories. If for some reason you miss them, you will have to wait until the end of the day to try and get ahold of them and that can be frustrating and stressful if it is an urgent issue.
