Frequently Asked Questions

STEP 1 - Make a Mock-Up:
Use a ribbon the width that you want, to create the shape that you need. If you will be tying it around something, use something of a similar size to tie it around to create your mock-up. Trim or mark the ends.

STEP 2 - Take Measurements:
Mark where you want the imprint to begin and end. Then untie the ribbon and measure as shown here:

If you will be cutting the tails off at an angle, be sure to measure from the longest point.

STEP 3 - The Final Result:
The ribbon will be imprinted with the long and short gaps that you specify. The final result will be a ribbon with two imprints, a big space, then two more imprints.

Here is how you would cut it to achieve the same lengths seen in your mock-up:

You will then cut between the two imprints that are close together to create strips with an imprint on either end.

STEP 4 - Reading the Proof:
Before we imprint your order, we will send you a proof for your approval. Due to the limited space available and the lengths of the finished products, some adjustments have to be made to get all the information to fit. Here is an example of a typical Continuous Ribbon proof:

A - Ruler depicting a length to-scale side-to-side.
B - Rough sketch of where the imprints will be in relationship to each other. Side-to-side distances are to-scale; height of imprints and ribbon have not been adjusted to match finished product. Use the ruler above to verify that the long gap, short gap, and imprints are all the length required.
C - Larger view of finished ribbon, showing the imprint to-scale and an estimation of the requested colors. The area of the imprints and the short gap can usually be shown. The long gap will not fit, so is represented by the spaces on either end.

Ribbon End Imprints Instructions (PDF)

Stock Badge Ribbons:

• More than 40 pre-imprinted ribbon titles, each is available on flag blue ribbon and one other ribbon color.
• Minimum order: 25 ribbons, you may mix and match ribbon titles and colors to meet this minimum.
• Orders placed before 11:00 AM (MT) will be shipped the same day. Orders placed after the 11:00 AM (MT) deadline will be shipped the following business day.

Custom Badge Ribbons:

• Add your custom text and/or logo to the ribbons. You select the ribbon and imprint color.
• Minimum order: 25 ribbons, you may mix and match unique ribbon layouts to meet this minimum.
• Set up fee: $9.50 for each unique ribbon layout when using a polymer die, $30 for each title if a metal die is requested or required (this included the manufacturing of your dies).
• You will receive a proof for each unique ribbon layout, this proof must be approved and returned to us before production will begin.
• Production time: 2 to 6 business days. The production time is defined by your request; the quantity of titles and ribbons and the type of die selected (metal or polymer).

Full Color Badge Ribbons:

• Your ribbon will be printed in full color directly onto the ribbon, allowing for multiple colors, gradients, and detailed images. While the ribbon is printed on a white material, the background colors of your design may be extended (bleed) off the edges of the ribbon.
• Minimum order: 100 ribbons. Titles and colors may NOT be mixed.
• Set up fee: $30 for each unique ribbon title. If you supply camera ready art this set up fee may be reduced to $15. You will need to follow all instructions found on the order page to qualify for the reduced set up fee.
• You will receive a proof which must be approved and returned to us before production will begin.
• Production time: Standard production time is 7 business days after we receive a signed proof. Production times may need to be increased due to the quantity or complexity of your order and the limits of our production capacity.

Minimum requirements depend on which ribbon type you are ordering. Some ribbons, such as Full Color Badge Ribbons, do not offer variants in order to meet the minimum. Other ribbon choices require certain variants to remain the same while allowing titles to change (e.g., Horizontal Badge Ribbons can be ordered with different titles and color choices, but must remain as a horizontal orientation).

A $9.50 set-up fee applies when a ribbon design has any of the following changed from one layout to the next:

• Ribbon text
• Ribbon color
• Imprint color

A $30.oo set-up fee is required for each layout that requires a metal die. A metal die will always be required in these circumstances:

• When your design has a logo
• When your design has fine details or excessive text
• Black or white imprinting
• Quantities of 1,000 for each unique layout

Polymer stamps are made from a softer material making the final product less crisp. Polymer dies work well for basic lettering that is 24 point or larger, imprinting in silver and gold and for rush orders. Polymer dies are only available for custom text ribbons.

Metal stamps create much cleaner edges and are required for all logos, fancier fonts, a lot of text, certain imprint colors, or more than 1000 ribbons of any title. Metal dies are created off-site, and will increase production time by 2 days.

While we recommend a metal stamp for every imprinting job, there are four instances it is absolutely required:

• When your design has a logo
• When your design has fine details or excessive text
• Black or white imprinting
• Quantities of 1,000 for each unique layout

Prize rosettes are a cost effective way to recognize every winner and achievement.

• Choose from five rosette styles: Victory Torch, Place, Star, Gymnastics, Swim.
• Rosettes are 4 inches in diameter and 12 inches from top to bottom, with a string back.
• Colors and titles are pre-set for each rosette style. First to sixth place rosettes are available for all styles. Other mentions and options may be available, see the individual order pages for a complete list of available titles.
• Minimum Order: 10 rosettes, you may mix and match rosette titles to meet the minimum order.
• Pricing: $1.80 to $2.30 per rosette.

Custom rosette ribbons are awards that are worthy of any event. All aspects of these ribbons may be fully customized.

• Choose from 10 rosette styles ranging from a single layer, four inch rosette to a deluxe six inch rosette with multiple layers, loops and tassels.
• Three rosette center styles are available, with an available library of stock designs, or you may provide a custom design.
• Select from thirty ribbon colors. Choose up to three colors for each rosette.
• Rosettes streamers are available in multiple lengths, with each rosette style having from one to six streamers.
• Streamers will be imprinted with your information in your choice of imprint color.
• Choose a hook, pin, string or plain back fastener.
• Minimum Order: 10 rosettes, you may mix and match ribbon colors and streamer text to meet the minimum order.
• Pricing: $2.48 to $31.00 per rosette, plus set-up fees.

We offer two convenient ways for you to place an order; by phone (1-800-272-5729) or online. Due to the complex nature of the rosette ribbons, ordering by phone is most likely the easier method of the two. By phone, you can speak with one of our customer service representatives who can answer your questions, help you put together an order and can provide you with an accurate quote. Online, you can view various images and samples, see the ribbon colors and center designs and check out the prices and production times, as well as place an order.

Due to the complex nature of custom rosettes, customer service will always email you with a final quote and a proof, which must be approved before production begins.