Frequently Asked Questions About Our Custom Lapel Pins

1. Why should we use Pin Pros to make our pins?
2. I don't have artwork but I have an idea. Can you do the artwork for me?
3. I don't need custom pins. I want to buy off-the-shelf pins. Where should I look?
4. How long does it take to make a pin?
5. What about trademarks and licenses?
6. I don't see what I'm looking for. Is everything you make on this web site?
7. What about trademarks and licenses?
8. I don't see what I'm looking for. Is everything you make on this web site?
9. Can a pin or medal have two platings?
10. I'm confused by all these pin terms. Can you help?
11. Why must there be borders around the colors and text on cloisonne and epola pins?
12. What file types do you like for art?
13. What if I don't like the pins after I receive them?
14. Can I get a prototype before you make all my pins?

1. Why should we use Pin Pros to make our pins?

We offer the world's best pins at the world's best prices! We are a family-run business that believes in providing top-notch service and a high-quality product at very competitive prices. We will work on a small job or a large job and give the same exceptional service. Our business is based on following a strict code of ethics. We try to always do what's right - not just what is the easiest or least expensive way to do it.

We believe our prices are very competitive. In fact if you think they aren't, we would love to hear from you. Maybe we need to adjust them.

Your pin is your property. We would never use your pin in our retail business (CheapPins.com) without your permission. We promise we won't ever sell, trade or have anything further to do with your pin once we make it. We do reserve the right to make a few extras of your pin (less than 10%). These extra pins will be used as samples and for our brochures and web pages.

We will do everything we can to make you happy!

2. I don't have artwork but I have an idea. Can you do the artwork for me?

Absolutely. We have made pins from hand-written drawings on napkins. We'll take your artwork in any format and convert it to manufacturing-ready artwork. Email your electronic artwork to us at sales@pinpros.com. Or, fax your paper artwork to us at 801-475-5500. If you want to mail it, our address is

We suggest our sister company, CheapPins.com.

4. How long does it take to make a pin?

There are many factors that affect the time to make your lapel pin. If your pin has many colors, sandblasted areas, printing on enamel, the turnaround time could be three weeks. Or, our factory could be very busy with many orders in the que. It's not always possible for them to prioritize every order. We've sent orders to our factory and had the pins delivered four days later. However, this is not the norm. Normally, pins will be in your hands two to three weeks after you approve art. If you must have them in a certain number of days, just ask us. We can probably accomodate you. In most cases, there is no extra charge for rush service.

7. What about trademarks and licenses?

We do not make pins with licensed marks unless you have the license. You will need to furnish proof that you have the right to use a trademarked logo or artwork. You agree to hold us harmless if sued. If we learn after making a pin that a trademark was violated, we will turn the matter over to proper authorities.

8. I don't see what I'm looking for. Is everything you make on this web site?

No. We only have some of the more popular items displayed and discussed here. We can do much more. Please contact us.

9. Can a pin or medal have two platings?

Yes! Please contact us to discuss. There may be limitations which we will discuss with you.

10. I'm confused by all these pin terms. Can you help?

Absolutely. Based on your art and budget, we will recommend the correct pin type. We experts at this and will guide you with honest answers and opinions every step of the way.

11. Why must there be borders around the colors and text on cloisonne and epola pins?

Borders around the colors and text are very important. They separate each single-colored zone. Before we apply paint (enameling), we use these cavities or canals to fill the paint. If there were no borders, the paint would not retain it's shape. To elimiate borders, we can sometime suggest photo-dome (offset printing pins) or silkscreen pins

12. What file types do you like for art?

We prefer files that are vector-based. Generally, these are file with extensions of .cdr, and .ai although there are others. Send us your files in .tf, .eps, .psd. We use Corel Draw but can access any type of file. If you have the file in Adobe Illustrator, save in version 9 or lower. For Adobe Photo-shop, save in version 6.0 or lower. If you send us vector-based graphics, we can quickly and easily manipulate your files to create pin designs.

13. What if I don't like the pins after I receive them?

No worries. We stand behind what we sell. If there are errors, we'll fix them at our expense. Every pin is handled approximately 500 times during the manufacturing process. Most errors are caught before we ship to you. In the rare case an error slips by our quality control department, we'll replace at no cost to you.

14. Can I get a prototype before you make all my pins?

Absolutely. We sometimes recommend this if the pin is complicated or we sense a concern about exactly what the pin will look like when finished. The cost is generally around $75 of which part is refunded to you and applied to your order if no changes are made to the prototypes.