It's decided. You're going to breathe new life into those old, unused medals you've got lying around the office. It makes total sense: by simply changing their old ribbons for newer ones, you're going to give them a fresh, contemporary look that aligns perfectly with your upcoming event. Plus, it's cheaper, faster and more environmentally friendly than ordering new medals.
The only question is: how do you go about this transformation exactly?
We've got the insider knowledge you need. We're the only medal supplier to actively accept medals for updating, reflecting our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable medals in a flash, no matter the method. We've helped dozens of organisations with this endeavour and want to help you do the same. In this detailed step-by-step guide, you'll learn what boxes to tick to secure a stunning medal makeover from Badges And Medals.
Before you dive in, check if your old medals are suitable for upgrading.
We don't suggest upgrading medals that are damaged, show signs of ageing, or have something on them that dates them, like a previous year or sponsor. Recipients might feel cheated or confused if they find out the medal they worked so hard for wasn't made for them.
To make sure your old medals shout "now," not "back then", give each one a once-over. Look out for scratches, rust, dents, chipping or fadedness. Don't worry about the ribbons - they're switched as part of the upgrade, so it doesn't matter if they look old or have old information.
Once your medals get the all-clear, move on to the next step.
If they don't pass the initial inspection, then it might be time to recycle them and purchase new medals.
Reach out to our dedicated sales team using our contact form. They will assess whether your old medals can be upgraded before your event date and, if so, what that will cost you.
Here's what they need to know:
Your choice of ribbon sets the tone for your upgraded medals.
If you opt for a classic plain ribbon, you'll receive a table showcasing an array of colour options. Explore the palette to find the colour (or colours!) that best complement your medal and the essence of your event. Consider your event's theme, brand's colours, or your team's personal preferences. Then tell your order manager the one you want.
Our team of dedicated in-house designers is here to turn your vision into a reality should you desire a custom ribbon that not only complements your upgraded medals but also elevates them to a new level of distinction. Share your design ideas, colour preferences, or specific branding requirements with your order manager, and they'll come back with a mock-up.
While removing your old ribbons is not an essential step, it certainly speeds up the upgrading process on our end. It benefits you in two ways: making your final bill cheaper and ensuring a quicker return of your medals. We particularly recommend this approach for smaller orders.
If you don't have the time or equipment to remove the old ribbons, then don't worry! We can do it for you. Just skip to the next step. If you do have time, then here's how to do it:
If your medal is from Badges And Medals, there will be a convenient slot in its ribbon bars. This thoughtful design element makes removing old ribbons a breeze. Grasp the loop of your ribbon and gently slide it off the ribbon bar at the same angle as the slot.
If your medals are from a different supplier or there's no ribbon slot, you can still easily remove the old ribbons. Grab a pair of scissors and carefully cut the ribbons away from the medals by snipping the loop. Be sure to exercise caution to avoid scratching the medals!
To make the process enjoyable, consider turning it into a fun activity - maybe turn on a movie while you remove the ribbons or catch up with your co-workers while you tackle it together.
Follow these steps to pack and send your medals so they arrive in the best possible condition:
Now it's time to sit back and relax! Our dedicated team of specialists will update your old medals to your specifications once we receive them. How quickly it takes us to send them back comes down to what type of ribbon you picked and whether you removed your old ribbons ahead of time. Take a look at our timelines to see when you should see them again:
We hope this step-by-step guide has provided clarity on the process and inspired you to take the next step in upgrading your medals of the past. Our team is here for you if you have questions or are ready to embark on this transformative experience.
Countless organisations have entrusted us with this meaningful journey, and we're eager to extend that support to you. Reach out whenever you're ready to turn your medals into symbols of not just achievement, but of a fresh and empowered narrative!