6 Signs You Need A New Medal Supplier

In a solid business relationship, everything just kind of works. 

You place an order, it's delivered on time, and the quality is exactly what you expected - maybe even better. It's smooth, stress-free, and is just… easy. 

If this doesn't sound like your experience with your medal supplier, you may find yourself wondering, "Is it time for a change?" 

Well, you're in good company. 

We at Badges And Medals have been in the awards industry for 50 years, and have learned a thing or two along the way. 

We know what makes a great supplier and, just as importantly, why people look elsewhere. 

In this article, we'll share the biggest red flags our customers have faced and help you spot the warning signs that your current supplier isn't up to scratch. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a dependable medal supplier and whether it's time to make a change.

Signs Your Medal Supplier May Not Be Right for You

1. Constant delivery delays

Timing is everything when you’re organising an event. 

There’s a huge difference between having your medals arrive weeks ahead of your event and having them arrive just before - or worse, just after. 

Good suppliers get this. 

They work backwards from your deadline to make sure your medals are delivered on time, even if unexpected challenges pop up. 

If your current supplier often delivers your medals late or later than promised, it’s a sign that they may be dropping the ball. 

And while their delays certainly aren't your fault, they sure become your problem.

For example, one of our customers told us they received their medals from their old supplier the night before their event, and spent all night unpacking them. 

It was stressful, frustrating, and completely unnecessary. 

So ask yourself: how many more delays are you willing to put up with before you switch suppliers?

2. Quality is inconsistent or poor

We’ve all ordered something online that just didn’t live up to expectations in person. 

It happens. 

But if your medals keep turning up looking cheap, damaged, or just plain wrong, it's not just bad luck - it's a warning sign. 

Either your supplier is cutting corners or doesn’t know what they’re doing, and that’s not something you should stick around for. 

Low-quality medals don't just look bad, they make your event look bad too. 

When people see them, they might think that you're the one cutting corners or, possibly worse, that you don't value their hard work. 

That's a reputation you don't want. 

What you do want are medals that look just as good, if not better, than the design you approved. 

If you're not getting that, it's time to find a supplier who takes your event as seriously as you do.

If your medals aren’t hitting the quality mark, it might be time to make a switch.

3. Poor customer service

Good communication is the backbone of any relationship - even business ones. 

If your supplier is slow to answer questions, doesn't give you updates, or doesn't address your concerns properly, then it's time to ask yourself: “Is this relationship really working?” 

At its best, poor communication is frustrating and makes ordering medals more difficult than they need to be. 

At its worst, it can snowball into bigger issues, like late deliveries (see sign number one!). 

And that's the last thing you want when you're up against a hard deadline. 

A good supplier, on the other hand, overcommunicates. 

They anticipate your questions and send you updates on your order before you even think to ask. 

So, if your supplier is bad at communication, it’s probably time to look elsewhere.

4. Limited customisation options

Every event is one of a kind, and your medals should be too. 

A good supplier has the tools and the talent to let you do just about anything you can imagine to your medal, to better reflect the spirit of your event. 

If your supplier only lets you add a logo or pick from a small selection of designs, that’s a red flag. 

The medals they make will likely look generic and forgettable - two words you definitely don't want associated with your event. 

In this case, it's time to find a supplier with a broader range of design options.

5. No eco-friendly options

When making friends, we tend to gravitate towards people who share our values. 

It's the same when choosing a supplier. 

These days, more and more event-goers are looking for events with strong environmental policies or practices. 

This shift is pushing many events to up their sustainability efforts - like by offering eco-friendly medals. 

Good medal suppliers understand this and offer up recyclable or sustainable medal options, or both. 

If your supplier doesn't, it could be a sign that they're behind the times. 

And that’s more than just a missed opportunity to please your participants. 

It could mean they no longer match your event or its values, and that it may be time to look for someone who does.

A great medal supplier always has sustainable options on hand.

6. Costs that seem too high

Do you ever look at your supplier’s invoice and wonder, "Am I paying too much for this?" 

It’s normal to expect quality to come with a price, but that price should still be fair. 

If your supplier’s prices are consistently high with no clear reason why, it could mean they aren’t as competitive as they claim to be. 

Take a moment to think about what it is you're actually paying for. 

Do you get on-time deliveries, top-notch quality, reliable service, and a wide range of customisation options? 

Are your medals being made locally, which can often cost more than making them overseas? 

If you answered "no" to any of these, then the prices you're paying might not match the level of service you're receiving. 

Don't be afraid to ask your supplier for a breakdown of your bill. 

If their answer doesn't make sense, don't settle. 

Start shopping for a supplier who gives you better value for money.

Ready to find a reliable medal supplier?

Whether it’s delays, poor quality, or lack of customisation, there are several red flags that indicate a supplier might not be up to scratch. 

Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of what these are, you have a better idea of whether it's time to part ways with your own supplier.  

At Badges And Medals, we’ve spent decades helping customers on the run from these exact issues. 

If you’re ready to make a change, we’re here to help. 

Take a look at our reviews and see why so many trust us to be their official medal supplier.