HDB / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Planning a custom order? Find answers about medals, keychains, badges, and enamel pins—from artwork and samples to production and delivery. Browse a category below, or send HDB your project details for guidance on your specific order.
12 categories · 64 questions
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01 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
The minimum order quantity depends on the product, material, size, and production process. Send us the quantity you need for each design, including any small trial run. We will review the available production options and confirm the applicable minimum in your quotation. Different designs or versions may need to be assessed separately.
Pricing reflects the quantity per design, dimensions, material, artwork, finish, attachments, and packaging. A larger run can spread tooling and setup costs across more pieces, although the final unit price depends on the complete specification. For a useful comparison, ask for quotations at two or three quantities with the same product and delivery requirements.
Please send the product type, artwork or reference image, approximate dimensions, quantity per design, and preferred material or finish. Include the delivery country and postal code, required arrival date, and any sample or packaging needs. If some details are undecided, describe the product's use and your budget so we can discuss suitable options.
Please list the quantity for every design and color version separately. Different shapes or artwork may require separate tooling, while changes to color, names, or attachments need their own production review. The total project quantity does not automatically become the quantity used to calculate each version's minimum or unit price.
A first order may involve tooling, artwork preparation, sampling, or other setup costs, depending on the product. Check whether these charges are included in the unit price or listed separately. Your quotation should also identify optional items, such as special attachments or packaging, so you can compare the complete order cost.
Please confirm the available payment methods, currency, and payment stages with your HDB contact before placing the order. Check the written quotation or invoice for the amount due and the requirements for starting production and arranging shipment. For a repeat order, confirm the payment terms again rather than assuming the previous arrangement still applies.
Contact us as soon as you need a change or cancellation, and identify the order and artwork version. What can be changed depends on whether materials, tooling, or production are already in progress. A revision may affect cost and delivery; any cancellation charges or refund arrangements need to be assessed against the work already completed and the agreed order terms.
Start with the total budget and identify which details matter most. A simpler outline, fewer production steps, standard attachments, or simpler packaging may help reduce cost. Comparing quantities of the same design can also reveal savings. Include freight in the comparison, since a heavier product or larger package can offset a lower unit price.
02 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Yes. You can start with a logo, sketch, reference image, or written description. Tell us what the product is for and which elements must stay unchanged. We can help translate the idea into a production proposal, including the size, material, finish, and attachment. Any design work or revision charges should be agreed before that work begins.
An editable vector file, such as AI, EPS, or a vector PDF, is a useful starting point for logos and line artwork. For photos or printed illustrations, send the highest-resolution original at the intended output size. Keep front and back designs clearly labeled, and include fonts or outlined text where possible. A screenshot can explain an idea but may need redrawing.
Include the Pantone reference and the color system or guide it comes from, or send a physical reference if you have one. The achievable result depends on the material, base color, and production process. If color is critical, discuss a physical sample before production; a screen preview alone is not a reliable color standard.
Custom outlines, sizes, and thicknesses can be reviewed as part of your design. Please state whether your dimensions refer to the main body or the complete item, including loops and attachments. Very narrow sections, sharp projections, or oversized designs may need adjustment for strength, appearance, or manufacturing. We will discuss those details when reviewing the artwork.
Design support can cover layout, sizing, color references, process selection, and attachment placement. Send one consolidated set of comments for each revision and identify the artwork version you are reviewing. The scope of work, included revisions, and any additional fees should be confirmed with the quotation, especially for redrawing or changes after approval.
Individual names, numbers, dates, or job titles can be assessed alongside a shared main design. Supply a spreadsheet with the exact text, quantity, and corresponding version for each item. The suitable method may involve printing or engraving, depending on the product. Personalization can affect setup, checking time, pricing, and the production schedule.
03 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
HDB's product range includes custom metal products, soft PVC keychains, and acrylic or printed designs. The material should match the intended appearance, handling, and artwork. Tell us whether you prefer a substantial metal feel, a flexible molded form, or a lightweight printed item. The exact material and finish should be listed in the approved specification.
Zinc alloy is often suitable for cast designs with complex outlines or sculpted relief. Brass is commonly considered for stamped or coined designs, while iron can suit simpler stamped products with a controlled budget. The best choice depends on the whole specification. A gold or silver appearance describes the finish and does not identify the metal underneath.
A flat design relies mainly on its outline, color, and printed or engraved detail. Raised and recessed levels create visible separation between parts of the design. Sculpted 3D relief uses more gradual changes in depth to form curved details. Share a side view or reference image if depth matters, because a front-view drawing may not show the intended shape clearly.
Common directions include bright polished, matte or satin, and antique-style metal finishes. Each changes how light and detail appear on the product. A finish that works well on one material may need a different process on another. Send a reference image or sample, and identify which areas should be bright, subdued, colored, or left as visible metal.
If recycled content is part of your purchasing requirement, tell us the material, target percentage, and documentation your organization needs. Availability and evidence must be checked for the specific product and supplier material. Recycled content, recyclability, and reduced packaging are different requirements, so identify which one your project needs before choosing a specification.
04 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Ribbon customization can be included in the medal design review. Send your event name or logo, preferred colors, ribbon dimensions, and any front-and-back requirements. The printing or weaving method, attachment, and assembly affect the result and price. Please include ribbon quantities and confirm whether the quotation covers ribbons already attached to the medals.
Gold-, silver-, and bronze-colored versions can often be planned around the same medal design. List the quantity of each finish and any changes to wording, ribbons, or engraving. A change in finish may allow the same base design to be used, but different shapes or relief details can require additional tooling. Confirm each version separately in the order.
Count each award category separately: finisher medals, placing medals, team awards, and special recognition. For example, eight divisions with three individual places need 24 placing medals before extras. Add any finisher medals and a reserve based on your event's needs. Send the breakdown by design, finish, ribbon, and group so quantities can be checked consistently.
Choose the size around the artwork and how the medal will be worn or presented. A larger face gives logos and text more room; added thickness usually adds weight and can change the feel and shipping cost. Consider ribbon width and wearing comfort together. An actual-size printout helps check layout, while a physical sample is better for judging weight.
Both sides can be considered when planning the medal, including event artwork, sponsor logos, and areas for names or numbers. Provide separate front and back files and identify any details that change between pieces. Molded artwork, printing, and engraving have different requirements, so the final layout should be reviewed at the actual medal size.
05 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Metal suits a solid feel and plated, engraved, or enamel details. Soft PVC offers a flexible molded form for bold shapes and color areas. Acrylic is a useful option for lightweight products with full-color printed artwork. Choose around the design, intended handling, budget, and attachment rather than appearance alone, and compare physical samples when the feel matters.
Different front and back artwork is possible with suitable keychain constructions. Supply two clearly labeled files and specify how they should align. For transparent acrylic, identify the opaque, white, and transparent areas; text on the back must be oriented for reading from that side. The proof should show both sides and the attachment position.
Regular acrylic keeps a relatively flat surface, while an epoxy coating adds a rounded, glossy layer and changes the feel of the piece. The coating also adds a production step. Compare samples for the appearance you want, including coating edges, clarity, and surface quality. If long-term appearance matters, ask about the specific resin and intended use conditions.
Molded soft PVC works well with clear shapes, separated color areas, and readable lettering. Fine lines or very small text may need to be enlarged or simplified at the chosen size. Photos and continuous gradients are generally better suited to a printed approach. Send the original artwork so we can assess the balance between molded detail and print.
Common attachment styles include split rings, short chains, and different clasp shapes. The best choice depends on how the keychain will be used, the weight of the main piece, and the size and position of the connecting hole. Send a reference if you need a particular style, color, or opening size, and confirm it together with the product design.
06 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
For uniforms and organization branding, a compact metal or enamel badge can present a clear emblem. If names, roles, or changing event information are the priority, consider a layout that gives those details enough space, using a suitable printed or engraved format. Tell us the wearing position, clothing, and information required so the construction and fastening can be reviewed together.
A pin passes through the fabric, a clip needs a suitable edge or attachment point, and a magnetic fitting holds through the garment without a pinhole. The right choice depends on badge weight, garment thickness, and how often it is removed. Ask us to check the fitting against the actual badge size and intended wearing position.
Decide what needs to be recognized first: the person's name, their role, or the organization. Give that information the strongest visual emphasis, use clear type, and leave space between elements. Review the layout at actual size and at the expected reading distance. For a batch of names, check the longest entries as well as the shortest.
For matching additions, send the previous order reference, approved layout, and the new names and quantities. Materials, finishes, and attachment availability should be checked again before a repeat order. If names change frequently, ask whether a replaceable-name construction is suitable for your project. That requires a different structure from permanently printed or engraved information.
07 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Soft enamel usually has raised metal outlines with color recessed between them, giving a textured surface. Hard enamel is filled and polished to produce a smoother surface with the metal and color at a similar level. Choose according to the look, feel, artwork, and budget. Neither name means the finished pin is flexible, and not every special finish suits both processes.
Enamel is suited to separate areas of solid color. Photos, continuous gradients, and very fine multicolor details are usually better represented by printing. Some designs can combine enamel with printed details, subject to artwork review. Send the original file and identify the elements that must be preserved so we can recommend an appropriate process.
The practical limit depends on the pin size, lettering style, metal line width, color spaces, and selected process. Review artwork at the finished size: a detail that looks clear when enlarged may be difficult to reproduce. We may suggest simplifying text, widening gaps, or increasing the pin size rather than applying one minimum measurement to every design.
Special effects can be reviewed as part of your design. Mark the exact areas for glow, glitter, translucent color, or another effect and provide a reference for the result you want. These options can affect color, available finishes, and cost. For effects that change with light or viewing angle, a physical sample is more informative than a digital preview.
Two posts can help limit rotation on wider or heavier pins, while a locking back can offer extra retention when the pin is worn on a bag or frequently handled garment. The post layout still needs to suit the shape and wearing position. Confirm the number, spacing, and backing type before production, and check that the selected back fits the post.
08 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
You can request a physical sample made from your own design before committing to bulk production. Let us know this requirement at the quotation stage so the sample process, cost, delivery, and effect on the schedule can be reviewed. Agree in advance which features the sample must represent, including color, material, finish, and attachments.
A digital proof checks the layout, dimensions, wording, and specified options. A stock sample shows the workmanship or materials of an existing item. A custom pre-production sample is made for your project and can help assess its physical result. These serve different purposes: an approved screen image does not by itself confirm weight, texture, or exact color.
Sampling costs depend on whether you need an existing reference item or a newly made design, and whether tooling, special finishes, or new artwork are involved. Sample shipping may be a separate cost. Any credit toward a later bulk order must be specifically agreed in the quotation; please do not assume that every sample fee is refundable or deductible.
Allow time for artwork approval, any tooling, sample production, checking, and delivery. The schedule depends on the design and the number of revision rounds, so the sample's dispatch date and expected arrival date should be considered separately. If the sample is part of an event deadline, include time to review it before authorizing the full order.
Check the design version, spelling, dimensions, front and back artwork, color references, finish, and attachment position. Also review quantities by version, names or numbers, and packaging where relevant. For a physical sample, assess the feel and assembly as well. Return one clear list of changes, then make sure the revised approval refers to the correct file or sample.
09 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Confirm the production start point in your order schedule. It normally depends on final artwork or sample approval, complete specifications, and the agreed payment conditions being met. Production time varies with quantity, construction, finishing, and workload. Treat the estimated completion date separately from the delivery date, which also includes shipping and any import handling.
Send the date the products must be in your hands, the delivery address, quantity, and current artwork as early as possible. We can review the production and transport options against that deadline. A simpler design, earlier approval, or a different shipping method may help, but rush availability and any added cost need confirmation for the specific order.
HDB is based in Zhongshan, China, and coordinates custom product development, manufacturing, and quality inspection. The production arrangement depends on the product and process. If your purchasing requirements include a specific production location, factory review, or restrictions on outside processing, state them before ordering so the project arrangement can be clarified in writing.
Use your order reference when contacting HDB for a progress update. Useful milestones include artwork approval, sample review where applicable, production, final checking, and dispatch. The update method and frequency can be agreed for your project. After dispatch, tracking details or freight documents depend on the shipping service; an initial label does not necessarily mean the carrier has collected the goods.
Send the previous order number, approved artwork, and the quantity you now need. Clearly identify any change to size, shape, lettering, finish, or attachments. Tooling reuse depends on whether the original tooling is available, suitable, and in usable condition. New geometry or other production changes may require new tooling, so confirm the updated specification and price before reordering.
10 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Shipping options depend on the destination, shipment size and weight, and required arrival date. Express courier, air freight, or sea freight may be considered for suitable orders. If you plan to use your own forwarder, tell us before booking transport and provide their collection and documentation requirements. Confirm the handover point and which costs each party is responsible for.
The quotation should state whether freight, customs clearance, duties, and import taxes are included or payable separately. These are not automatically covered by the product price. Provide the destination and delivery address, then confirm the agreed delivery terms before payment. If an import charge is payable by the recipient, include it when comparing the total landed cost.
Branded backing cards, gift boxes, labels, and barcodes can be reviewed with your product requirements. Send the packaging artwork, dimensions, quantity, and any retailer instructions. For a barcode, provide the correct code and required format rather than expecting one to be assigned during printing. Packaging materials, assembly, and their effect on shipping volume should be included in the quote review.
Please request split delivery or shipment to your customer before the order is finalized. Provide the quantity, address, recipient details, and packaging instructions for each destination. Freight, documentation, and any import responsibilities need to be checked for each shipment. If you need neutral packaging or specific sender information, identify that requirement separately for review.
Send a packing list that shows what belongs in each group or set, the number of sets, and the labels needed. For medals, identify award divisions and finishes; for retail sets, list each included design and quantity. Grouping products for packing does not combine their production quantities. Confirm sorting and assembly requirements before production so they can be reflected in the quote.
11 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Quality checks use the approved artwork, specifications, and any agreed reference sample as the basis for review. Relevant checks can include dimensions, wording, color and finish, attachment assembly, quantities, and packaging. Tell us about any critical acceptance points before production. If you need a particular inspection plan, test method, or report, agree its scope at the quotation stage.
Contact HDB promptly with the order reference, a description of the issue, and clear photos or video showing the affected items and packaging. Include the quantity involved and keep the goods and shipping materials while the issue is reviewed. We will compare the information with the approved specification and discuss the appropriate resolution under the agreed order terms.
Screens emit light, while printed colors, enamel, and metal finishes reflect it. The base material, surface texture, and viewing light can therefore change how a color appears. Record the agreed color references and approval method before production. For a color concern, compare the product with that agreed reference under consistent lighting rather than with an uncalibrated screen alone.
Tell us the destination market, intended users, product use, and the documents your buyer requires. Available material information or test reports must be checked against the actual product, components, and specification. A report for another item may not cover your order. If new testing is needed, its scope, sample requirements, cost, and timing should be agreed before production.
Please raise an inspection request before the order is confirmed. Provide the inspector's details, proposed scope, acceptance criteria, and preferred timing so access and scheduling can be reviewed. Agree who pays the inspection costs and how findings will be handled. Any inspection required before shipment should be included in the delivery plan rather than arranged after dispatch is booked.
Start with a soft, clean cloth and store items dry, separated where surfaces could rub together. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh solvents, prolonged soaking, and unnecessary heat; remove wearable badges or pins before machine washing. Care needs vary by finish and material. For outdoor or frequent use, explain the expected exposure when ordering so a suitable specification can be assessed.
12 / EXPLORE THE DETAILS
Yes. Please request an NDA before sending an unreleased design or other confidential project information. You can share your confidentiality requirements and, if you have one, your proposed agreement for review. Wait until the relevant terms are agreed before sending restricted files. The agreement should identify the information covered and the permitted project use.
Artwork may be needed for design review, production preparation, manufacturing, and quality checks. If your project requires named recipients, restricted access, or controls on sharing with outside production partners, tell us before sending the files. The agreed recipients, permitted use, and handling requirements should be recorded in the NDA or project instructions.
We will request your permission before using your artwork or finished products in HDB's portfolio or marketing. You can specify which images or project details may be shown and whether publication must wait until a launch date. If your project is confidential, tell us at the start so any display restrictions are recorded with the project.
Please state any non-reuse or exclusivity requirement before sharing the design or placing the order. Identify what it covers, such as the artwork, shape, tooling, or a particular product version. We can review the requested arrangement with you and record the agreed scope in writing, including its duration and any permitted use for producing your own repeat orders.
Agree the treatment of customer artwork, newly prepared production files, and tooling separately. The written arrangement should cover ownership, permitted use, storage, retention, maintenance, and any return or disposal requirements. It should also explain what happens when a design changes or a repeat order is placed. Discuss these points before tooling is made or related charges are paid.
YOUR PROJECT, YOUR DETAILS
Send your design, quantity, delivery destination, and required date. HDB can help you work through the product options and prepare the next steps for your order.