This is a customer case of a running race medal from New Zealand. The customer was the founder of a community-based trail event. They offer a challenge for all ages and abilities. It is a not-for-profit initiative designed to promote active and healthy living in the outdoors.
Medals are required at the event site as completion rewards and can also be used as souvenirs for event promotion.
The customer provided a general medal design and also had experience in medal production. The New Zealand customer provided complete & detailed parameters of the medal:
350 pcs, soft enamel colors, antique zinc medals, approx 60mm size
1. The communication of order details
In order to be more clear about the New Zealand customer requirements of the medal, we recommend that customers provide last year's medal designs. Judging from last year's designs, he tended to use the antique plating +soft enamel to make the medals. Comparing the designs of 2022 and 2023, there are many differences.
The event is approaching. In order to save this customer’s time and efficiently promote the medal project process, SICpin discussed with him the following issues:
- Did he need medal ribbons for easy wearing? No details related to the ribbons shown in the previous design?
- Did he require the plating to be the same as the medals made in 2022?
- Whether the mushrooms and leaves need gradient textures?
- The race event was dated mid-November, should we rush this order to make sure the medals can arrive earlier?
After getting a quick reply from him, we confirmed all the details:
- No ribbon is required, they will then attach the medals directly to their event paper card through the hanging holes;
- Confirmation of antique nickel finish as metal color;
- Try to achieve the texture of mushrooms and leaves;
- Hopefully, get the medals in early November.
Then we arranged for medal production artwork right away, after being checked by the salesperson, the artwork was sent to the customer for approval and a detailed quotation was enclosed as well.
In order to help the customer save costs, we recommend that customers use UV printing to make the textures of mushrooms and leaves and provide actual cases of UV printing for reference.
（Another related client case: Swimming Medal Events from the UK)
2. The Production Process of the New Zealand Medal
Time is not a friend, the race event is on a tight schedule and the customer is always busy with other things, in order to make him more assured about the production process, SICpin actively provided production updates by email during each important production process. He appreciated that too.
After die-casting the medal bases, our quality inspector found that the hanging holes were a bit small. Considering that the customer would string the rope to fix it on the paper card, we adjusted quickly and added a new process to drill the hanging holes larger to facilitate the customer's subsequent steps.
Everything is going on in an orderly manner. When the enamel was being filled, we thought of what a humid environment that outdoor events would be, therefore, we especially added a surface protection treatment on the entire medal, which is able to keep the commemorative medals more perfectly preserved and last longer.
（Another related product guide: Top 10 Medal Manufacturers to Custom Medals)
3. Frequently Asked Questions During Cooperation
Q: When we have determined the design theme, can you help with the design? Is there a fee?
A: We have an experienced design team who focus on the graphic design of metal crafts. Considering various factors such as understanding customer needs, highlighting themes, and enriching details, we provide free design proposals and can modify the details unlimited times according to your requirements.
Q: What parameters do I need to provide to get a quote?
A: There are many factors that influence the price. In order to obtain an accurate quotation, it is recommended to confirm the size, plating, color, quantity, accessories, process etc. after the artwork is completed. If you do not understand certain parameters well, we will assist you and give specific advice.
Q: What plating options do you have?
A: Gold, nickel, black nickel, silver, rose gold, antique, dyed, etc., are very widely used in hardware medals. For some competitive events, we suggest using gold, silver and copper to distinguish the 1.2.3 rankings. Of course, antique finish is popular to pursue a retro style, such as antique gold, antique silver, antique copper, etc.
Q: Do you do a thorough quality inspection on every medal order I place?
A: We will conduct a full inspection of each process, and repair it immediately if any defects are found. Before shipment, professional QC will also inspect strictly to ensure that the finished products sent to customers fully meet the quality standards.
Q: What shipping methods do you support?
A: For lightweight packages, we usually use FedEx, UPS, and DHL Express, 3-8 days of transit, which not only guarantees the delivery time but also reduces a lot of troubles for customers by door-to-door express. In some countries and regions, we also support door-to-door, double-clearance, and tax-free express delivery. If enough time is reserved for the event, we also support sea shipping for heavier medal cargo to reduce the customer's budget.
（All the FAQs About SICpin Products: SICpin Product FAQs ）
4. The customer feedback
The medals arrived New Zealand soundly as scheduled, the customer was very content with the quality and package. Meanwhile, he also expressed that he would keep working with SICpin in the next event.
5. Summary
Through the case of the New Zealand medal, why can we be favored by customers and reach long-term cooperation?
We have a fast response and fast delivery team. From business communication and order production, to express delivery, timely communication and rapid response can be achieved.
The cooperation of the whole production line is highly efficient and not dragged. From artwork details to items finished, our colleagues coordinate very well.
In terms of quality, we have always been adhering to the meticulous craftsman spirit. At each product step, a full inspection has to be done to ensure high-quality finished products before leaving our factory.
As an experienced medal manufacturer, whether it is hardware equipment, service concept, staffing, or quick response, we are very confident in providing customers with a full range of services, that greatly exceed customer expectations.
SICpin has a workshop area of 2300 square meters, 42 employees, and 26 sets of production equipment. We always maintain technological innovation in the metal manufacturing industry and guarantee product quality with advanced equipment and strict management concepts.
At least 30,000 medals are produced and exported per month, involving marathons, Ball games, Dance, Martial arts, Bodybuilding, Swimming, and other fields. We maintain in-depth cooperation with customers in more than 40 countries and regions.