What Is the Difference Between a Custom Badge and a Fully Custom Badge?

The terms "custom badge" and "fully custom badge" are often used interchangeably, but they can mean very different things.

At Badge & Wallet, most customers order a custom badge, which is an existing badge design that is personalized with custom lettering, seals, finishes, enamel colors, and other options.

A fully custom badge is a completely new badge design created specifically for your department or organization.

What Is a Custom Badge?

A custom badge starts with an existing badge model.

You select a badge shape and design, then customize it with options such as:

  • Department name

  • Rank or title

  • Center seal

  • Badge finish

  • Enamel colors

  • Badge attachment

  • Other personalization options

Because the badge design already exists, there are typically no development fees, no tooling charges, and no minimum order requirements.

Many customers use our VisualBadge™ builder to customize a badge and see pricing update in real time as options are selected.

For most agencies and organizations, a custom badge provides the perfect balance of personalization, cost, and delivery time.

What Is a Fully Custom Badge?

A fully custom badge is designed from the ground up.

Instead of selecting an existing badge model, your organization creates a completely unique badge that may include:

  • Custom shape

  • Custom artwork

  • Unique lettering layout

  • Custom center seal

  • Specialized design elements

  • Department-specific symbolism

These projects are completed through our BadgeStudio™ program.

Because a fully custom badge requires artwork development, tooling, and manufacturing setup, these projects involve additional time and investment compared to a standard custom badge.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

Most departments can achieve their goals with a custom badge built from an existing design.

If your organization wants a one-of-a-kind badge that cannot be created using an existing model, a fully custom BadgeStudio™ project may be the better option.

If you're not sure which approach is right for your department, please contact us about your project.

FAQ Category
Metal Badges