Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Custom Awards

Custom awards are more than just plaques or trophies — they represent achievements, appreciation, and pride. Whether you're recognizing an employee, a student, a retiree, or a team, your award should reflect the moment's importance. But ordering the perfect custom award isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds.

Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when ordering custom recognition awards or acrylic embedments — and how to get it right the first time.

 

1.  Waiting Until the Last Minute

The mistake: You place the order a week before your event and hope for the best.
The problem: Custom acrylic awards typically require design time, approvals, casting, finishing, and shipping — often 2–3 weeks.

How to avoid it:

• Start planning at least 3–4 weeks in advance

• Build in time for proofing, revisions, and potential delays

• Ask your supplier for realistic timelines upfront

Pro tip: Rush jobs can be possible, but they may limit your design options or come with extra costs. For more information contact your DFA award specialist.

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2. Not Double-Checking Spelling or Details

The mistake: A name is spelled wrong. A date is incorrect. A job title is outdated.
The result: Embarrassment, last-minute reprints, or worse — handing out a flawed award.

How to avoid it:

• Always triple-check all engraved text before approving your proof

• Ask another team member to review for fresh eyes

• Send names/titles exactly how they should appear — including accents or capitalization

Remember: Once a design is approved, most suppliers are not responsible for content errors.

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3. Focusing Only on Price

The mistake: Choosing the lowest bidder without checking their quality or experience.
The risk: Poor craftsmanship, unclear engraving, cheap-looking materials, or awards that arrive late or damaged.

How to avoid it:

• Look at examples or portfolios of past work

• Read reviews and testimonials

• Ask about material types (e.g., high-grade acrylic vs. plastic imitations)

• Request samples if possible

 You don’t need the most expensive option — just the best value for your budget. Getting in contact with our team of award specialists will help you optimize the design for your award.

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4. Being Too Generic

The mistake: You go with a standard template and forget the person behind the award.
The result: An unmemorable moment that could’ve been meaningful.

How to avoid it:

• Include personalization — names, dates, a short message, or even inside jokes

• Consider embedding a relevant item (e.g., company coin, logo pin, medal, dried flower) in acrylic

• Customize the shape or color to reflect your brand or the occasion

A well-thought-out design makes the award truly one-of-a-kind.

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5. Not Communicating Clearly With Your Award Specialist

The mistake: You assume the designer knows what you want — but you haven’t sent a clear brief.
The result: Misaligned expectations, more revisions, and delays.

How to avoid it:

• Provide a clear description or sketch of what you envision

• Share your brand guidelines if it’s a corporate award

• Confirm materials, colors, dimensions, and text before production

• Ask for a digital proof and confirm every detail before giving the go-ahead

Good communication leads to great results.

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Final Thoughts

A custom award should be a lasting symbol of achievement — not a last-minute afterthought. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your recognition moment is polished, personal, and unforgettable.

Need help designing a standout acrylic award or embedment? Let us know — Design Franc Art were your ideas come to life!