Awards are a critical tool for recognizing excellence, boosting employee morale, and building company culture. Whether it’s celebrating milestone achievements, rewarding top performers, or fostering team motivation, choosing the right awards requires thoughtful planning and execution. However, even the best intentions can lead to mistakes when ordering awards. These oversights not only disrupt timelines but also risk sending the wrong message to recipients.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 5 mistakes to avoid when ordering awards for your company, and share actionable tips to ensure your awards process is seamless, meaningful, and stress-free. Whether you’re ordering custom trophies or planning an elaborate recognition program, these insights will help you get it right the first time.
Mistake #1: Waiting Until the Last Minute
One of the most common mistakes companies make is delaying the award ordering process. Whether due to busy schedules or uncertainty about designs, waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions, limited options, and even missed deadlines.
Why This Matters:
- Limited Customization: Custom trophies, like engraved plaques or crystal awards, require time for design, proofing, and production.
- Increased Costs: Rush orders often incur additional fees for expedited production and shipping.
- Risk of Errors: Rushed orders are more prone to mistakes, from incorrect engravings to design misalignments.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Plan Ahead: Ideally, begin the ordering process 4-6 weeks before your event.
- Set Deadlines: Work backward from your event date to create a timeline for selecting, proofing, and approving awards.
- Use Award Maven’s Fast Turnaround Services: With our streamlined process, including the Proof Generator, you can ensure quick approvals without compromising on quality.
Mistake #2: Providing Incomplete or Incorrect Engraving Details
A beautifully crafted award can lose its impact if the engraving is incorrect or incomplete. Misspelled names, inaccurate dates, or vague messages can undermine the recognition moment and leave recipients feeling undervalued.
Why This Matters:
- First Impressions: The engraving is the focal point of any award—it’s the part recipients and audiences remember most.
- Professionalism: Mistakes in names, dates, and other details reflect poorly on the organization presenting the award.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Double-Check Details: Verify spelling, titles, and dates with recipients or relevant departments before submitting.
- Provide Clear Instructions: Share detailed notes for custom trophies, including font styles, alignment preferences, and message length.
- Review Proofs: Award Maven’s Proof Generator allows you to see and approve your design before production, minimizing errors.
Mistake #3: Failing to Match Awards to Achievements
Not all awards are created equal, and choosing the wrong type of award for a particular achievement can dilute its impact. For example, giving a small plaque for a major company milestone might fail to communicate the weight of the accomplishment.
Why This Matters:
- Perceived Value: The award’s material, size, and design should reflect the significance of the achievement being recognized.
- Cultural Fit: Awards should align with your company’s values and the preferences of your audience.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Consider the Achievement: Match the scale of the award to the significance of the accomplishment. For example:
- Crystal awards for leadership milestones or top sales performers.
- Acrylic awards for team recognitions or project completions.
- Custom trophies for industry awards or annual events.
- Ask for Expert Advice: Award Maven’s experienced team can help you select the perfect award for any occasion, ensuring alignment with your company’s goals.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Quality for Budget
While it’s important to stay within budget, cutting corners on award quality can lead to disappointment. Low-cost materials, generic designs, and poor craftsmanship diminish the perceived value of the award and may not last over time.
Why This Matters:
- Durability: Awards made from cheap materials may break, fade, or tarnish, diminishing their long-term impact.
- Prestige: High-quality awards reflect your organization’s commitment to excellence.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Balance Quality and Budget: Choose affordable yet premium options, like crystal or stone awards, that offer elegance without excessive costs.
- Opt for Customization: Personalized designs can elevate even simple awards, ensuring they feel special and meaningful.
- Explore Bulk Discounts: Award Maven offers cost-effective solutions for large orders without compromising on quality.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Packaging and Delivery Details
Even the most beautiful award can lose its shine if it arrives damaged or poorly presented. Overlooking packaging and delivery logistics can tarnish the recipient’s experience and create unnecessary headaches for your team.
Why This Matters:
- First Impressions: A well-packaged award enhances the unboxing experience, making the moment more memorable.
- Protection During Transit: Awards, especially fragile items like crystal trophies, require secure packaging to avoid damage.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Request Secure Packaging: Ensure awards are shipped in protective materials, such as foam inserts or padded boxes.
- Ship Directly to Recipients: Award Maven can drop-ship awards directly to recipients, saving you time and hassle.
- Plan for Contingencies: Always allow extra time for unexpected shipping delays or reorders.
Why Choose Award Maven?
Avoiding these common mistakes starts with choosing the right partner. At Award Maven, we pride ourselves on making the recognition process seamless, efficient, and personalized. Here’s how we help:
- Expert Consulting: From selecting materials to crafting award wording, our team provides tailored guidance for every step.
- Proof Generator: Our user-friendly tool ensures you can preview and approve your design with confidence.
- Fast Turnaround Times: With awards available within 3–5 business days, you’ll never miss a deadline.
- Custom Solutions: We specialize in creating crystal awards, custom trophies, and other unique designs that reflect your brand’s values.
Conclusion: Make Every Award Moment Count
Ordering awards for your company doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead, double-checking details, and partnering with a trusted provider like Award Maven, you can ensure your recognition programs are meaningful, impactful, and error-free. Remember, the right award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a lasting symbol of achievement and appreciation.
Ready to get started? Contact Award Maven today to design awards that inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impression.
FAQs About Ordering Awards
- How long does it take to order custom trophies?
Most orders can be completed within 3–5 business days with Award Maven’s fast-turnaround services. - Can I see a proof before production?
Yes, our Proof Generator allows you to review and approve designs before production. - Do you offer bulk discounts?
Absolutely! Contact our team for pricing on larger orders.