SymbolArts: Makers of Badges and Whatnot

[N. A. Corbier]

Has anyone had dealings with Symbolarts before? We're thinking of using custom badges, and weighing the price against stock badges from Smith and Warren (Stock as in applied seals, not "I R A GUARD" stock.)

SymbolArts charges 300 dollars for molding fees, but only charges 65 dollars per badge. This would allow for a custom seal, a custom badge with our local landmark (Yes, I'm putting that lighthouse on the badge, behind a 5-point star on an oval shield. Maybe.), and applied seals saying just about anything we want on them.

SymbolArts will not place a state seal on a badge unless its from a public law enforcement agency, which necessitates the custom seal.

[Mr. Security]

I haven't dealt with them, but perhaps they could send you a sample seal to give you some idea of the quality. I like your idea though. Not only will it present a professional appearance, but it will clearly distinguish you from other "garden variety" security companies.

By the way, have you finalized your shoulder patches? How much for one to add to my collection?

[N. A. Corbier]

I haven't dealt with them, but perhaps they could send you a sample seal to give you some idea of the quality. I like your idea though. Not only will it present a professional appearance, but it will clearly distinguish you from other "garden variety" security companies.

By the way, have you finalized your shoulder patches? How much for one to add to my collection?

SymbolArts is doing our patches, as well. One of the things that was suggested to me was to place proofs of everything in the business plan, so that readers can see that:

1) We're serious, and have thought out every aspect
2) Our uniforms, designs, and whatnot are not "wannabe police," which increases liability concern and lessens profitability
3) It provides a centralized repository for the artwork and designs, combined with quotations.

Its against SymbolArts policy to use the Wisconsin State Seal, so they're also creating a custom seal for us to be used on the patches, as well. Considering that we need four patches per uniform, the minimum order of 100 will get us by for initial startup, I hope. Ie: 25 badges, 100 patches for up to 25 officers.

Once I have the patch, I can start the next phase of quotations, which is the vehicle graphics.

[Guest]

N.A.,

Here a couple of links to the two best badge companies in the US:

1. Sun Badge Company. http://www.sunbadgeco.com/

2. Entenmann-Rovin. http://host212.ipowerweb.com/~entenman/index.php

Sun makes the badges for just about all the major cities and is the finest quality to be found. Entenmann-Rovin comes in pretty close second.

[davis002]

I've heard nothing but good things about Symbol Arts. They have quite a few large contracts all over the US.

[N. A. Corbier]

I've heard nothing but good things about Symbol Arts. They have quite a few large contracts all over the US.

They seem to make every badge in this area.

Thanks, histfan, I'll research them.

[Mr. Security]

for initial startup, I hope. Ie: 25 badges....

I know that you're not fond of my deposit idea for other uniform components. What about doing it for the badges? Otherwise, someone may claim to lose the badge so that they can sell it on Ebay or somewhere else. It's the only sure way not to lose ANY badge while you are in business.

[N. A. Corbier]

I know that you're not fond of my deposit idea for other uniform components. What about doing it for the badges? Otherwise, someone may claim to lose the badge so that they can sell it on Ebay or somewhere else. It's the only sure way not to lose ANY badge while you are in business.

Oh. You cannot "lose" my equipment or uniforms. If you negligently misplace them, you will be liable for a new one. If it is stolen, I want a police report.

The thing about a deposit is that who's going to pay up front to work for you? Payroll Deduction, or a durable agreement stating the employee is liable for equipment upon loss or destruction, don't require "up front" costs. I mean, hell, could you afford to slap down 500 dollars on gear if you walked through my door?

[Mr. Security]

Oh. You cannot "lose" my equipment or uniforms. If you negligently misplace them, you will be liable for a new one. If it is stolen, I want a police report.

The thing about a deposit is that who's going to pay up front to work for you? Payroll Deduction, or a durable agreement stating the employee is liable for equipment upon loss or destruction, don't require "up front" costs. I mean, hell, could you afford to slap down 500 dollars on gear if you walked through my door?

No, and I'm all for your durable agreement idea. What I mean is asking for a $100-150 refundable deposit just for the badge. It's your badge that you don't want to end up in the wrong hands. Let's say it costs you $70.00 per badge. The x-employee says he "lost" it and so you take the money out of his last paycheck. That's fine with him because he knows that he can resell it for more money to the "right" people. By making the deposit requirement substantially higher than the actual cost of the badge, you eliminate this problem and maintain absolute control over each and every badge. See what I mean?

[N. A. Corbier]

I'm revisiting this, and thought of something... interesting.

One method of this issue is all probationary officers wear a "stock" badge, and the promotion process to full PPO involves being awarded the badge. In 90 days, you can usually tell if someone's there to screw around, or if they're going to be a good canidate or not.

[Guest]

I'm revisiting this, and thought of something... interesting.

One method of this issue is all probationary officers wear a "stock" badge, and the promotion process to full PPO involves being awarded the badge. In 90 days, you can usually tell if someone's there to screw around, or if they're going to be a good canidate or not.

I don't think this is a good idea. By making new employees wear a different badge you are telling them that they are "different", that they are "not one of the team", and that they are somehow inferior to "full PPO's." That kind of attitude toward a new employee could easily lead to hostility and resentment. How do long do you think a hostile and bitter employee will stay around? That same hostile and bitter employee, who you have created by the way, is likely to sabotage your entire operation on his way out the door.

Also, some (if not most) of the "full PPO's" will be encouraged to treat the "probationary officers" poorly because you have chosen to make them different. Harassment and hazing of the new guys by the vets will become commonplace, and lawsuits will follow. Most of the people who enter the security industry are total social misfits who cannot survive in the real world nor hold a real job. Before a bunch of you respond to this thread with cries of "but not me, I'm a professional!" I acknowledge that there are a few, very few, professional individuals in the security industry. If you look long enough and hard enough you will find an exception to every rule; I am speaking generally and of the industry as a whole. These social misfits are attracted to security jobs because they get to wear a cop-like uniform and try to live out their fantasy of being a big, bad, important person. By giving "full PPO's" different badges then new employees you are playing right into their misguided power fantasy. These misfits are just such the kind of people to pick on, harass, terrorize, etc. the new guys because the "full PPO's" think they have more authority, are more special, are more deserving, are "better" than the new guys.

In short, a disaster waiting to happen.

[N. A. Corbier]

You have a point. If I want people to terrorize others, I make them supervisors.

[Mr. Security]

I'm revisiting this, and thought of something... interesting.

One method of this issue is all probationary officers wear a "stock" badge, and the promotion process to full PPO involves being awarded the badge. In 90 days, you can usually tell if someone's there to screw around, or if they're going to be a good canidate or not.

Actually, I like your idea. When I worked as a dispatcher, you had to wear your civvies until you made it past probation. Too many uniforms had been ordered and paid for by the town for those who didn't make it. I know you are talking about badges, but the principle applies.