Trophies have been around for centuries, and they’re still the most iconic way to acknowledge victory and success, whether it be in the world of sports, academia, or even at work. There’s nothing quite like receiving a tangible token of “a job-well-done”, which is why participants are so happy to receive trophies for their accomplishments. Well, that, and the fact that they’re also highly attractive to look at!
That said, not all trophies are made equal. If you’re going to be giving out awards you want to make sure that your winners will be proud of their prizes. This is why it’s important to carefully assess the quality of the trophies you’re planning on purchasing.
1. Get the Best Material Your Budget Can Afford
Trophies are available in a variety of materials, and the better the material is, the more sturdy and attractive your awards will be. For instance, crystal is available in a number of different grades.
If you’re deciding between two similarly priced materials, ask your trophy maker if you can see a couple samples. Inspect the finishes carefully and handle it to check for sturdiness.
2. Ask to See a Sample
Before committing to purchasing a specific trophy type, any reputable dealer should be willing to offer a sample to see in person. If they don’t have one available, see if they can order one in—especially if you’re going to be spending a lot of money.
3. Look for Discoloration
Be sure to inspect trophies carefully for imperfections like discoloration, which can occur in low-grade materials. If the sample trophy is discoloured, you can bet that your participants awards will also fade over time as well.
4. Ask for a Second Opinion
When in doubt, there’s nothing better than asking for a second opinion. Bring along a friend or colleague who can offer their set of eyes and hands. Even better, get input from the people who will potentially be winning the awards.
5. Check for Damage and Mistakes
Once your trophy order has arrived, be sure to check every single award for damages like scratches and chips, loose bolts, and dents. Perhaps even more importantly, double check engraving quality, spelling, and dates. Make sure to ensure before buying trophies, that you will be able to return your purchases if you notice any of these faults upon receiving them.
There are few things more disappointing than winning a coveted trophy only to find out that there’s a dent in it and your name is spelled wrong.
