Starting a Button Making Business with Clear Steps

How to Start a Button Making Business from Scratch

Before you think about presses, designs, or websites, you need to decide if owning a business is actually a fit for you. It’s not just about being creative or liking buttons. You’re trading a steady paycheck for uncertainty, and you’re the one who carries the risk when things go wrong.

Ask yourself if you’re starting this business because you’re excited about it, or because you’re trying to escape something. If you’re only trying to get away from a job you dislike or fix a money problem fast, you may not stay with it when problems show up. If you move toward something you care about, you’re more likely to stick it out.

You also need to ask if you’re ready for long days, learning new skills, and carrying full responsibility. Can you go without a steady income while you build this? Can you get the funds you need to start and keep going? Is your family on board with the risk and the time it takes?

• For a deeper look at big-picture issues, see Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business.
• To think through why passion matters when things get tough, see How Passion Affects Your Business.
• To get an inside view of any business, including this one, learn how to talk to owners in other areas using this guide to getting an inside look at a business. Only contact owners you won’t be competing against.

What a Button Making Business Actually Does

A button making business produces custom pin-back buttons and related items that carry logos, phrases, artwork, and messages. You design, print, cut, and press each piece using a press and metal or plastic parts. Clients use these items to promote causes, events, brands, and artwork.

Most businesses in this space start small. Many begin in a spare room or small studio with one or two presses and grow from there. You can operate solo at first, then add help later if order volume grows.

So ask yourself what role you want. Do you want a small home-based operation you run on your own, or a studio that handles larger orders and employs staff? Your answer changes how you set up the business from day one.

• Typical products: pin-back buttons in different sizes, magnetic buttons, keychains, bottle openers, mirrors, and badge reels.
• Typical services: custom design layout, short runs for local groups, bulk runs for events, and optional on-site pressing at events.
• Typical customers: schools, nonprofits, political campaigns, small businesses, artists, fan groups, and event organizers.

Pros and Cons You Need to Face Up Front

Every business idea has advantages and drawbacks. You need to look at both before you start spending money. Ignoring the hard side now usually means bigger problems later.

The button trade looks simple from the outside, but deadlines, quality demands, and low unit prices can put pressure on you. You’ll deal with rush orders, artwork issues, and clients who need everything for an event date that won’t move.

So ask yourself if you handle pressure well, and if you’re comfortable with repetitive production work when orders spike. If the honest answer is no, pay attention to that now.

• Advantages: low space requirements, simple equipment compared to heavy manufacturing, clear products, and a wide range of potential clients.
• Challenges: price pressure from large online companies, deadline-driven work, and the need for volume to make the numbers work.
• Risks: copyright and trademark issues if you press designs that clients don’t actually have the right to use.

Decide on Your Business Model and Scale

Before you order a press, decide how big you want this to be and how you plan to run it. It’s easier to choose equipment, structure, and funding when you’re clear about the model. If you skip this part, you risk setting up a structure that doesn’t match your goals.

At startup, most button businesses can be run by one person. You can handle design, printing, pressing, packing, and admin yourself if you keep order volume manageable. As you grow, you can add part-time help or full-time staff for production, design, or admin.

You also need to think about ownership. Will you run this alone, take on a partner, or bring in investors? If you plan a simple, home-based operation, personal funding and solo ownership are common. If you expect to build a larger studio with commercial space and staff, a more formal structure and outside capital may make more sense.

• Solo, home-based: you handle everything yourself, use personal funds or a small loan, and start with basic equipment.
• Small studio: you may lease a small commercial space, add more presses, and prepare to hire help for production.
• Partnership or investors: more funding and growth potential, but more complexity and legal work.

Research Demand, Competition, and Profit Potential

You don’t want to set up a workshop only to find out you can’t get enough orders or charge enough to cover your costs. That’s why demand, pricing, and competition research come early. It’s not exciting, but skipping it is expensive.

Look at who already orders buttons in your area. That includes schools, nonprofits, political groups, small shops, and event organizers. Then look at who already serves them and how. Study their websites, product lists, and price ranges.

So ask yourself: is there room for you to offer something different or better? Or will you struggle from day one because there’s already more supply than demand?

• Use this guide on supply and demand to think through whether your market can support another business.
• List the main competitors, local and online, and note their standard sizes, finishes, minimum orders, and base prices.
• Estimate how many orders you need per month to cover expenses and pay yourself a realistic amount.

Plan Your Services, Products, and Pricing

Once you understand demand, decide exactly what you’ll offer. You don’t need to offer every size and product variation from day one. It’s better to start focused and reliable than broad and scattered. You can always expand later.

Pick the button sizes and related products you can produce well with your chosen equipment. Then decide how you’ll price them. You’ll need to think about material costs, production time, design time, and order volume.

So ask yourself which services you actually want to provide. Do you want to handle complex custom artwork, or stick to simple layouts from client-provided files?

• Define standard products such as common pin-back sizes and a small set of add-ons like magnets and keychains.
• Decide whether you’ll charge extra for design, rush orders, or complex artwork.
• Use this guide on pricing your products and services to work out a structure that covers your costs and reflects your time.

Estimate Your Startup Costs and List Essential Equipment

Before you spend money, you need a clear list of what you actually need to open the business. That includes equipment, supplies, office tools, and basic branding. The size of your operation will shape your total investment.

Start with a simple list, then research actual prices. That gives you a realistic total for funding. It also helps you avoid buying things you don’t need for launch.

So ask yourself what’s essential for day one and what can wait until later. You don’t have to buy every tool and gadget up front.

• Use this guide on estimating startup costs to build your list and refine your numbers.

• Design and computing
  • Desktop or laptop computer with enough power for graphics work.
  • Design software that supports circular layouts and print templates.
  • Monitor, keyboard, mouse, and backup storage.
• Printing
  • Color printer suited for graphic work (inkjet or laser).
  • Compatible bright white paper in the weight recommended for button production.
  • Extra ink or toner cartridges.
• Cutting
  • Circle cutter or punches sized for each button diameter you plan to offer.
  • Cutting mat and basic hand tools for adjustments and maintenance.
• Presses and dies
  • Manual button press suitable for your target sizes.
  • Interchangeable dies or individual presses for each size you’ll offer.
  • Optional pneumatic or automatic press if you plan higher volume from the start.
• Button components and consumables
  • Metal or plastic shells in each size.
  • Pin-back components.
  • Clear film covers (often polyester) matched to each size.
  • Optional backs such as magnets, keychains, bottle openers, and mirrors.
  • Poly bags or boxes for packing sets of finished items.
  • Labels and, if helpful, a small label printer.
• Workspace and storage
  • Worktables or benches for presses and printers.
  • Shelving, bins, or drawers to separate components by size and type.
  • Packing and shipping supplies such as boxes, padded mailers, and tape.
  • Postal scale and measuring tools to prepare shipments.
• Office and administration
  • Simple accounting and invoicing system.
  • File storage for permits, licenses, contracts, and client records.
• Software to consider
  • Design software for layouts.
  • Basic bookkeeping software or a simple cloud accounting tool.
  • Online payment and invoicing tools to handle deposits and balances.
• Safety and maintenance
  • Safety glasses when working near cutting tools.
  • Cleaning supplies for presses and dies, following manufacturer guidance.

Choose a Business Name, Brand, and Online Presence

Your name and brand help clients remember you and understand what you do. Pick a name that’s easy to say, spell, and connect to custom buttons or badges. Then check that it’s not already in use in your state or by a well-known brand.

You’ll also want a matching website address and social media handles if possible. That keeps your identity consistent wherever people find you.

So ask yourself what feeling you want your brand to create. Fun and playful? Clean and professional? That choice shapes your logo, color scheme, and marketing material.

• Use this guide on selecting a business name to avoid common problems.
• Plan your logo, letterhead, and other visual elements using the ideas in this article about a corporate identity package.
• Learn what to include on your cards from this guide to business cards.
• When you’re ready to plan your site, use this website planning guide to outline what your website should include.

Handle Legal Structure, Registration, and Compliance

You don’t need to become a legal expert, but you do need to set up your business correctly. That means choosing a structure, registering where required, and getting any needed licenses and permits. The exact steps vary by state and city, so you’ll need to confirm local rules.

Many small businesses start as sole proprietorships by default. As they grow, owners often form a limited liability company for added protection and a clearer structure. You can talk to a professional if you’re not sure which option fits you.

So ask yourself what level of risk you’re comfortable with and how complex your plans are. If you want partners, staff, or outside investors, you’ll probably need more than the simplest structure.

• Use this guide on how to register a business to understand the general steps.
• Check with your state’s Secretary of State office or business filing agency about forming an entity and registering your business name.
• Apply for a federal tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service if your structure or bank requires it, or if you plan to hire staff.
• Contact your state’s tax department about sales tax registration, since custom buttons are usually treated as tangible goods.
• Ask your city or county about a general business license and home occupation rules if you’re operating from home.
• If you rent a studio or shop, ask the building or planning department whether you need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for your use of the space.
• If you plan to sell at public events or on the street, check with event organizers or the city about vendor or street vending permits.

• For insurance basics, see this guide to business insurance and discuss your situation with a licensed insurance professional.
• For a support team, review ideas in this article on building a team of professional advisors.

Write a Simple Business Plan and Arrange Funding

A written plan helps you stay focused, even if you never show it to a bank or investor. It doesn’t have to be complex. It just needs to cover your market, your services, your pricing, your costs, and how you’ll reach your clients.

Once you know your startup costs and early operating costs, you can decide how to fund the business. That might be personal savings, help from family, a line of credit, or a small loan.

So ask yourself how much you actually need, how much you can afford to risk, and where the money will come from. You don’t want to run out of cash halfway through setup.

• Use this guide on how to write a business plan to structure your plan.
• Review how to get a business loan if you expect to work with a lender.
• Open a separate business account at a financial institution once you’ve chosen a structure and have any needed tax IDs. Keep your business and personal money apart from day one.

Set Up Your Workspace and Daily Workflow

Even a small button operation needs a good layout. You want a smooth flow from design to printing, cutting, pressing, and packing. A cramped, cluttered space slows you down and increases mistakes.

Plan different zones for each stage of the work. Think about where you’ll store supplies, where finished items will rest before packing, and where you’ll handle shipping labels and paperwork.

So ask yourself if your planned space can handle your equipment and movement. If not, adjust now instead of trying to fix it later while you’re under deadline.

• If you’re opening a visible studio or shop, use this guide to choosing a business location to think through access, parking, and local demand.
• For signage on a commercial space, review this article about business sign considerations.

• Typical “day in the life” once you’re running
  • Check emails and messages for new orders, quote requests, and questions.
  • Prepare or adjust artwork and send proofs for approval.
  • Print approved designs, then cut circles for each order.
  • Press the orders, inspect each item, and set aside any that don’t meet your standard.
  • Pack and label orders, prepare shipping, and drop them off or schedule pickup.
  • Update simple records for expenses, income, and taxes.

Choose Suppliers and Build Relationships

Your supplies are the backbone of your business. If you run out of shells or clear film, you can’t produce anything. If your supplier quality is poor, your finished items will show it.

Research companies that specialize in button equipment and components. Compare quality, range of sizes, delivery times, and customer service. Test samples where possible before you commit.

So ask yourself what matters most to you: price, quality, delivery speed, or support. You’ll rarely get everything at once, so be clear about your priorities.

• Identify at least two reliable sources for button components so you have a backup.
• Plan how often you’ll reorder and what minimum levels you want to keep on hand.
• If you aren’t strong in negotiation or supplier management, remember you can learn or hire help for that role later.

Create Samples, Systems, and Pre-Launch Assets

Before you open, you need proof you can do the work and systems to handle orders. Samples help clients see your quality. Systems help you stay organized when orders start coming in.

Create a set of sample items in each size and style you’ll offer. Photograph them for your website and social pages. Have physical samples ready for local meetings.

So ask yourself how you’ll handle quotes, approvals, deposits, and deadlines. If you can’t answer those questions now, take time to set up basic systems.

• Prepare standard order forms, terms, and simple contracts that explain artwork rights, deadlines, and payment terms.
• Set up invoicing and payment tools so you can accept card payments and track balances.
• Review this article on mistakes to avoid when starting a small business so you don’t repeat common errors.
• If you plan to grow beyond one person, read about how and when to hire so you’re ready when that time comes.

Plan How You’ll Get Your First Customers

No matter how good your work is, nothing happens until someone places an order. You need a simple plan to reach your first clients and start building a reputation. That includes online and offline steps.

Think about where your ideal clients spend their time. Schools, nonprofits, bands, and small shops all have different habits. Your plan should follow them instead of expecting them to find you by chance.

So ask yourself which channels fit you best: email outreach, local visits, events, social media, or partnerships with other businesses.

• Use your website to show samples, explain your process, and make it easy to request a quote.
• Use professional cards when you meet prospects; this guide on business cards can help you plan them.
• If you open a studio with walk-in traffic, look at ideas for getting customers through the door.
• When you’re ready for a special launch event or open house, review ideas for your grand opening.

Use Professional Help When You Need It

You don’t have to do everything yourself. In fact, trying to handle every task can slow you down and cause errors, especially with legal, tax, or technical issues. Smart owners know when to bring in help.

If you’re not comfortable with accounting, business registration, graphic design, or website setup, you can hire professionals or use trusted services for those pieces. Your job is to make sure the work is done correctly, not to do every technical task alone.

So ask yourself where your strengths are. Then decide which areas you’ll learn, and which you’ll hand off as soon as it’s reasonable to do so.

• Consider an accountant or bookkeeper to set up your accounting system and show you what to track.
• Use an attorney or business advisor for legal structure, contracts, or partnerships.
• Hire or contract design and web help if those skills are weak for you and critical to your brand.

Pre-Opening Checklist and Red Flags for a Button Making Business

Before you announce your launch, you need to confirm that the key pieces are in place. This is your chance to fix gaps while the stakes are still low. A simple checklist helps you cover the essentials.

You also need to look for warning signs. If you see them now and ignore them, they usually turn into bigger problems. Use them as a signal to slow down, adjust, or get advice before you move ahead.

So ask yourself if you’re truly ready to start accepting orders. If the honest answer is no, use this list to close the gap.

• Pre-opening checklist
  • You understand what this business involves and have checked that it fits your goals and lifestyle.
  • You’ve researched demand, competition, and pricing in your market.
  • You’ve chosen a business model, scale, and ownership structure that match your goals.
  • You’ve listed your startup costs, researched prices, and secured funding.
  • You’ve chosen a business name, checked availability, and planned your brand identity.
  • You’ve handled basic registration and licensing steps for your state and local area.
  • You’ve opened a business bank account.
  • Your workspace is set up with equipment, supplies, and a workflow that makes sense.
  • You have suppliers lined up and know how and when you’ll reorder.
  • You’ve created samples, photos, terms, and basic systems for quotes, approvals, and payments.
  • You’ve planned how you’ll reach your first clients and what you’ll say to them.
• Red flags to watch for
  • You haven’t confirmed demand or pricing, but you’re about to spend heavily on equipment.
  • You’re relying on hobby-grade tools while expecting high-volume orders and tight deadlines.
  • You accept any artwork without asking if the client has the rights to use it.
  • You don’t know which licenses, permits, or tax registrations apply and haven’t asked your state or local offices.
  • You don’t have a clear process for deadlines, deposits, and approvals, but you plan to start taking rush jobs.

101 Must-Know Tips for Your Button Making Business

In this section, you’ll find practical tips that touch different parts of your button making business.
Pick the ideas that fit where you are right now and leave the rest for later.

You may want to bookmark this page so you can return whenever a new challenge comes up.
For best results, choose one tip, apply it, and then move on to the next when you’re ready.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Write down exactly why you want to run a button making business and make sure you’re moving toward a business you care about, not just away from a job you dislike.
2. Talk honestly with your family about long hours, deadlines around events, and uncertain income so you know everyone understands what this business will demand from you.
3. Speak with button business owners who operate in other cities or states so you won’t compete with them, and ask about their toughest surprises, busiest times, and most profitable work.
4. List all the groups in your area that already use buttons, such as schools, nonprofits, campaigns, and small shops, and estimate how often they need new designs.
5. Search online for custom button suppliers that already serve your city and study their sizes, prices, minimum orders, and turnaround times before deciding how you will position your business.
6. Decide whether you want a home-based studio, a small commercial workspace, or a mobile setup focused on events, because that choice will affect your costs, zoning rules, and licensing needs.
7. Choose whether you’ll start as a one-person operation or plan to add help within the first year so you can pick the right legal structure and plan training from the beginning.
8. Set a simple income goal for the first year and estimate how many average orders you need each month to cover business expenses and still pay yourself a reasonable amount.
9. Review your personal budget and build a small reserve for your household so you are not forced to pull every dollar out of the business in its first months.
10. Check your city or county website for home business and zoning rules to confirm whether you can press, store, and ship products from home without violating local regulations.
11. Look up your state Department of Revenue and confirm how sales tax applies to custom physical products, then note when and how often you must file returns.
12. If you plan to use solvents, spray adhesives, or specialty inks, read introductory hazardous waste guidance for small businesses so you understand when federal or state rules might apply.
13. Pick one or two main niches such as school events, advocacy campaigns, or artist collaborations so you can design your samples, pricing, and marketing around clear use cases.
14. Be realistic about the physical side of pressing and cutting by trying similar repetitive motions in short sessions and considering an automated press if you expect frequent high-volume orders.
15. Write a short list of personal boundaries for rush jobs, maximum daily production, and latest order cut-off times so you protect your health and deliver consistently from day one.

What Successful Button Making Business Owners Do

16. They standardize a small set of button sizes and back styles at first so they can refine quality and estimate production time accurately before expanding their catalog.
17. They track how long it actually takes to prepare artwork, print, cut, press, and pack a typical order so they can quote realistic lead times and labor estimates.
18. They keep labeled samples of every common size and finish so prospects can see and touch the difference between glossy, matte, magnetic, and other options at a glance.
19. They maintain digital templates for each size with safe zones and bleed marks so artwork is fast, consistent, and easy to train others on later.
20. They run regular printer maintenance cycles and color checks so designs look consistent across repeat orders and reprints.
21. They learn the safety instructions for presses and cutters and train anyone who helps them, reducing the chance of injuries that can slow production.
22. They document simple, step-by-step routines for each task so temporary help or new staff can follow the process without constant supervision.
23. They keep an organized stock of shells, backs, and clear film by size so they can see shortages early and avoid last-minute supply emergencies.
24. They maintain at least one backup source for core components like shells and pin backs in case a primary supplier runs out or raises prices suddenly.
25. They schedule time every week for marketing tasks such as updating photos, posting content, and reaching out to potential clients so promotion does not vanish during busy periods.
26. They build predictable policies for deposits, revisions, and reprints so every customer is treated fairly and decisions are easier when problems show up.
27. They regularly review jobs that went well and jobs that caused stress and adjust their offers, minimums, or lead times so the business becomes easier to manage over time.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

28. Create a simple order form that captures design details, quantities, due dates, and contact information so nothing important is left in scattered messages.
29. Set up a basic calendar that shows production days, shipping cut-off times, and event dates so you do not promise overlapping deadlines you cannot meet.
30. Group similar jobs by size and backing style where possible so you spend less time changing dies and resetting your press.
31. Arrange your workspace in a clear sequence from design area to printer, cutting station, press, and packing area so you are not constantly crossing paths or moving stacks around.
32. Use clear bins or shelves labeled by component type and size so you can see at a glance what needs to be reordered and where everything belongs.
33. Weigh and measure typical packed orders once and keep a quick reference list so you can print shipping labels quickly and avoid repeated guessing.
34. Set a standard naming system for digital files that includes client name, date, and size so you can find old artwork when customers reorder months later.
35. Write a short safety checklist for using your presses, circle cutters, and printers and keep it near the equipment as a reminder for you and anyone assisting you.
36. Train helpers one task at a time, starting with packing or cutting, and move them into more complex steps only after they show they can follow instructions consistently.
37. Cross-train at least one other person on key tasks such as pressing and basic printer troubleshooting so production does not stop when you are sick or away.
38. Schedule a weekly block to reconcile orders, deposits, and expenses so your records stay up to date and tax season is less stressful.
39. Use simple written procedures for checking proofs, approving artwork, and logging changes so you always know which version is the final one.
40. Set minimum order sizes that reflect how long setup takes so you are not spending hours on very small orders that drain your time.
41. Decide early which work you will decline, such as designs that violate your content policy or rush requests that risk missing the event date.
42. If you add staff, define each role clearly, including who handles customers, who oversees production, and who is responsible for final quality checks on every order.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

43. Understand that many states treat physical promotional products such as custom buttons as taxable goods, so you will likely need to register for sales tax and file returns on a regular schedule.
44. Expect demand cycles tied to school calendars, sports seasons, elections, and awareness campaigns, and plan your capacity and cash flow for busy and slow months.
45. Know that large national promotional product companies compete heavily on price and speed, so small shops often focus on niche markets, personal service, or low minimum orders instead of trying to match those scales.
46. Recognize that manual presses are well suited for small batches and custom work, while automated presses can become important if you take on frequent high-quantity orders.
47. Stay aware that some inks, cleaners, or coatings used in printing can be regulated as hazardous waste if certain quantities or characteristics are present, which may trigger specific handling and disposal rules.
48. Expect supply chain delays at times for metal shells, clear films, or specialty backs and keep buffer stock of critical items so one delayed shipment does not stop production.
49. Know that political and advocacy work can surge around key dates, which may bring in profitable orders but also tight deadlines and reputational considerations.
50. Understand that copyright and trademark violations are a real risk in this industry, so you should require written confirmation that your customers own or have permission to use any protected artwork or logos.
51. Realize that equipment manuals and safety sections are part of your risk management plan, not optional reading, because ignoring them can lead to injuries and down time.
52. Remember that industry norms evolve, including typical sizes, styles, and finishes, so reviewing what top shops offer every year helps you keep your catalog current without copying them.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

53. Build a simple website that shows your best work, lists core sizes and services, and gives clear instructions on how to request a quote or place an order.
54. Use clear photos that show close-up details of edges, pin hardware, and finish so customers can see the quality difference without holding the product.
55. Create sample packs for different niches, such as schools or nonprofits, and mail or hand-deliver them to decision makers together with a short printed price list.
56. Visit local schools, clubs, and community groups and offer a small trial order so they can test your quality before committing to larger events.
57. Share behind-the-scenes content on social media that shows the design and pressing process so people understand the care that goes into each order.
58. Ask past clients if you can feature their projects and tag their organizations when you show finished products online, which can bring you referral traffic.
59. Develop themed collections around seasons such as graduation, election periods, or awareness months and promote them several weeks before the events they support.
60. Offer a reorder option with simplified pricing for designs you already have on file so busy organizers can restock quickly without a long discussion.
61. Create a simple referral program where current customers receive a discount or added value when they send you new clients who place qualifying orders.
62. Partner with local print shops or design studios that do not press buttons and offer to produce this product line for their clients under a clear agreement.
63. Join local business groups or chambers and keep a small sample kit with you so you can respond when someone mentions events, fundraisers, or promotions.
64. Test small, focused ads that target groups likely to use buttons, such as fan communities or community organizers, and track which messages bring actual quote requests.
65. Offer design help packages at different levels so customers who have no artwork can still work with you, while customers with press-ready files can move faster and pay less.
66. Make sure your contact information is easy to find on every piece of marketing you use, including sample cards, packaging labels, and invoices.
67. Review which marketing activities generated real orders every quarter and drop the ones that took time without producing results so you can double down on what works.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

68. Explain your process step by step during the first conversation so new customers know what to expect from proof to delivery and do not feel left in the dark.
69. Set clear expectations about lead times, revision limits, and shipping dates in writing so there is less room for confusion as the job progresses.
70. Ask customers how the buttons will be used and viewed so you can suggest suitable sizes, finishes, and quantities instead of simply taking an order form at face value.
71. Offer to review customer artwork for legibility at the chosen size and explain calmly when text or details will not be readable on small buttons.
72. Use simple, plain-language explanations when you talk about print resolution, color shifts, and bleed areas so customers are not overwhelmed with technical terms.
73. Confirm final quantities, backing type, and event date before you start pressing and ask the customer to reply with a clear approval message for your records.
74. Store approved artwork and order details in a way that makes reorders simple, and tell customers you can repeat their job quickly if they contact you later.
75. Follow up after delivering a first job to ask how the event went and whether the products met their needs, which shows you care beyond getting paid.
76. Offer simple upgrade suggestions, such as adding a few staff badges or magnets for display, but only after you have confirmed the main order is correct.
77. When you cannot meet a requested deadline, say so immediately and, if possible, suggest realistic alternatives instead of taking on work you know you cannot finish in time.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

78. Write a short, clear service policy that explains what happens if there is a defect, a shipping delay, or a misunderstanding and share it with customers before they approve their orders.
79. Define what you consider a defect, such as misaligned artwork or non-functioning pins, so your team and your customers share the same standards.
80. Offer a reasonable remake or credit process for genuine defects and stick to it so customers see you as fair and consistent.
81. Photograph random samples from larger runs before shipping so you have a record of quality if a dispute comes up later.
82. Invite honest feedback by adding a short line on invoices or follow-up emails asking what worked well and what you should improve for next time.
83. Respond to complaints quickly, even if you do not yet have a full answer, so customers know you are taking the issue seriously.
84. Keep a simple log of service problems, what caused them, and how you fixed them so you can adjust equipment, training, or policies to reduce repeat issues.
85. Thank customers who give constructive feedback and let them know when you change a process because of a suggestion they made.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

86. Track how much scrap paper, mispressed components, and damaged items you discard each week so you can see where better training or equipment might cut waste.
87. Choose suppliers that provide consistent, durable components so fewer items fail quality checks and end up in the trash.
88. Explore options to recycle or repurpose scrap paper and metal where local facilities accept these materials, and follow any rules they set for preparation and sorting.
89. Store chemicals, inks, and cleaners in labeled containers and follow disposal instructions so you stay within environmental rules and protect your work area.
90. Consider sturdy, right-sized packaging that protects your products while avoiding unnecessary padding or oversized boxes that increase material use and shipping costs.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

91. Set aside time each month to review new design and merchandise trends so your samples and ideas stay fresh and relevant to current tastes.
92. Subscribe to small-business resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration so you can track changes in common startup and compliance topics.
93. Review Internal Revenue Service small-business updates at least once a year so you stay aware of any changes in tax rules that affect your reporting and recordkeeping.
94. Watch how leading custom product shops describe and photograph their items so you can see how the industry presents offers without copying their exact wording or styles.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

95. Build a simple forecast that shows expected busy and slow months so you can plan supply orders, marketing pushes, and personal time off around those patterns.
96. Test small improvements in equipment or software, such as adding a more efficient press or better design tools, when rising order volume starts to strain your current setup.
97. When a new competitor arrives, review your own strengths, such as custom design help or local service, and adjust your message instead of trying to win every job on price.
98. During slow periods, focus on improving templates, sample sets, and systems so you are ready to respond quickly when demand rises again.

What Not to Do

99. Do not set prices without calculating material cost, labor time, and overhead, or you may end up working hard on jobs that barely cover your expenses.
100. Do not ignore safety warnings on button presses and cutting tools, because rushed or careless use can cause injuries that interrupt your ability to work.
101. Do not treat taxes and registrations as an afterthought; register correctly, keep basic records, and file on time so penalties and interest do not drain your cash later.

 

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, USA.gov, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Houston Chronicle Small Business, California Secretary of State – Business Programs, City of Ventura – Business License, Buttonmakers – Button Equipment Information, 4over4 – Custom Button Printing Materials, Swagify – Custom Button Pins Guide, PrintXpand – Selling Button Badges Online