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August 21, 2020 by ARN Leave a Comment

Trophy Buying Tips from the Experts

New to buying trophies and not sure where to begin? Or maybe you are an experienced trophy purchasing professional and looking for some new ideas? At Tustin Awards, we have the expertise, customer service, and vast selection to make sure you find exactly what you need!

Trophy Buying Tips – Asking the Right Questions

Over the years, we have found that sometimes customers have different visions when looking for a trophy. We typically ask a few questions to help them narrow their search. With thousands of options to choose from, knowing the answers to these questions will expedite the buying process.

Is there a theme – i.e. fantasy football, retirement, star achiever?
When do you need to have the trophy ready?
What price range would you like the trophy to be in?
What trophy quantity do you need?
Is this trophy for one person, or will it be updated each year with new winner names?
Do you need to ship the trophy?

Our Expert Recommendations

An easy place to begin your search is at the trophy page on our website. Here, you will see a few of our most popular trophy options. Our Champion Cup is a classic choice that features a gold metal cup on a solid black marble base. For an elite event or achiever, we recommend the Renaissance Cup which features a premium metal cup on a rosewood base, and it is available in three sizes – the tallest is over 20 inches high.

If you are planning to order a trophy where you add names to it monthly, quarterly, or annually (also known as a perpetual trophy), it will save you time and money in the future if you let us know this information before you place your order. This will allow us to customize and ensure the item can accommodate the desired number of winner names for the future. And, if you run out of space to add names, we can always add a base so you can continue to enjoy for years to come.

Will You Need to Ship Your Purchase?

If you anticipate needing to ship the trophy in the future (this is common for fantasy football), this would also be helpful to tell us before you order. This will allow us to recommend options that will travel well. For example, we recommend avoiding trophy options with small plastic pieces or thin metal pieces that may break easily in shipping. In some cases, our customers have purchased special shipping cases to ensure their awards arrive safely.

Shop Local At Tustin Awards For Your Orange County Custom Awards needs and more!

Providing Orange County custom awards, promotional products and on-site engraving for over 40 years.

How many times have you ordered an Orange County custom award only to discover that it wasn’t exactly what you thought you were getting? Or, maybe it didn’t arrive on the day you thought it would? Perhaps you even tried to call the online company but lost precious time navigating a phone tree without talking to an actual human?

At Tustin Awards, we get it! And we are here to help you avoid these online buying horror stories.

Spacious showroom displaying custom awards and promotional products

Since 1978, Tustin Awards has served Southern California with a customer-first approach. We have your best interest at heart!

When you choose Tustin Awards, you work directly with people who design, engrave, print, and assemble your Orange County custom awards in-house. A lot of online companies do not do any of this work themselves. They are at the mercy of another vendor and so are you.

Here’s why customers have been using Tustin Awards as their Orange County custom awards & promotional products source for over 40 years!

Customer Service
Showroom & Online Storefront
On-Site Engraving & Printing
Quality
On-Time & Safe Delivery
Fast Production
Community Focus
Value

Customer Service

We realize purchasing awards and promotional products can be a confusing and stressful process. Whether this is your first time ordering or you’re an experienced buyer, we will save you time and money by helping you find exactly what you need!

Whether you prefer to purchase in-store, via email, or using our online storefront, our customer service team will help you find exceptional awards and promotional products which align with your corporate branding, fit within your budget, and meet your deadline.

If you have any questions or need ideas, call us so we can help you in real time. Or email us, so we can guide you through the creative process. We also assist customers while they are on our website to ensure they find the right awards for their needs.

Showroom & Online Storefront

We recognize customers have different shopping preferences. For clients who people prefer to touch and see products before purchasing, we have a spacious showroom conveniently located in Tustin. Our brick and mortar store allows you to see products in-person to make sure they meet your expectations. It’s also a great place to meet with a recognition specialist to find new award and marketing ideas. If you have the time to visit our showroom, we strongly recommend it!

Some customers prefer to order online – we get it! With a few clicks on our online storefront, you can quickly place your order and move onto your next project. But, before production begins, your order is carefully reviewed by an actual human for any critical issues. For example, we often receive award orders from clients who forget to include details like the recipient’s name, presentation date, or logo. Or maybe the award someone ordered for the CEO of their company is only 5 inches tall (and a potential embarrassment). To save time and make sure your order is perfect, we will contact you to resolve any issues before production begins.

On-Site Engraving & Full Color Printing

At Tustin Awards, we offer on-site engraving, sand blasting (also known as sand etching or sand carving), as well as full color digital printing. We regularly engrave and print on materials including wood, glass, acrylic, aluminum, brass, marble, granite, and more!

With the latest in engraving and color printing technology, if something can sit still, there’s a good chance we can personalize it (but for human personalization, please call a tattoo artist).

Quality

Our exceptional quality and attention to detail has kept Tustin Awards in business for over 40 years. Because we engrave, print, and assemble our products in-house, we have complete control over the personalization process. We also have a minimum of three people inspect your award during and after production to ensure your order is flawless. While other companies often “cut corners” by using cheap materials or inferior engraving methods, we guarantee excellence at every price point.

For example, some online companies will sell laser engraved glass awards because laser engraving is a much faster process than sand etching. But when customers receive these laser engraved awards, they are shocked to discover that the engraved letters are hard to read or even flaking off. At Tustin Awards, this is a shortcut we will never take.

Tustin Awards producing exceptional awards for over 40 years

On-Time & Safe Delivery

In an era where employees routinely wear “multiple hats”, deadlines become tighter, and the margin for error is nonexistent, we do everything possible to ensure your awards and promotional product buying experience is a breeze!

As the industry leader in on-time delivery, we recognize that deadlines are non-negotiable.
Whether you have an awards presentation, graduation, fundraising gala, or retirement dinner, we consistently exceed expectations to make sure your awards and promotional products are the least of your worries!

Ordering from out of the area is extremely risky when hard deadlines need to be met.
More than a few times, we have had customers call in a panic because the awards or promotional products they ordered online from “Brand-X” were misspelled, too small, damaged in shipping, or poor quality. Their presentation is tomorrow, and the company they originally used either can’t or won’t rectify the situation. The fact is, if they would have shopped locally for Orange County custom awards they could have avoided this nightmare.

Fast Custom Awards Production

With on-site assembly and personalization, we guarantee speedy production, order accuracy, and high-quality products to meet your in-hands date. We will make every effort to meet any reasonable deadline.

Orange County Community Focus

When you shop at Tustin Awards, you are supporting the people in your neighborhood. Many of our employees have worked at Tustin Awards for over 10 years (some for 20+ years). We regularly give back to local community organizations such as schools, sports teams, and non-profits.

Value

When you add up all the advantages of buying locally from Tustin Awards, you will find that the value we provide blows the competition away. No one will provide you with better service or quality—we guarantee it. Save yourself the time, money, and headaches.

We are ready to start your next Orange County custom award or promotional product project! Shop local at Tustin Awards.
Learn more about us!

July 14, 2020 by Tustin Awards Leave a Comment

Why Employee Recognition Matters Now and How We Can Help!

In these difficult times, employee recognition means more than we can imagine.

The pressure employees have faced in the last few months to stay productive and healthy is tremendous. The sacrifice and dedication employees continue to demonstrate in the face of newfound challenges merits a well-deserved employee recognition program.

Employees working from home must remain focused despite unanticipated distractions. Zoom meetings with a baby in tow or answering emails late into the night is the new norm. Employees continue to excel while caring for children and loved ones.

Employees going into the workplace face increased risk of exposure. Restaurants, salons, grocery stores, and retail store employees never thought they would be front-line workers. Yet they consistently put their needs aside to serve others and help create a sense of normalcy. They perfectly execute heightened sanitation protocols to keep customers and co-workers safe. They may also take the brunt of customer stress with limited business hours, social distancing practices, etc.

Now, more than ever, those serving as nurses, doctors, police officers, and firemen deserve more gratitude than we can possibly give. These people work tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy. They continue to show up every day for our benefit despite increased risk, and they are truly heroes.

The need for employee appreciation is stronger than ever. Unfortunately, galas, awards presentations, and social gatherings have been cancelled or postponed. Companies and non-profits which had previously spent months planning these employee recognition events now have to put them on hold. This is forcing organizations to get more creative with how they acknowledge employees for going above and beyond. And this is where Tustin Awards comes in….

Need something fabulous on a budget? We have tons of great ideas!

Are you planning a virtual employee recognition presentation but still want real awards or trophies? We have you covered!

Whether you prefer the convenience of shopping online or the ability to “touch and see” products in a brick and mortar showroom, we are here to help. With over 40 years in the awards and promotional product industry, we have the expertise to make sure your order is perfect every time. We also have the capability to ship your awards directly to recipients. This ensures they safely receive the praise they deserve.

Don’t forget to recognize these special individuals as well:
– Non-profit donors continuing to give in the face of uncertainty
– Teachers selflessly serving their students
– Newlyweds who opted for a more intimate ceremony than planned
– And many more!

We look forward to helping you recognize the people in your life!

Contact Tustin Awards today and let’s make your employees feel special!
E-mail Us! or call (877) 589-9989

October 7, 2019 by Tustin Awards Leave a Comment

Cast Plaques: The Gold Standard in Commemorative Plaques

Whether you are looking for something simple and classic, or completely custom, the durability and prestige of cast bronze and cast aluminum plaques are unparalleled.

Cast Bronze vs. Cast Aluminum
Trying to decide between bronze and aluminum for your cast plaque or custom letter project? We have this quick and easy chart to help! Or, see our catalog here

Here is more detailed information on the differences between bronze and aluminum:

Color
One of the most obvious distinctions between bronze and aluminum is color. Unless painted, bronze metal will have a golden bronze hue while aluminum will appear silver. We have many paint colors and finishes available.

Cost
Although the cost difference on smaller plaque sizes is minimal, as the plaque size increases, the cost difference becomes more significant. Call or email us for pricing.

Metal Hardness
In most instances, the difference in hardness between bronze and aluminum is not an issue. This only becomes a consideration if the plaque will receive impact in the location on which it is placed. For example, if the plaque will be mounted on the ground and repeatedly stepped on, bronze is the way to go.

Exterior Use
Although both plaque styles are treated with a weather proofing lacquer, over time the lacquer slowly wears away, and changes in the finish may occur. This process typically accelerates in areas near the beach where saltwater air eats away at the finish.

Long Term Care
Should changes in the finish occur, refinishing is often possible for both cast bronze and cast aluminum. However, in cases of extreme deterioration, replacement may be needed.

Still have questions? Check out our cast plaque info page.

Call or e-mail Tustin Awards today to get started!
(877) 589-9989

February 6, 2017 by Tustin Awards Leave a Comment

Employee Awards Can Make your Business Boom

If you haven’t already created an employee awards and recognition program, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to grow your business!

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love being recognized for hard work?

While many aspects of our culture have shifted, the desire to have tangible proof of our achievements will never change. It’s a part of human nature; it’s a force that has the power to motivate like no other.
That need to succeed and be acknowledged for success isn’t just limited to professional athletes that win trophies at games. It exists in every one of your employees.

Is your business harnessing this power to motivate your human resources? After nearly 40 years in the recognition industry, we have seen countless companies expand with the help of employee awards programs. Therefore, we take great pride knowing our work brings joy to the award recipients. While also improving our clients’ bottom line.

Still need more proof? Here are additional ways an employee awards program can make your business boom!

Employee Awards Motivate Your Staff to Work Harder

Ask yourself a simple question. Would you produce the same quality of work if you knew that no one was watching? Or worse yet, would you try as hard if your supervisor knew you consistently went “above and beyond”, but never showed appreciation for your efforts?

With rare exceptions, most of us would probably do the “bare minimum” if we knew our efforts were not going to be acknowledged. So, if you haven’t created a program to reward your employee’s achievements, you’re not maximizing your workforce’s full potential! You are missing opportunities to show appreciation for outstanding dedication and motivate other employees to excel as well.

Awards Encourage Loyalty in Your Workforce

Many of our clients create corporate awards programs to recognize employees’ company anniversaries. Why would this be beneficial? Do you like getting birthday presents from friends/loved ones? What about anniversary presents from your significant other? Of course, you do!

Why? Because those gifts symbolize your relationship and show appreciation for the time you’ve shared together. So, when your employee celebrates a milestone, acknowledging their loyalty demonstrates your appreciation. This type of recognition motivates employees to stick around longer.

Awards Encourage Outstanding Performers

Nowadays, it seems like every child in class gets a gold star for being their own “special snowflake” and every kid on the soccer team gets a trophy for participating, even if they don’t make contact with the ball all season. Our culture has become conditioned to appreciate everyone’s unique efforts, and all-in-all, that can be a good thing! (We call that job security!)

However, when we are being honest, we know that in every class, on every team, and in every company, there are star performers who rise above the rest. Whether it’s your employee of the quarter, salesman of the month, or account manager of the year, giving kudos to those who deserve it not only validates their hard work, but raises the bar for others as well.

Call Tustin Awards today to create an employee awards and recognition program today!

January 30, 2017 by Tustin Awards Leave a Comment

3 Reasons To Order Company Awards

Have you ever ordered a company award… for your own company? Ever wondered if you should?

Customers often ask us, “So, how often do individuals order trophies for themselves?” Not that often. But, if the question were, “How often do companies order company awards for themselves,” the answer would be, “All the time!”

Here are 3 top reasons to order company awards. Even if it’s your own company!

Awards Memorialize Achievements and Milestones for Your Company

Many of our clients create awards to celebrate new product development, expansions, mergers, sales milestones, years established as a business, new locations, and so on. These awards commemorate how far the company has come. They help create a tangible legacy of excellence for employees and affiliates. This, in turn, inspires continued company growth.

Awards Solidify Relations with Partner Companies

The Fab Four said it best, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” No doubt, your organization likely has a network of collaborators, suppliers, allies, founders, donors, etc., who have partnered with you in your success. Just as “no man is an island”, your company relies on these resources to thrive. Even though this award may technically recognize another company, clients often choose to put their company name on the award as well (but smaller than the recipient company name). Therefore, by recognizing these lifelines for business, you strengthen your existing relationships and demonstrate your openness to continued partnerships.

Awards “Class Up the Joint”

Not only are awards visually stunning additions to your office, but they also bring legitimacy to your organization when clients, vendors, and affiliates visit your business. Would you rather interact with “Joe, run-of-the-mill-customer-service-dude-behind-the-desk” or “Joe, Customer Service Representative of the Year”? People want to work with winners and feel more confident collaborating with someone who excels in their field. However, if your company hasn’t yet established an awards and recognition program, you may be missing the opportunity to build customer rapport without even knowing it!

So, go ahead…make that award with your company logo on it. No judgement here.

Call or e-mail Tustin Awards today to get started!
(877) 589-9989

Trophy Buying Tips from the Experts