Let’s be honest: in the world of custom medals, the ribbon is often an afterthought. Many shops and clients default to a standard solid color, viewing it as a mere functional attachment. This is a costly missed opportunity.

The ribbon is not just a hanger—it’s prime visual real estate, a branding canvas, and a powerful tool for emotional engagement. In fact, customizing the ribbon is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to dramatically increase the perceived value of an award, justify a higher price point, and close the sale.

For trophy shops and awards providers, mastering ribbon customization transforms you from an order-taker to a creative consultant. At 365medal.com, we see how the right ribbon strategy turns satisfied customers into raving fans. Here’s how to leverage custom medal ribbons to boost your sales and margins.

Why the Ribbon is Your Secret Sales Weapon

Before diving into options, understand the psychology:

• High Visibility: In photos and when worn, the ribbon dominates. It’s often what people see first.
• Storytelling Space: It carries colors, logos, dates, and themes that the metal disc cannot.
• Tactile Experience: The feel of a premium ribbon adds to the perceived quality.
• Brand Amplification: A custom-printed ribbon turns every recipient into a brand ambassador.

1. Full-Color Printed Ribbons: The Ultimate Game-Changer

This is the most impactful upgrade you can offer. Move beyond woven labels to full-surface printing.

What It Is: Advanced dye-sublimation printing allows for photographic-quality images, complex gradients, and vibrant patterns across the entire ribbon surface.

How It Closes Sales:

• For Events & Races: Show mock-ups of a ribbon featuring the actual event route map, a panoramic photo of the city skyline, or a collage of event action shots. Ask the client, “Wouldn’t your finishers love to wear the entire race experience around their necks?”
• For Corporate Clients: Print the company’s mission statement, a timeline of achievements for an anniversary, or a stunning geometric design using their brand colors. Say, “This turns your award into a wearable piece of company pride.”
• Perceived Value Boost: A full-color printed ribbon looks expensive and custom-made (because it is). It justifies a significant premium over a standard solid ribbon.

Your Sales Script: “Many of our clients are now opting for a full-printed ribbon. For just a small upgrade, we can incorporate your logo, theme artwork, or even a sponsor’s message directly onto the ribbon itself, creating a truly cohesive and memorable award.”

2. Thematic & Patterned Designs: Creating Instant Connection

When full-color printing isn’t in the budget, thematic woven patterns are a powerful middle ground.

What It Is: Using ribbons with pre-woven patterns like chevrons, stripes, polka dots, holly leaves (for Christmas), camouflage (for outdoor events), or marbled effects.

How It Closes Sales:

• Solves “Theme” Problems: A client says, “Our gala theme is ‘Masquerade Ball.'” You immediately suggest a ribbon with a black-and-white damask or elegant filigree pattern. You’ve provided a perfect, thoughtful solution.
• Elevates Standard Awards: A simple “Student of the Month” medal on a bold academic-themed ribbon (think scrolls or laurel patterns) feels special and intentional.
• Visual Interest: Patterns add depth and texture that solid colors lack, making the entire award more photographable.

Your Sales Strategy: Curate a physical sample book of your most popular thematic ribbons. Let clients touch and see them. The tactile experience sells itself.

3. Material & Luxury Upgrades: The Feel of Quality

The substrate matters. The texture and weight communicate value at a subconscious level.

Key Options:

• Grosgrain: The standard for a reason. Crisp, ribbed texture, excellent printability.
• Satin: A smoother, shinier finish that reads as more formal and luxurious.
• Velvet: The ultimate luxury feel. Deeply textured, rich, and perfect for high-end corporate or ceremonial awards.
• Eco-Friendly: Recycled PET (from plastic bottles) or organic cotton ribbons appeal to sustainability-focused clients.

How It Closes Sales:

• The “Hold Test”: Place a standard ribbon and a velvet ribbon in a client’s hands. Ask, “Which one feels like a premium achievement?” The answer is always clear.
• Value-Based Selling: For an eco-conscious marathon, lead with: “We recommend our recycled PET ribbons. They perform beautifully, and you can market that every medal supports sustainability.” This aligns with their values and justifies the choice.

4. Strategic Finishing & Attachment Details

The devil is in the details—and details close sales.

• Custom Slides & End-Caps: Instead of a plain metal slide, offer one stamped with a logo or the event year. Use a custom end-cap (the piece at the bottom of the ribbon) for an ultra-polished look.
• Fold vs. Cut Ends: A neatly folded and stitched “neck ribbon” feels more formal and permanent than two cut ends. Present it as the “professional finish” option.

Your Action Plan: Bundling & Presenting for Success

1. Create Ribbon “Packages”: Don’t sell the medal and ribbon separately. Bundle them into tiers:
   • Standard: Medal + Solid Color Ribbon
   • Enhanced: Medal + Thematic Pattern Ribbon
   • Premium: Medal + Full-Color Printed Ribbon on Luxury Material
2. Visualize, Visualize, Visualize: Always provide a digital mock-up showing the custom ribbon on the medal. Customers buy what they can see.
3. Ask the Closing Question: After presenting the medal design, always ask: “Now, how would you like us to customize the ribbon to make this award complete?” This assumes the sale and moves the conversation to the next value-adding step.
4. Tell the Story: Explain why the ribbon choice matters. “This printed ribbon will ensure your sponsors get maximum visibility in every finish-line photo shared online.”

Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Sales Hang by a Thread

The ribbon is the final, framing touch that can make or break the impact of a custom medal. By becoming an expert in ribbon options and proactively presenting them as an integral part of the design, you unlock new revenue, deliver greater value, and create awards that are remembered, shared, and cherished.

Offering these customizations isn’t just an upsell—it’s a critical service that helps your clients achieve their ultimate goal: creating a powerful, emotional experience for their award recipients.

Ready to upgrade your ribbon offerings and close more sales? Partner with 365medal.com. We provide the industry’s broadest range of customizable ribbon options—from vibrant full-color printing to luxurious specialty materials—allowing you to offer the perfect finish to every award.

Contact us today to request our ribbon sample kit and see—and feel—the difference for yourself.