Which Badge Ribbon Company is Right for You: PCnametag or RibbonsGalore
Almost every forum, from Facebook to Reddit, the question pops up regarding how to make ribbons and the best place to get them made. I have a handy guide on how to go about creating the artwork for badge ribbons in my blog post “Badge Ribbons: How to Make Them”, but what is the best or right shop to use I did not cover.
The Main Three
The main three online companies that many people order from are the following:
PCnametags
RibbonsGalore
Marcos Promos
There is a fourth that I have seen people use which is Hodges Badge Company. But it is not nearly mentioned as much as the other three.
I have not personally ordered from Marcos Promos. But over the years I have ordered from both PCnametags and RibbonsGalore and can compare the two in hopes that it will help to answer your question of which online shop is the right choice for you.
Comparing PCnametags and RibbonsGalore
PCnametags
PC Nametags - https://www.pcnametag.com/
Ribbon Colors: 37
Print Colors: 16
Order Minimum: 10
Setup Fee: None
Price for 100: $43
File Types: PDF, EPS, AI, JPG, and PNG
I first started using PCnametags in 2019 because at the time, their online design tool was the most user friendly compared to the others. I accessed their website and chose to create a custom badge ribbon. Since I create all of mine using Adobe Illustrator, I would upload the design I had created as a singular image. From there I would just make sure that the image was within their printing guidelines before picking my ribbon and foil color.
At the time of writing this (Aug 5, 2025), their shipping options were as followed:
UPS Ground (Aug 15, 2025) $17.72
UPS Three-Day Select (Aug 18, 2025) $44.46
UPS Second Day Air (Aug 15, 2025) $53.87
UPS Next Day Air Saver (Aug 14, 2025) $106.90
UPS Next Day Air (Aug 14, 2025) $117.91
UPS Next Day Air Early A.M. (Aug 14, 2025) $153.91
Once I was happy and placed my order I received a confirmation email with instructions on how to correct any issues with the order along with the order details. A few hours later, I received another email from one of their artists with design edit ideas. They warned me that many of my designs had many fine details that may not print correctly or be filled in and offered design solutions for the best quality print. When I asked the artist that I was pretty set in stone with what I had submitted, they emailed me back with a waiver that I could sign saying that I was informed that the design may not print correctly and that I fully understand and cannot ask for a refund.
***NOTE: PCnametags will NOT begin production of your ribbons until you reply back to their email. The email is usually titled “pc/nametag Order # XXXXXXXXXXX - Approval Needed”. If you miss the deadline given in the email for approval your order will be canceled.
Below are some examples of what PCnametags proofing looks like. The first 2 features a proof where changes were recommended by the designer while the last one features a proof that required no changes.
Once signed, production began. Two weeks later I received the shipping email on my order and received all of my ribbons 3 days later. For the most part I liked the ribbons. One of the main issues I tend to have with PCnametags is the prints are not always centered and certain foils will have a faded look to them like the foil wasn’t pressed or heated enough during transfer. But just as the artist warned, some of the more detailed ribbons have some “foil bleeding” where the smaller lines and details filled in so on that end I can’t complain as I knew that when signing the waiver. For the most part the ribbons are good for what I needed them for.
Below are some example of ribbons I have received from PCnametags.
Pros:
Quick turn around time
Runs deals and promotions
Offers the most ribbon and foil colors
Easy online tool for designing custom ribbons
No setup fees
Amazing customer service with fast response times
Cons:
Their equipment does not handle designs with small details well
Print quality can be hit or miss
All orders require a waiver before production begins
Shipping is on the pricier side if you need it sooner
RibbonsGalore
Ribbons Galore - https://www.ribbonsgalore.com/
Ribbon Colors: 33
Print Colors: 8
Order Minimum: 10
Setup Fee: None
Price for 100: $50
File Types: PNG
In 2025 I decided to switch from PCnametags to RibbonsGalore based on my friends having nothing but good things to say about this company. Another reason for the switch was apparently I just love to make ribbon designs that are extremely detailed and I was getting tired of the constant back and forth with PCnametags even after signing the waivers. The only downside to switching to RibbonsGalore is they do not offer as many ribbon or foil colors as PCnametags. RibbonsGalore has 33 ribbon colors and 8 foil colors while PCnametags has 37 ribbon colors and 16 foil colors.
RibbonsGalore’s website was extremely easy to navigate. The design process of uploading my artwork to their online web designer was the same as PCnametags. While placing the order I really liked that they included affordable shipping options along with their expected arrival dates. At the time of writing this (Aug 5, 2025), their shipping options were as followed:
Promo Saver (Delivered Sat, Aug 30) $9.95
Promo Express (Delivered Thu, Aug 21) $12.50
Saver (Delivered Thu, Aug 28) $16.32
Standard (Delivered Mon, Aug 25) $27.68
Expedited (Delivered Fri, Aug 22) $34.38
Express (Delivered Thu, Aug 21) $36.48
Rush (Delivered Wed, Aug 20) $74.00
After placing the order and receiving a confirmation email I received a few hours later a follow up email from one of their designers with a copy of my ribbon proofs as well as an invoice. The email asked for me to double check everything from ribbon design placement to colors and even the number of ribbons on the invoice and to reach out with any issues so the changes could be made before production began. I did not respond as everything looked correct but was happy to have received this email if incase I did have an issue.
***NOTE: Unlike PCnametags, RibbonsGalore begins production the next day upon receiving your order. You do not have to respond to their email that contains the proofs. That is for you to make sure your order is right.
Below is an example of the proofs they sent over to me.
One week later I received an email that my ribbons had been shipped and 3 days later they were at my door step. I was extremely happy with the whole experience from RibbonsGalore. I was never once asked about signing a waiver regarding the complexity of my designs and the ribbons arrived 4 days earlier than stated.
Where RibbonsGalore stood out over the other is their print quality. Their print quality on their ribbons are extremely crisp which is probably how they are able to handle smaller details so much better than PCnametags. There are a few ribbons I reprint each year so I do have a comparison of the print quality between PCnametag and RibbonsGalore because of this.
The image on the right (above on moblie) is a ribbon design that I have used both companies to produce. The top ribbon is PCnametags while the bottom ribbon is RibbonsGalore.
I have been ordering this exact ribbon with this design every year since 2019 from PCnametags and it always arrives looking as it does on top. So to say how shocked I was to receive my order from RibbonsGalore and seeing that not only did the design look how it was supposed to but also legible for the first time in 7 years is an understatement. I was completely in awe by the difference and was so excited to finally see this design as I had always intended it to look.
I sent both of these companies the same exact Adobe Illustrator file so this is the most controlled this test you can get when it comes to the print quality amongst the different companies.
Overall I was extremley impressed with RibbonsGalore and had no complaints. Everything was centered, foil was perfect, and the designs came out super crips and clear.
Below are some example of ribbons I have received from RibbonsGalore.
Pros:
Quick turn around time
Can handle design with very small details
No waiver required on designs
Easy online tool for designing custom ribbons
No setup fees
Amazing customer service with fast response times
Cheaper shipping options compared to others
Cons:
Is slightly more expensive than other options out there
The Verdict
I am a firm believer that there is never a right answer but only one that is right for your situation. Having used both PCnametags and RibbonsGalore, I would use them both depending on my needs.
PCnametags I would use for the following situations:
They contain a ribbon color or foil color that RibbonsGalore doesn’t have
Looking for a discount as they do offer promotions such as free shipping or 10% off orders
RibbonsGalore I would use for the following situations:
Ribbon designs with very small or fine details
A faster turn around time
Not having to deal with waivers and proof approvals
I personally will aim to always use RibbonsGalore as the whole process was seamless and the ribbons came out looking fantastic especially since my designs tend to run very detailed. But again, everyone’s situation will be different. And hopefully this breakdown of both these companies will help you the next time you find yourself ordering badge ribbons.