Your event starts the moment attendees walk through the door — and nothing sets the tone like badges and lanyards that are professional, polished, and ready to go. From custom designs and QR code integration to fast shipping and on-site printing, knowing your options ahead of time keeps check-in effortless and stress-free.
Below are answers to the most common questions to help you plan with confidence.
What is your production time for badges and lanyards?
Production time is calculated from final design proof approval, plus shipping.
Event badges
5 business days.
Event lanyards
10–22 business days, depending on material selection.
- Polyester satin: 10 business days.
- Recycled (rPET): 14 business days.
- Bamboo: 22 business days.
What shipping options do you offer?
We offer expedited shipping to help you meet tight event deadlines. Shipping typically takes 1–4 business days, depending on your location.
We recommend allowing extra time for potential carrier delays. Once your order leaves our facility, delivery timing is controlled by the shipping carrier.
- UPS Ground: 1–4 business days based on distance from our printing facility.
- UPS Next Day Air Saver: Arrives overnight by 3:00–4:30 p.m.
- UPS Next Day Air: Arrives overnight by 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- UPS Next Day Air Early: Arrives overnight by 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Once shipped, you'll receive an email from hello@billysbadges.com with your tracking number and an expected delivery date.
Do I receive a design proof before printing?
Yes. After your order is placed, our production team reaches out to confirm artwork files. Digital print-ready files are then created and sent to you for approval before anything goes to press.
Do your event badges integrate with our on-site badging software?
Yes. Our event badge printing solutions integrate seamlessly with leading event registration platforms and CRM systems. Attendee data syncs automatically, reducing manual uploads and eliminating check-in delays caused by outdated spreadsheets.
Whether you're using enterprise event tech or a DIY registration tool, we make sure your badge printing workflow connects directly to your attendee database for accurate, real-time updates.
Do I need badges with timing marks or a notched printer configuration?
Most event planners use the timing-mark configuration. With a simple setting change, a notch-based configuration can be used instead. Here's the difference:
- Timing marks (most common): Two pieces of cardstock are fed through a direct thermal printer and folded together to make one cohesive badge. The timing marks serve as the feed control for direct thermal printers.
- Notched configuration: A single piece of cardstock is fed through a direct thermal printer. The notches serve as the feed control.
How do I submit attendee data for pre-printing? Can you merge QR codes?
To pre-print attendee information, send your data file in Excel or CSV format. We'll provide a template to ensure all required fields are properly formatted.
On your badge artwork, include clear data field placeholders (for example: First Name, Last Name, Company, QR Code) so we can accurately merge the information into the correct locations during production.
Yes, we can merge unique QR codes for each attendee. QR codes can be generated from your data or incorporated from codes you provide.
Can I create different badge designs for VIPs, speakers, and exhibitors?
Absolutely. We support multiple badge types, including unique designs for VIPs, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and more. You can incorporate personalized fields, color-coding, and clear access-level distinctions to easily identify attendee categories on-site.
To set this up, upload your separate design files during the ordering process, or include a column in your data file indicating each attendee's badge type so we can match the correct design during production.
Should we pre-print badges or print them on-site?
The right badge printing strategy depends on your event size, personalization needs, timeline, and risk tolerance.
- Pre-printed badges: Best for large, stable registration lists where most names are locked in well before the event.
- On-site badge printing: Offers flexibility for last-minute changes and walk-up registrations.
- Hybrid approach: Combines both for maximum efficiency — pre-print confirmed attendees, print the rest on-site.
We help evaluate your event tech stack and recommend the best approach for speed, branding, and attendee experience.
How should I handle last-minute attendees?
To keep check-in lines moving quickly, most event planners pre-print attendee badges in advance and order a small quantity of blank extras for unexpected registrations.
- Paper badges: Use a direct thermal printer on-site to print names as attendees arrive. Names and titles can also be handwritten on blanks if needed.
- Pre-printed plastic badges: Print clear adhesive labels to apply on-site, or handwrite attendee information directly onto the badge surface.
Ordering a small buffer of blanks ensures you're prepared for walk-ins, transfers, and day-of changes without slowing down check-in.
How does Billy's Badges improve event check-in?
Preventing long check-in lines requires both fast event technology and high-quality badge printing. Our badges are engineered to work flawlessly with your event tech and thermal printers, so there are no last-minute surprises on-site.
- Faster, jam-free printing: Shorter check-in lines and fewer reprints.
- Vibrant, edge-to-edge color: Bold branding without sacrificing print reliability.
- Crisp text and instant QR scans: Seamless attendee connections and zero scanner frustration.
The key is aligning your event registration software with your badge production plan.
Planning made easy
Whether you're on a tight deadline or just starting out, we have options.