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 onsite printing, knowing your options ahead of time keeps check-in effortless and stress-free.
Below, we’ve answered the most common questions to help you plan with confidence.
⏰ What is your production time for badges and lanyards?
Production time for custom event badges and lanyards is after final design proof approval + 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 options 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 will 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 the order is placed, production will reach out to ensure they have the correct artwork files. Then digital print-ready files are created and sent to you for approval.
💻 Do your event badges integrate with our onsite 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 Attendee data syncs automatically, reducing manual uploads and eliminating check-in delays caused by outdated spreadsheets.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 ensure 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-based printer configuration. Although, with just a setting change, a notch-based configuration can be used. Here is the difference between both options:
Timing Marks (most common): Two pieces of cardstock are fed through a direct thermal printer and then folded together to make one cohesive badge. The timing marks are the feed control for direct thermal printers.
Notch Printer Configuration: One piece of cardstock is fed through a direct thermal printer. The notches are the feed control for direct thermal printers.
📤 How do I submit my attendee data for pre-printing? Can you merge QR codes as well?
To pre-print attendee information, please 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 onsite.
To set this up, simply 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 onsite?
The right badge printing strategy depends on your event size, personalization needs, timeline, and risk tolerance.
✔️ Pre-printed badges work well for large, stable registration lists.
✔️ Onsite badge printing offers flexibility for last-minute changes.
✔️ Hybrid models combine both for maximum efficiency.
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 quantity of blank extras for unexpected registrations.
For paper badges, planners typically use a direct thermal printer onsite to print attendee names as they arrive. If needed, names and titles can also be handwritten on blank badges.
For pre-printed plastic badges, planners commonly print clear adhesive labels to apply onsite or handwrite attendee information directly onto the badge surface.
Ordering a small buffer of blank badges 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 onsite.
✔️ Faster, jam-free printing = shorter check-in lines
✔️ Vibrant, edge-to-edge color = bold branding with zero reprints
✔️ Crisp text + instant QR scans = seamless attendee connections
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.
Shop our full collection for your upcoming event. Not ready? Get a free samples to experience our quality firsthand.
