The FAQ section is broken up into 3 categories. Click your option below:

 

Buying a Button Maker:

 


I want to make buttons. What do I need to get started?
Click here for a detailed outline of everything you need to get started. 
If you'd like to make buttons yourself, you will definitely need a button machine and button supplies. You probably also want to get a circle cutter. Though you can cut circles manually if you prefer. If you're in St. Louis, you can rent a machine. Otherwise you can purchase all of your equipment and supplies from us. You'll also need a printer and paper, and some sort of design software, such as Photoshop or Open Office. ButtonMakers does not supply printers, paper, or design software at this time.

How long does it take to get my order?
We are currently experiencing longer than normal lead times on pinned back button supplies. Orders containing these products are taking anywhere from 1-3 weeks to ship. On average, merchandise orders are shipped within 2-3 business days once processing has begun. We do our best to email every customer letting them know the order has shipped and provide them with available tracking information. If you need something in a rush or by a specific deadline, please call us at 314-329-7088.

These are average domestic ship times. International orders, can refer to the carriers website.
- Orders shipped First Class Postal take 4-7 days and get delivery confirmation.
- Orders shipped Priority take 2-3 days and get delivery confirmation.
- Orders shipped UPS Ground take 4-10 days (depending on location) and come with tracking info.

Do you have a machine that can do multiple sizes?
Yes. The Multi-Maker 4000 can produce 4 different size buttons.

What are the differences between the MultiMaker and the ProMaker button machines?
We have a detailed outline of the pros and cons of both lines here.

What is the difference between a Photo machine and a Standard machine?
A Photo machine is made to accommodate thicker paper stocks, like those you would get from a photo lab or from a dye sublimation printer (over 16mil). We usually recommend that photographers doing on-site buttons, or people who are getting prints done at a photo lab get the Photo machine. Pretty much everyone else is better served by a standard machine. If you are using an inkjet or a laser printer, there is really no need to use super thick paper since you are making them into buttons and covering them with mylar anyway. You should be able to get the same color quality from thinner paper as long as it is designed for your printer. (IE when using an inkjet printer, you have to use inkjet paper).

You can use thinner paper in a Photo machine, but it doesn't crimp as smooth around the edges. Most people would never notice this. You cannot use really thick paper in a standard machine. Your buttons just won't stay together.

Does your equipment come with a warranty?
Our Tecre brand / ProMaker Button Makers come with the best warranty in the industry. Our customers know that, when they purchase their button making equipment from us, they will be taken care of for the life of their machine. All equipment purchased from us is warranteed by us (not a third party). Although you will likely never need to use this warranty, rest assured that should a problem every arise with the use of your machine, it will be resolved quickly and in a no-nonsense manner that gets you back to making buttons as quickly as possible. This warranty covers a single button machine purchased from ButtonMakers.net by the initial purchaser only. All machines have been tested for functionality. Should a problem ever occur with your machine please call us at 314-329-7088 or visit buttonmakers.net for troubleshooting information. If the problem is determined to be a manufacturing defect a postage paid return label will be issued for the return of the machine. We will examine the machine. If the problem is confirmed as a manufacturing defect it will be repaired and returned to you at no charge. If the problem is determined to be caused by user error, misuse or neglect, you will be responsible for postage to send the machine to us. The repair will be made for the cost of any replacement parts and we will ship the machine back to you with postage due. Any cleaning or lubrication services will be performed at no charge. If you require the machine back within 3 days, Next Day shipping options will be available at your expense. If you require a replacement machine to arrive to you before you send your machine to us for repair, you may want to purchase a new machine from us then take advantage of our buy-back program (or sell the extra machine elsewhere).

Our MultiMaker button machines are not covered by a warranty at this time.

How do these machines work? Are they easy to use?
Our machines are very easy to use! Just check out our instructional videos.

I live in St. Louis, can I come pick up my orders?
Sure! The easiest way is to place your order on the site and use the Local Pickup option. Then call us at 800-927-8330 (then select the appropriate store from the menu) so we can have it ready when you get here. Or you can just stop by our store!

I don't live in St. Louis, how much is shipping?
Shipping is calculated in the shopping cart based on weight and your location. You'll have to enter your full address to get the shipping amount for your order. We give several options through UPS and USPS. We do our best to charge fair prices for shipping and tend not to markup the shipping amounts.

I don't live in the US, will you ship to me?
We ship to most developed countries in the world including Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, China, Russia, the Netherlands, etc. Unfortunately some small countries are not eligible to receive our products. If you do not see your country listed when you go to enter your address, we cannot serve you. We apologize for any inconvenience.

I live in Canada. What is this broker fee?
All shipments going from the US to Canada are subject to broker fees and taxes upon delivery. Our products are manufactured in the US, so there is no "Duty" fee, but you will still be charged broker fees and taxes when the order is delivered. UPS charges a broker fee based on the value of the items. US to Canada Post charges a flat rate, but can often be more expensive up front.

Will these machines work with fabric or other materials?
Yes, we have tried making buttons with fabric as thick as canvas and it works great! We encourage you to experiment and tell us about the results! Our machines are very well made and don't break easily, but if you use them with materials other than fabric or paper you might void the warranty and have to pay for the repairs.

Can I get a price quote?
All of our prices are available on this site. Just add the items you'd like to your shopping cart to get the most accurate price quote.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Pay Pal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards through our secure shopping cart. We also accept Money Orders. You can select this option in the shopping cart as well. We also accept PO's from schools upon request.

Why was my credit card declined?
99% of the time, credit cards are declined because the billing address you entered on the site does not match the address on file with your credit card company. Please double check your address before you try again. Please note that your Shipping address can be different from your Billing address.

If you are certain that your address is correct, then your credit card company may not support Address Verification which will result in a decline on our site. This is especially common with International Credit Cards. Identity theft is very common with commerce, so we must protect our selves and our customers by requiring this information. We suggest either setting up an International PayPal account or sending an international Postal Money Order to us. Just select -money order- as your payment option during checkout. If the problem persists please call us at 1-800-927-8330.

Will your supplies work with my machine?
Please see our Parts Compatibility Gallery.

I ordered the wrong thing. Can I return it?
Sure. Just fill out and return the Return Merchandise Authorization form with your order. We'll refund you for the value of the items that are in re-sellable condition. We reserve the right to charge a 15% restock fee. We do not refund original shipping fees for unwanted items.

Renting a Button Maker:


I live in St. Louis. Can I rent a button machine?
Yes! You will need to come into our store, fill out a rental agreement, and provide a valid credit card number.

I don't live in St. Louis. Can I rent a button machine?
Unfortunately no. At this time, rentals are only available in St. Louis.

How much is a rental?
Please see our Rentals page for current pricing.

Does the machine rental come with a cutter?
It sure does! Most rental kits come with a graphic punch. You can substitute a Rotary Cutter if you prefer.

Can I buy button supplies from you? How much?
Yes. Button supplies vary in price depending on the size and quantity you are interested in. Please see our Button Parts section for current pricing.

Can I reserve a machine rental?
At this time, we do not have a reservation system. You can call the night before you intend to rent a machine and we can set it aside for you.

What happens if I return the machine late?
There is a $25 per day late fee.

Having Custom Buttons Made for You:

I want you to make buttons for me. How do I place an order?
Basically all you need to do is upload a graphic or use our design tool to get started. Please see our Custom Buttons page for full instructions.

How much are custom buttons?
Current pricing is available on our Custom Buttons page.

What is your turnaround time?
Current turnaround times are available on our Custom Buttons page.

I don't have a graphic, just an idea. Can you help me?
Sure! We have a free design tool you can use on our Custom Buttons page. If that doesn't work for you, we have an expert button designer on staff. Just email us your idea. Design fees apply.

If I bring a photo into your shop, can you scan it?
Yes. We are happy to scan your design. Additional fees may apply depending on the scope of your request.

Can you make custom accessories (magnets, mirrors, key chains, etc.) too?
Yes. Pricing is available on our Custom Buttons page.