Where can I buy a cheap button maker?

Question

Where can I buy a cheap button maker?

Answer 1

Hello.

Depends on what you mean by a "cheap" button maker.

There are a number of ways to go.

The first is Badgeaminit (http://www.badgeaminit.com/).  This would be the most inexpensive way to go.  You can get a starter kit for $29.95.  But you still have to buy the circle cutter for another $29.  And it only gives you 10 button parts, so if you want to do more, you'll have to buy more parts.  Also consider, the Badgeaminit button parts are going to cost more to buy new one when you need them.  Don't let the free shipping fool you.

As far as using it, you're going to see a lot of rejects.  It can be hard to use at first.  But as you get better at it, you won't get as many bad ones (mylar edges exposed, not clamped down).  Of course the quaility isn't all that great on these.  You do tend to get pointed edges around the button, instead of the perfectly round edge.  

BAM buttons cost about $129 plus shipping for 1,000 buttons parts.  Industry Standard button parts cost about $59 plus shipping.  BIG difference.

Now if you want to spend a little more, I would recommend the  Machine 150 from USAButtons.  It costs $125, but you get a great professional looking button from it.  And it has a circle cutter and 250 buttons parts with it.

And replacement parts cost less for this machine.  It uses industry standard 2 1/4 inch button parts which cost less than the BAM sets (BAM parts aren't really 2 1/4 inch, they are really like 2 3/8's so you can only use buttons parts made for them).

I didn't really care for the circle cutter, so what I did was go to Hobby Lobby (or any other craft store) and got an adjustable Fiske circle cutter.  Works great.

When buying replacement button parts (after you go though the ones that come with your machine), you should go to http://www.buybuttonparts.com.  They have the best prices around.

And of course, if you're looking for a bargain, you can always check eBay.

Now if all of this seems like too much for you, you can always custom order your buttons for 99 cents each from http://www.getfunbuttons.com.  Just a thought.

Hope this helps you.  Good luck with your buttons.

Robbie