What is Chipstyler?  Chipstyler officially opened it's doors in early 2005 due to an increased demand from local merchants and local poker enthusiasts for our personalized custom poker chip labels.  We are an owner-operated business located in Phoenix, Arizona.  Our goal is to provide customers with state-of-the-art custom poker chip labels at a reasonable price.  We have the size and capability to tackle large projects, yet we are small enough to offer a comfortable, personalized service to all of our clients.  ---back to top---

What exactly do you do?  We create personalized labels to fit on your poker chips.  There's no need to buy new chips.  And it all starts with you.  You give us some ideas and our graphic designers create the artwork for your custom poker chips.  Once you approve the design, it is printed by a high quality color laser printer on 50lb durable polyester, smudge-proof label sheets. We send the labels to you and you apply them to your chips.  It's the best way to have custom poker chips at a reasonable price.           ---back to top---

Is this the best way to customize my chips?  There are a number of ways to personalize poker chips and the prices go real high.  Certainly if you have a great deal of money, have no budget, and custom poker chips mean the world to you, the best way is to have your chips printed during manufacturing. Next best, you could send them to a specially designed poker chip printing machine.  Or, less still, you could sacrifice full-color and have them hot-stamped with your logo or initials (how boring).  Labeling your chips is a by far the most cost-effective solution for the average poker enthusiast to own a set of personalized custom poker chips for a lot less money.  And you know what?  That's exactly what we do!  And they look great.  There hasn't been anyone attending our poker parties who hasn't insisted on having their own set once they've seen our custom chips.  ---back to top---

Can I buy labels cheaper?  Label services range anywhere from some teenager with an old inkjet printer using inexpensive matte-paper labels...to others who have limited design experience.  Yes, you can get labels cheaper than Chipstyler.  Or you can pay more.  Prices average from just over $30 to almost $100 for labeling 500 chips.  But remember, with the real cheap labels, you're going to get what you pay for.  End of story.  Labels printed on inferior material are less expensive to print, but not as durable.  Matte or glossy stock is thicker.  Labels printed by inkjet printers often smudge with a wet finger.  And, labels coated with a finishing spray tend to stick slightly when stored.  Chipstyler labels are printed on top-of-the-line, polyester material by a color laser printer and do not require a finishing spray.  They are thinner, smudge-proof, and quite durable.  They are a little more expensive to use than some other label materials, but worth it.  ---back to top---

Why is your pricing the way it is?  First of all, Chipstyler is not some teenager with an inkjet printer running off fast, sloppy jobs on less than quality label material.  If you are looking for the cheapest way to have labels, you have come to the wrong place.  We believe in quality.  On the other hand, we are not a mass-production, high-end printing center where you will get lost in a careless shuffle, and at the same time, pay big bucks.  We believe in service.  Chipstyler is an owner-operated business.  Our prices are reasonable because we use the finest material available while charging a fair price.  We also work closely with you to come up with the best possible design.  Sometimes, we get it right the first time, other times we make modifications.  We take pride in our work and that pride will be displayed on your chips.  Our price structure is simple, based on the total number of labels you need.       ---back to top---

Will your labels fit my chips?  There are literally hundreds of poker chip styles.  Most of the common types sold to today's casual poker players come from China.  These 11.5g, "suited" and "diced" composite chips are probably the most popular.  They are approx. 39-40 mm in diameter with an approx. 24mm diameter center outlined by a small groove and they support our 1" labels quite nicely.  The labels overlap the center by approx. 1 mm thus able to be pressed slightly into the groove making removal more difficult.  Most of our labels go to customers with these chips.  Chips gradually go up in price and most support the 1" labels.  Some, like the Texas Hold'em chips have an intentionally recessed 1" center that provides a glove-like fit for labels.  Any way you look at it, if the center part of your chip is a flat area like the "dice" or "suit" chips, and measures approximately 1" in diameter, our labels should work well.  ---back to top---

Will my labels last?  The labels we use adhere permanently to your poker chip.  They are durable, smudge-proof, water-resistant, and can withhold many evenings of "rough" poker.  That being said, soaking them in a glass of beer all night, whittling on them with a knife, or blatantly scratching at them with the intent of taking off the label is not the best thing to do. Although difficult, they can be successfully destroyed.  Under normal use your custom poker chips should last a long, long time.  Also, as opposed to some competitors using flat or glossy, we refuse to use inferior label material to reduce the cost of your labels.  We only use the best.  Our polyester labels are the finest, most durable laser printable labels on the market.  ---back to top---

Will the design be centered on the label?  It is difficult printing within the confines of a 1 inch circle where a 1/10 mm printing fluctuation can have dramatic results, so designs do not go to the absolute edge of the label.  They are created leaving a thin background edge to adjust for any possible off-center printing.  Centering with 100% accuracy for any label provider is impossible due to the label material itself, printer variations, and the label template used for the actual printing.  We can't control the incredibly small imperfections of the label material or the printer, but we do control the template.  Our printing template is created and tweaked to astonishing accuracy by Adobe Illustrator, one of the finest graphic design programs on the market.  It gives Chipstyler the ability to be as near perfect as possible.  In addition, each print job is closely monitored and unacceptable off-center label sheets are rejected.  Remember, you get what you pay for, and with anyone else, you're gambling.  ---back to top---

Do you sell chips?  Yes!  We have a complete package available.  This would consist of a chosen number of 11.5g composite chips completely labeled with your custom design.  For more information, click here to see pricing for this package.  ---back to top---

How do I come up with a design idea?  We suggest you start with a theme, something that is significant to you.  It could reflect one of your hobbies, your occupation, a special interest, heritage, your entertaining purpose, or even your poker mood.  From there, think of an image and wording that might reflect that theme.  We will take it from there and send you a starting design based on your idea.  Our samples might help give you a starting point.  ---back to top---

How much input do I have?  You have total control over what gets created for your custom poker chips.  We provide an initial design based upon your requests, then we send you the artwork.  You, in turn, reply with either a thumbs up, or suggestions for modification.  This process could go back and forth a few times because our goal is for you to be totally satisfied.  In the end, you should have a set of chips that you can be proud of each time you use them.  ---back to top---

Can I send you an image?  Send us whatever images or ideas you may have.  We will incorporate them into our design.  Make sure all images or designs that you send are crystal clear.  Formats accepted include .JPG, and .GIF, or images created in Photoshop, Illustrator, PhotoDraw, and Publisher.  Chipstyler abides by all copyright laws.  Please obtain permission to use copyright material and forward that information to Chipstyler in order to use such material.  ---back to top---

Can I just alter one of your samples?  Most definitely.  The samples are there to help cultivate an idea for your own custom poker chips.  Use them however you want.  Take an idea from one, something from another, and tell us what you're thinking.  Our focus is to take what you have in mind, and make it come alive on your chips.  If the samples help, great!  Many people use our samples as a starting point to generate their own ideas.  ---back to top---

What about different denominations?  This is a curious topic.  Some people like them, some don't.  Some people think the chip color works best.  Either way, we will gladly print up to five different denominations for you, but keep a couple things in mind... Do you want a dollar sign?  By simply putting numbers on the chips, you could actually signify it to be worth 10 cents, 10 nickels, 10 dimes, or 10 dollars.  Remember to use values that allow making change easy.  That in mind, your wish is our command.  ---back to top---

Do I get a preview of my labels?  After you fill out the design form to begin ordering your labels, you will see exactly what is going to go on your custom poker chip.  Once we have created a design, a copy will be sent to you via e-mail.   We require your acceptable reply and payment before we actually set them up to be printed.  If we modify the artwork based on your suggestions, we will again send a copy.  You are in total control.  ---back to top---

How many can I order?  It takes two labels for every chip.  The minimum order is enough labels for 300 custom poker chips (600 labels).  Orders then come in increments of 200 labels.        ---back to top---

Can I get more later?  We will keep your artwork for the future, but order what you think you will need the first time because it will save you money in the long run.  Also, the prices could be higher in the future.  ---back to top---

How do I pay?  We accept Mastercard, Visa, and most major credit cards through our PayPal invoice and processing service.  NOTE:  It is not necessary to be PayPal member to pay this way, but it is an option.  The payment works the same way as any other credit card processing company.  We also accept normal PayPal transfers, money orders, and cashier's checks for all orders.  Personal and business checks are accepted but your order will not be filled until the check clears the bank (approx. 2 weeks).          ---back to top---

How long does it take?  We will have a design back to you within 1 or 2 business days.  After your acceptance of the design and once payment is made, we can have your labels printed and shipped within 2 business days. However, there are other factors that determine the time frame.  From when you submit your initial design to when you actually have the labels in your hand depends on various things.  Those factors include the number of design modifications, the length of time you take to evaluate those designs, receipt of payment, and the method of shipping.  We will make every attempt to quickly do everything on our end.  We have actually sent designs, had them approved, and shipped in less than 24 hours.  If you notify us as to the necessity of having a very quick turnaround, we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs.  ---back to top---

Is it a headache putting labels on my chips?  It's really not a problem attaching your labels.  Figure about an hour for every 100 chips.  After a short time, it will get faster and faster.  Past customers have given us a few suggestions... 1. Label a certain number of chips each night while watching television.  In no time, you'll have the job completed.  2. Throw a labeling party with friends, family, or poker buddies.  3. Hire a few high-school students.  4. Be like an assembly line.  Analyze and improvise short-cuts and methods to speed up the process.  ---back to top---

Will you attach my labels for me?  Most of our customers already have a set of chips, or plan to buy them elsewhere.  Since there are those who prefer that we furnish the chips, we do offer 11.5g composite chips for merchants or personal customers who want the whole package, designed and labeled.  For further information, see our "Total Package" for everything being done for you.      ---back to top---

What do I get if I refer someone?  Our local business continues to grow by word-of-mouth.  Referrals are an important aspect of establishing a solid business, and we believe the same thing applies online.  If you are pleased with your labels, please let others know about us.  Although we once offered a small rebate for referrals, because of our small amount of profit margin (yes--we try to operate for a profit), we are unable to continue this program.  It became not only too costly, but it was taking a great deal of time.  We, therefore, are depending only on your satisfaction, as well as your ordering experience with Chipstyler, to spread the word to help us continue providing quality products.  Who knows?  You may want to use us again....referrals help keep us around.                 ---back to top---

Do you need salespeople?  Promotional poker chips that have company logos and personal custom poker chips have been a success for us locally.  And, it could work nicely in other parts of the country, too.  Providing custom poker chips for personal use, poker clubs, bars,  tournaments, billiard stores, as well as advertising souvenirs for general merchants is a great novelty.  Unfortunately, we do not choose to employ a sales force to expand our services.  However, there is nothing to stop the spirit of an entrepreneur.  If you would like to work closely with us by acting on your own, you could buy labels from us, add a slight mark-up, then sell them to your customers.  Over time, and based on your order quantity, we will be able to work out a mutually acceptable discount.  ---back to top---

Do you offer gift certificates?  Yes, since personalized labels are meant to be completely personalized, it is often hard to create a design that a person will love.  So, why not let them design their own.  See our "gift certificate" page for more information.    ---back to top---