This is going to make you look really good.

You and I are going to create some outstanding results.
Although the process looks complicated, I'll walk you through it.
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To Begin

Engraving Basics *
  1. Creating a custom engraving is like creating a tattoo design. Kind of.​
    Don't rush into decisions is what I'm saying.
  2. Think about who you're creating this for. What do they like? What is important to them?
  3. Read through the Pricing & Process sections so you have an idea of prices and time frame
  4. Take a look at the Customer Gallery if you'd like to see what others have done.
  5. Shoot me an email or give a call. We'll get started.

Forget about:
  1. Making the "wrong" choice
  2. Creating the design
  3. Being talked into anything you don't want.
We like our job. We want you to like our job, too. We're happy to guide you through choices and design. 
For the most part, engraving is cutting material away for something: paint, glass, wood, leather ... stuff like that.

When you're designing something to be engraved it's easiest if you think of engraving like a black and white line drawing. You can't engrave in color and frequently it's difficult to have grayscale (different shades of gray) in an engraving. Simpler is better.

At Charlie Mike Engraving, we use a CO2 laser engraver. So, not only can we engrave on the usual (glass, wood, leather) but also fabric, paper, stone and ceramics. This opens us up to huge possibilities. Want to try something unusual? Ask! Let's see what we can create.

* There are exceptions to almost everything I've just told you ... It's rather awkward.
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Pricing

Process & Time Frame
There are so. many. variables. when it comes to pricing. I say this upfront so you don't think I'm messing with you. Here is a short list:
  1. What you want the engraving on 
    A glass is less expensive than an insulated tumbler. 
  2. Who is creating your design
    In general, a basic unit patch and a personal name doesn't require a design fee.
    A patch of a unit that was only active for a short time 50 years ago and has no decent image available may require a fee; I'll have to rebuild the design from scratch.
  3. How complex the design is
    Engraving charges are based both on the size of a design as well as how detailed the design is. Both space and detail take machine time. A large, simple design may take less machine time than a smaller, detailed design.
  4. How quickly the finished product is needed
    I move projects through as quickly as I can and am usually able to give a reasonable prediction of how long things will take. Rush jobs cost extra. Again: there are many variables. I go through them all so you have no surprises.

I am currently a one-person business. I do my best to keep your costs low. However, I will not sacrifice quality and safety for a quick buck. Yes, my glassware is more expensive because I stock glasses mostly made in the U.S. (some from Germany), are well made and feel like they are quality gifts.
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Process
We talk. I ask you about who the gift is for and what kind of impact you're going for. We'll bounce some ideas around and see what we come up with.

If you prefer the interwebs, browse through the site. When you find something that grabs your antennae, click the Request a Quote button and fill out the form. 

Time Frame
After you and I agree on what kind of design you'd like, I get to work.
  1. It takes 2-3 days for me to create your design and send you the proof
  2. After you approve the design (and double pinkie swear -- in writing -- that everything is spelled correctly), it takes 2-3 days to run the project
Frequently the process is faster than this but when it's around re-assignment time or holidays, things get a little jammed. I need to make sure I've scheduled enough time to do a good job for you. 
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Quantity Discounts?

Of course we do!
... And, of course, there are many variables in terms of pricing.

200 pint glasses with the exact same design engraved on each one will get a better discount than 200 pint glasses with the same design but a different name personalized on each one. Makes sense, right?

​Give us a call and we'll talk through it.
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Design Samples Pages

  • Monograms and Names
  • Stock Art
  • Stock Military Insignia and Crests
  • Typeface Choices