FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering and delivery

Payment

Customer zone

Products

Visit our showroom

Medals

Distinctions

Nameplates

Awards

Stamps

Any questions? Contact us:
Ordering and delivery

How can I place an order?

You can place an order through our website or by contacting our team.

What are the delivery times?

Our standard delivery times vary depending on the product and its specifications. Please contact us for exact delivery times. The products that you can order via the website have an estimated delivery time mentioned.

Is my order insured?

All our shipments are insured.

Payment

What payment methods are accepted?

For orders via our webshop we accept various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers and PayPal.

When collecting your order in Antwerp, you are requested to pay the invoice amount via Bancontact, Visa or MasterCard. Payment via cash is not possible.

Customer zone

Contact us or request a quote

Do you have any questions? Contact us via info@pdegreef.be or +32 (0)3 232 85 99. Our team is ready to help you.

Products

Do you offer customization?

Yes, we offer customized solutions that are fully tailored to your specific wishes and requirements.

What are the options for personalization?

We can personalize your products with engravings, emblems, colors and more.

Can I contact you for engraving personal items and engraving on supplied materials?

We do not offer engraving on personal items or supplied materials due to the high risk of engraving on foreign materials (e.g. coatings, quality, ...).

Visit our showroom

Can I still visit the Brussels branch?

Since August 2021, our showroom in Brussels has been closed, and all activities have been transferred to our headquarters in Antwerp. For questions or orders, you can contact us via the contact details below, or make an appointment for a personal visit to our showroom in Antwerp. The e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of our former Brussels branch are retained:

Do I need to make an appointment to visit the showroom?

In order to serve you as best as possible, it is recommended to make an appointment if you wish to visit our showroom. Our contact details can be found under contact.

Is an appointment at the customer's location possible?

When a request is made, a basic quotation is first drawn up. When this quotation is approved, an appointment on location is possible to discuss further details.

Medals

What type of medals does P. De Greef offer?

All medals are custom made, struck using existing or new dies, engraved by milling or laser engraving, lacquered, patinated, silvered or gilded according to your wishes. We can also supply you with a neck ribbon or ribbon for decorations and/or boxes.

Is there a minimum order quantity for custom medals?

There is no minimum order quantity for medals, you can order from one piece to thousands of pieces...

Can a model be provided for approval before production starts?

If you agree to the quote, a sample can be requested, taking into account that the die is already being manufactured for this. This means that if changes need to be made to the design afterwards, or if you do not agree to the sample, the die must be adjusted. This again entails costs.

Distinctions

What is the process for ordering custom made medals?

First, a quote is made according to your wishes. If you agree with this quote, a test print or a design is made by a sculptor for approval. After approval of the test print, the actual production can start.

What is the delivery time for medals of honor?

The official medals and labour medals are always in stock and can be delivered to you within 1 to 2 business days. Domestic shipments are usually delivered the next business day, except in cases of force majeure.

What is a slide?

The name ‘slide’ is used for our ribbon bars that can be attached to the uniform using a sliding system. This system replaces the older system that is attached using pins. The sliding systems are not supplied as standard and are sold separately, depending on the number of slides you want to attach next to and under each other. There are sliding systems where 1 to 9 slides can be attached to the same system.

How do I wear a ribbon on my jacket?

A ribbon is attached by pulling the ribbon through a buttonhole and folding it closed at the back.

How do I wear a rosette?

A rosette is attached by passing the rosette through a buttonhole and attaching it along the back with the provided butterfly clasp.

Which version of the distinction do I wear on which occasion?

Wearing your large (official) models, reductions, rosette or ribbon depends on the predetermined dress code that is related to the occasion for which you were invited. You can find more information on the website of the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

I can't find a certain medal on the website. Can you still supply it?

Not all products we offer are also listed on our website. Our website only contains the commonly sold items. If you are looking for something specific, or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, e-mail or via the contact form.

Do I have the right to wear or purchase the decoration of my grandparents or ancestors?

In principle, anyone may buy medals (think of the many collectors) as long as they are not worn.

Wearing decorations is the sole responsibility of the wearer. Wearing medals that you have not acquired yourself is a punishable offence.

Do I need to send my ‘certificate’ if I want to buy a decoration?

No. Buying decorations may in principle be done by anyone (just think of the many collectors), as long as they are not worn if you have not acquired the right to wear them yourself.

Do I need to purchase a ‘bar for medals’ to attach my decoration?

All our medals are supplied individually with a stainless steel fork pin as standard. If you wish to attach multiple medals next to each other, a large bar for medals can be purchased on which the medals can be sewn.

Nameplates

What information is required to request a quotation or order for a nameplate?

If you already have an idea of ​​the specifications of your nameplate, it would be helpful to include this information in your request. This may include the following information:

  • material
  • format
  • text and any logos
  • colours to be used
  • mounting method
  • any special finishing

If you are not yet sure which direction you want to go, we can always advise you by telephone, e-mail or when you visit our showroom, where you can view sample plates.

In which file formats should I submit my designs?

In general, we can start working directly with a vector file saved as .pdf, .ai or .eps. In exceptional cases, high-resolution .jpeg or .png files are also usable. The better the quality of the supplied design, the better the engraving and the end result will be.

Don't have a design in your possession? No problem. We can always create a design (with supplement).

What is the best way to attach a self-adhesive nameplate?

Self-adhesive nameplates are supplied as standard with a double-sided adhesive strip. By removing the outer strip, the nameplate can be stuck to a flat surface. For rough or uneven surfaces, a foam tape can be applied, which can be placed with additional use of silicone or Tec7. Cleaning and degreasing the surface is strongly recommended before placing, as this ensures a stronger bond.

How do I maintain my brass nameplate?

Brass oxidizes due to weather conditions and oxygen. This makes it important to maintain the plate every two or three months with copper polish, for example HG copper polish. Be sure to remove the copper polish from the engraving, otherwise it may discolour. With a horizontally brushed nameplate, it is important to respect the brush direction.

Is a brass nameplate the same as a copper nameplate?

These terms are often used interchangeably. The nameplates we offer as standard are made of brass or yellow copper (this is an alloy of copper and zinc). We also offer red copper (non-alloyed copper) or cast bronze (alloy of copper and tin) nameplates.

What is a 'patinated' brass nameplate?

With a 'patinated' nameplate, the brass plate is sandblasted and then patinated. The metal reacts with the applied patina, giving the plate its dark oxidized appearance. Please note that the result is always unpredictable, meaning that no plate can achieve a 100% identical finish.

Can plastic nameplates be placed outdoors?

The lifespan of plastic nameplates placed outdoors is significantly shorter than that of metal nameplates. That is why we recommend choosing a metal nameplate, especially in uncovered areas.

Can an aluminum nameplate oxidize over time?

Aluminum is very resistant to weathering. The metal is protected by a very thin (and invisible) layer of aluminum oxide, which hermetically seals the rest of the metal against further oxidation.

What is the difference between an aluminum and stainless steel nameplate?

Stainless steel is more durable and stronger than aluminum. On the other hand, it also has a slightly higher weight and is therefore slightly more expensive than aluminum.

What is the difference between a bronze cast nameplate and a brass patinated nameplate?

Both types of nameplates have a dark finish. In bronze cast nameplates, molten metal (bronze) is poured into a mold and then sanded down to the desired result. In brass patinated nameplates, a patina is applied to the brass nameplate, which gives it a dark oxidized appearance. A bronze cast nameplate is also thicker and heavier than a brass nameplate.

In which colours can I get my engraving?

Engravings can be painted in any desired RAL colour. We offer a number of standard colours for colouring the engraving. Specific colours are of course possible, but at an additional cost. Please note that gradual colour transitions cannot be achieved with painting. For this we are happy to offer a printed plate.

Awards

Do you offer cups, coupes and trophies of the classic type?

We do not offer classic metal or plastic cups, coupes or trophies.

Stamps

How do I know which Trodat stamp is suitable for my desired print?

Based on the desired format of your layout, we can determine which stamp is suitable for you.