While the use of ham radio callsign name tags seems to be less popular these days than in the past—when they were practically required—I still was upset when I tried to find mine a couple of weeks ago. Also missing was my VE credential, which is arguably more important. I searched all over the house and in both my car and my wife’s car to no avail. I guess I must have left it at a hamfest or something.
Replacing the VE credential is easy enough. After a quick e-mail exchange with the ARRL, I discovered that all I have to do is send them a check for $5, and they will make up a new one for me.
Now, to replace my callsign name tag. After Googling “ham radio name tag” and asking on Twitter for recommendations, I’ve come up with the following four vendors:
- The Sign Man of Baton Rouge. If you want to buy a name tag from a guy smiling and wearing shorts, this is the place. All kidding aside, I think I purchased the one I lost from The Sign Man, and one of the hams who responded to my tweet recommended The Sign Man. In addition to name tags, you can buy all kinds of personalized stuff, such as license plates, rubber stamps, and magnetic signs. The cost for a basic name tag looks to be $12.50, plus shipping.
- HamCrazy.Com. This was my second stop. I like the designs that HamCrazy offers, such as the one below. They also offer a host of other personalized items for sale. The cost for a basic name tag is $12.99, including shipping.
- Gifts4Hams. What I like about Gifts4Hams is that they offer laser-engraved wood name tags for only $8.50 plus shipping. If you want to get something a little different, check out Gifts4Hams.
- HamStuff. HamStuff was also recommended to me by someone on Twitter. Badges cost $11.50, including shipping. These are printed, not engraved, though. If you have your own design, this might be the way to go, but I’m a traditionalist, so I think I’m going to stick with an engraved name tag.
I haven’t purchased mine yet, so if you have a favorite vendor that I haven’t listed here, please let me know.
Andrew Holman says
I have ordered from Ham Crazy and they are super fast. I got one of their small name tags to put on my boom mic (since I have had a hard time finding the old school mic / boom plaques).
I think I had it within a couple days of ordering.
Josiah says
I’ve thought maybe making a PCB with my call on it instead of the traditional name tags.
Dan KB6NU says
That’s a good idea, if you have the PCB-making equipment.
James says
I use Ham Badgers, fast and lots of options. hambadgers.com