Custom CPC set - Help with price increase expectations (1 Viewer)

[Benjaminotaur]

Hello all!

I've had an idea for a set of chips for about 10 years now, and this fine forum has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities that are out there. But before I run out and try to crank out the design details, I've got a few questions I'm hoping you can help out with.

1.) What kind of timeframe should I be expecting from design to delivery? I've got a background in design, and I've got a pretty good hand with Illustrator, if that helps get a better answer.

2.) Is there any chance to get in under the 2021 pricing structure if the chips and colors are picked? Or does the design need to be completely submitted prior to the 31st to qualify for payment?

3.) How many extra chips should I be purchasing above what I think I'll need. Both for loss/breakage over the years, but also to fulfill requests for sample sets. Because this set is going to be epic, obviously.

4.) Totally kidding on that last point. I think it's awesome, and I'm ok if I'm the only person who thinks so. But do you consider the possibility of sample requests as you're starting a new set?

5.) Should I be giving a look to other design companies for any reason?

6.) What's the one thing (or things) I haven't asked about that I should address before or during the design process that people tend to underestimate or forget?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[Eloe2000]

You can place the order based on the chips and submit the artwork later.

Turnaround depends on the mold you choose and how frequently it runs and when it ran last. I just received one of my CSQ sets and I am already thinking about an add on. That would probably be a year to get that if I ordered now. But some other mold order I might be able to get in as little as four months.

 

[Eloe2000]

This is the price increase for 2022 by my calculations.

 

[PlaidDragon]

1) Time from the moment you pay for your order and when they arrive depends on the mold you choose. A-Mold is always installed. All of the other CPC molds must rotate. A good thread to watch regarding what mold(s) are actively being worked is here:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/upcoming-molds.34416/ (start reading from the most recent threads, rather than what's on page one).

I've made several A-mold orders/add-ons. My wait for each one of them was 3-4 months. Conversely, my order of scrowns (small crown mold) took 6 months.

With anything not "a-mold" you're at the mercy of CPC's schedule. I think some of the less commonly installed molds might come with waits in upwards of a year.

2) You can make your color/spot choices and submit the order. The inlay design can come later but still must be in to CPC weeks before they go to press.

Regarding the price increase: you're pretty close to the end of the year. Myself, I'd rather take my time and pay a little more to insure I have things right than rush things to save a little money.

$20-25'ish dollars per hundred (roughly what the 2022 increase will cost you) is a much smaller price to pay than the cost to replace an entire denomination because you end up not being happy with it.

3) I've traditionally ordered 5-10 extras per denom. Even more for "workhorse" chips is a good idea.

4) It's cool to offer samples for sale, but totally optional for you.

5) If you want new custom casino-grade clay chips you have no other options.

6) Have you obtained your CPC color sample set yet? Though most of their design tool colors are accurate, some tool colors significantly vary from the actual colors in reality. I.E. Dayglo Saturn on the tool looks like a pretty good color to use on a chip base; however, in reality the real life color of the chip, IMHO, should be renamed to "bile yellow". Definitely get a full CPC color sample.

 

[sup3r170va]

I’m in the same boat, and reading through more threads in the forum, I’ve decided to wait out and get more samples. Based solely on reading, the different molds feel quite different. So that’s one factor for which I think samples may be useful.

 

[Benjaminotaur]

This is the price increase for 2022 by my calculations.

View attachment 832852

While not insignificant, it does seem like the prices are only increasing by 10-12% give or take. Not sure when their last price increase was, but it seems reasonable given the supply chain issues running rampant.

 

[RichMahogany]

While not insignificant, it does seem like the prices are only increasing by 10-12% give or take. Not sure when their last price increase was, but it seems reasonable given the supply chain issues running rampant.

Prices have been increasing every year for the past few years. Not sure how many years in a row

 

[Benjaminotaur]

Prices have been more dreading every year for the past few years. Not sure how many years in a row

I would guess as many years as Paulson has been out of the private market.

 

[RichMahogany]

I would guess as many years as Paulson has been out of the private market.

Don’t think so, not that I remember at least.

IIRC it’s been a thing since the new ownership took over. That’s not a slight towards them either, it’s amazing that Jim Blanchard was able to keep prices were he did.

 

[Benjaminotaur]

1) Time from the moment you pay for your order and when they arrive depends on the mold you choose. A-Mold is always installed. All of the other CPC molds must rotate. A good thread to watch regarding what mold(s) are actively being worked is here:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/upcoming-molds.34416/ (start reading from the most recent threads, rather than what's on page one).

I've made several A-mold orders/add-ons. My wait for each one of them was 3-4 months. Conversely, my order of scrowns (small crown mold) took 6 months.

With anything not "a-mold" you're at the mercy of CPC's schedule. I think some of the less commonly installed molds might come with waits in upwards of a year.

2) You can make your color/spot choices and submit the order. The inlay design can come later but still must be in to CPC weeks before they go to press.

Regarding the price increase: you're pretty close to the end of the year. Myself, I'd rather take my time and pay a little more to insure I have things right than rush things to save a little money.

$20-25'ish dollars per hundred (roughly what the 2022 increase will cost you) is a much smaller price to pay than the cost to replace an entire denomination because you end up not being happy with it.

3) I've traditionally ordered 5-10 extras per denom. Even more for "workhorse" chips is a good idea.

4) It's cool to offer samples for sale, but totally optional for you.

5) If you want new custom casino-grade clay chips you have no other options.

6) Have you obtained your CPC color sample set yet? Though most of their design tool colors are accurate, some tool colors significantly vary from the actual colors in reality. I.E. Dayglo Saturn on the tool looks like a pretty good color to use on a chip base; however, in reality the real life color of the chip, IMHO, should be renamed to "bile yellow". Definitely get a full CPC color sample.

Thank you for the (very) complete responses!

That thread has been followed and already been very useful. Since I’ve already been sitting on this project for a decade, a few more months won’t matter too much. It did give me some motivation to try and squeeze into the current CSQ run. I was told it’s a 50/50 shot for my semi custom Rounders job.

I ordered a few extras for the Rounders job, but I’ll probably go heavy on the next one. I think it would be cool to gift a sample set to each of my players, since the set will be themed around our home game.

I do like the feel of clays, but I’m quickly softening towards other options. I just picked up a PP cash set from Abbiati, and I am in love!

I was going to try and skate by with this awesome spot set made by @wonderpuddle

I did reconsider in the end and ordered a full color sample set along with a mold set. I mean, I WAS already ordering a Chesterfield sample set and it seemed silly to have them package that up all on its lonesome. I’m not sure how useful they’ll be on this project since my colors will all be dictated by an existing color palette. On the other hand, I may be a relative noob here, but I’m sure these won’t be the last custom jobs I at least entertain