Frequently Asked Questions

Design & Service

Can you work with my design idea, if I provide a example?

Yes! I can work from your idea, sketch, or reference material. I'll guide you through the process and refine it until it's ready for production.

Can I make revisions to the design?

I offer unlimited revisions during the design phase to ensure the final artwork matches your vision. Any changes requested after final approval may require additional fees, I highly don't recommend it, but its possible.

Can I see a sample before full production?

Yes, physical pre-production samples are available, but they require full payment upfront and may include additional costs. This WILL delay production time by 2-3weeks.

What shipping methods do you offer?

I offer standard USPS and express shipping via UPS, FedEx or DHL within the US. Standard shipping is the longest and typically takes 7–14 days depending on your location. My preferred method is direct delivery by express shipping via UPS, FedEx or DHL.

International/FPO:

For international, I only ship via UPS, DHL or FedEx option, no need for MPS/FPO. This option is often more efficient, ensuring your order arrives just days after production is complete. The price is actually almost the same.

While a flat-rate box may seem like a cheaper option, FPO shipping can involve risks such as potential damage, lack of tracking, and longer delivery times. That's why we prioritize reliability and quality of service over cost-cutting measures. The big benefit of direct delivery is speed, once completed, your order should arrive within 2–3 days. You will simply need to pay the County tariff fee (usually around $40–$100) upon delivery location.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. Fees may apply for certain methods.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes. We require a 50% deposit before starting production. The remaining balance is due upon completion and before shipping.

Coin Questions

Is there a minimum order?

There's no strict minimum, but our design consultation recommends at least 50 coins per custom order for cost efficiency.

Does quantity affect price?

Yes! The more coins you order, the lower the cost per piece, great for resale or bulk gifting

How do size, shape, and thickness affect cost?

• Shape: Standard shapes (round, square) are less expensive. Custom "cut-to-shape" designs increase cost.
• Thickness: Heavier coins increase mold fees and shipping costs.

Are complex or movable designs possible?

Yes! Coins with removable pieces or moving components are possible but will add to the cost. Your dream design is our challenge.

How long does the process take?

• Design phase: Depends on you! Some clients finalize artwork in 2 days; others take 3 weeks.
• Production: Typically 4–6 weeks, depending on order complexity and holidays.
• Shipping: Once completed, your order usually arrives within 1 week.

Collector Guidance

What kind of coins does Bull Squid Studio make?

Bull Squid Studio designs and produces collector-grade challenge coins inspired by military, government, and organizational traditions. Our coins are original, design-driven pieces created for enthusiasts, collectors, and organizations who appreciate the craft and culture of challenge coins. They are not replicas of existing issued coins.

How are Bull Squid Studio coins different from unit-issued coins?

A unit-issued challenge coin is authorized and distributed by a specific organization — a military unit, government agency, or official body — and is typically presented as a mark of membership, service, or recognition. Bull Squid Studio coins are independently designed collector pieces. We have no affiliation with any military unit, government agency, or official organization unless a custom order is placed by and for that organization directly.

Who can purchase a coin from Bull Squid Studio?

Anyone. Our coins are available to veterans, active service members, collectors, organizations, businesses, and anyone who values the craft. We simply ask that our coins be represented honestly — as the custom collector pieces they are — and never passed off as unit-issued or officially earned honors.

Shipping to Military Addresses (APO / FPO / DPO)

Can I ship a gift to a service member at a military address?

We accept orders destined for US military mail addresses. Military mail is handled by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and follows strict formatting rules — an incorrectly addressed package may not reach the recipient. Please verify carrier eligibility for your specific address before placing your order.

Military address checklist

Per USPS guidelines, all military shipments require the following format:

• Recipient name: Enter the service member's full legal name in the Name field. Rank is optional but recommended (e.g., SGT Jane Smith).
• Address line — APO addresses: Include both the PSC number and BOX number (e.g., PSC 1234 Box 5678).
• Address line — FPO and DPO addresses: Include both the UNIT number and BOX number (e.g., UNIT 1234 Box 5678).
• City field: Enter only APO, FPO, or DPO — do not enter a city name.
• State field: Select the correct Armed Forces region:
  — AA = Armed Forces Americas
  — AE = Armed Forces Europe
  — AP = Armed Forces Pacific
• Country: Select United States.
• ZIP code: USPS requires the full nine-digit ZIP+4 code for military addresses (e.g., 96301-0005). Using only a five-digit ZIP may cause delivery failure.

Return shipments from military addresses

USPS does not support prepaid return labels for APO, FPO, or DPO addresses. If a return is needed, please contact us directly and we will work through an alternative resolution on a case-by-case basis.

Important note on delivery times

We do not publish estimated delivery times for military addresses because transit times vary based on location, USPS routing, and operational conditions beyond our control. Please do not rely on our standard domestic shipping estimates for APO/FPO/DPO destinations.

Before ordering, we strongly recommend verifying that your carrier can deliver to the specific APO/FPO/DPO address using the USPS ZIP Code Lookup tool.