Alright fellas, quick state of the union on 2026 Alliance tags. Historically, we have kept this simple. We alternate colors every year. Red one year, black the next. 2025 was red, which meant 2026 was supposed to be black. Easy. Order the tags, stack them deep, move on with life. When I order these things, I usually buy them by the thousand so I am covered for multiple years. Back in November I noticed I was getting thin on black tags and figured I would get ahead of it and order early for 2026. Then I waited. And waited. And waited some more. This morning I finally heard back from the printer, US based, same folks I have used forever. Normally these tags run me about $3.50 a pop. This time the quote came back just shy of ten bucks per tag. And no, I am not going to unpack the reasons for that because it will just raise everyone’s blood pressure, including mine. That **** isn't for this joint. Here is the bottom line. I am not raising the price of the Alliance over this. I would rather ride it out than p*** that nonsense along to you guys. So instead of black tags for 2026, we are sticking with red. Hopefully nobody is too deeply wounded by this development. If anything, maybe it sets the stage for a bigger shake up in 2027. Either way, thanks for the understanding.
Cool with me. Look forward to what transpires and am not averse to a shakeup. Apart from the small, limited edition not year specific Alliance tag, I do not have an Alliance tag on my car as I think they're too big. Perhaps a step back perceived quality wise, I'd be happy with stickers, preferably for inside window, and can envisage them being 'stackable' or layered like can be seen on many repeat offenders at Boneville. Just a thought. Chris
As a first time Alliance Member I had no idea colors alternated. Going to be cool no matter what color. For sure don’t sweat it. Dan
Reds cool with me, when you have to reorder the red tags will they go up to almost 10 bucks a piece? Lets just say the new price is $10 bucks - If a price increases from $3.50 to $10.00, that's a increase of 185.71 % . HRP
Yes. It's the price of Br***, not the printing... But again, I don't really want to get into all that. I have enough red to last through 2026... For 2027, I was just contacted by a supplier that is willing to help with a great idea. So, stay tuned for the next 11 months or so...
Every thing is going up my shop rent doubled in January as for the tags I'm a member to do my part to keep this thing going don't care what color they are.
I was ready to ask for forgiveness instead of asking for permission. BTW, I have been a alliance member since the beginning and the original aluminum tags were just as cool. HRP
I think I've said it before but if not here goes. I'm not an Alliance member for a tag. Whether they are red or black or not at all isn't an issue for me. If you stopped printing them my blood pressure would stay the same. But I understand the tags are important to you - hand stamping them like days gone by. So, if in the future you have to raise the cost of membership to cover increased costs it's fine by me. Just don't make them out of plastic or @Moriarity would have a coronary as would others as well.
I have a lot of tags. My original is on the ole Hotrod. The others are for any other use I can think of maybe tool boxes. I would ask that you just skip me this year and put it towards this great sites operating costs...or have a coffee on me. I'd still be interested in whatever you think of going forward in 27 or 28...but save on br*** taxes till they stabilize... Thanks Ryan...✌
For what it's worth, I don't care if I ever get another Alliance tag! I'm going to pony up for Alliance membership, because to me it's the right thing to do to support the HAMB. 60 Special
I agree with @Stogy , I've run out of places to screw the plaques to...I'd happier with just a 25 cent HAMB decal that I could stick anywhere. Maybe you should include something like this on the Alliance membership page... MARK ONE. ( ) Dash plaque. ( ) HAMB decal. ( ) I don't need anything.
You could write "alliance" on a piece of paper and send it to me and I would still love it. Thanks for everything you do. -Abone.
Never thought I would live long enough to worry about what color the next years tag was going to be. Just glad to be here, still not worried.
I feel like I've been an Alliance Member more or less since I started hanging out here full time. Got lazy on renewing a few times, but the value of this place is worth more than the 50 bones. Don't think I've ever actually used an Alliance discount. Waiting for Lifetime Membership option to roll out, then I can just spring for the tattoo.
Thank you all. Sincerely. Dealing with a lot of ******** like this recently and it’s nice not to worry about this one…
Ryan, I really wonder if you just sent the red ones this year without opening this can of worms, would anyone have noticed?