While there are several differences between the two application levels, the primary difference involves the licensing rights pertaining to the use of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards® Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval.

With the Level One Application, Honorees are permitted to use the seal for marketing and promotional purposes—on your website, social media pages, retailer pages (i.e. Amazon, etc.), banners and tradeshow displays as well as in your brochures, media kits and other marketing collateral. But, Level One Honorees are not permitted to reproduce the seal on product packaging or in a downloadable media file (i.e. apps, eBooks, etc.).

The Level Two Application includes several value-added benefits for increased marketing and publicity exposure, plus it includes the license required for reproducing the seal on your product packaging or in a downloadable media file (i.e. apps, eBooks, etc.).

For most applicants, the Level Two option is the best value as it includes the license for product packaging (normally $1,000 and up). The license is good for the life of your item. There are no renewal fees, and global rights are included. Plus, there’s no risk! If your item does not meet the criteria for an award, the licensing portion of the application fee is refunded.

In some cases, the Level One Application option may be a better choice: (1) You’re a start-up or your company is on a tight budget; (2) You have a robust publicity / marketing department and don’t need the increased marketing exposure; (3) You have a warehouse stocked with inventory; you’re not planning to reorder, and therefore would not need the license.

The FAQs below are meant to help you decide which application level is right for you. If you still have questions after reviewing this information, email the Help Desk for a rapid response, or visit our Contact page for more options.

See the list of what each application level includes here. The Level 2 Application includes several value-added benefits for increased marketing and publicity exposure, plus it includes the license required for reproducing the seal on your product packaging in a downloadable media file (i.e. apps, eBooks, etc.).

Yes, a stick-on version of the seal is available. All Honorees are permitted to use the stick-on version of the seal regardless of their licensing level. The stickers are beautiful, durable, high quality and easy to apply. They are available in embossed gold, embossed silver or four color high gloss. Both Level One and Level Two Application options include a complimentary starter supply of stickers. Additional supplies may be ordered from the Honoree Webstore.

Yes. If you choose the Level One Application option, you can purchase the Tier 2 License for Product Packaging and Downloadable Media later. However, if you think you’ll want to reproduce the seal on your product packaging or in a downloadable media file (i.e. apps, eBooks, etc.) at some time in the future, it’s generally a better value to apply at Level Two which includes the license—especially when special promotions are available at the time you apply. Plus, the Level Two Application option includes several value-added marketing and publicity benefits that are not available later.

All the benefits are listed here. The Level Two Application comes with an interview about your product on our blog, personalized shout-outs on social media, a featured ad on our blog sidebar, inclusion in our Mom Knows Best Newsletter for parents, an endorsement from MCA CEO, Dawn Matheson, and inclusion in up to 6 categories in our online store.