Where do all the personal chips come from?

I know some available are basically a generic metal core chip with a custom label on it. Others are more custom from those advertised in the club magazine. While it in itself is fine, on Ebay there has recently been a bunch of CC>CC chips from many years ago that are personal chips that look like they are from Chipco or other "higher quality" chip manufacturers. They are usually listed as "manufacturers samples" but they have our members names on them. My question is how did these chips come to be, are these manufacturers still allowing orders for smaller volume chips and what are the options from basic personal chips all the way up to custom "Paulson" like chips that might be available for small runs (500 or less) or custom larger volumes?

I'd like to create a personal business card type chip, but I have yet to find the quality of product I want to put my name on. Where are the plaques and chips for the CC>CC convention and poker and blackjack chips acquired from?

Any background information that could be provided would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Jeff Jones.