Custom medals are a great way to promote your event and reward participants for their hard work, but how much of your budget should you plan to set aside for them? Because there are so many factors that impact cost, it's hard to accurately answer the question, "how much does a custom medal cost?" without knowing some of your specific desires and requirements.
However, we can tell you what factors affect the pricing of custom medals. In this list, we explain the key factors that help determine the cost of your medal so you can be well informed when you speak with your favorite medal vendor.
There are many different custom medal types made from various materials, such as zinc, iron, lead, pewter, brass, silver, copper, PVC, wood, and more. Each type also has a specific manufacturing method. They can all be great options, depending on your requirements.
Here's a list of the most popular types:
Generally speaking, when buying custom medals, the more you buy, the less they cost per unit. This is because as quantities increase, the cost per unit for setup/mold/die, manufacturing, and shipping typically decreases.
There are usually price breaks based on quantity, though keep in mind they are not the same for all medal types. For example, you might be able to buy 1,000 medals for less than the cost of 950 medals, so be sure to check quantity price breaks for the type of medal you are buying.
While true custom medals come in any size and shape, they are usually quoted out by size: 2", 3" and 4", etc., and thickness. Therefore, larger and thicker medals require more materials and, thus, cost more to make.
The shape can also affect the price. For example, a 3" square medal covers more surface area than a 3" round medal and requires more material. The additional weight also impacts shipping costs.
The medal finish can affect the price, depending on the type of medal and material you choose. These are some of the finish options:
Some finishes are more expensive to produce and more difficult to apply. Your choice may impact the final price.
Depending on the type of medal, there are numerous design features you can choose to incorporate. Generally speaking, the more features you add, the greater the cost. Here is a list of some of the most popular features:
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Some of these features add practical use to the medal (e.g., bottle opener), so they're more valuable in recipients' eyes.
The medals you choose usually include accessories and options that complement and complete your finished award. These may include:
All medal types have different standard lead times to order and produce. Lead and production times factor into their price. Additional costs are often necessary if you need medals in less than the standard time (e.g., rush charges and expedited shipping). Shipping and fulfillment can also impact both time and total cost.
The most common custom medals are made primarily overseas. The amount of time available to produce your medals dictates one of two import methods: air or ocean, dramatically impacting the price.
Other factors contribute to the fact that medal cost is affected by your timeline, but the biggest by far is related to the type of shipping method you go with (or are restricted to).
Have questions about how to determine the cost of your custom medal order? Let's start the conversation; give us a call to learn more from one of our expert sales associates. Or, if you're ready, go ahead and request a quote.