Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-03-17 Origin: Site
How much do custom medals cost? The answer isn't simple. Prices vary based on materials, design, and order quantity. Custom medals celebrate achievements, but their costs depend on many factors. From zinc alloy to brass, different materials affect pricing. In this guide, you'll learn about medal materials, customization options, and how bulk orders can save you money.
Custom medals range from $0.35 to $7.20 per piece. The price depends on materials, size, and design complexity.
A basic zinc alloy medal with a plain ribbon is affordable. A larger brass medal with enamel coloring and engraving costs more.
Here’s a quick pricing breakdown:
| Medal Type | Price Range (per medal) |
|---|---|
| Simple zinc alloy medal | $0.35 - $1.00 |
| Standard custom medal | $1.50 - $3.00 |
| High-end custom medal | $5.00 - $7.20 |
| Rush order medal | +10%-20% extra |
1. Design Complexity
A simple 2D medal costs less than a detailed 3D design. Adding enamel, cut-outs, or textures increases the price.
2. Material Choice
Zinc alloy: Lightweight, budget-friendly
Brass: Heavier, premium look, more expensive
Acrylic & PVC: Non-metal, lower cost, but less durable
3. Medal Size & Thickness
Smaller medals (50mm) are cheaper than larger ones (70mm, 90mm)
Thicker medals (5mm vs. 3mm) feel more premium but add cost
4. Order Quantity
Bulk orders reduce costs. Larger orders lower per-unit pricing because manufacturers spread setup fees across more medals.
| Order Quantity | Estimated Cost (per medal) |
|---|---|
| 100 medals | $3.00+ |
| 5,000 medals | $1.90 |
| 50,000 medals | $1.20 |
5. Customization Features
Engraving: Adds $0.40 - $2.40 per medal
Custom ribbons: Extra $0.65 + setup fee
Special finishes (gold, silver, antique): Increase cost
The more custom details you add, the higher the price climbs. Want a unique medal? Be ready to pay extra.
The material makes a huge difference in price. Some are budget-friendly, others premium. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Material | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc Alloy | Lightweight, affordable, most common | Low |
| Brass | Heavy, premium feel, durable | High |
| Acrylic/PVC | Lightweight, colorful, not as durable | Low-Mid |
| Wood/Crystal | Unique look, for special occasions | High |
A zinc alloy medal costs the least. Brass medals feel luxurious but cost 20%-30% more. Want a colorful or lightweight option? Acrylic and PVC work but aren’t as sturdy.
Bigger, thicker medals cost more. They use more material and take longer to make.
50mm medals: Standard size, affordable
70mm medals: More impact, higher cost
90mm+ medals: Premium, expensive
Thickness matters too:
| Thickness | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| 3mm | Standard, affordable |
| 4mm | Adds ~$0.06 per medal |
| 5mm | Adds ~$0.20 per medal |
Adding custom elements makes medals unique but also raises the price.
Enamel Coloring: More enamel = higher cost
3D vs. 2D Designs: 3D looks premium, costs more
Cut-Outs & Unique Shapes: No extra cost unless highly complex
Special Finishes: Antique, gold, silver plating add value
Engraving options vary. Some are budget-friendly, others costly.
| Engraving Type | Cost Per Medal |
|---|---|
| Laser Engraving (During Production) | ~$0.40 |
| Medal Tabs (Engraved & Attached Later) | ~$1.10 |
| Post-Event Engraving | $1.80 - $2.40 |
Medals need ribbons. Basic ones are cheap, custom designs add cost.
| Ribbon Type | Cost Per Piece |
|---|---|
| Plain Ribbon | ~$0.65 |
| Custom Ribbon (Text, Colors) | ~$0.65 + $23 setup fee |
Packaging matters too:
Velvet Box: ~$10.80 per 10-pack
Cardboard Box: ~$6.00 per 10-pack
Plastic Sleeve: Cheapest option
Larger orders save money. Per-medal costs drop as quantity increases.
| Quantity | Estimated Cost Per Medal |
|---|---|
| 100 medals | ~$3.00+ |
| 5,000 medals | ~$1.90 |
| 50,000 medals | ~$1.20 |
Buying in bulk spreads costs like mold fees across more medals. Even small savings per piece add up fast.
Every custom medal needs a unique mold. This one-time fee covers the cost of creating it.
| Complexity Level | Mold Setup Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Design (simple shapes, few details) | ~$85 |
| Moderate Design (detailed artwork, small cut-outs) | ~$100 - $150 |
| Complex Design (intricate 3D, multiple layers) | $150+ |
Want a fully custom shape? Expect higher mold costs. Ordering more medals later? No need to pay the mold fee again.
Shipping costs depend on weight, distance, and delivery speed. International orders add customs fees.
| Order Size | Estimated Shipping Cost (US Domestic) |
|---|---|
| Small (100 medals) | ~$15 - $30 |
| Medium (1,000 medals) | ~$50 - $100 |
| Large (10,000+ medals) | $200+ |
For international shipping, costs increase:
Customs fees & import taxes vary by country
Heavier shipments mean higher costs
Express shipping adds an extra charge
Need medals fast? Rush orders cost more.
| Standard vs. Rush Orders | Production Time | Extra Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Production | 2-4 weeks | No extra cost |
| Rush Order (5-7 days) | ~$50+ surcharge | |
| 24-Hour Production | +10%-20% per medal |
Faster production means higher costs. Plan early to avoid rush fees.
The material affects cost. Some are cheaper but still look great.
| Material | Cost | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Alloy | Low | High | Most events |
| Brass | High | Very High | Premium awards |
| Acrylic/PVC | Low-Mid | Medium | Budget-friendly events |
| Wood/Crystal | High | Medium | Unique, eco-friendly designs |
Zinc alloy is the most affordable metal. Acrylic and PVC are lightweight and cheap but less durable. Want a high-end feel? Brass medals cost 20-30% more.
Complex designs cost more. Simple adjustments keep costs low while maintaining a premium look.
2D over 3D: 3D designs require detailed molding, increasing price.
Minimal Enamel: Too many colors raise costs. Stick to 1-2.
Standard Shapes: Custom cut-outs are cool but not always necessary.
Buying more medals reduces cost per unit.
| Order Quantity | Estimated Cost Per Medal |
|---|---|
| 100 medals | ~$3.00+ |
| 1,000 medals | ~$2.00 |
| 5,000 medals | ~$1.50 |
| 50,000 medals | ~$1.20 |
Large orders save 20-50% per medal. Plan ahead to maximize savings.
Extra details increase costs. Keep it simple to stay on budget.
Standard ribbons: Custom ones cost $0.65+ setup fees.
Laser engraving during production: Cheapest personalization option.
Skip premium packaging: Velvet boxes add $1+ per medal.
Want to save? Focus on what really matters—a well-designed, meaningful medal.
Key factors include material choice, size, thickness, design complexity, engraving, ribbons, and order quantity.
Zinc alloy is the most budget-friendly metal. Acrylic and PVC are also cost-effective but less durable.
Yes! Bulk orders lower the per-unit price. For example, 50,000 medals can cost as low as $1.20 each.
Yes. Faster production adds 10%-20% extra per medal. 24-hour production costs the most.
Choose zinc alloy, simple designs, and bulk orders. Avoid unnecessary customizations and order early to skip rush fees.
Zhongshan Custom Crafts Co., Ltd. offers free design services and 500+ templates to help you create the perfect medal.
Custom medal costs depend on materials, size, customization, and order quantity. Bulk orders lower prices, while rush production adds extra fees. For affordability, choose zinc alloy, keep designs simple, and skip unnecessary add-ons. Order early to avoid rush fees. Want to start designing? Zhongshan Custom Crafts Co., Ltd. makes it easy with their online medal builder featuring 500+ templates. Need something unique? Their expert designers provide free assistance to bring your vision to life—without extra cost! Get started today for a seamless, affordable custom medal experience.
