Why Do Small Custom Medal Orders Cost More

Why Do Small Custom Medal Orders Cost More?

Understanding Small Order Fees

When ordering custom medals for sports events, school competitions, charity runs, or corporate awards, many customers wonder:

“Why does ordering only 50 or 100 medals cost more per piece?”

The answer lies in production costs, setup fees, and manufacturing efficiency. In this article, we’ll explain why small custom medal orders often include additional fees and how you can reduce costs while still getting premium-quality medals.

What Is a Small Order Fee for Custom Medals?

A small order fee is an additional production charge applied to low-quantity custom medal orders.

Unlike standard products, custom medals are manufactured from scratch. Whether you order 50 medals or 5,000 medals, many production steps remain the same.

These fixed production costs include:

• Custom mold creation
• Artwork setup and production preparation
• Die-casting or stamping setup
• Electroplating and finishing preparation
• Color filling and quality control
• Packaging and labor costs

Because these setup costs are fixed, smaller orders naturally have a higher cost per medal.

Why Small Quantity Medal Orders Cost More

One of the biggest reasons small orders cost more is economies of scale.

For example:

If a mold costs USD 150, that same mold fee must be distributed across your order quantity.

Example Pricing Comparison

This means larger quantities reduce the cost per medal because manufacturing expenses are spread across more units.

What Costs Stay the Same Regardless of Quantity?

Many customers assume smaller orders should be cheaper because fewer medals are produced. However, certain production costs remain almost identical regardless of order size.

1. Mold Making Cost

Every custom medal requires a unique mold. Whether you order 50 pieces or 5,000 pieces, the mold still has to be designed and manufactured.

2. Production Setup

Machines need preparation time before production begins. Setup labor remains nearly the same for both small and large runs.

3. Electroplating & Coloring

Metal finishing processes such as:

• Gold plating
• Silver plating
• Antique finishes
• Soft enamel coloring

all require setup regardless of quantity.

4. Labor Cost

Hand polishing, enamel coloring, inspection, and ribbon assembly still require manual labor, even for smaller orders.

How to Reduce Small Order Costs

If you only need a small quantity of custom medals, there are several ways to reduce your budget.

Choose a Simpler Medal Design

Complex 3D medals or multiple cutouts increase production time and costs. A 2D soft enamel medal is usually more affordable.

Use Standard Plating Options

Choosing standard finishes like:

• Antique Gold
• Antique Silver
• Black Nickel

can reduce setup costs compared to specialty plating.

Slightly Increase Your Quantity

Sometimes increasing your order from 50 to 100 pieces dramatically lowers the unit price.

Combine Future Event Orders

If you host recurring events, consider ordering slightly more inventory to lower long-term costs.

Do Manufacturers Accept Small Medal Orders?

Yes — many professional medal manufacturers support small custom orders.

At Miracle Custom, we understand that schools, clubs, startups, and local event organizers may only need a limited quantity of medals. Whether you need 50 custom medals or 5,000, we strive to provide factory-direct pricing and professional quality.

Final Thoughts

Small custom medal orders cost more because production setup, mold creation, and manufacturing preparation remain nearly the same regardless of quantity.

However, understanding these costs helps event organizers make smarter decisions and find the best balance between budget, quality, and quantity.

If you’re planning a custom medal project, requesting a quote early can help identify the most cost-effective option for your event.

Need a custom medal quote? Contact Miracle Custom today for free design assistance and pricing consultation.