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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Custom Award Ribbon Manufacturer

08 Sep.,2025

The Ultimate Guide To Custom Medals

Medals are one of the most customisable awards in the world!

For more information, please visit our website.

Do you want custom medals but don't know much about them?

You've come to the right place!

We at Badges And Medals have helped thousands of people, just like you, figure out the ins and outs of custom medals.

In this guide, we will answer your most pressing questions and walk you through everything you need to know about them. We want to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible so you can focus on what you do best: creating unforgettable events.

Want to jump to a specific question? Then click the question below:

What is a custom medal?
Why are custom medals so important?
What are the most popular types of custom medals?
Which medal type is best?
Can you get eco-friendly medals?
Do custom medals come with ribbons?
Do custom medals come with boxes?
How much do custom medals cost?
What’s the quickest way to get a rough estimate?
What are MOQs, and how do they affect custom medal prices?
Are there ways to save money on custom medals?
Do you design the custom medal yourself?
What do you need to give the supplier’s design team?
Where to find medal design ideas?
How do you order custom medals?
When should you order custom medals?
Is there an easy way to find the best date to order medals?
How do you pick the best custom medal shop?

What is a custom medal?

A custom medal is an award made for a specific event or achievement. Unlike pre-made medals, custom medals are customised to better suit your event or brand, hence their name. This customisation allows you to change almost every aspect of the medal and ribbon.

Here's what a custom medal looks like compared to a pre-made medal:

Why are custom medals important?

Imagine you're choosing between two events which cost the same. One offers custom medals with unique designs, while the other has plain, pre-made medals. Which event would you choose?

Most of us would choose the event with the custom medals. Why? Because it feels like that event is more important and professional. It also feels like we're getting better value for money.

There are also several reasons why custom medals are better than pre-made ones from an event’s perspective:

Increases ticket sales:

As a participant, you were drawn to the event with the custom medals, not the pre-made ones. That's the power of custom medals: they help to attract people to your event because they show that you thought about your participants.

Advertise your event:

Custom medals act like walking ads. They show off your event's logo, colours, and theme. When someone sees your medal, they think of your event.

Boosts social media buzz:

Custom medals look great in photos, so people will post about them on social media. This spreads the word about your event and gets people interested.

Gets positive reviews:

Research shows that receiving an excellent product is the main reason people leave reviews. And what makes a medal excellent? A custom design!

For a more in-depth breakdown, read: '7 Benefits Of Good Medal Design'.

What are the most popular types of custom medals?

Many people assume that custom medals are made of metal. However, just like there is more than one type of tree, there is more than one type of custom medal. Some of the most popular choices include metal medals, wooden medals, and insert medals. Less popular but more unique custom medal types include chewing gum medals, fishing net medals, and crystal medals.

For more information, read: '7 Strangest Medal Materials In The World'.

Which medal type is best?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer for every event. Think of choosing the right medal type like shopping for shoes. Just like you pick sneakers for running, boots for work, or sandals for a beach day, the medal you choose should match the purpose or theme of your event.

Metal medals suit those who:

Want a medal that will last for decades.
Want as much design freedom as possible.
Want a high-quality, expensive feel.
Are hosting a large event and want to save money.

Insert medals are best for those who:

Are short on time and have a small recipient list.
Are hosting a small event on a tight budget.
Live near a facility that can recycle the medals.

Wooden medals are the right choice for those who:

Want eco-friendly medals to align with their values.
Need a large number of medals relatively quickly.
Aren't hosting an event with lots of moisture, salt, or chlorine.

Here's a quick summary of the key differences between the three medal types:

For a more in-depth breakdown, read: 'Which Medal Type Is Best? Metal Vs Wooden Vs Insert Medals'.

Wait, there are eco-friendly medals?

It might be a surprise but, yes, you can get eco-friendly medals!

There are two ways a medal can be eco-friendly.

First, you have medals that are eco-friendly because of what they're made from, such as:

Biodegradable medals:

These are made from plant-based materials like potato or newspaper. After your event, these medals can be added to a compost heap or garden and become part of nature again.

Recyclable medals:

These are made from materials like plastic or metal that can be recycled and have sometimes already been recycled. These medals help the environment by reducing waste and saving resources.

Sustainable medals:

These medals are made from materials like stone or wood that can be sourced responsibly and have little impact on the environment. Sustainable materials can also be recycled or composted.

Wooden medals are incredibly eco-friendly!

Next, you have medals that are eco-friendly because they keep items out of landfills, like:

Second-hand medals:

These are leftover medals from another event that you buy for your event. It’s a win-win! The previous owners get extra money, and you get medals without harming the environment.

Reclaimed medals:

These are old medals you haven’t used. By replacing the old ribbon with a new one, you reuse the medals without the environmental impact of making new ones. This is a great option if the old medals don’t have a date on them. This service is only offered by us at Badges And Medals.

For more information on these medals, read: '5 Eco-Friendly Medals For Your Sustainable Event'.

Do custom medals come with ribbons?

Custom medals usually come with a plain ribbon with one or two colours, and you can choose the colours that match your event. Some companies let you customise the ribbons to better fit your medal or event theme, but this can cost extra. At Badges And Medals, plain and custom ribbons cost the same; however, custom ribbons have a US$23 setup to cover the cost of our machines.

Custom ribbons can be used to heighten your medal design, highlight sponsors, or indicate different events.

Do custom medals come with boxes?

No, but they can.

Most custom medals come in simple plastic or paper bags. These protect the medals but aren't very special. If you want something fancier, you can ask your supplier to put your medals in velvet, vegan leather, or cardboard boxes. These add a luxurious touch and cost between US$6 and US$10.80 each if you buy ten. Velvet and vegan leather boxes are the more popular of the three, because they have a satin-lined lid and a velvet base, making your custom medals look fancy.

Some suppliers, like us at Badges And Medals, will let you customise your box for free to make your medal stand out. Most people use this service to add their logo to the top of the box.

You can customise your medal box for free with Badges And Medals.

How much do custom medals cost?

The short answer is it depends on the choices you make.

The long answer is that, like most custom-made things, the cost of custom medals changes with each order because each one is made to fit an individual’s needs. Because of this, prices can range anywhere from US$0.80 to US$6.90 per medal - and that's before you throw in extras.

Here's what can affect the cost of your medals:

The number of medals you order:

Big orders have a lower cost-per-medal than smaller orders. This is because larger orders allow medal suppliers to use their resources more efficiently and reduce costs such as rent and salaries.

The supplier's setup fee:

Suppliers often charge a fee to cover creating a custom medal mould; however, this fee is usually charged just once because the mould is reusable. At Badges And Medals, this fee is about US$85.

The type of ribbon you choose:

You can usually choose whether your medal has custom or plain ribbons. Plain ribbons usually have only one or two colours. Meanwhile, custom ribbons can have any colours, text or design features you'd like. Custom ribbons cost more than plain ribbons but have a higher 'wow factor'.

The level of customisation you want:

Medals are one of the most customisable awards in the world. Some suppliers offer unlimited customisation included in the price, while others only cover basic customisation and charge extra for add-ons. These extra costs can add up. Take a look at the aspects you can usually change:

Here’s a breakdown of what you might pay for 500 average-sized, or 50mm to 60mm wide, medals with a ribbon:

Metal medal prices:

Metal medals usually cost between US$2 to US$2.75 each for 500 average-sized medals. However, suppliers often charge you a setup fee for creating a medal mould. At Badges And Medals, this setup fee is US$87.40, but it’s a one-time fee as the mould can be reused if you order the same medals again.

Insert medal prices:

Insert medals are cheaper than metal medals if you order a small amount, costing about US$3 for 500 average-sized medals. Suppliers usually charge you a setup fee every time you order insert medals to cover the costs of using their machines. This is US$27.20 at Badges And Medals.

Wooden medal prices:

Wooden medals cost around US$1.75 to US$2.50 each for 500 average-sized medals. However, the type of wood changes the price. For example, basswood is cheaper than native timber at Badges And Medals. Wooden medals also have a setup fee for machine setup, which is US$51 at Badges And Medals.

For a more comprehensive breakdown, read: 'How Much Do Custom Medals Cost?'

What's the quickest way to get a rough cost estimate?

The quickest way to get a rough cost estimate is to use our free calculator. Simply enter the number and size of the medals you need, and you'll receive an estimate within seconds!

What are MOQs, and how do they affect custom medal prices?

Most medal suppliers have a minimum order quantity - also called an 'MOQ' - on their products.

In simple terms, this is the smallest number of items you must buy. For example, if a supplier tells you that their MOQ is 100 medals, you need to buy at least 100 custom medals from them. In other words, you will almost always need to spend a certain amount to buy custom medals. It's important to keep this in mind when planning your budget.

MOQs are there to cover the basic costs of making your custom medals, such as labour, rent, electricity, and materials. Without MOQs, suppliers might get small orders that cost them more than the order brings in. Think of it like cooking a roast chicken just for the drumsticks.

At Badges And Medals, we don't have a minimum order quantity. Instead, we have a minimum spend of US$750.

Learn more about us here: 'Common Questions About Working With Badges And Medals'.

Are there ways to save money on custom medals?

Yes! Saving money on custom medals is easier than you might think.

Here are four ways you can reduce the price of your next order without sacrificing quality:

Order in advance.

Most people order their custom medals four to five weeks before their event. But if you order even earlier, you can save money. Giving your supplier more time helps them plan better and use their resources like materials and labour more efficiently, which can lower costs for you. They can also ship your medals with other orders, reducing shipping fees. If you order more than two months before your event you can save even more. This is because your manufacturer can ship your medals by boat instead of by plane, which is much cheaper as boats burn less fuel and carry more cargo. For example, ordering custom medals two months early could save you USD$750!

Buy medals in bulk.

Buying medals in bulk is another great way to save money. When you order a large quantity at once, the supplier can optimise their processes and reduce costs like rent and salaries. They then pass this on to you, meaning you pay less per medal. For example, at Badges And Medals, 500 larger medals might cost US$3.25 each, but ordering drops the price to US$1.90 a medal.

Reuse your unused medals.

If you have leftover medals from a previous event, you can give them a new look by changing the ribbons. This is especially useful if the medals don’t have dates or specific event details on them. If you go down this road, you won't have to purchase new medals. You can order new ribbons from a supplier or a craft store. If you’re short on time, ask your supplier if they can replace the ribbons for you. You’ll only pay for the new ribbons, labour costs, and shipping the old medals.

Purchase insert medals.

Insert medals are cheaper than metal medals to make for orders under 150 medals.

Want to learn more? Read: '4 Ways To Save Money On Custom Medals'.

Do you design the custom medal yourself?

You can, but you don't have to. Most suppliers will offer to design your custom medals for free. This is great for both you and them: you get to experiment with different designs and see if the supplier is a good fit without worrying about costs; meanwhile, suppliers get more business.

If you have a clear idea of what you want, you can create your own design and share it with the supplier. You don't need fancy software for this - some people just draw their design on a piece of paper and scan it in! Your supplier can then refine it and turn it into a high-quality medal. But if you’re not sure where to start, you can ask the supplier's designer to take the reins.

What do you need to give the supplier's design team?

Absolutely nothing! A good medal designer can create an amazing custom medal from scratch. However, it does help them if you have some ideas in mind or, failing that, a high-resolution version of your organisation's logo, plus samples of its colours. Here's an example of what you might send:

Where to find medal design ideas?

Coming up with a design for your custom medal can be a lot of fun. But if you're not the creative sort, or struggling to brainstorm design ideas, then it's time to look outwards for some inspiration!

Below are some of the best places to find medal design ideas - for free!

Brand style guide:

A brand style guide is like a rulebook for how your company or event should look. It includes things like your logo, colours, fonts, and even the tone of your messages. Your guide is unique to your event, making it a great source of inspiration for your medal's design. Use it to decide its colours, shape, or theme. For example, if your event is eco-friendly, you could choose a wooden medal.

Look at other event medals:

Check out medals from similar events to get ideas. Start with their social media pages and check their website for more photos. Think about what design features make their medals stand out.

Use medal suppliers for ideas:

Medal suppliers are great sources of inspiration because they design thousands of custom medals a year. Look at their social media pages and website to see what they've made in the past. For example, Badges And Medals has blog posts like ‘Best Custom Medal Design Ideas’ to inspire you.

Scan social media for fresh ideas:

Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are full of medal designs from all over the world. Search for "custom medals" or terms related to your event, like "running medals", then explore the images.

Find design ideas in everyday life:

Inspiration can come from anywhere. The city skyline might inspire the shape of your medal, or tree bark from a park could influence its texture. Keep an open mind and notice details around you.

For more information, read our blog post: ‘Top 5 Places To Find Medal Design Ideas’.

How do you order custom medals?

Ordering custom medals might sound tricky, but it’s pretty simple once you know what to do.

First, get in touch with a medal supplier. You can usually do this by filling out a form on their website or by sending them an . Make sure to give them all the details about what you need, like how many medals you want, any design ideas you have, and any special requirements.

After you contact the supplier, they will usually send you a quote. This is an estimate of how much the medals will cost. Take a look at it and ask any questions if you’re unsure about anything.

If the price looks good, the supplier will start working on a design for your custom medals. You’ll get a chance to review the design and give feedback to make sure it’s exactly what you want.

Once you’re happy with the design, the supplier will go ahead and place your order.

To learn more, read: 'How To Order Custom Awards From Badges And Medals'.

When should you order custom medals?

It depends on what type of custom medal you're after but, generally, you should contact your custom medal supplier four to five weeks before your event. If you need more than medals, add an extra week. This gives your supplier enough time to design, produce, and send your custom medals. Plus, it includes a seven-day grace period in case there's a shipping delay.

But, honestly, there's no downside to ordering even earlier. Medals don't go out of style like other custom items, such as wedding dresses, so if you have a design you love, just go for it.

As mentioned earlier, ordering early can save you money. Plus, it also reduces stress and gives you a chance to order a sample medal from your supplier to see if they meet your standards.

Find a complete timeline breakdown here: 'When Is The Best Time To Order Custom Medals?'

Is there an easy way to find the best date to order medals?

To help you pinpoint the best time to order your custom medals without any guesswork, we've developed a special calculator. Just enter your event date and it will quickly calculate an answer!

How do you pick the best custom medal shop?

Once you've picked the type of medal that fits your event, the next step is finding a reliable medal shop. With so many suppliers out there, it can feel overwhelming, especially when each one promises the best products and services. But with some focused research, you can find a supplier that meets or exceeds your expectations.

Here are some tips to help you narrow it down:

Specialisation: Choose a supplier who specialises in the type of medals you need.
Experience: Look for companies with a long history in the industry.
Quality: Request samples or view past products online to check the quality.
Reputation: Read customer reviews and case studies to see what others think.
Values: Pick a supplier whose values align with your event (e.g., eco-friendly manufacturing).
Guarantee: Check for product guarantees or refund policies.
Pricing: Ensure the supplier's pricing fits your budget and ask about extra costs like shipping.
Communication: Reach out to suppliers to discuss your needs and gauge their responsiveness.

Or read our complete guide here: 'How To Choose The Best Medal Shop'.

Use Badges And Medals to create your custom medal journey:

Now that you've read this beginner's guide to custom medals, you're probably keen to take action.

Best 9 Medal Manufacturers To Custom Made Medals - Vivipins

Are you looking to order customized medals but are at a fix about the best manufacturers to custom-make medals?

We know who they are, and we went the extra mile to ensure you have their names and details.

And while at it, we put together a guide with qualities to look for when ticking your choice for a custom made medal manufacturer. Let’s start with the medal manufacturers first.

Best Manufacturers for Custom Medals

The 9 medal manufacturers in this list have their strengths as well as drawbacks when it comes to creating custom award medals. The idea is to give you a detailed description of each, so you know which one to go for.

Vivipins

Vivipins is an industry leader in multiple custom products, including custom medals. The custom products supplier started in and has made a name for itself because of the premier quality of its products and exceptional customer service.

It doesn’t matter whether your company intends to recognize an employee for a job done well or for long-term quality service. It could also be a planning committee looking for an optimal way to reward the best participants at an event or competition. You can count on Vivipins to create the finest quality custom medals, a gem every awardee will feel proud to wear.

Key Details:

Medal material: Metal, plastic, or wood.
Turnaround Time: Assures fast turnaround time.
Pricing: Guarantees best prices.

What You’ll Like:

Customer-endorsed high-quality medals.
You can choose any color, design, shape, and size to suit your specific needs.
Free artwork and design help, whether you design it with your brand or company logo or choose a template and designers from Vivipins.
A digital mockup delivered to you in 12 hours.
Quick ordering process. “Less than 5 minutes” according to a customer review.

What You May Not Like:

Delayed shipping is possible.

GS-JJ.com

GS-JJ has been in the custom gift products manufacturing for over 20 years. The company produces wholesale custom products for individuals and startups but also for some of the largest global distributors and franchises.

With years of experience, your custom medals from GS-JJ will have any color, shape, style, and size you prefer. Besides, the manufacturer offers you a choice between gemstones, cutouts, 3D, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark options. All that is crowned with top-notch quality and guaranteed customer satisfaction.

Key Details:

Medal Material: Steel or Zinc. The first is studier and magnetic. The second is lighter and allows more details.
Turnaround Time: 7 production days + 2-5 shipping days. Longer turnaround times (15-30 days) come with a 10%-30% discount.
Pricing: Starts at $0.85 per piece. Discounted pricing for bulk orders.

What You’ll Like:

No minimum quantity. You can order 1 pc.
Free artwork by a specialist and over 500 medal designs to choose from.
Free shipping.
Over 10 finishes to choose from, including shiny, antique, black, and rainbow options.
You can order customized ribbons alongside the custom medal order.

What You May Not Like:

Including different names or numbers on each medal comes with an extra fee.

Crown Awards

If you want to go wild with custom medal shapes and designs, head to Crown Awards. With over 40 years of experience, Crown Awards prides itself as America’s largest custom award product manufacturer.

Your custom medals from Crown Awards will bear the highest quality at affordable prices and come with the very best customer experience. Plus, you are guaranteed the most unique and innovative award medals you can find anywhere, making Crown Awards your number-one choice among custom medal manufacturers.

Key Details:

Brightstar supply professional and honest service.

Medal Material: Zinc alloy.
Turnaround Time: 1-2 days or sooner.
Pricing: Depends on design. Starts at $0.99.

What You’ll Like:

Choose from existing designs or personalize with new artwork without obligation to proceed with the order.
Free neck ribbon with each medal.
7-day staff availability (Monday to Sunday).
Choose from 6 available medal finishes with colorfill.
Super-fast turnaround time, with no extra charge for rush orders.

What You May Not Like:

Additional cost for over 4 color choices.
50-piece minimum for custom logo medals.
Medal size is limited to 1¾" to 6".

The Studio

The Studio is a household name in the world of custom products. With 10 years of experience in on-demand custom product manufacturing, The Studio has become the manufacturer of choice for many entrepreneurs, creatives, and the marketing departments of famed companies and brands.

When it comes to award medals, you can count on The Studio to create the highest quality medals for any occasion, whether racing competitions, event awards, or company recognition mementos. Their in-house design team guides your every step in the medal customization process until you are 100% sure you have the custom medal you are looking for.

Key Details:

Medal Material: Soft and hard enamel, die struck, and offset printing on an unspecified metal base.
Turnaround Time: 4-6+ weeks from production to delivery time. Shorter turnarounds are possible at an additional cost.
Pricing: Depends on quantity. Starts at $1.93, with discounts for bulk orders.

What You’ll Like:

Choose from 15+ medal finishes, including antique, shiny, brushed, and black options.
Wide range of medal size (0.5" to 9.5").
Vast medal color selection. Choose up to 8 colors.
Free standard shipping.
Varied medal ribbon lengths, widths, and loop types to choose from.

What You May Not Like:

Extended turnaround times (4-6 weeks).

TrophyDepot

TrophyDepot is a global trophy and award product supplier with over 40 years of successful customer service in the industry. The company's space expansion in New York has happened alongside a global customer base growth, thanks to TrophyDepot’s main goal to satisfy every one of its customers.

At TrophyDepot, you can order a wide range of custom medal types at guaranteed low prices, first-class quality, and complete customer satisfaction.

Key Details:

Medal Material: See-through stained glass style acrylic, Enamel, and Wood.
Turnaround Time: 7-14 days. You can use their shipping estimator to know when to expect your order.
Pricing: Depends on medal type. Starts at $0.97pc.

What You’ll Like:

Wide variety of medal types and styles to choose from.
Free ground shipping for $95+ orders delivered to the continental US.
Price match guarantee to customers who find lower prices from competitors.
Talk to a TrophyDepot support team anytime: 24/7 customer service.
Online payment transactions are protected with an SSL certificate.

What You May Not Like:

Artwork and design help are additional costs.
For customers beyond the continental US, shipping is an additional cost dependent on location distance and package weight.

JustAwardMedals

JustAwardMedals.com is a direct manufacturer of recognition and award products with over 15 years in the industry. The manufacturer takes pride in offering a wide selection of products made in-house, which explains the company's low prices and quick turnaround times.

With unique custom medal options, the JustAwardMedals expert team has given innumerable customers the joy of rewarding others’ achievements with exclusive quality medals that make them proud of their work, study, or competition milestones.

Key Details:

Medal Material: Metal, Acrylic, and Wood.
Turnaround Time: 2-5 days.
Pricing: Depends on medal type and material. Listings show $4+ pc. Quantity discounts are available.

What You’ll Like:

Free artwork and setup.
Free 1.5-inch ribbon with each medal.
Fast turnaround time.
Online payments are protected with an SSL certificate.

What You May Not Like:

$17.99 minimum order price and 12-200 minimum order quantity depending on medal type.
Medals are quite pricey.

Gem Awards

Gem Awards started over 35 years ago as a side business for a jeweler’s daughter in Utah. Over the years, the company has grown to serve the whole US with quality trophies and award products, ensuring their customers can show appreciation and recognition with uniquely customized products.

You can customize your medals at Gem Awards choosing from six different types, including Wreath, Fusion, and Scallops to suit the occasion or event. Whichever your choice, the guarantee is quality medals at affordable prices and great customer service.

Key Details:

Medal Material: Sublimated colored design insert discs on solid metal holders.
Turnaround Time: 1-3 days.
Pricing: Depends on medal type. Starts at $6.99 pc.

What You’ll Like:

No minimum order limits.
Fast turnarounds.
Free design and setup service.
Straightforward medal types you can quickly decide on.

What You May Not Like:

Medals are quite pricey, though the manufacturer explains it with no hidden costs.

Hodges Badge Company, Inc.

Hodges Badge Company, Inc. began in as a badge and ribbon printer and has grown to what it is today: your one-stop shop for everything custom award products.

Custom award medals at Hodges Badge Company are exceptional creations for rare and ordinary events, including dog and horse shows, sports and school competitions, fairs, festivals, 4-H youth events, and recognition awards.

Key Details:

Medal Material: Birchwood and metal.
Turnaround Time: 9-12 working days.
Pricing: Depends on medal and ribbon type. Starts at $1.50 pc.

What You’ll Like:

Plenty of medal and ribbon options to choose from.
You can customize your own logo and artwork.
Special offers, sales, and discounts to customers at specified times. You get notifications on these offers by signing up for their emails.
Has a return policy for custom medals with errors or those damaged during shipping.

What You May Not Like:

An additional 30% premium fee for processing rush orders delivered within 1-4 days.
A minimum order charge of $40 for custom medals.
Bright finishes for custom medals come with an additional $.50 pc.
Plenty of other additional charges, including artwork and die charges.
The company has an automatic right to use customer designs for promotional literature, catalog, and website, except for registered trademarks.

K2Awards

K2Awards.com is an award and recognition product supplier with 20 years of customer service. The company considers itself the friendliest, most efficient, and most straightforward place to custom-make medals and other award products. The core goal is to give customers a perfect experience.

Whether you are looking for award medals for sports events, schools, or employee recognition, the K2Awards team works to give its customers the confidence to award quality medals that every awardee will be proud to wear.

Key Details:

Medal Material: Adhesive mylar, acrylic, glass, and crystal.
Turnaround Time: 10 or less days.
Pricing: Varies with medal type. Starts at $1.99/pc discounted price, plus an additional $.79/pc personalization cost.

What You’ll Like:

A-Z selection options to customize your medal.
Each medal comes with a ribbon in your preferred color.
Online payment is protected by an SSL certificate.
No minimum order quantity.

What You May Not Like:

Personalizing your medal comes with an additional cost.
Shipping is limited to the US.

Now that you know your options for the best custom medal manufacturers, knowing how to wisely choose the very best among them is all you need to finally make your choice. So, let’s look at the qualities you should look for in a top custom medal manufacturer.

How to Wisely Choose the Best Custom Medal Manufacturer

Picking the right manufacturer for your custom medals can be tricky, considering there are many of them in the industry.

To wisely pick the right medal manufacturer for you, consider these 6 qualities.

1.Experience and Reputation

It’s not for nothing that we say experience is the best teacher. A custom medal manufacturer with 100 years in the industry has mastered their skill better than one that’s just starting out. Plus, if they have lasted that long, they have also gained credibility from their customers.

Check the manufacturer’s customer credibility. If most of their customers are happy with their medals, it’s an indicator you will also be satisfied.

2.Affordable and Transparent Pricing

Most custom medal manufacturers claim “highest quality for the lowest price.” While you can check their past products to confirm they offer quality, the price may not be exactly the lowest, and some will charge you more than others. If you are really looking for the lowest price, do your research well first.

Also, before confirming your custom medal order, check with the manufacturer or supplier that the quoted price is final.

Some manufacturers and suppliers have additional prices that keep popping up like pieces in the Matryoshka doll. In the end, you pay double or more than what you budgeted. You certainly don’t want your custom medals breaking the bank, do you?

3.Material Type and Quality

As you’ve seen in our list of best medal manufacturers to custom made medals, each one uses select materials for their medals, which affects quality.

For example, wood medals will give a vintage appeal. However, if you are looking for perpetual medals, you might want to choose a manufacturer with metal options.

Also, different materials allow different levels of design quality and details. Consider steel and zinc, for example. Although both are metal, zinc will allow a more detailed medal design than steel.

Whichever material you opt for, ensure the manufacturer uses the highest quality.

4.Medal Style, Theme, and Finish

Apart from the medal material, you can custom-make medals by choosing from different styles, including insert, die cast, 3D, cutout, glow-in-the-dark, spinner, and glitter among others. Some manufacturers also have A-Z themes for custom medals like track, running, military, fiesta, and animal show medal themes, while others have an exclusive selection of a few options.

Additionally, manufacturers can have a range of custom medal finishes, including antique, black, shiny, brushed, rainbow, silver, and gold, depending on the medal material.

In a nutshell, knowing your supplier’s or manufacturer’s offer in terms of custom medal style, theme, and finish will help you make the choice that suits your needs perfectly.

5.Best Turnaround Time

Not every customer wants their custom medals ordered and delivered today. Similarly, most customers won’t fancy ordering their medals today and receiving them next year.

When looking for a custom medal manufacturer or supplier, ensure you go for one that can meet your delivery timelines. Most manufacturers have set turnaround times but make exceptions for rush orders. So, be sure your choice manufacturer can accommodate your timing.

6.Convenient Ordering and Design Process

This is probably the number one quality to look for, even though we put it last. If you are looking for a custom medal manufacturer or supplier, that’s because you want your medals to be personalized or customized for the occasion.

Most manufacturers have a medal design service where you can customize your medal free of charge or at a specified price. They also have an ordering process where you specify your medal details and create an order quote.

Find a manufacturer with customer-friendly ordering and design customization processes. That will save you time. Plus, you’ll know what to expect for your medal order in terms of quality and pricing right from the onset.

Final Thoughts

Medals are the pride event or sports competitors or exemplary work or academic performers wear on their necks to show their best effort. But that pride only comes if the awarding party has done its job in finding the best manufacturer to customize award medals.

Good reputation and long-term experience, customer satisfaction and medal quality, transparent and affordable pricing, and a vast range of medal styles to choose from are the top qualities you should look for in a medal manufacturer.

We made sure you have all that and more details about every custom medal manufacturer on our list so you can make an informed choice you will not regret.

The company is the world’s best Custom Award Ribbon Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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