Custom medals serve as powerful symbols of recognition, whether for sports events, academic achievements, or corporate awards. They are more than just prizes; they are memorable keepsakes. However, ordering custom medals can be overwhelming without the right guidance. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about custom medals, including how to design, order, and buy them.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Custom Medals?
When considering custom medals, the price can vary greatly depending on several factors. Understanding these variables will help you make informed decisions about the type of medal that best suits your event and budget.
Material: The choice of material significantly impacts the cost. Gold medals are generally the most expensive due to the gold plating, while silver medals and bronze medals are more affordable options. For bulk orders, opting for metals like brass or zinc can help you save without compromising quality.
Design Complexity: A simple design will generally be less costly than a complex one. If you want a detailed medal logo or custom engravings, the cost might rise. Medals with custom shapes or intricate designs often require specialized molds and may take longer to produce.
Quantity: Ordering medals in bulk can substantially reduce the cost per unit. If you’re hosting a large-scale event, bulk purchasing is the best option for keeping costs manageable while still offering quality awards to participants.
Where to Buy Custom Medals: Exploring Your Options
Knowing where to purchase custom medals is crucial to getting the best deal and quality. Here are the most common places to order custom medals:
Online Suppliers: Websites like Hesank is convenient options for bulk orders. They offer a range of designs, from gold medal options to more affordable silver medals. Online stores typically allow you to select the material, shape, and design, giving you flexibility while making the ordering process easy.
Local Trophy Shops: If you prefer a more personalized experience, local trophy shops can be a good choice. They often have samples you can inspect, and many are willing to work with you to create a medal design that fits your event. For smaller orders, local shops might be able to provide quicker turnarounds.
Specialized Manufacturers: For events requiring unique designs or custom-shaped medals, you’ll want to find a supplier that specializes in custom manufacturing. These suppliers can create medals in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for even greater personalization.
How to Get Custom Shaped Medals
If you’re looking for something unique, custom-shaped medals are an excellent choice. They allow you to move beyond the traditional round or oval shape and create medals that reflect your event’s theme or your brand’s identity.
To get custom-shaped medals, follow these steps:
Work with a Designer: Collaborate with a professional designer to ensure that your vision comes to life. Many online platforms offer design assistance, but for more complex requests, you may want to hire a designer to create the perfect shape for your medals.
Choose the Right Material: Custom shapes may require specialized molds, which is why it’s important to work with manufacturers who are experienced in producing custom-shaped awards. Common materials include zinc alloy, brass, and aluminum, but you should consider your budget and durability needs when selecting.
Finalize the Design: Once you’ve chosen the shape and material, it’s time to refine the medal design. This is where you can add additional details, such as logos, text, or event-specific images.
Affordable Custom Medals: Where to Buy Cheap Options
Custom medals can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for gold medals. However, there are ways to keep costs low without sacrificing quality.
Bulk Orders: As mentioned earlier, buying in bulk often leads to discounts. If you are organizing a competition with many participants, purchasing in bulk can help you save significantly while still providing high-quality awards.
Select Alternative Materials: Instead of choosing gold medals, opt for silver medals or bronze medals for a more budget-friendly option. These medals can still carry a prestigious look, especially when designed with care.
Online Deals: Many online suppliers run special deals and discounts, especially during off-seasons or promotional periods. Signing up for newsletters or checking for online coupons can lead to significant savings.
Simpler Designs: Custom medals with simpler designs are generally less expensive than highly detailed ones. If you’re working with a tight budget, consider a minimalist design that still conveys the essence of your event without unnecessary extras.
Why Custom Gold Medals Are Worth the Investment
A gold medal is often considered the pinnacle of achievement, which is why it’s a popular choice for prestigious events. While they are more expensive than other medals, gold medals are a symbol of excellence and are highly sought after by winners.
Gold-Plated vs. Solid Gold: Most custom gold medals are gold-plated to maintain affordability while still giving the appearance of a solid gold medal. The plating process allows for a shiny, reflective finish without the high price tag of pure gold.
Customization Options: One of the key benefits of ordering gold medals is the extensive customization options. You can include a medal logo, personalized text, or event-specific designs to make the medal even more meaningful to the recipient.
Prestige: There’s no denying that gold medals carry significant prestige. They are the most recognized and highly regarded awards across many industries and competitions.
