Award Ribbon Blog - Custom Award Ribbons

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

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:

• Advertise your event:

• Boosts social media buzz:

• Gets positive reviews:

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.

For more information, please visit Brightstar.

• 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.

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.

Are you interested in learning more about Custom Award Ribbon Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!