How to Order Custom Medals from China: A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide

Step 1: define the project before asking for price

A supplier cannot prepare a meaningful custom-medal quotation from “How much is one medal?” alone. The unit cost depends on quantity, size, thickness, mold construction, 2D or 3D relief, color process, plating, ribbon, packaging, sampling and shipping.

Start with the business use: race, sports tournament, school award, corporate recognition, reseller order or commemorative project. Then state the quantity for each design, the destination and the required in-hand date. Minimum order starts from 100 pieces, and 100–500 piece projects are welcome. Larger-volume quotations are also available.

Use the custom medal cost guide to understand the variables without relying on an unrealistic headline price.

Step 2: send the clearest artwork available

Vector AI, EPS, SVG or editable PDF files are preferred because shapes, lines and text can be reviewed accurately. A high-resolution PNG, logo or clear sketch can still be used to begin a feasibility discussion when vector artwork is not ready.

State which elements must remain exact: logo proportions, trademark text, event date, names, sponsor marks, Pantone references and the preferred front/back arrangement. Do not assume that a supplier knows which part of a reference image matters most.

Step 3: turn the idea into a production specification

The quotation and proof should define the product, not leave important choices open. Confirm shape, diameter, thickness, base construction, 2D or 3D relief, enamel or printed areas, plating, surface texture, reverse-side design, ribbon, attachment, packaging and assembly.

“Gold medal” is not a complete specification. Gold may describe plating, while the product still needs a base metal, forming method, relief, color, texture, thickness and packing direction. The materials and finishes guide explains these layers.

Step 4: compare quotations on the same basis

A lower quotation may use a smaller diameter, thinner body, simpler relief, plain ribbon, basic packing or a different shipping term. Ask every supplier to quote the same quantity, size, finish, ribbon, packaging and destination. Separate tooling, sample, product, packaging and freight charges when they apply.

Also confirm whether the quotation includes ribbon assembly, individual protection, carton labels and export packing. A useful comparison focuses on the total approved specification, not a single unit-price line.

Step 5: approve the digital proof carefully

The proof is the production reference. Check spelling, dates, logo proportions, line widths, color zones, front and back, attachment position, edge details, relief levels, plating and ribbon orientation. Review the design at actual production size because small text that looks clear on a large screen may not remain readable on the medal.

Consolidate feedback into one approval message. Repeated small changes increase the risk of inconsistent instructions and delay tooling. Keep the final approved proof with the purchase records.

Step 6: decide whether a physical sample is needed

A digital proof is efficient for confirming layout, dimensions and visible production details. A physical sample can be valuable for a complex 3D design, a new finish, a premium corporate program or a first order where surface appearance and weight are especially important.

Sampling is not automatically the best route for every project. It adds manufacturing, transport and approval time. Confirm the sample cost, whether a new mold is involved, what will be evaluated and whether bulk production must wait until the sample is physically received.

Step 7: define quality inspection before production

Inspection should compare the order with the approved proof and specification. Useful checkpoints include dimensions, visible artwork, spelling, relief, enamel placement, plating surface, scratches, ribbon attachment, quantity, grouped packing, individual protection and carton labels.

Use the custom medal quality inspection checklist to align expectations before shipment rather than raising undefined standards after the goods are finished.

Step 8: confirm packing, shipping and import responsibility

Production completion is not delivery. Confirm the shipping method, destination details, receiver contact, carton count, estimated chargeable weight, shipping term and who is responsible for customs clearance, duties and local delivery. Smaller urgent shipments may use courier or air, while larger planned orders may have other options. The suitable method depends on the deadline, shipment size and destination.

Give the required in-hand date, not only the event date. Leave time to receive, count and distribute the medals.

Close the loop: prepare one quote-ready brief

The complete order loop is: business use → quantities → artwork → specification → like-for-like quote → digital proof → sample decision → production → inspection → packing → shipping.

Review the main custom medals page, then submit the details through the quotation page. For supplier due diligence, also read the 11-point manufacturer checklist.

Frequently asked questions