Ever wondered why some award plaques cost just a few dollars while others seem to set you back hundreds?
As someone who's spent years running an award shop here in Melbourne, I've seen just about every type of plaque imaginable. There's a massive range in price, and many factors play into it—from the materials and engraving to the level of personalisation you want. So, let's clear things up a bit.
What Influences the Cost of Award Plaques?
The biggest factor affecting plaque prices is usually the material itself. For instance, basic wooden plaques or plastic shields are affordable options for school sports or local competitions. On the other hand, plaques crafted from premium acrylic, optical crystal, or engraved metal can quickly increase your budget.
If you're after something a bit more unique, custom-made awards offer endless possibilities. But remember, the more bespoke your design, the higher the cost can climb. That said, custom plaques are worth every dollar if you’re looking to leave a lasting impression.
Are Participation Awards Worth It?
Participation awards in sports get a lot of attention—sometimes not the positive kind. Personally, I see the value in them. These awards are a simple yet effective way to boost kids' confidence, especially at younger ages. There's real satisfaction in handing out these awards, watching kids light up when they realise their efforts are recognised. I've talked to countless parents who've told me that participation plaques or medals genuinely helped motivate their children to stay active and engaged. In fact, I've written more about why participation awards matter in a recent blog.
While some argue participation awards lower the value of competition, in my experience, they're just another tool to foster a love for the sport. The debate around this isn't new, but as someone who's watched first-hand the pride on children's faces, I'm firmly on the pro-participation side.
What Do Real Customers Think?
One of the interesting things I've noticed running my shop is the wide range of customer opinions. Often people think price equals value, but that's not always true. I've had corporate clients choose modestly priced wooden plaques simply because the style suited their event. Conversely, I've also had community clubs opt for high-end crystal plaques to mark significant anniversaries. The key takeaway here? Always consider your audience.
In discussions I've had online, there's often mention that the best awards aren't necessarily the most expensive—they’re the ones that mean something to the recipient. It's all about the sentiment and story behind the plaque. That’s exactly why at TAS Trophies, every engraving we do is complimentary. It’s my belief that personalisation shouldn’t cost extra because it's what makes awards meaningful.
Typical Prices You Can Expect
Generally speaking, here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
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Wooden or plastic plaques: $10 - $40 each.
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Acrylic plaques: $30 - $100 each.
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Glass or crystal plaques: Usually between $50 and $200, sometimes higher for bespoke pieces.
For a detailed breakdown, there's a great resource here that explains exactly what affects plaque pricing.
Why Invest in a Good Award Plaque?
Beyond just the physical award, plaques carry emotional weight. It's something the recipient will likely keep forever. I’ve often had customers come back years later mentioning how the plaque I created for them is still proudly displayed. That’s powerful stuff. If you're debating spending a little extra, think of it this way—you're investing in a memory.
And if you're still unsure which direction to go, here's another fantastic article highlighting the versatility of plaques as awards.
Explore Your Options
If you want to get a clearer idea about what kind of plaques are available, have a look through our plaques and shields collection. There's a wide range, suitable for just about every budget or event type.
If you need some extra guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out directly to us. Helping customers find the perfect award is one of the best parts of my job, and I'd love to assist you.
The Bottom Line
Award plaques don’t need to break your budget. Prices can vary widely based on materials, customisation, and engraving. What matters most is choosing an award that resonates with your recipients. With a bit of thought, you’ll easily find the right plaque to honour achievements, big or small.
Have questions? Let's chat—I’m always here to help you celebrate success the right way.