Have you ever wondered if giving out custom plaques at your sports club or corporate event might break the bank?
I’ve been running TAS Trophies for a long time now, and one of the most frequent questions I hear is about the cost of custom plaques. Honestly, it’s a fair concern. Budgets matter, and nobody wants to overspend on awards, no matter how special the occasion might be. So today, let’s get real about how much you can expect to spend—and why participation awards in sports and other events might be worth every cent.
Why Are Custom Plaques Popular?
First up, let's address the elephant in the room. Why are plaques so popular in the first place? Well, plaques offer something different from your standard medals or trophies. They’re personalised, classy, and most importantly, memorable. If you're looking to make someone feel genuinely valued, a plaque can do the trick. And unlike cups or medals, a plaque easily sits on desks or walls, becoming a permanent reminder of achievement.
If you're interested in checking out what we offer, our plaques and shields collection showcases some beautiful options.
So, How Much Do Custom Plaques Really Cost?
Alright, let's talk numbers. Custom plaques can range quite dramatically in price. Usually, you're looking at anywhere from around $50 for basic plaques, up to several hundred dollars for large, high-end designs with intricate engraving. But here's a simple breakdown of the factors that affect pricing:
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Size and material: Bigger plaques and premium materials like crystal or hardwood cost more.
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Engraving complexity: The more detailed the engraving, the higher the price tag.
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Quantity: Ordering plaques in bulk often results in better pricing.
There's a great external article I came across that explains this perfectly. Check out this helpful guide for more specifics.
The Real Cost of Engraving
Speaking of engraving, let me clarify something. Engraving isn't as expensive as most people imagine, but it does add up, especially if you're ordering multiple plaques. Typically, engraving fees might be around $10 to $20 per plaque depending on complexity. Over on Reddit, I've even seen some people suggest engraving trophies themselves with a tool like a Dremel to save money. Honestly, I've tried that myself, and it's a hit-or-miss experience. Professional engraving ensures consistency and quality, which matters a lot if you're giving these out as awards.
If you’re curious about more engraving specifics, this detailed breakdown covers the topic in-depth.
Why Participation Awards in Sports Make Sense
I want to quickly touch on something that can be a bit controversial—participation awards. I know some folks feel they cheapen the value of winning, but hear me out. I've seen firsthand how participation awards can boost morale, especially in kids’ sports. They encourage involvement, promote teamwork, and help keep everyone motivated—even if they're not the star player.
This is something we at TAS Trophies genuinely believe in. Check out our dedicated blog on why we give participation awards in sports if you're still unsure about their benefits.
And remember, awards aren't just about recognising top talent—they're also about building community and encouraging everyone to keep participating.
Quality vs. Cost – Striking the Balance
When it comes to plaques, you really do get what you pay for. If budget is tight, it’s totally fine to go for simpler designs or materials. For example, acrylic plaques or even simpler wooden options can look fantastic without draining your budget. But if you’re recognising significant achievements, opting for something like glass or crystal might be worth the extra investment.
At TAS Trophies, we have an extensive range of affordable options in our sports and achievement awards section. This range gives you plenty of flexibility in choosing something perfect for your occasion.
How to Get the Best Value for Your Custom Plaque
So, how do you make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck? Here's what I recommend:
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Plan ahead: Ordering early often gives you better pricing.
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Go for bulk: If possible, buy multiple plaques at once to bring down the unit cost.
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Keep engraving simple: Clear, concise engraving usually looks best—and it's cheaper too.
For a deeper dive into material choices, here's an informative article on how materials impact plaque pricing.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to explore options for your custom plaques, I’d love to help you find the perfect fit. TAS Trophies is based right here in Melbourne, and we specialise in making sure every single plaque we create hits the mark.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us. I’m always happy to chat through ideas or provide a quote tailored specifically to your needs.
Whether you're organising a sporting event, rewarding corporate success, or just want something memorable for a special occasion—trust me, a custom plaque is a fantastic choice. Let’s create something great together.