How much does it cost to make a custom lanyard?

Custom lanyards have become a popular way to promote businesses, organizations, and events. They are used to hold identification badges, keys, and other small items, and can be customized with logos, slogans, and other designs. However, one question that arises when considering custom lanyards is, how much do they cost to make? In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the cost of custom lanyards and provide an overview of the pricing structure.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Custom Lanyards

1. Material: The cost of custom lanyards depends largely on the material used to make them. Common materials include polyester, nylon, and woven fabric. Polyester is the most affordable option, while nylon and woven fabric are more durable and have a higher-quality look and feel. The thickness and width of the material can also affect the cost.

2. Design: The complexity of the design is another factor that affects the cost of custom lanyards. A simple design with one or two colors will be less expensive than a full-color, complex design. The number of colors used, the size of the logo or text, and the placement of the design can all impact the cost.

3. Quantity: The more lanyards that are ordered, the lower the cost per lanyard will be. This is because the setup costs, such as creating the design and preparing the printing equipment, are spread out over a larger number of lanyards.

4. Attachment Options: Lanyards can be customized with a variety of attachment options, such as a bulldog clip, swivel hook, or safety breakaway. The type of attachment selected can affect the cost.

5. Production Time: The production time for custom lanyards can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the quantity ordered. Rush orders will typically cost more than orders with a longer production time.

Overview of Pricing Structure

The cost of a custom lanyard can range from a few cents to several dollars per unit, depending on the factors discussed above. A simple polyester lanyard with a one-color design can cost as little as $0.20 per unit, while a woven fabric lanyard with a full-color design and multiple attachments can cost $3 or more per unit.

Most custom lanyard suppliers have a minimum order quantity, typically ranging from 50 to 100 units. This is because the setup costs involved in creating the design and preparing the printing equipment make small orders less cost-effective. The minimum order quantity can also affect the pricing structure, with larger orders receiving a lower cost per unit than smaller orders.

Many custom lanyard suppliers offer volume discounts, with the cost per unit decreasing as the quantity ordered increases. For example, an order of 500 lanyards might cost $1.50 per unit, while an order of 1,000 lanyards might cost $1.00 per unit.

Rush orders, which require a faster production time than the standard lead time, will typically cost more than orders with a longer production time. This is because rush orders require expedited shipping and may require additional labor to complete the order on time.

Conclusion

Custom lanyards are an affordable and effective way to promote businesses, organizations, and events. The cost of custom lanyards depends on a variety of factors, including the material, design, quantity, attachment options, and production time. Simple polyester lanyards with one-color designs are the most affordable option, while woven fabric lanyards with complex, full-color designs and multiple attachments can cost several dollars per unit. When ordering custom lanyards, it is important to consider the minimum order quantity, volume discounts, and rush order fees to ensure that the cost is within your budget.