FAQ

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anything about custom medals

Yes — you can definitely get custom sports medals made with your own design.

Most UK medal suppliers (including Bespoke Sports Medals) specialise in creating medals from scratch based on artwork, logos, or design briefs you provide. Here’s how it usually works:

✅ How the process works

  1. Share your design idea – You can provide a sketch, a logo, or a full artwork file. Even rough ideas can be refined by the supplier’s in-house designers.

  2. Receive a proof/mock-up – The supplier creates a digital mock-up showing how your design will look as a medal. You can request revisions until you’re happy.

  3. Tooling & production – Once you approve the design, the manufacturer makes a mould (die) and produces your medals. You can choose shapes, sizes, colours, finishes, ribbons, and packaging.

  4. Delivery – Production times vary (typically 3–6 weeks for bespoke medals), though some suppliers offer express options.

🎨 Customisation options

  • Shape (not just round — stars, shields, mascots, etc.)

  • Size & thickness

  • Plating (gold, silver, bronze, antique finishes, dual-tone)

  • Enamel colours (part or full)

  • 2D or 3D relief designs

  • Ribbon style & printing

  • Presentation boxes or pouches

🏅 Why choose custom medals?

  • Unique to your event or club (no generic designs)

  • Strong branding opportunity (logos, mascots, event names)

  • More memorable for athletes or participants

  • You control every detail of the finish, size, and weight

👉 If you want to explore this further, check out Bespoke Sports Medals’ custom medal service — they specialise in taking customer designs and turning them into high-quality medals.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically pay for custom sports medals in bulk in the UK — what drives the price, rough ranges you’ll see, and tips for getting good value. (Note: these are estimates; actual quotes depend heavily on design details.)


What affects the price

Several factors influence how much a bulk order of custom medals will cost per piece:

  • Quantity — Bigger orders lower the per-unit cost (economies of scale).

  • Material / metal type — Cheaper metals (zinc, iron, cheaper alloys) cost less; higher grade metals, plated finishes, or premium alloys cost more.

  • Size & thickness — Larger / thicker medals use more material and cost more.

  • Complexity of design — Detailed reliefs, custom shapes, cut-outs, double-sided prints, multiple colours/enamel add cost.

  • Finishes & plating — Gold, silver, bronze, antique finishes, dual finishes raise costs.

  • Ribbons, packaging & extras — Custom ribbons, boxes, engraving on the back, presentation all add to the unit cost.

  • Tooling / setup — For fully custom shapes or dies, there’s often a setup or mould cost. Spread over more medals, that cost per unit drops.

  • Lead time / rush fees — If you need fast turnaround, you may pay extra.


Typical price ranges in bulk

Here are ballpark figures drawn from UK suppliers / real offers. These give a sense of what you’ll pay per medal in different scenarios.

Type / Quality LevelQuantity (bulk)Approx Price per Medal*What that usually gives you
Low-cost / Basic styles (simple design, standard shape, flat printing or simple resin logo, basic ribbon)~100-500 units£0.70 – £2.50 each (incl VAT or near enough)Basic metal alloy (zinc/iron), small size (40-50 mm), simple finish, maybe single colour printing, standard ribbon. For example, from Impact Trophies & Medals, 50mm radial medals with free ribbon & logo insert start around £0.68-£0.75 each for 100-medal bulk. impacttrophies.co.uk
Mid-range custom medals (better finish, maybe plating or enamel, thicker, more colours or dual-sided)~200-500 units£2.00 – £4.50 eachThis gets you higher quality metal or alloy, more robust design, possibly colour enamel or dual-sided design, nicer ribbons or engraved backs. For example, Bond’s Trophy Shop shows prices dropping from ~£2.40 per medal (small qty) to ~£1.80+ when ordering 200+, for medals + ribbon. Bond Street Trophies Ltd Also Elite Sports Medals gives mid-quality options in this bracket. Elite Sports Medals
Premium / Highly Customised medals (large size, detailed 3D relief, heavy plating, custom shapes, high detail, presentation packaging)~500+ units (though small batches possible, but per-unit higher)£5 – £10+ each, sometimes more depending on extrasWith full enamel, higher metal cost, thick / heavy medals, bespoke moulds, packaging, maybe wood or hybrid materials. These are medal pieces that look and feel premium. For very small qtys, premium medals can cost significantly more per piece.

*Prices may or may not include VAT, ribbon, packaging, shipping. Always check what is included.


Specific examples / offers

Here are some real-world examples to illustrate:

  • 1stPlace4Trophies has a “Special Premium Medal Offer” (50 mm, ribbon, 3D acrylic domed custom logo & engraving) priced at ~ £4.20 each for 10-49 units, dropping to ~£2.35 each if you buy 500+ units. 1stplace4trophies.co.uk

  • Their “Economy Medal Offer” (simpler design, flat custom logo, no 3D acrylic dome) at 50+-units gets as low as £0.80-£1.00 per medal. 1stplace4trophies.co.uk

  • Bespoke Sports Medals has “Custom Medal Packages” where some wood sports medals (70mm etc.) come around £1.35 each in bulk-package style offerings. bespokesportsmedals.com


Where Bespoke Sports Medals fits in

Using Bespoke Sports Medals as a reference:

  • They offer bulk order discounts (10–20%) and a price-match guarantee if you find a lower price elsewhere. bespokesportsmedals.com

  • Some of their wood sports medal packages are in the ~£1.30-£1.70 range in their bulk or package offers. bespokesportsmedals.com+1

 

If you’re looking for durable bespoke medals for marathon finishers in the UK, there are a number of reputable companies that specialise in high-quality, custom event / finisher medals. Below are several good options, what makes them durable, and what to look for. I also highlight what Bespoke Sports Medals can offer in this space.


What makes a medal durable & “marathon-worthy”

Before supplier recommendations, here are features to aim for if you want medals that can survive the rigours of marathon events and become treasured keepsakes:

  • Good metal alloy base (zinc, brass, iron, or high-quality steel) rather than very cheap soft metals.

  • Thick plating or finish, possibly with protective coatings (e.g. clear lacquer, enamel, epoxy) so the design doesn’t fade, chip, or tarnish.

  • Raised reliefs or embossing rather than just surface printing, especially for logos and lettering.

  • Strong ribbon attachment or loop, well soldered or physically solid, because the medal will be worn or carried during fatigue, sweat, movement.

  • High quality ribbon that doesn’t fray, especially when personalised or printed.

  • Good finish to edges and surfaces so that medal edges aren’t sharp and the finish holds up.

  • Weather resistant details (if event outdoors, possibly exposed to rain, mud, etc.)


UK Providers of Durable Bespoke Marathon / Finisher Medals

Here are companies that offer medals suited for marathon events, which can custom-make durable finisher medals, many with bespoke design services:

SupplierWhat they offer & why they’re good for marathon finisher medals
Bespoke Sports MedalsThey have a dedicated custom marathon medals line. They offer a wide selection of finishes (gold, antique bronze, matt/silver, etc.), free ribbon with bespoke medal orders, full design mock-up service. Their “Premium Bespoke Medals” line handles high specification medals (oversized, with special shapes etc.). bespokesportsmedals.com+1
Bespoke Medals (Running Imp Ltd)They produce millions of medals annually, including for major events like the TCS London Marathon and Great North Run. Their medals go through a multi stage process of moulding, plating, polishing and enamelling. They have several styles (enamelled, stackable, segment etc.), which offer durability and visual appeal. Bespoke Medals+1
Elite Sports MedalsThey offer fully custom marathon or half-marathon medals of any shape or size. They have a free design service, so you can get your logo, design, and desired finishes integrated. For marathon events you can get medals built to specification. Elite Sports Medals
Impact Trophies & MedalsThey provide custom marathon medals, especially logo insert or embossed designs. Their range includes many metal medals, with colour and size options. Good for events that need something durable but perhaps with more moderate budgets. Impact Trophies+1
Metalbrand (UK)They do die-cut medals, coloured medals (soft/hard enamel), and have a good reputation for higher quality metal medals that work for races. They also offer quick turnaround and lower minimum order thresholds. MetalBrand UK
AMT TradeThey offer bespoke medals made from die-cast zinc alloy, enamel infill, custom shapes and fully branded ribbons. A good option if you want durability and custom designs. AMT Trade

How Bespoke Sports Medals Stacks Up

Since you asked especially about what’s possible, here’s more detail about what Bespoke Sports Medals offers:

  • They have “Full Marathon Medals” – custom shaped medals meant for full marathon events. Their prices can start from as low as ~£1.29 per medal (depending on quantity, design etc.). bespokesportsmedals.com

  • They offer a variety of finishes and materials: gold, bronze antique, matte, silver, black or shiny finishes etc. bespokesportsmedals.com+1

  • Their Premium Bespoke Medals line supports top-grade, high spec medals: large sizes, unusual shapes, possibly moving parts or extra finishing. For events wanting standout finisher medals, this is suitable. bespokesportsmedals.com

  • They also include free ribbon with many orders, which is important for durability since cheap ribbons degrade faster. bespokesportsmedals.com


What to Ask / Check Before Ordering

To ensure you get durable, high‐quality finisher medals, here are questions or checks you may want to make when speaking with a supplier:

  1. What is the metal alloy and plating used? Gold/silver plating over brass or zinc is common; ensure it’s thick enough.

  2. Is there an enamel or protective coating? Soft or hard enamel, epoxy domed inserts, or clear coatings help protect colours.

  3. Minimum thickness & weight — thicker medals tend to last and feel more substantial.

  4. Ribbon quality and attachment method — stitched, sewn, or reinforced loop/ring rather than glued flimsy tabs.

  5. Edge finishing — whether smooth, polished, burr-free.

  6. How is the medal printed / engraved? Deep relief / emboss is more durable than shallow screen printing where outdoors moisture could fade the design.

  7. Lead time and how they handle defects — durable medals may require more finishing; check policies for replacements.

  8. Samples or mock-ups — ask if you can see prototypes or previous medals to assess durability and feel.


Summary

If you need durable bespoke medals for marathon finishers in the UK, there are several excellent suppliers. Bespoke Sports Medals is among the top choices, offering high spec options and experience with large events. Others like Bespoke Medals (Running Imp), Elite Sports Medals, Impact Trophies & Medals, and Metal brand also provide good durability and customisation.

Yes — there are several UK suppliers who offer affordable custom sports medals with engraving options. Depending on your budget, quantity, and how customised you want the medals, you can find a good match. Below I list some good suppliers + sample products to help you decide. Also, since you mentioned Bespoke Sports Medals earlier, I include their offerings in the mix. Bespoke Sports Medals Are Best

What drives cost

To understand the numbers, it helps to know what makes some medals more expensive than others. Key cost factors include:

  • Quantity: the more you order, the lower the per-unit cost (tooling/setup costs get spread over more items).

  • Size & thickness: large (50-70 mm+), thick medals cost more.

  • Material / plating / finish: metals (zinc, brass, alloy) vs wood or acrylic; soft or hard enamel; dual-plating or antique finishes cost more.

  • Detail & design complexity: Full-colour printing, relief (raised designs), cut-outs, 3D sculpting; back engraving, etc.

  • Ribbon, packaging, engraving: printed ribbon, custom ribbons, presentation boxes, engraving on back or edge add to the cost.

  • Lead time / rush fees if you need them fast.


Typical price ranges (UK, bulk orders)

Here are real examples, to give a sense of what people are paying per medal, depending on how many and what type.

Quantity / StyleApprox Price per MedalNotes
Low end / simpler medals (smaller size, standard metal, simple printing or flat logo, basic ribbon)£0.80-£1.50For hundreds of pieces, simple medal inserts, no fancy relief. For example, “economy medal” offers ~£0.80 each when ordering 500+ from 1stPlace4Trophies. 1stplace4trophies.co.uk
Mid-range medals (say 50-200 units, 50mm-60mm, some printing or enamel, good ribbon, basic finish)£1.50-£3.50Many suppliers fall into this range. E.g. EC Awards has a 50mm flat-colour printed steel cut medal starting at ~£1.99 when bespoke order. EC Awards Also Total Merchandise’s printed insert medals (~32-42mm) cost ~£1.80-£3.30 depending on quantity. Total Merchandise+1
Higher / premium medals (larger size, hard enamel or soft enamel with multiple colours, higher relief, custom shapes, plated finishes, presentations, engraving)£3.50-£6+For smaller batches (like 50-200) or when you want more “premium” feel. For instance, 1stPlace4Trophies’ “special premium” medal is ~£4.20 each for small orders, dropping with volume. 1stplace4trophies.co.uk Also die-struck or multi-coloured, thicker medals tend to reach this bracket. brandedstuff.com+2madebycooper.co.uk+2

Some concrete real-life price curves

  • Capital Badges: For a 50mm medal, 2D design, 100 units, pricing is around £4.88 each including plating etc. For 2,000+, the same type drops to ≈ £1.22 each. Capital Badges

  • 1st Place 4 Trophies: Their premium medals (50mm, 3D acrylic logo etc.) are ~£3.50 each for 10-49 units; with larger orders the per unit drops to ~£2.35. 1stplace4trophies.co.uk

  • Soft enamel medals (Almega): For 100 units, 50mm size, cost ~£4.07 each; for 5,000 units the cost per medal drops to approx £1.74. almegapromotionalgifts.co.uk

  • Printed insert medals (Total Merchandise): 32mm size, for 100 units ~£3.09 each; for 5,000 units maybe ~£1.36 each. Total Merchandise


Rough “typical” ranges to expect depending on order size

Based on what I found, here are rough expected price bands (excluding VAT) depending on quantity & spec:

  • 100-200 medals, modest design (flat/printed, simple ribbon, no fancy finish, standard metal, 40-50mm): ~ £1.50-£3.50 each.

  • 500-1000 medals, if you opt for better finish/enamel or larger size: ~ £2.00-£4.50 each.

  • 1000+ medals, simpler medals can often come down to ~ £1.20-£2.50 each depending on style. If premium features, still maybe £3-£5 each.


How Bespoke Sports Medals fits in

Since you’re familiar with Bespoke Sports Medals, note:

  • They have a price match guarantee and bulk order discounts (often ~10-20%) on large orders. bespokesportsmedals.com

Yes — there are several UK-based services that provide eco-friendly sports medals. Below are examples of suppliers and product ideas, along with what makes them sustainable, and then some actual products you can buy now. If you like, I can also check whether Bespoke Sports Medals (or another preferred provider) has eco options.


🌱 UK Suppliers of Eco-Friendly Sports Medals

Here are some companies in the UK offering sustainable, eco-friendly medals:

Here are some of the picks in more detail:

  • Eco‑Friendly Personalised Running Medal – The Bespoke Workshop: FSC graded sustainable wood, compostable ribbon, engraving of names/dates. Great small quantity option.

  • 100 % Sustainable Oak/Birch Medal – MedalStudio: More premium appearance; uses high quality timber; ideal where look matters a lot.

  • Zero‑Waste Sports Day Medal (: Good for schools or large fun runs; sustainable ply, safety clasp on ribbon, reasonable unit-cost when bought in bulk.

  • Personalised Oak Wooden Marathon Medal: Larger size & more substantial; cuts/engraves; good as finishers medals.

  • Special Award Eco Wooden Medal (Budget): Lower cost wood medal; simpler style for award or recognition.

  • Wooden Triathlon Medal – Wood Finish: For multisport events; wood finish with perhaps decorative design; light and wearable.

  • Classic Football Wooden Medal: Themed (football); appearance and format are more decorative; good for club awards.

  • Colour Run Sustainable Ply Medal: Bright/colourful, fun events; sustainable ply + printed design; good for events wanting more visible flair.

Yes — there are several UK suppliers who offer discounts or special rates on bulk orders for sports medals. Here are a few that I found, along with what kind of bulk or volume discounts they offer, and a summary.


✅ Providers Offering Bulk / Volume Discounts

SupplierWhat Bulk Discounts They ProvideKey Details / Thresholds
Bespoke Sports MedalsThey offer bulk order discounts, ranging from 10%-20% off for large orders. They also have a price match / price beat guarantee (if you find a lower price elsewhere, they aim to beat it by 5% of the order value). bespokesportsmedals.com They also mention that for large orders (mass participation, e.g. large event medals) they can supply at very low cost (from as little as £0.98 each in some cases) and fast turnarounds. bespokesportsmedals.com 
Swift Event SuppliesThey offer bulk-order discounts on bespoke medals. Also provide special discount rates for charities (up to 15-30% off) and have a price beat guarantee. Swift Event Supplies+1 
1st Place 4 TrophiesTheir “Special Premium Medal Offer” shows tiered pricing: as you order higher quantities, the per-medal cost drops. E.g. 50-199 medals are cheaper per unit than 10-49. 1stplace4trophies.co.uk Also their “Special Economy Medal Offer” has bulk-discounted pricing for 50-199, 200-499, 500+ medals. 1stplace4trophies.co.uk 
Impact Trophies & MedalsThey have “Bulk Buy Charity Medal Packs” where their 50mm radial medals are priced around £0.68-£0.75 each (including ribbon & logo inserts) for minimum orders of ~100. More you order the more savings you get. Impact Trophies 
ADM Trophies & MedalsClear discounts based on spend: e.g. 5% off over £100, 15% off over £300, 25% off over £500. Applies to trophies & medals with engraving. ADM direct+1 
B&W TrophiesThey have “bulk medal deals” for certain ranges: e.g. classic wreath medals, flat centre, your logo insert, etc. They also supply free ribbon and offer medal engraving in some lines. There are minimum order sizes. BW Trophies 

⚠ Things to Check / Be Aware Of

When looking into bulk discounts, it’s helpful to double-check:

  • Minimum order quantities (MOQs): Bulk pricing often kicks in only once you order above a certain number (e.g. 50, 100, 200+).

  • What’s included in the bulk price: Sometimes ribbon, logo inserts, engraving, or packaging are extra. Make sure what you’re comparing is consistent.

  • How much design / set-up costs are: Custom shapes, artwork proofs or die setup may incur one-off fees that don’t always scale down with quantity.

  • Quality trade-offs: Very low-cost bulk orders may use simpler finishes, thinner medals, or less robust engraving.

  • Turnaround time: Bulk orders usually take longer; check how that fits with your event schedule.

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