This is one of the most common questions a corporate customer always asks. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer. Custom trophies and awards can vary in price depending on the type, size, finish or engraving required.
You can buy a blank trophy and DIY the engraving process with an engraver. Alternatively, order your trophies to a company that specializes in these products. Either way, you should have definitive criteria in the selection process. Here are some factors that affect the cost of an award trophy.
Materials
There are three main types of trophies: plastic or resin trophies, metal trophies, and glass awards. Quality is the most important factor in choosing the trophies you want to purchase. Let’s take a look at each so you can decide which is best for your budget!
Plastic or Resin Trophies

These are the most affordable option for those on a tight budget. They’re made of acrylic, polystyrene, and PVC composite that can have a variety of color options to choose from. These types of trophies don’t usually come in any other finishes like gold, silver, or bronze.
Metal Trophies

These materials are the most expensive but they’re well worth it! They come with several options for finishes which include gold, silver, or bronze. You can have your custom design with your company logo. Also, you can add engraving plates to the trophies at no extra cost.
Glass Awards

Glass awards are the most attractive type of trophy. They come in a variety of colors and have different finishes. These types of trophies do usually require some engraving but there is no plate charge for adding an engraved logo or name on the glass.
Trophy Types and Prices
A variety of materials and designs in modern trophy manufacturing enable the creation of trophies suited to a greater range of purposes, including customization. However, the types of trophies also dictate the costs.
Some custom trophies are more expensive to create than other types are. So, it is important that you know the award that needs a trophy.
Sports Trophies

These are great for winner recognition in any sports event. It ranges from $5 to as high as $5k, depending on the quality, materials, personalization, and details your business wants.
3D Trophies

The prices for these trophies and awards depend on the complexity of the designs. But, these start at 150USD. You can use these for employee recognition during the company anniversary.
Custom Elegant Awards

You often see these awards given at prestigious events such as the Oscars. But the uses are not limited to such events. Awarding an employee for years of service is an example. Prices start at $195, depending on the customization you need.
Championship Trophies

Probably, these trophies are the most expensive on this list. The price of a single award-trophy may range from $50,000 or more. Often, this award is given to the winner of a championship game.
Alternatives to Trophies
Aside from trophies, you can have custom awards for your recognition events using star pins, medals, or custom plaques. These awards can still have customized inscriptions.
Custom pins are also excellent alternatives for a trophy. Awardees can even collect these items from your business. Like a trophy, you can have the inscription or letters engraved to make it long-lasting.
Personalization

If you want an engraving on your trophy, then this will be an extra cost. Some suppliers may give free engraving or shipping, depending on the quantity of your order.
And there’s the whole design aspect.
- how ‘realistic’ do you want the artwork to look
- how much detail is placed in the plaques
- How much realism do you want in the trophy
- how thick the trophy should be
Sometimes, the supplier may not be able to get the complexity of the engraved inscriptions you want. Each engraved letter on the trophies may cost more and starts at $30 per line. Some would charge per letter after the first free characters.
So, you have limited choices when it comes to letter customizations. If you want to have longer and more customized characters on your trophies, plaques, and medals, the alternative is to get a portable engraving machine.
Getting a machine might be cost-effective if your business gives out awards and plaques to employees on a regular basis or to teams during your corporate sports events.
Where to Buy an Engraver for Customizing Trophies?

You can shop a machine engraver online. Ditch the long hours of search because our company has many engraver machines to offer. Just give us a call and will give you a free quote. Whether your trophy requirement is small or large, our marking machines are perfect no matter the occasion.
Questions to Ask When Ordering a Trophy:
- How long it will take to receive the trophies or plaque?
- How many trophies are required to get a discount?
- Do you want personalized engraving (available with all types)?
- Are there any other finishes that would be beneficial if possible?
- Should I DIY the engraving or add it in my orders of the trophies or plaques?
- How fast is the delivery service?
- How great is the after-sales service?
Conclusion
Trophies and awards are great ways to recognize someone’s efforts. Whether it’s winning a competition or simply giving out awards for exemplary service, you can create customer trophies any time.
You can get these trophies from suppliers who offer affordable products and have the supplier inscribed the characters you want. Alternatively, you can purchase blank medals, plaques, or trophies but you DIY the engraved letters. All in all, a single trophy may cost as low as $5 to as high as $50000.
If you choose to DIY the inscription on your trophies and purchase a high-quality marking machine, give us a call and we will provide the best quote practicable for your business. At Heatsign, we prioritize quality customer service.