When shopping for custom medals, one of the first things you have to decide is where you’re going to get them from.
Should you go with a local supplier, buy directly from an overseas manufacturer, or work with a dedicated medal distributor?
Each option has its ups and downs, which can make it tricky to decide.
But that's where our experience comes in.
After working with thousands of clients in your exact situation, we at Badges And Medals have learned a thing or two about what people look for in a medal maker.
In this article, you’ll get a clear breakdown of the differences between local suppliers, buying direct, and using medal distributors.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which route is best for you and your event.
Or, click on the link below to skip to a specific question:
When it comes to speed, buying direct is usually the slowest choice.
While overseas factories are usually quick at making medals, shipping is where things can drag.
There are two reasons for this.
First off, most people choose to buy directly because they think it'll save them money, and those low prices usually come from countries far away.
This means your medals have to travel a long way to get to you.
Second, once your medals leave the factory, its workers often think their job is done, leaving it up to you to handle the arrival.
If shipping delays or surprise import fees pop up, guess who’s in charge? Yes, you.
And if you’re not sure how to tackle those challenges, you might accidentally push your delivery date back.
Local suppliers, on the other hand, are the quickest option.
Because they’re close by, shipping times are usually much shorter.
Plus, you won’t have to deal with import paperwork.
Distributors strike a balance between the two.
They might source medals from far-off places, but they arrive on your doorstep quicker than if you bought them directly from a factory.
How? Well, many distributors have a logistics (aka shipping) team who know the ins and outs of shipping.
They handle everything that could slow down your order - customs paperwork, import fees, and shipping delays - so you don’t have to.
As an added bonus, most distributors offer express shipping making them a fantastic choice even when you’re on a tight deadline.
Winner: local supplier
When it comes to safety, buying directly from factories can feel a bit like playing a game of poker.
Most factories expect you to pay in full upfront before they start making your medals.
If they don't turn out right, getting a refund or fixing the issue can be a nightmare.
This “pay upfront” model puts all the risk on you as the customer, and the factory has no real incentive to make amends if something goes wrong.
They work under different buyer protection laws than you do, which means they might not be obligated to help you the same way you’re used to.
If things go south, you might even need to involve an international lawyer to get a solution.
Many distributors know that your satisfaction is key to their success, and they show it by letting you pay only after your medals arrive.
If the final product isn’t what you were hoping for, you don’t need to fork over your money until it’s right.
From a legal perspective, many distributors have product guarantees that require them to have a specific level of quality and satisfaction, which can be used to hold them accountable.
If they have a physical presence in your country, they’re also subject to your buyer protection laws, giving you an extra layer of safety.
Plus, some distributors - like us at Badges And Medals - can send you a sample before you place your order so you can see the quality of their medals before committing.
When it comes to buying locally, payment terms can vary based on your location; some locals ask for payment before making your medals, while others may request it afterwards.
The real advantage of going local, though, is the protection you gain from local consumer laws.
These laws typically provide more security for your purchase, allowing you to return products if they don’t meet your expectations.
This means you’re well-covered should anything go wrong.
Winner: distributor or local supplier (depending on who you choose)
Buying directly might seem like a good deal, but it's important to ask, "Why is it so cheap?"
Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, cheap prices come with a cost.
Child labour, poor working conditions, and unfair wages are still a reality in some countries, as is turning a blind eye to the environment.
That's not to say that there aren't ethical factories out there, because there are, but finding them can be a challenge.
A lot of factories keep their labour and environmental practices under wraps, so it’s tricky to get a clear picture.
Often, you place your order and hope for the best when, the truth is, you have no real idea what they're doing.
Distributors tend to be more ethical than factories, but how much depends on the business.
Their ethics are stronger because their reputation is on the line each time they deliver a product.
That’s why many distributors are more selective about which factories they work with - they know if a factory cuts corners, it could come back to bite them.
So, they vet their partners more carefully, which means fewer ethical risks for you.
That said, not every distributor is going to take ethics as seriously as the next, so you’ll want to dig a little deeper to find the ones who are truly committed to doing things right.
For example, at Badges And Medals, we only partner with factories that meet strict ethical and environmental standards.
We also reduce our carbon footprint by removing plastic from the ocean for every medal purchased.
If you’re looking for the most ethically clear option, buying local is usually your best bet.
Not only are you supporting businesses in your backyard - an ethical win in its own right - but you’ll likely be dealing with stricter labour laws and environmental regulations.
Plus, there’s a lot more transparency when you buy locally.
You can visit the shop, see their working conditions, and get a better sense of how they operate before committing to them fully.
Winner: distributor or local supplier (depending on who you choose)
When you buy direct, the factory usually won’t design your medals for you.
That leaves you with two choices: design them yourself or hire someone to do it.
Both options can take up a lot of time and eat into your budget.
But what's even more frustrating is the risk involved.
Most graphic designers don't know how medals are made, which can lead to a disconnect between the design you approve and the product you get.
For example, many designers don't realise that if the lines of a design are too thin, colours can bleed into other areas.
However, if you have a designer who understands the process, buying direct opens up a big range of customisation options, because factories can manage all sorts of requests.
Moving up a step in terms of design are local suppliers. Most will design your medals for you, for free.
This is great for those who don't have a specific vision or prefer to let an expert bring their idea to life.
However, there's a catch: you might find that your customisation choices are a bit limited.
Why? Because many local suppliers make their medals themselves or work with local businesses that don't have the skills, equipment, or resources to handle every design option.
So while you’ll get the benefit of having someone else handling the design, the trade-off is that you might not get the level of uniqueness or detail that you’re after.
For those after something unique, this could feel a bit restrictive.
At the top of the design ladder are medal distributors.
They offer you the best of both worlds: free designs and a wide range of customisation options.
Unlike local suppliers, medal distributors source their medals from multiple factories, each bringing its own strengths and capabilities
This gives you nearly endless ways to customise your medals.
Plus, unlike buying direct, medal distributors often have a dedicated design team that specialises in creating awards.
They know exactly what can and can’t be done to the medal during production, meaning the design you approve is more likely to match the medal you receive.
Winner: distributor
An example of a design made by Badges And Medals’ design team.
Buying direct often gives you the lowest price per medal, even when you factor in the additional fees that can catch some people off guard.
For example, factories usually charge a fee to create your custom medal, and you'll often need to pay for shipping, as well as import and customs fees, on your own.
Despite this, you can still snag medals from China for as low as US$2 each, including all fees.
Just ensure you've got a full list of costs before you commit.
Next in line are distributors.
Their prices are typically a bit higher than buying directly from a factory, but what you’re paying for here is convenience.
They handle everything for you - such as designing the medal and shipping it - and even pack your medals by size, colour, and event.
Plus, some distributors throw in extras that offset the higher price.
For example, at Badges And Medals, we offer free marketing materials like professional photos and reveal videos to help you showcase your awards.
So, while distributors might cost a little more upfront, the time and stress you’ll save could make it more than worth it in the end.
Local manufacturers tend to be the priciest option of the three.
Why? Labour costs.
In your country, workers are likely paid higher wages than those in factories overseas, and that's reflected in the final price.
For instance, in Northern Ireland, you can expect to pay about US$7.40 per medal, even with a bulk order of 100 medals.
But, there are some silver linings - you're less likely to face surprise fees since most of the costs are built into the price.
Plus, you’ll save on shipping because the medals don’t have to travel far or cross customs.
Winner: factory-direct
In short, there's no one-size-fits-all answer for every event.
It's clear that medal distributors, local suppliers and overseas factories each offer their own distinct advantages, depending on your specific needs.
The decision on which one to choose ultimately rests with you, considering what best aligns with the spirit and requirements of your business.
Buying directly is best for those who:
Local suppliers would suit those who:
Medal distributors are the right choice for those who:
Looking for an experienced medal distributor?
Picking between a local supplier, buying directly, or working with a distributor can feel like a big decision.
But, now that you understand the pros and cons of each, you're in a better position to decide what's right for your event.
At Badges And Medals, we’ve helped thousands of clients like you navigate this choice.
If you’ve chosen a medal distributor as the best option for you, we’re proud to be one of the best in the world.
Check out our ‘About Us’ page to see how we can help make your event successful.