7 Hidden Traps in Low-Cost Custom Medal Purchasing: How to Avoid Ruining Your Event?

Introduction: The Hidden Costs Behind the Low Price Temptation

While the idea of cutting costs may seem like a responsible choice, especially for event organizers with limited budgets, the reality is often much darker. According to a recent industry survey, over 63% of event planners who opted for low-cost custom medals reported negative impacts on their event’s reputation due to poor medal quality or delayed delivery.

Ask yourself:
“Is your prestigious award ceremony worth the risk of handing out flawed, forgettable medals?”

In the world of event recognition, medalhas personalizadas are more than accessories — they symbolize honor, achievement, and excellence. Choosing low-cost suppliers can severely compromise that message.

Em Presentes de arte global, we’ve been a trusted fabricante de medalhas personalizadas for over 17 years, helping clients worldwide avoid these pitfalls. Let’s break down the 7 most common traps of cheap custom medals — and how to sidestep them using proven strategies.

1. Trap One: Cutting Corners on Materials — The Embarrassment on the Podium

The Problem:
Cheap medals are often made with inferior materials. For example, zinc alloy is frequently passed off as solid brass or copper, leading to rapid oxidation and discoloration. Worse, substandard thickness can result in deformed or broken medals, especially in physically active events like marathons.

Case Example:
One international sports event faced public backlash when several medals bent and broke on stage, with footage going viral across social media.

Solution:
At Global Art Gifts, we provide a material inspection report for every batch. Our medals undergo rigorous quality control, ensuring only certified metals are used. View our QC report here →

2. Trap Two: Printing Flaws — When the Symbol of Honor Looks Like a Blur

The Problem:
Low-cost medals often skimp on printing and coloring processes. Silkscreen printing, for instance, may cost less but lacks durability compared to soft enamel or imitated cloisonné. Over time, colors fade, paint peels, and the details blur.

Case Example:
A European cycling championship became a laughingstock online when award recipients noticed their medal logos peeling off before the event even ended.

Solution:

We offer advanced coloring techniques like UV printing, soft enamel, and hard enamel to suit your event’s prestige and expected usage.

3. Trap Three: Hidden Fees — The Real Price Behind the “Low Quote”

The Problem:
You thought you were saving money. But wait—here come unexpected mold fees, design charges, or rush-order surcharges that inflate the final bill by up to 40%.

Case Example:
A school ordered graduation medals at a discount. Due to repeated design changes and lack of transparency, their final budget overshot by 37%, causing administrative chaos.

Solution:
We offer an all-inclusive pricing model, with a downloadable transparent quote sheet to help you plan ahead. Contact us at once→

4. Trap Four: Copyright Violations — The Legal Minefield of Cheap Replicas

The Problem:
Inexperienced or unethical vendors may replicate trademarked designs, leading to serious legal consequences for you as the buyer.

Case Example:
A charity marathon was sued for copyright infringement after a vendor used a Disney-inspired logo without permission. The result? $50,000 in damages and a tarnished brand.

Solution:
Our in-house design team produces only original concepts.

💬 How to avoid copyright issues in custom medals?
Ensure your medal manufacturer has an in-house design team that provides original artwork and a written guarantee of intellectual property compliance.

5. Trap Five: Delivery Delays — A Disaster for Your Event Schedule

The Problem:
Outsourcing to low-cost manufacturers — especially overseas ones without dependable logistics — increases the risk of delays due to production issues, political unrest, or shipping disruptions.

Case Example:
A well-known marathon in Australia had to cancel its podium ceremony because a factory in Vietnam missed the delivery date due to a labor strike.

Solution:
We rely on a China-based production hub with an integrated supply chain and backup inventory.

6. Trap Six: No After-Sales Support — Who Do You Call When Medals Break?

The Problem:
Low-cost vendors often disappear after delivery. There’s no after-sales policy, no one to call, and no compensation when things go wrong.

Case Example:
A business chamber in Europe received 500 defective medals. The vendor refused to respond — no warranty, no return, no recourse.

Solution:
We offer a 365-day warranty and an easy-to-access online support system.

7. Trap Seven: Brand Damage — The Long-Term Cost of Looking Cheap

The Problem:
Psychology matters. A flimsy medal devalues the honor of the recipient. Poor design and quality create an impression that the event itself wasn’t worth much — damaging both attendee perception and sponsor confidence.

Case Example:
A corporate incentive program saw a 35% drop in participation the following year — traced back to poor-quality medals that made recipients feel undervalued.

Solution:
Our client list includes prestigious names like NASA, Coca-Cola, and Red Bull — brands that know the importance of quality symbolism.

Action Plan: How to Outsmart the Traps and Buy Smart

✅ Your Custom Medal Procurement Checklist

Ask your supplier:

• What materials do you use, and can I see testing reports?

• Can I preview a 3D design of the medal?

• Are your prices all-inclusive or will there be extra charges?

• Do you guarantee original designs to avoid copyright issues?

• What’s your lead time and after-sales policy?

Long-Term Cost Calculator

Use our tool to compare the true 3-year cost of low-cost vs. premium medals, factoring in returns, replacements, and brand impact.

Ready to Avoid the Pitfalls?

Get your free “Medal Procurement Survival Guide” and start planning with confidence.