Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The price of custom hang tags (swing tags with your logo) depends mainly on the quantity, the type and thickness of the board, the format, the number of print colours and the finishing – foil, embossing, varnish or lamination. The string or fastener is part of the price too. At Polkom the minimum order is generally 1,000 pcs per model, a sample costs around 50–100 € depending on the item, and production takes 10–20 days after the artwork is approved.
What determines the price of hang tags
Quantity
In printing, the biggest cost is set-up: prepress, machine make-ready and the cutting die. It is almost the same for 1,000 as for 10,000 pieces. That is why the unit price falls significantly as the run grows. If you have several designs with the same format and board, order them together. The set-up cost is spread better.
Board
Thicker board (300–400 g/m² and more) looks more expensive and is harder to bend. Kraft and recycled board give a natural look. Duplex laminated board (two layers bonded together) allows a different colour on each side and is the most expensive option. Textured paper or through-dyed board also raises the price.
Format and shape
A standard-size rectangle is the most economical. Rounded corners barely change the price. A custom shape needs its own cutting die, which is made once. You will find more about standard formats in the article on hang tag sizes.
Printing
Full-colour CMYK printing is good value for photos and gradients. Pantone colours are used when the brand colour has to be exact. Each extra Pantone is an extra operation. Double-sided printing also raises the price, but often carries more useful information – a size chart, composition or a QR code.
Finishing
- Hot foil (gold, silver, holographic) – most often for the logo.
- Embossing/debossing – needs a block, gives a tactile luxury effect.
- Spot UV varnish – gloss on the logo only.
- Matt or gloss lamination – protects against scratches and moisture.
- Numbering, barcode, price – variable data on every tag.
String and fastening
The tag is attached with cotton or polyester string, string with a stopper, a safety pin or a plastic tag fastener. A metal eyelet in the hole reinforces the tag and looks more finished. You will find suitable options in the tag fasteners section.
Table: how each choice affects the price
| Parameter | More economical | More expensive |
|---|---|---|
| Run size | One large run | Many designs in small quantities |
| Board | Standard white or kraft | Duplex laminated, coloured, textured |
| Shape | Rectangle, standard size | Custom shape with a new cutting die |
| Printing | One colour, one side | Several Pantone colours, double-sided |
| Finishing | No finishing | Foil + embossing + spot UV |
| Attachment | No string | String with metal stopper, eyelet |
How to get a cheaper hang tag that does not look cheap
- Choose a thick board and just one effect – for example foil on the logo. One well-chosen detail looks more expensive than three mediocre ones.
- Use one format for the whole collection and change only the print.
- Combine the tags for several styles in one order.
- Put variable data (size, price) on a separate sticker so you can order one common tag.
- Order a quantity for more than one season if the design will not change.
Example: two hang tags on different budgets
Imagine a brand ordering tags for 3 dress styles. The first option is a rectangular tag in white board, printed in one Pantone colour on one side, with cotton string. There is one set-up, and the three styles differ only in the text. This is the most economical solution.
The second option is a black duplex laminated board with a custom shape, gold foil, an embossed logo, double-sided printing and a metal stopper on the string. Here there is a new cutting die, an embossing block and more operations, so the unit price is several times higher. Both tags are right. The question is which one matches the positioning and price of the garment. A good rule of thumb is that the hang tag should look the same class as the fabric, the buttons and the packaging.
Minimum order, sample and lead time
The minimum for hang tags is generally 1,000 pcs per model. The sample depends on the item. It usually costs around 50–100 € and shows the real board, colour and finishing. After approval, production takes 10–20 days. We make hang tags for clothing, footwear, bags, underwear and socks. For socks and underwear, see also the header cards with logo.
What to include in your inquiry
- logo and artwork file – any format, PDF or vector preferred;
- size, shape and number of printed sides;
- type of board or the effect you want (natural, luxury, recycled);
- finishing and attachment method;
- quantity per model and number of models.
If you do not yet have finished artwork, send your logo and a description of the style you want. We will suggest a format, board and finishing that fit your budget.
Polkom – manufacturer of custom hang tags
Polkom is a manufacturer of labels and garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. We make hang tags to your design, together with textile labels and packaging, so your whole brand look is consistent. All products are OEKO-TEX® certified, and recycled versions are available on inquiry. Send a request for a quote or sample – you will get a price based on your quantity and finishing.
