Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The price of engraved buttons depends on six main factors: material, size, the method used to apply the logo, the need for a die, the type of finish or colouring, and quantity. There is no single price per piece – the exact amount is set in a quote once the style and run size are clear. Below we explain how each factor affects the price and how to optimise your budget without sacrificing quality.
Engraved buttons price: the six factors
1. Material
The material is the basis of the price. Polyester buttons are the most affordable and suitable for large runs. Corozo, wood, bone and coconut are natural materials with a higher cost and more manual processing. Metal buttons vary according to the alloy and finish. Natural horn and mother-of-pearl are in the higher price bracket.
2. Size and shape
A larger button needs more material and a larger engraving area. Non-standard shapes – square, oval, with a rim or a specific profile – also raise the price compared with the classic round button.
3. Application method
Laser engraving has no tooling cost, but every button goes through the machine, so engraving time is a major component. The larger and denser the logo, the longer it takes to engrave. Embossing requires a die, but the stamping itself is fast.
4. Die or tooling
For embossed metal buttons and for cast styles with a logo, a die or mould is made. It is a one-off cost spread over the whole quantity and is usually not charged again for a repeat order of the same style.
5. Finish and colouring
Electroplated finishes, patina, enamel and filling the engraving with paint add steps to production. Each enamel colour is a separate operation. Single-colour laser engraving without fill is the most economical option.
6. Quantity
One-off costs – file preparation, machine set-up, die, sample – are spread over the run. That is why the price per piece usually falls as the quantity increases. Minimum quantities depend on the article.
Summary of the factors
| Factor | More economical option | More expensive option |
|---|---|---|
| Material | polyester | horn, mother-of-pearl, corozo |
| Size | small, standard round | large, non-standard shape |
| Method | laser, small logo | embossing with a new die on a small run |
| Finish | no fill | multi-colour enamel, patina |
| Quantity | large run | small series |
| Style | available from stock | entirely new design |
Hidden costs to consider
- Vectorising the logo – if you do not have a vector file, the logo has to be redrawn.
- Additional samples – every correction after the first sample requires a new one.
- Several sizes – each size is a separate set-up, and with embossing a separate die.
- Spares – rejects during sewing and spare buttons increase the quantity you actually need.
- Delivery – depends on weight and destination; metal buttons are heavier.
How to optimise your budget
- Choose a stock style and engrave your logo on it – you save the development of a new design.
- Combine orders – if several collections use the same button, order it in one go.
- Reduce the number of sizes – two sizes instead of three mean fewer set-ups.
- Simplify the logo – less engraved area means less machine time.
- Brand only the visible buttons – for example only the front of the coat, while the inside buttons stay plain.
- Plan repeat orders – with embossing, the die pays for itself with every subsequent order.
Price versus value
When comparing quotes, do not look only at the price per piece. A cheap button with an illegible logo or a finish that wears off after a few washes ends up costing a lot – in complaints, rework and brand image. So when assessing offers, also compare:
- whether a sample for approval is included;
- how durable the material and finish are in the washing planned for the garment;
- whether the supplier can reproduce the same style for a repeat order;
- whether advice on the logo and size is offered;
- how long the whole process takes up to delivery.
A button is a small part of the cost of a garment, but a large part of the impression it makes. A small difference in the price per piece rarely matters in the final price of a coat or jacket, but the difference between a legible and an illegible logo is visible every day.
Why we do not publish prices
There are thousands of combinations of material, size, method and quantity. A general "price per piece" would be misleading – either too high for a large run or unrealistically low for a small series with a complex logo. That is why we work with individual quotes that reflect your exact order.
What to send for an accurate quote
- the logo in vector format;
- the material and style – or a photo of a button you like;
- the sizes and the quantity for each size;
- the preferred method, finish and fill colour;
- the delivery address and the required deadline.
The more complete the inquiry, the faster you will receive an accurate quote without follow-up questions. If you want to compare options – for example laser on polyester and embossing on metal – list both. That way you will see the price difference and decide which option fits the budget and positioning of your brand.
Quotes for engraved buttons from Polkom
Polkom is a Sofia-based manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, with over 30 years of experience, a large stock and competitive prices. We produce engraved buttons with logo in various materials and deliver throughout the EU. Send the details of your order via the contact page and you will receive a quote with a breakdown of costs.
