Custom magnets are one of those products that seem simple on the surface, but when you start shopping around, you quickly realize the price can vary a lot. Whether you’re a small business ordering promotional magnets, a teacher making classroom gifts, or a designer creating unique merch, you’ll want to know: how much do custom magnets cost?

The short answer is—it depends. Size, material, and quantity all play a role, and even the way you order can affect the final price. In this article, I’ll break down the real costs, explain what influences pricing, and share some tips I’ve learned for getting good value without cutting corners.

Average Pricing for Custom Magnets

To give you a ballpark idea, let’s take one of the most common sizes: a 5 x 5 cm die-cut magnet printed on white vinyl. This is a popular option because it’s durable, colorful, and easy to design for. Prices will of course vary by supplier, but here’s an example breakdown of typical costs:

• 50 magnets – £49 ≈ $64 (about $1.28 each)

   

• 100 magnets – £62 ≈ $81 (about $0.81 each)

• 200 magnets – £81 ≈ $105 (about $0.53 each)

• 500 magnets – £129 ≈ $168 (about $0.34 each)

• 1,000 magnets – £218 ≈ $283 (about $0.28 each)

• 2,000 magnets – £341 ≈ $444 (about $0.22 each)

• 5,000 magnets – £653 ≈ $849 (about $0.17 each)

Looking at this, the trend is clear: the more you order, the cheaper each magnet becomes. A small batch can cost nearly £1 per magnet, but at higher volumes, the price can drop to a fraction of that.

What Actually Affects the Cost of Custom Magnets?

When it comes to custom products, there isn’t a universal flat rate. Instead, several factors influence the cost:

1. Material

Magnets aren’t all made from the same base. Some are vinyl-coated, some are laminated, and some use thicker or specialty substrates. Premium materials will push the cost up, while standard white vinyl usually gives you the best balance of quality and affordability.

2. Size

Larger magnets use more material, which naturally increases cost. The price difference between a 5 cm square and a 10 cm square might not look huge on paper, but multiply that over hundreds of units, and it adds up.

3. Quantity

This is the single biggest factor. Like most print products, custom magnets benefit from economies of scale. Bulk orders spread out setup and production costs, making each unit cheaper.

Interestingly, certain things don’t impact the cost:

• The number of colors in your design

• The shape of your magnet (die-cutting doesn’t usually add much)

• The complexity of your artwork

That means you can go bold with your design without worrying that more colors or intricate shapes will blow up the budget.

Check More Custom Magnets from Kstom 

Ways to Save Money on Custom Magnets

After ordering magnets multiple times, I’ve found there are a few reliable strategies to keep costs down.

Choose a Standard Material

Unless you need something very specific, white vinyl is usually the best choice. It’s waterproof, glossy, and holds vibrant colors well. Some people assume “standard” means low quality, but in practice it’s durable enough for most uses.

Take Advantage of Bulk Discounts

If you can afford to order more upfront, you’ll save in the long run. Even doubling your quantity can cut the unit price by half or more. One trick is to split a bulk order into multiple designs, as long as they’re printed on the same size and material. This way you get variety without losing the bulk discount.

Try Samples First

If you’re unsure about your design or just want a handful of magnets, sample packs are a great option. Many suppliers let you order 5–10 magnets for under £10. It’s not the cheapest per unit, but it’s useful for testing before you commit to hundreds.

Stick With Simple Shapes

This doesn’t lower the price per se, but you get more material for your money. Square or rectangular magnets waste less material in cutting, whereas custom die-cut shapes can leave unused scraps.

Minimum Order Quantities

A lot of people wonder if they can buy “just one” custom magnet. Most suppliers don’t offer that, since the setup process costs more than a single unit is worth. However, the minimums can be surprisingly low. For example, some companies let you order as few as two magnets at standard sizes.

For the absolute lowest quantities, sample orders are usually the best route. They give you the flexibility of testing your design without a major investment.

Pros and Cons of Ordering Custom Magnets

Like anything, custom magnets have their upsides and downsides.

Pros:

• Affordable at scale

• Easy to customize with full-color designs

• Durable and practical—people actually use them

• Great for branding, gifts, or personal projects

Cons:

• Small orders are relatively expensive per unit

• Larger sizes can get pricey quickly

• Minimum order quantities may not suit everyone

• Quality varies a lot between suppliers

Knowing both sides helps set realistic expectations, especially if you’re ordering for the first time.

Are Custom Magnets Worth It?

In most cases, yes. They’re cheap enough to use as giveaways, yet durable enough to feel like a real product. For businesses, they’re a long-lasting promotional tool—unlike flyers that get tossed, magnets usually stick around on fridges or whiteboards.

On the other hand, if you only need one or two as a novelty, they can feel overpriced compared to their size. That’s why sample packs or very small minimums are worth checking.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do custom magnets cost? It really comes down to three things: size, material, and how many you order. A batch of 50 small magnets might run you close to £1 each, but order in the thousands and you’ll pay pennies.

To get the best value, stick with standard materials like white vinyl, order in bulk if you can, and don’t be afraid to request samples before committing. While they’re not always the cheapest option in tiny quantities, custom magnets are still one of the most affordable, versatile, and practical ways to personalize a product or promote a brand.