Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about ForgeCrafts Custom OEM services — from minimum order quantity and design fees to production lead times, shipping, and packaging options.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom metal products?

Our standard MOQ is 300–500 pieces per design, depending on the product category and manufacturing complexity. For certain simple items such as keychains or fridge magnets, smaller trial orders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Bulk discounts apply for orders above 1,000 pieces.

Do you provide design services?

Yes. Our in-house design team has years of experience in custom metal crafts. Design fees range from USD 30 to USD 120 per design depending on complexity (3D modeling, multi-color enamel, intricate engraving, etc.). If you provide a finished vector file, design fees can be waived.

What is the typical production lead time?

Sampling time: 5–7 business days after design confirmation. Bulk production: 8–30 business days depending on order size, material (zinc alloy, brass, stainless steel), finishing (enamel filling, electroplating, antique polishing), and packaging requirements. Rush orders can be arranged for an additional fee.

How is shipping handled and what are the costs?

We ship worldwide via DHL, FedEx, UPS for air freight, and consolidated sea freight for large bulk orders. Shipping costs are calculated based on weight, destination, and chosen carrier. We provide door-to-door service and full customs clearance support for major markets including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept T/T (bank wire transfer), PayPal, Western Union, and Trade Assurance through Alibaba. Standard payment terms are 50% deposit before production and 50% balance before shipment. For repeat customers, we offer flexible terms including L/C at sight for orders above USD 10,000.

Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?

Yes. We strongly recommend sample approval before mass production. Sample cost is typically USD 20–80 depending on product type, and is fully refundable against your subsequent bulk order. Sample lead time is 5–7 business days. We can ship samples to any country.

What materials and finishes do you support?

Materials: zinc alloy, brass, stainless steel, copper, iron, aluminum. Finishes: gold/silver/bronze/antique gold/antique silver/rose gold/nickel plating, soft enamel, hard enamel, photo-etching, sandblasting, laser engraving. Special finishes such as glow-in-the-dark, glitter, color-shifting, and 3D embossing are also available.

Do you offer custom packaging?

Yes. Standard packaging is individual polybag with bubble wrap. Premium options include velvet pouches, acrylic display cases, magnetic gift boxes, custom-printed retail packaging with your logo, and gift hang tags. Premium packaging is priced separately and can be combined with the product for an integrated unboxing experience.

How are custom metal pins and badges manufactured?

Custom metal pins and badges are manufactured through a multi-step process: (1) die creation, where your vector artwork is engraved into a steel mold; (2) die-striking, which stamps the design into a metal blank (typically zinc alloy, iron, or brass); (3) plating with gold, silver, copper, nickel, or antique finishes; (4) enamel filling by hand or machine for color areas; (5) polishing or epoxy doming to protect the surface; and (6) attachment of butterfly clutches, rubber backs, magnetic backs, or screw posts. Total production time is typically 7-15 business days after artwork approval. Soft enamel allows the recessed metal lines to remain visible, while hard enamel is polished flat for a premium feel.

How are commemorative coins manufactured?

Commemorative coins are produced via die-striking under high tonnage: a steel die engraved with your design strikes a blank coin disc (zinc alloy, brass, copper, or iron) to transfer the relief. The strike depth determines the dimensional feel of the artwork. After striking, coins are antique-finished (oxidized to highlight recessed details), polished, optionally color-filled with enamel, and edge-finished with smooth, reeded, or lettered borders. Final coins are individually inspected, polybagged, and can be packed in velvet pouches, acrylic capsules, or custom presentation boxes for commemorative events, anniversaries, military challenge coins, and corporate awards.

What is the difference between hard enamel and soft enamel pins?

Soft enamel pins have recessed color areas with raised metal lines you can feel when running your finger across the surface. Color is filled level with the recess, then a thin epoxy dome is optionally added. Soft enamel is the most cost-effective option and works well for promotional pins and merch. Hard enamel (also called cloisonné-style) pins have color filled and polished flush with the metal, producing a flat, jewelry-grade surface that resists scratches and looks more premium. Hard enamel is preferred for corporate awards, lapel pins for executives, and high-end commemorative pieces. Both options support unlimited Pantone colors.

What design file format should I provide for custom orders?

Vector formats are required: AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, CDR (CorelDraw), or PDF with vector layers preserved. Raster formats like JPG or PNG are accepted only as references — they cannot be used for die engraving. Specify Pantone Solid Coated color codes for accurate color matching (CMYK or RGB will be converted but may shift slightly). Outline all fonts to paths before export, and indicate the final pin/coin size in millimeters or inches. If you only have a sketch or low-resolution image, our design team can re-create vector artwork from your reference at no charge for orders above the standard MOQ.

What plating finishes are available for custom metal products?

Standard plating finishes include polished gold, polished silver, polished nickel, polished copper, antique gold, antique silver, antique brass, antique copper, black nickel, rainbow / iridescent, rose gold, and gunmetal. Antique finishes highlight recessed details by oxidizing low areas. Rainbow plating produces a chromatic shift across the surface viewed at different angles. Specialty finishes like matte / sandblasted, two-tone plating (e.g., gold + silver on the same piece), and imitation hard enamel are available for premium pieces. All plating is RoHS-compliant and lead/nickel-safe for skin contact.

What are standard sizes for custom lapel pins and badges?

The most common lapel pin sizes are 0.75 inch (19mm), 1 inch (25mm), 1.25 inch (32mm), and 1.5 inch (38mm) measured at the longest dimension. Pins below 0.75 inch lose fine detail; pins above 1.75 inch read more as badges and pair best with magnetic or safety-pin backs rather than butterfly clutches. Custom badges for events, name tags, and uniforms typically run 1.5 inch to 3 inch. Commemorative coins are most often 1.5 inch (38mm), 1.75 inch (45mm), or 2 inch (50mm), with thickness from 2mm to 4mm depending on relief complexity. Non-standard shapes (cut-to-outline) and sizes are available with no extra die fee for orders above MOQ.