Custom glass plates can be mass produced or handcrafted. Mass production reduces your cost but you may not get the uniqueness of a handcrafted work. Fortunately, the ordering process remains the same for both choices. An artistic mind and glass work skills will make your ordering process very easy. So, we crafted a piece that will explain the main areas of custom glass ordering.
The Ordering Process
A successful order promises great results. So, let's get into the fine details of ordering custom glass plates.
Initial Inquiry
To kick start the process, contact a glass manufacturer and give them important details of your project. The size, shape, and purpose for the plate will be asked by the manufacturer. As a result, it's best you get specific details and measurements before meeting them.
Fortunately, most manufacturers have online customisation templates which allow you to create your plate. Various edge styles, thickness options and special features are also programmed into the template.
Design Consultation
Now that you have created your plate, it's time to have a consultation session with the manufacturer. Based on your creation, they will recommend the right design methods for you. You will likely be given any of these design styles to make your choice:
- Laser engraving for precise, icy designs that give stylish products.
- Sand carving for intricate and more detailed designs.
Pricing and Quotes
Custom glass plates have price ranges, and these are due to several factors.
Before ordering a custom glass plate, it's important to know these factors. So you can have a budget that covers them. Let's look at some factors that affect the prices.
Custom glass plate pricing includes;
- Base cost of the glass plate
Since the type of glass plate you use can affect the quality of your design, the cost of the plate will also affect the quote and pricing.
- Customization fees
Most designs have a price range which will affect your budget. For instance, engraving has a range of $25-35 per plate.
- Shipping and handling costs
Order Placement
Once design and pricing are concluded, place your order with:
- Complete specifications
- Approved design files
- Payment (typically requires 75% deposit to begin production).
Production Timeline
Most manufacturers complete custom orders within:
- 5-7 business days for standard custom cuts
- 1-2 days for simple custom glass projects
- Additional time may be needed for complex designs or special finishes
Bulk Orders and Wholesale
There are discounts and price cuts for bulk orders. It has its perks and slight challenges but it's a good choice to any wholesaler or retailer.
Minimum Order Requirements
Many manufacturers offer flexibility in order quantities but there are certain rules that are already in place. Some of them are:
- No minimum order requirements for individual custom pieces
- Bulk discounts are available for larger orders
- Some suppliers require 200+ pieces for new custom designs
Bulk Pricing Benefits
Ordering a custom glass plate may be costly but bulk ordering helps you beat the cost. It has several advantages which makes it the first choice for most people. Let's get into the advantages.
- Reduced price per-unit costs
Bulk ordering custom glass plates reduces the cost per unit. When you order large quantities, the manufacturer spreads their fixed costs over a greater number of units, resulting in a lower cost per plate. This reduction helps your budget and savings, making it an attractive option for businesses, events, or individuals with high demand.
- Lower packaging expenses
Packaging also affects your pricing. Bulk ordering leads to lower packaging expenses. Each plate requires individual packaging when you have a small order but bulk orders means multiple plates can be packaged together, reducing the overall packaging cost.
- Decreased shipping costs per item
Shipping costs can add up quickly, especially when ordering a small quantity of custom glass plates. Bulk orders help you reduce the cost by spreading the shipping cost across the large order. As a result, the shipping cost per item decreases, which reduces cost and increases your bank roll.
Wholesale Opportunities
Wholesale partnerships offer additional benefits:
- They prioritize your project and schedule it quickly.
- More customization options for branding.
Business Partnerships
Having a business partnership with a glass manufacturer has many perks. Some of them are:
- Support for ongoing orders
- Top-notch assistance during the design and production stages.
- Additional services can be done to improve your product's quality at no extra charge.
If you have any questions or need to custom dinnerware service, please contact our Email:info@gcporcelain.com for the most thoughtful support!
