If you're looking for a custom corporate gift, you've probably noticed that prices vary enormously. Some suppliers advertise products from just a few pence, while others charge considerably more for bespoke gifts.
The reason is simple: not all corporate gifts are created in the same way.
A promotional pen with a printed logo serves a different purpose than a personalised gift designed specifically for your company, event or client relationship. Understanding what you're paying for makes it much easier to compare suppliers fairly.
For custom Delft Blue tiles at The Dutch Tile Project, projects start from just 10 pieces. As a guideline, a fully custom 15 × 15 cm tile starts at EUR 19.95 per piece for orders of 10–39 tiles, decreasing to EUR 16.95 per piece for larger quantities. Orders of 300 pieces or more are quoted individually.
Why custom corporate gift prices vary so much
When searching online, you'll often come across promotional products such as pens, mugs or tote bags that can be printed with a company logo.
These products are designed for large-scale marketing campaigns where quantity is more important than individuality.
A bespoke corporate gift is different. Instead of adding a logo to an existing product, the gift itself is designed around your company, your story or the occasion you're celebrating.
As a result, the cost reflects much more than the physical product.
What determines the cost of a bespoke corporate gift?
Several factors influence the final price.
1. Quantity
The number of items ordered has the biggest impact on the price per piece.
Many suppliers only offer custom work from several hundred units onwards. At The Dutch Tile Project, fully custom projects start from just 10 pieces, making bespoke gifts accessible for smaller teams, anniversaries and client events as well as large organisations.
2. The design process
A genuine custom gift includes more than production.
The design process often involves translating your brand, building, milestone or story into a unique piece of artwork. Depending on the supplier, this may be included in the price or charged separately.
For example, we've created Delft Blue tiles featuring company headquarters, anniversary illustrations and historical milestones, including a commemorative design for Cathay Pacific celebrating 40 years of flights between Amsterdam and Hong Kong.
3. Packaging
Presentation is often overlooked when comparing prices.
Premium gift packaging can significantly improve the recipient's experience and is worth checking when comparing quotations.
Always verify whether packaging is included or offered as an optional extra.
4. Shipping and fulfilment
Shipping costs depend on how your gifts will be distributed.
Sending one bulk delivery to an office is very different from individually shipping hundreds of gifts to clients or employees across multiple countries.
Some suppliers only offer bulk delivery, while others also provide worldwide fulfilment services.
How to compare corporate gift suppliers
Rather than focusing solely on the price per item, consider what's included in the quotation.
Ask questions such as:
- What is the minimum order quantity?
- Is the design process included?
- Can I approve a physical sample before production?
- What packaging is included?
- Are shipping and fulfilment included?
- What production method is used?
If you're ordering ceramic tiles, it's also worth asking about the printing technique. Lower-cost UV printing applies the design to the surface, where it can wear over time. Sublimation printing embeds the design into the ceramic itself, creating a much more durable finish.
Is a custom corporate gift worth the investment?
The cheapest corporate gift isn't always the most cost-effective.
Many promotional products are used briefly before being discarded or forgotten. A personalised gift that reflects a meaningful relationship is more likely to be displayed, kept and remembered for years.
For many businesses, that lasting visibility creates far more value than the lowest possible purchase price.
Custom Delft Blue corporate gifts
At The Dutch Tile Project, we create bespoke Delft Blue tiles for organisations of all sizes, from small businesses and local restaurants to international brands including KLM, Netflix, NVIDIA, Schiphol, ING and TU Delft.
Every project starts with your story, and our team guides you through the design process from the initial concept to the finished gift.
If you're exploring ideas for a bespoke corporate gift, we're always happy to discuss what's possible and provide an indication based on your budget and quantity.
Want an indication for your situation?
Caroline and Milou from our B2B team think along from first idea to delivery. Tell us what you'd like to make and you'll quickly hear what's possible within your budget.
