- Stationery & Print
How to choose custom magnets that keep your message visible
A fridge magnet handed out once can become a household’s repeated billboard. That quiet longevity is why marketers keep personalized magnets in the toolkit: they’re cheap to produce, easy to distribute, and keep logos in sight every time a door opens.
Why they work — who orders them
Promotional magnets are popular with service businesses, real-estate agents, nonprofits and anyone who wants steady, long-term visibility. For vehicle campaigns or mobile teams, consider custom car magnets that attach to metal panels for short-term outreach. Magnets pair naturally with other handouts such as custom stickers and with event signage or flags—see our note on promotional flags for multi-piece campaigns.
What to look for
Decide the intended surface and lifespan first. Then evaluate these trade-offs:
- Material & flexibility: thin magnetic sheeting bends around curved refrigerators; thicker rigid stock resists warping. For vehicle use choose stronger magnetic grades.
- Adhesion strength: stronger magnets stick better but can trap grit on paint—inspect supplier specs for pull strength if you plan vehicle use.
- Thickness and durability: thicker stock and lamination resist creasing and moisture.
- Cut and shape: die-cut shapes improve presence but add cost and often a die fee.
- Print resolution and color: photographic images need higher-resolution files; spot-color printing helps match brand colors for magnets with logo.
- Packaging & handling: bulk magnets packed in boxes or polybags behave very differently in shipping; confirm packaging for bulk magnets.
If you’re buying wholesale magnets or planning custom magnets in bulk, request a sample to check print, cut, magnet strength and packaging.
Decoration options
- Full-color digital print: best for photographs, complex gradients and small type.
- Spot-color or screen print: economical for logos and one- or two-color designs where color matching matters.
- Domed (epoxy) finish: adds a glossy, durable layer and a slight 3-D look.
- UV coating or lamination: improves scuff and moisture resistance for long-lived fridge pieces.
- Variable-data printing: useful when you want individualized magnets (names, codes, or appointment dates) rather than identical copies.
Match your art to the method: photos -> digital; solid-logo prints -> spot or screen; raised look -> doming.
Where to get custom magnets
Quality and service matter more than brand names. When evaluating suppliers for bulk magnets or wholesale magnets, check these practical criteria:
- Minimum order quantity (MOQ) and price breaks for custom magnets in bulk.
- Proof policy: whether the supplier provides digital proofs, physical samples, or pre-production pieces and who pays for them.
- Turnaround and rush options, plus typical shipping methods for heavy, flat orders.
- File requirements: acceptable formats, bleed, safe zones and color-mode instructions.
- Die or setup fees for unusual shapes and whether the die is reusable for reorders.
- Packaging and palletizing options to avoid damage in transit.
For a curated starting point, compare offerings on the best custom magnets list and consult cost factors in the glossary entry how much do custom magnets cost. Ask suppliers for sample runs if you plan a large mail drop or ongoing giveaway program.
$0.35–$1.50 per piece · MOQ 100
Typical bulk customer pricing incl. basic decoration; varies by product, decoration, and quantity. Request a live quote.
Frequently asked
How much do custom magnets cost?
Custom magnet cost depends on size, thickness, quantity and decoration. Full-color fridge magnets are cheaper at higher quantities; die-cut shapes, domed finishes and lamination raise price. Request tiered pricing and sample proofs to understand per-unit cost and any setup or die fees before ordering.
Where can I order custom magnets with low minimums?
Many small printers accept low-quantity runs at a higher per-unit price, while wholesale magnets suppliers publish lower unit costs but higher minimums. Look for vendors advertising low MOQs or sample runs, and always ask for a proof to check print and cut quality before a larger order.
What file format should I send for the best print results?
Supply vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) for logos and sharp artwork, and high-resolution CMYK images for photos. Include bleed, safe zones and font outlines. Confirm supplier DPI and color-mode requirements, and provide a flattened PDF if requested to avoid unexpected output issues.
Are car magnets safe to use on painted vehicles long-term?
Car magnets are suitable for short-term use when surfaces are clean and dry, but prolonged contact can trap dirt and moisture that may affect paint. For longer campaigns, rotate placement, remove regularly, and follow the supplier’s care instructions to reduce risks.