How Much Does Engraving Cost in Canada

Old School Hand Engraving

Laser Engraving

Engraving costs in Canada vary by item, material, complexity, and service provider. Typical price ranges and factors to expect:

Typical price ranges

• Small text-only engraving (name/date on metal plates or small trophies): CAD 8–25 per line.

• Standard plaque or award engraving (several lines, title, name, date): CAD 30–100.

• Glass or crystal engraving (etching or sandblasting, one- to three-line): CAD 35–150.

• Deep metal engraving (heavy-duty trophies, rings, specialised metals): CAD 40–200+.

• Custom or detailed artwork engraving (logos, signatures, intricate designs): CAD 75–400+, depending on prep work and setup.

• Bulk orders (medals, ribbons, multiple trophies): per-piece cost often drops substantially — commonly CAD 3–20 each depending on quantity and complexity.

Common pricing structures

• Per line: Charged by the number of text lines; common for nameplates and small awards.

• Per character: Used for very short engravings (e.g., initials).

• Flat fee per item: Often applied to items with set engraving areas (medals, cups).

• Hourly or setup + run time: Applied for custom logos or large pieces requiring artwork prep and machine setup.

• Minimum charge: Many shops have a minimum (CAD 10–30) for small jobs.

Factors that affect cost

• Material: Glass, crystal, brass, stainless steel, wood and leather all machine differently; some are costlier to engrave.

• Method: Laser engraving is common and relatively economical; sandblasting and hand engraving are usually more expensive.

• Artwork complexity: Vector logos, detailed crests or signatures add setup time and may require engraving fees for artwork conversion.

• Quantity: Larger runs reduce per-piece cost due to fixed setup time being spread over more items.

• Turnaround: Rush orders or expedited shipping increase price.

• Location and vendor: Prices vary across provinces and between independent shops and national suppliers.

Examples for common items (approximate)

• Hockey medal with name: CAD 3–12 per medal (bulk pricing lowers cost).

• Small trophy cup engraving (one line): CAD 10–25.

• Crystal award with 3–4 lines + logo: CAD 75–225.

• Wooden plaque with multiple plates (5–10 names): CAD 35–120 depending on line count and plate size.

• Championship belt plate engraving (custom artwork): CAD 150–500+ depending on design and finishing.

Tips to save money

• Consolidate text into fewer lines or use initials.

• Order plates in bulk for recurring events.

• Provide final artwork in vector format to avoid setup fees.

• Choose laser engraving for metal or acrylic when appropriate—usually faster and less expensive.

• Ask about bundled pricing for trophy + engraving from the same supplier.

Want an exact quote? Provide the item type (medal, plaque, crystal award, trophy cup, belt plate), material, intended text or artwork (attach logo if any), quantity, and desired turnaround. We can then give a firm price and shipping estimate across Canada.