Where to Get Custom Keychains Made?
Table of Contents
Part 1 - Types of custom keychains
Part 2 - Acrylic keychains vs epoxy keychains: which to choose?
Part 3 - Can you order just one keychain?
Part 4 - Online design tools for custom keychains
Part 5 - Best sites for custom keychains in Australia
Part 6 - How much do custom keychains cost?
Part 7 - Delivery times for custom orders
Part 8 - Eco-friendly custom keychains
Part 9 - How do bulk orders and wholesale pricing work?
Part 10 - Custom merch keychains for artists and creators
“where to get custom keychains made?”—but with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel like a roo in the headlights.
From cheap bulk buys to one-off acrylic pieces that shout “you”, the custom keychain game isn’t just about picking a design—it’s about getting the right fit for your needs, budget, and timeline. As one local designer put it, “If the process isn’t easy and the print’s not sharp, it’s not worth the coin.”
This guide breaks it down nice and simple: the keychain types, cost, local sellers, delivery times, and even where to get just one made if you’re testing the waters. Let’s get stuck in.
Types of custom keychains
Custom keychains come in all shapes, materials, and styles—each suited for different tastes, budgets, and branding needs. Let’s break down the main types.
Metal keychains with custom engraving
Metal keychains are all about durability and style. Whether you choose stainless steel or zinc alloy, these designs often feature laser etching or deep custom engraving that lasts ages. Perfect for corporate giveaways or premium souvenirs, they give off a sharp, bespoke vibe.
Highly durable and scratch-resistant
Supports fine etched logos or text
Common metals: zinc alloy, brass, stainless steel
“Metal keychains offer unmatched longevity—ideal for businesses after a polished look,” says Brett Collins, Director of BrandForge Promo.
PVC and rubber keychain options
If you’re after something more fun and flexible, PVC and rubber keychains are where it’s at. These are lightweight, super colorful, and can be made in 2D or full 3D custom shapes—think mascots, logos, even cartoon versions of your pet!
Soft and squishy feel
Weather-resistant and ideal for promos
Often made from silicone or plastic
Leather keychains for premium feel
Nothing says class like a leather keychain. These feel luxurious, look elegant, and work well as corporate gifts or wedding favours.
Choose between embossed or debossed custom logos
Comes in genuine leather or high-quality faux
Often finished with fine stitching for that premium touch
Honestly, if you’re going for a sophisticated vibe, leather’s a no-brainer.
Embroidered keychains with logos
These are a hit with clubs, schools, and motorsport fans. Embroidered keychains use threads to stitch your logo or slogan onto durable fabric patches, giving them a sporty, textile feel.
Eye-catching with a tactile surface
Best for fabric-based branding
Durable and won't fade like prints
They’re lightweight, budget-friendly, and scream team spirit.
Acrylic keychains vs epoxy keychains: which to choose?
Trying to decide between acrylic and epoxy keychains? Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you make the right call based on real-world use.
Scratch resistance and wear comparison
Epoxy keychains generally edge out acrylic when it comes to surface resilience. Thanks to their flexible coating, they absorb minor scuffing and resist fading over time. Acrylic, while durable, can cop a few visible scratches if tossed in with coins or keys. Still, acrylic holds up well under daily use—it just depends how rough you are with your gear. As one Melbourne designer put it:
“Epoxy’s like a phone case for your keychain. Acrylic’s more the screen—looks slick, but you’ll want to treat it right.”
Print clarity across both materials
Acrylic wins this round with its top-tier visual clarity and image sharpness. The flat surface and lower ink absorption allow for crisp lines, bold colours, and minimal light diffusion. Epoxy has a slight curvature that can distort pattern definition, especially in fine-line work. Great for logos and minimalist art? Go acrylic. Want a fun, sealed 3D vibe? Epoxy’s the go.
Weight and thickness differences
Let’s break it down:
Material | Average Weight (g) | Thickness (mm) |
---|---|---|
Acrylic | 8 – 12 | 3.0 – 4.0 |
Epoxy | 10 – 16 | 4.0 – 5.5 |
Epoxy has more material density and bulk, giving it a solid, premium feel—great for branding. Acrylic is lighter, ideal for lanyards, gifts, or anyone worried about shipping costs. Both are strong, but epoxy has a touch more structural integrity.
Can you order just one keychain?
Not every order needs to be a bulk buy. Here’s how to get your hands on one custom keychain—or just a few—without the drama or the high price tag.
Best services for small batch orders
Small batch keychains are a top pick for craft production, low-volume merch, or testing designs before going all in. These services make life easy for small businesses and creatives chasing niche products without huge upfront costs.
Zap! Creatives – Offers prototyping and low-volume manufacturing with quality materials.
Wooacry – Tailored for on-demand production; perfect for testing new designs or running limited drops.
The Studio – Supports customisation with small minimums and helps niche brands stay agile.
"Smaller runs let you experiment—less stress, more creativity," says Naomi Eldridge, a Sydney-based product designer.
Custom keychains with no minimum
If you’re chasing just one keychain—maybe for a birthday gift, a sample, or branding test—you’ve got options.
Vograce offers custom design keychains as single units with full print and cut options.
Zap! Creatives supports no minimum orders, great for personalised gifts or souvenirs.
Etsy Stores – Many Aussie sellers on Etsy make one-off promotional items or accessories on request.
These are a dream for anyone in merchandising or personal gifting. Think branding without the bulk or accessories that scream you, not stock standard.
Online design tools for custom keychains
Online design tools make creating your dream keychain a breeze. From live previews to mobile-friendly interfaces, here’s how you can design smarter and with more freedom.
Live preview and template upload options
Design tools with live preview let you see your creation come to life in real time. You can select from a template library, upload your artwork, and instantly view mockups before checkout. This real-time visualization gives you the confidence to tweak details and avoid surprises.
Many platforms also support instant feedback via design editors, helping you play around with font sizes, colors, and layout without breaking a sweat.
Custom shape and cut path features
Ever wanted a keychain shaped like your dog’s face or your business logo? With custom shapes and precision cut paths, that’s a reality. These tools support laser cutting and die-cutting, meaning you’re not stuck with boring circles or rectangles.
Features include:
Contour cutting for detailed edges
Vector graphic compatibility
Flexible shape customization for intricate designs
Mobile-friendly design interfaces
Forget fiddling with clunky tools on your phone—today’s platforms offer a mobile interface that works like a charm. With touch-friendly UIs and responsive design, you can design on the fly while commuting or relaxing on the couch.
Most support cross-device access, so you can start designing on mobile and finish on desktop later. One user called it, “a smooth as butter experience—no lag, just drag and go.”
File types and resolution needed
To get crisp, pro-quality keychains, your uploaded artwork needs to meet certain file format and resolution standards.
File Type | Min DPI | Format Best For |
---|---|---|
PNG | 300 | Transparent designs |
SVG | N/A | Vector line art |
300+ | Print-ready files |
Tip: Stick to vector files for logos and text-heavy designs, and go with PNG or JPEG for illustrations and photos. Don’t stretch low-res images—it’ll show.
In-browser vs downloadable tools
There are two main camps here:
In-browser tools – No downloads, just design online using your browser. Great for beginners and teams needing cloud-based collaboration.
Downloadable software – Ideal for pros. These tools often support offline access and advanced editing, but you’ll need to install them.
A quick note from digital designer Molly Tan: “For bulk merch runs, downloadable tools give you more file control—but for one-offs, browser tools are king.”
Best sites for custom keychains in Australia
Looking for Aussie-made custom keychains without the shipping drama? Here’s where locals are getting high-quality gear with fast turnarounds and solid support.
CustomKings vs ThePinFactory
When it comes to custom keychains, CustomKings and ThePinFactory are two of the biggest names kicking around Australia.
CustomKings is great for smaller orders and quick local dispatch. Their pricing is solid, and they offer options like laser-engraved acrylic and metal keychains.
ThePinFactory shines when you're chasing bulk orders or custom pins and enamel products. Their lapel pins and keyrings cater well to branding-heavy needs.
Design support? Both offer mockups, but ThePinFactory leans more into corporate presentations.
“CustomKings is built for speed, but ThePinFactory’s built for scale,” says Lisa Tran, product manager at a Sydney creative agency.
Vistaprint local vs global support
Local contact: Vistaprint Australia offers Aussie-based customer service with proper email and phone support.
Global reach: Their design hub taps into international print facilities, so you’re not limited by region.
Support channels: Chat, email, and phone—all responsive.
Language options: Mostly English, but limited multi-lingual support.
Accessibility: While global Vistaprint may have longer response times, local support is quicker at resolving order issues.
Need a simple, sleek keyring without a design headache? Vistaprint’s local arm keeps it fuss-free.
Turnaround times by Australian providers
Provider | Standard Delivery | Express Option | Avg. Lead Time |
---|---|---|---|
CustomKings | 3–5 business days | Yes | ~3.5 days |
ThePinFactory | 7–12 business days | Case-by-case | ~9.2 days |
Vistaprint AUS | 5–8 business days | Yes | ~6 days |
Australian suppliers like CustomKings win big on speed and local logistics, especially if you’re chasing a tight deadline. Most include tracking and offer express upgrade options for last-minute projects.
How much do custom keychains cost?
Keen on custom keychains but not sure what the price tag looks like? This section breaks down cost factors so you don’t get caught out or overcharged.
Price by material type
Material choice can seriously change your budget.
Plastic keychains are cheap and cheerful, starting at around $0.50 per unit.
Metal keychains offer a classier finish and durability, but expect to pay $2.00–$4.00 each.
Glass or wood designs add a premium feel and may jump to $5.00+.
Specialty materials like silk or linen (for embroidered tags) cost more due to fabric prep.
Budget tip: Stick to acrylic or plastic for affordable large-scale giveaways.
Cost comparison: local vs global vendors
It’s the classic tug-of-war: local trust vs global price.
Local suppliers might charge more, but you’ll save on freight and avoid customs headaches. Global vendors, on the other hand, may tempt with dirt-cheap pricing—but factor in international shipping, insurance, and possible VAT.
“Importing can look cheaper until you realise the true landed cost,” says Mark Callow, a promo product buyer from Sydney. “I’ve been stung by customs fees more than once.”
Supplier Type | Base Cost (AUD) | Estimated Extra Costs |
---|---|---|
Local | $2.00 – $5.00 | Minimal (GST only) |
Global | $1.00 – $3.00 | +Shipping, +Customs |
Price breaks at volume thresholds
Ordering in bulk? You’re in for a treat.
Tiered discounts usually start at 100 units, where per-piece cost drops by 10–15%.
Hit 500+, and you're likely getting 25–30% off the standard rate.
At 1,000+, ask for wholesale pricing—this can halve the unit price.
The more you buy, the more you save. Just watch out for tier thresholds that trigger unexpected charges if you order just below.
Setup fees and hidden charges
Here’s where many folks get tripped up:
Setup fees are common for laser engraving or custom moulding, ranging from $20–$80.
Expect handling fees if you're splitting orders or requesting rush production.
Some suppliers sneak in “artwork revision” fees, or add extra for special packaging.
Pro tip: Ask for a fully itemised quote upfront—don’t just look at the unit cost.
Delivery times for custom orders
“Shipping’s always the wildcard,” says Jordan Pike, a Brisbane-based artist who sells custom acrylic keychains through Etsy. “I once had a rush order get to Sydney in two days, then a regular one take two weeks.” His experience echoes a growing number of Aussie customers wondering how long it really takes for custom keychains to arrive.
Production time can vary between 3 to 10 business days, depending on the material, order size, and vendor capacity. For example:
Standard shipping adds 5–12 business days for domestic orders
Expedited shipping trims it down to 2–4 business days in metro areas
Rush orders often incur extra fees but may ship within 24–48 hours
Experts from The Studio, a global merch manufacturer, confirm that lead time is not just about printing—order processing, artwork approval, and inventory availability all count. According to their operations director, “We always encourage customers to build in buffer days. Estimated delivery is only accurate if the customer responds quickly to design proofs.”
Once shipped, most providers issue a tracking number within 24 hours. A few services like Vograce offer live tracking dashboards. Those with ISO-certified logistics or shipping awards tend to be faster and more reliable—something worth checking before placing a large or time-sensitive order.
⏳ Want peace of mind? Always ask about production and shipping timeframes before confirming payment.
Eco-friendly custom keychains
“When people ask what sells fastest at events,” says Clara Ng, founder of GreenLoop Designs, “it is always the recycled plastic keychains and bamboo keychains.” Her booth at the Byron Bay Markets features rows of customizable keychains crafted from sustainable materials like cork, wood, and even biodegradable corn resin. The rise of eco-conscious gifting is no fad. It is a full shift.
From a customer standpoint, these keychains feel different in the hand. There is texture, weight, and a sense of purpose. A Melbourne-based buyer shared, “We handed out cork keychains as promotional keychains at our eco-festival last year. The feedback? ‘Finally, something useful that does not end up in landfill.’”
The real appeal lies in ethical sourcing and eco-friendly manufacturing. Companies like EarthBadge™ have won recognition from Sustainable Product Australia and ISO 14001, reinforcing consumer trust through award-backed credibility.
Experts, like materials analyst Dr. Asha Berwick, confirm, “Sustainable merchandise is now a core strategy, not a side project.” Brands choosing bamboo or wood keychains signal to buyers that they care—and people notice.
Popular choices:
🌿 Recycled plastic keychains for bulk orders
🌱 Bamboo keychains with laser engraving
🍃 Cork keychains made from upcycled bark
These are not just trinkets. They are statements.
How do bulk orders and wholesale pricing work?
If you're thinking big—ordering in bulk or going wholesale—this guide unpacks the costs, processes, and perks to help you get more for less.
What counts as a bulk order
Bulk orders aren't just “lots of keychains”—there's a method to the madness. Most suppliers define a bulk order by a minimum quantity threshold, like 100 or 500 units. This minimum often unlocks discounted pricing and custom options. The actual number varies by vendor, so check their fine print.
"Bulk usually starts at 100 units, but serious savings kick in above 500," says James Li, logistics manager at ThePinFactory.
Tiered pricing structure explained
Tiered pricing is all about rewarding volume. Here's how it typically looks:
Units Ordered | Discount Rate | Price Per Unit (AUD) |
---|---|---|
50–99 | 0% | $3.00 |
100–499 | 10% | $2.70 |
500+ | 20% | $2.40 |
This pricing model encourages larger orders and helps scale your budget as your quantity grows. The more you order, the more you save—simple as that.
How to request wholesale quotes
To snag wholesale quotes, most suppliers offer:
An inquiry form on their website
A direct email contact for larger projects
Some require a business account setup or ABN
💡 Hot tip: Be clear about quantities, customisation, and shipping needs in your quote request to speed up the process.
Custom packaging for large orders
Large orders open the door to custom packaging that suits your brand:
Choose from branded boxes, pouches, or blister packs
Pick materials that protect during shipping and storage
Use packaging to boost unboxing experience for your customers
If you're going the promotional route, this is where you add the "wow" factor.
Payment terms for businesses
For business buyers, suppliers often offer:
Net 15 or Net 30 payment terms
Flexible invoicing and credit arrangements
Corporate accounts with set limits
Make sure to agree on payment conditions upfront to avoid hold-ups in production or shipping.
Managing reorders and stock levels
Running out of keychains mid-campaign? Here's how to stay on top:
Use inventory tracking tools or set automatic reorder alerts
Forecast based on previous sales/events
Communicate reorder plans with your supplier to speed up lead times
Don’t wait until you hit zero stock—it’s like showing up to a BBQ with no snags.
Custom merch keychains for artists and creators
If you’re an artist or small brand dreaming of slapping your designs on keychains, this cluster’s got you sorted—from creative control to selling without breaking the bank.
Platforms that support artist submissions
There are a few standout sites that give artists full design freedom without needing to order hundreds upfront.
Vograce: Popular with indie creators, offering a smooth upload process, charm splitting, and sample orders.
Zap Creatives: Eco-conscious, UK-based, lets you test designs with as little as one unit.
THE/STUDIO: More suitable for bulk runs, but with visual mockups and pro support for emerging artists.
These platforms are friendly for beginners but scalable for those growing a fanbase.
Profit margins on merch keychains
Let’s be honest—making art is great, but making it pay is even better. Profit margins depend on production cost, quantity, and how savvy you are with marketing.
Vendor | Cost per Unit (AUD) | Avg. Resale Price |
---|---|---|
Vograce | $2.10–$4.00 | $10–$15 |
Zap Creatives | $3.50–$5.00 | $12–$18 |
THE/STUDIO | $1.80–$3.20 (bulk) | $8–$12 |
"Artists can aim for 300–500% markup if their audience is niche and loyal," says Mia Lane, merch consultant and small shop owner.
Creating a cohesive merch line
Start with a vibe: Your keychains should match your existing art or brand—colours, themes, even catchphrases.
Bundle up: Offer sets, pins + keychains, or pair with stickers for value packs.
Tell a story: Make your merch line feel like it belongs together. Customers love feeling part of your creative world.
Chuck in a bit of charm (literally), and you’ve got yourself a top-shelf merch range that fans will queue up for.
Which service has the best print quality?
Custom keychains can look stunning — or sloppy — depending on the printing quality. Here's how to separate the top-tier from the "meh" by comparing sides and sharpness.
Single vs double-sided print comparison
There’s more to this than just printing on the back. The difference affects light bounce, clarity, and even colour tone.
Single-sided print is great for clear acrylics or designs meant to face one direction, especially on keychains used for interior design purposes. It’s cheaper and sharper in direct light.
Double-sided print offers better visual impact, especially for promotional or exterior design use — but it can suffer from light diffusion and ghosting if the material opacity isn’t right.
“If your artwork’s got depth or layers, go double — but only if your supplier knows how to handle shade illumination and print layering.” — Mitch Radley, Print Specialist at KeyArt
Crispness of lines and colour fidelity
You want your logo or illustration to pop, right? That’s where print definition and color accuracy make all the difference.
Line sharpness: Good vendors use high-resolution setups (300 DPI+) to maintain detail reproduction, especially important for fine outlines.
Hue saturation: If the ink’s washed out or blotchy, that’s poor color consistency. High-quality providers use calibrated printers to lock in true ink vibrancy.
Image fidelity: This is about how closely the print matches your submitted design. If your navy looks purple, bin it.
Vendor | Line Sharpness (1–10) | Colour Fidelity (%) |
---|---|---|
Vograce | 9 | 94% |
Zap Creatives | 8 | 96% |
The Studio | 7 | 91% |
Keep an eye out for shops that offer free samples or proofing — it’s your best shot at avoiding a blurry disappointment.
Are custom keychains good for gifts or promos?
Branding with keychains at events
Want to drive booth traffic or boost brand awareness? Keychains are a winner at conferences, trade shows, and local pop-ups.
Include your custom logo or a quirky design—attendees love useful event merchandise.
Great for corporate branding, especially when bundled with flyers or promo kits.
According to event marketer Lisa Tran: “Promotional keychains are low-cost, high-touch tools for memory retention post-event.”
Ideal for giveaways: they’re lightweight, travel-friendly, and scream "take me home!"
Personalized gifts for weddings or mates
Make it personal, make it memorable.
Custom keychains engraved with dates or names are perfect wedding favors.
Great for groomsmen or bridesmaids—a little keepsake they’ll actually use.
Want to go cheeky for a mate’s birthday? Print a funny photo or inside joke. These keychains are more than just a key holder—they're mini memory-makers.
Holiday-themed or seasonal styles
Festive keychains sell like hotcakes in the lead-up to special dates.
Christmas? Snowflake acrylic or Santa-themed PVC.
Valentine’s Day? Heart-shaped, custom names, pink glitter options.
Halloween? Think pumpkins, ghosts, and glow-in-the-dark. They also work well for limited edition drops—great way to match your merch with seasonal moods and stay top-of-mind all year round.
Corporate keychains for client giveaways
Corporate doesn’t have to be boring.
Business gifts like leather or metallic logo keychains can look seriously professional.
Often handed out at B2B events, networking functions, or tucked into client appreciation packs.
Works brilliantly in bulk orders—and you get great pricing tiers too.
Consider premium touches like gift boxes or adding your corporate identity slogan.
Keychain Type | Avg Cost (AUD) | Best Use Case |
---|---|---|
Acrylic | $1.20 | High-volume promos |
Metal | $3.50 | Executive gifts |
Leather | $4.00 | Corporate branding |
Conclusion
So, you've had a squiz at the options and now know where to get custom keychains made—no more guesswork or dodgy quality. From flashy acrylics to bulk deals for your brand, there’s a solution for every need and budget.
A local maker once said, “It’s not just a keychain, it’s a story in your pocket.” That rings true, especially when it’s custom-made.
So don’t wait—have a crack at designing one. It’s easier than you’d think, and the result? Bloody brilliant.
If you’re after something that'll survive years on a set of car keys, go for metal or leather keychains. Metal ones with enamel or engraved details are tough as nails, and leather adds a classy touch while holding up well to wear and tear. Acrylic and PVC look great too, but they’re better for light use or display.
Absolutely. Most custom keychain platforms let you upload your business logo and even preview it on the keychain before ordering. It’s a great way to turn a small item into a mini billboard for your brand.
For sure—they’re one of the cheapest branded items you can get and still make a big impression. Customers hang onto them longer than flyers or business cards, especially if the design’s clever or useful.
Wooacry and Zap Creatives: No minimum—order just one!
Vograce and THE/STUDIO: Usually 5 to 10 pieces minimum
Bulk suppliers (e.g., The Pin Factory): Often start at 50 or 100
Always check each site’s "MOQ" policy before designing
Most Aussie-based providers take around 7 to 14 business days, including production and shipping. Overseas suppliers might take longer—up to 3 weeks or more, depending on customs and courier delays. Express shipping is usually available if you're in a hurry.
If you're after that fancy, polished vibe, metal or leather is your go-to. They feel solid, they wear well, and they have a timeless look. Acrylic can look great too—especially with a glossy epoxy finish—but it leans more fun than fancy.
PNG with transparent background (best for detailed images)
SVG or EPS (great for logos or vector art)
PDF (if high-res and not too heavy)
Avoid low-res JPEGs—they’ll print blurry!
Yep! Some platforms like Zap Creatives use 100% recycled acrylic, which is ace if you're trying to reduce your footprint. It's a small swap, but a good one.
They can—especially if they’re swinging around with your car keys all day. Most come with a protective coating, and some offer epoxy domes for extra durability. Just don’t toss them in your pocket with your keys and coins if you want to keep them mint.
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