What Is the Minimum Order for Custom Playing Cards?
Our minimum order for custom playing cards is 15 decks. Why we set it there, what it costs, and when to scale up to bulk pricing.
The minimum order for custom playing cards at Mr. Playing Card is 15 decks. There is no maximum — we print runs of 15, 100, 1,000, and 100,000+ on the same equipment with the same quality.
Why 15 decks
Every custom print job carries fixed setup costs — color profiling, press calibration, plate or file prep, and trim/punch setup. Those costs are the same whether the press makes one deck or two hundred. Fifteen decks is the smallest quantity where the per-deck cost stays in a reasonable range while still earning back setup.
What 15 decks is good for
- Prototypes and concept tests before a larger run
- Executive gifts or small client appreciation
- Wedding-party decks or family gifts
- Limited artist editions
- Sales-rep demo kits
When to scale up
Per-deck cost drops fast between 15 and 500 decks. If you're already ordering 50 decks, adding 50 more often costs only marginally more in total — but cuts your unit price meaningfully.
| Quantity | Typical per-deck (paper) |
|---|---|
| 15 | $18.99 |
| 50 | $8.99–$10.49 |
| 250 | $5.19–$6.19 |
| 1,000 | $2.95–$3.34 |
| 5,000+ | $1.75–$2.09 |
Note: per-deck pricing is for cards only on black-core paper, shrink-wrapped. Custom tuck boxes, foil, embossing, and metallic ink are priced separately as add-ons.
Want to test before you order 15?
Order a press-printed proof — a single deck printed on your real stock with your real finish. It costs more per deck than a production run, but it's the only way to verify color, finish, and feel before committing to volume.
Ready to order?
Run a live quote at 15 decks and watch the price drop as you scale.
FAQs
Can I order just one custom deck?
Not as a production run. For a single deck, order a press-printed proof on your actual stock — same paper, same finish, made to verify the design before a real run.
Why is the MOQ 15 decks instead of 1?
Offset and digital presses are calibrated per job — color profile, plates, and registration setup are the same cost whether the press runs 1 deck or 100. Fifteen decks is the smallest run where the per-deck cost stays defensible.
Is there a maximum order quantity?
No. We routinely run jobs from 15 to 100,000+ decks. Larger runs unlock the lowest per-deck pricing.
When does it make sense to jump to 100+ decks?
When per-deck cost matters more than total cost. The price drops sharply between 50 and 250 decks — many customers add 50 more to lock in a better unit price.
Do you do mixed-quantity orders (multiple deck designs)?
Yes, with a 15-deck minimum per unique design. Common for clients running multiple branded variants for different teams or regions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order just one custom deck?
Not as a production run. For a single deck, order a press-printed proof on your actual stock — same paper, same finish, made to verify the design before a real run.
Why is the MOQ 15 decks instead of 1?
Offset and digital presses are calibrated per job — color profile, plates, and registration setup are the same cost whether the press runs 1 deck or 100. Fifteen decks is the smallest run where the per-deck cost stays defensible.
Is there a maximum order quantity?
No. We routinely run jobs from 15 to 100,000+ decks. Larger runs unlock the lowest per-deck pricing.
When does it make sense to jump to 100+ decks?
When per-deck cost matters more than total cost. The price drops sharply between 50 and 250 decks — many customers add 50 more to lock in a better unit price.
Do you do mixed-quantity orders (multiple deck designs)?
Yes, with a 15-deck minimum per unique design. Common for clients running multiple branded variants for different teams or regions.
