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Custom plushies guide and best practices

What to expect from design to delivery for custom plushies

Custom plushies let you create fully personalized merch designed around your brand and vision. Because they're made from scratch, the process involves thoughtful planning and coordination with Fourthwall's production team. This guide walks you through each stage, from designing your plushie to getting it into your supporters' hands.

How it works​

Custom plushies require manual setup and coordination with our production team. Here's the process at a high level:

  1. Submit a request in the product catalog for a custom plushie or plushie keychain.
  2. Create and approve a physical sample to confirm design, materials, and quality.
  3. Receive a price quote based on your design's complexity.
  4. Production begins once payment and sample approval are confirmed.
  5. Shipping and fulfillment are arranged after production is complete.

Step 1: Design your plushie​

Submitting your design​

You have three options for getting your design ready:

  • Use your own artwork. Send a drawing that follows the design specifications below.
  • Hire the manufacturer's designers. Professional design services cost between $200 and $500 per project.
  • Work with the Fourthwall Design Community. Commission a community designer to create your artwork in the correct format.
note

For a more detailed breakdown of design requirements, refer to the Plushie Design Guide.

Design specifications​

Your design should include the following details so the manufacturer can accurately bring it to life:

  • Views. Include front, side, and back views at minimum. Top and bottom views are helpful for more complex designs.
  • Dimensions and size. Clearly specify the plushie's height and proportions. The most common range is 6 to 16 inches. Plushies larger than 16 inches will have higher transport and production costs.
  • Colors. Provide Pantone C color numbers for accurate color matching. Screen colors can look different across devices, so Pantone codes are the most reliable reference.
  • Materials and special features. List the materials for each part of the plushie (for example, super soft velboa or spandex) and note any special elements like embroidery, glow-in-the-dark fabric, or sewn-on accessories.

Resting position​

Plushies can be produced in standing, sitting, or lying positions. Depending on the design, the manufacturer may recommend specific stuffing options to achieve the desired posture while keeping the plushie structurally sound.

File format​

  • Preferred format. Submit your design as an AI (Adobe Illustrator) file with vector graphics for maximum clarity and precision. All notes and labels should be typed rather than handwritten.
  • Accepted formats. PNG, JPG, PSD, or AI.
  • Physical references. If you have a photo of a physical product that helps convey your vision, include it with your submission.

Step 2: Sample creation​

Before mass production, a physical sample is created so you can review the plushie in person and confirm that the design, colors, materials, and proportions are correct. Samples are strongly recommended and often required before you can sell.

  • Sample cost. $150+, which includes two rounds of revisions plus shipping. Additional revisions past the included rounds cost $50 each. Make sure to provide all feedback for a revision at once. If more than one sample of a plushie needs to be shipped, there is an additional $35 per unit shipped.
  • Timeline. Approximately 2 weeks plus shipping. Complex designs may take up to 3 weeks.
  • Revisions. Each round of revisions takes approximately 5 to 7 business days.

Once you approve the sample, production can begin.

Step 3: Price quotation​

After your sample is approved, you'll receive a final price quote for mass production. Pricing varies based on design complexity, size, and materials.

  • Payment terms. 100% of production costs is due before production can begin, unless you are running a pre-order campaign.

Step 4: Production​

  • Timeline. 60 to 65 days, depending on order size and complexity. This timeline covers production only and does not include delivery to a destination. The production timeline starts after payment is confirmed and the sample is approved.
  • Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). 300 units per design. Different designs cannot be combined to meet the minimum.
  • Handmade quality. Because plushies are handmade, slight variations in color and shape between units are normal and expected.
note

Production takes place in China. Production timelines may be affected by manufacturer holidays, such as Chinese New Year (typically late January through mid-February). Our team will communicate any expected delays in advance.

Step 5: Shipping and fulfillment​

Once production is complete, you have several options for getting your plushies to supporters:

  • Individual fulfillment from the manufacturer. Products ship directly to supporters from the manufacturer's warehouse.
  • Bulk shipment. Receive all units at a single location, for example for events or in-person sales.
  • Fourthwall Fulfillment. We can store and fulfill orders on your behalf for a storage fee.

Shipping details​

  • Standard shipping time. 5 to 15 business days.
  • Shipping cost. Varies by region and product weight. Detailed costs are provided once products are ready to ship.

Pre-orders vs. bulk ordering​

Depending on your goals, you can choose between two approaches to selling your plushie.

Pre-orders​

Pre-orders let you gauge demand before committing to a large production run. Supporters pay in full during the pre-order window, and production begins once the campaign closes.

  • Pre-order campaigns run for a maximum of 3 weeks.
  • This approach works well if you want to validate interest before investing in inventory.

Bulk ordering​

With bulk ordering, you pay for production upfront and hold inventory that's ready to ship immediately when supporters place orders.

  • Best for creators who want fast turnaround on supporter orders.
  • Requires more upfront investment, but supporters receive their plushies sooner.

Additional information​

  • Certifications. Fourthwall can assist with other certifications (at an additional cost) if needed for bulk imports.

References​