--- title: Custom plushies guide and best practices shortDescription: Design, sample, and launch custom plushies with minimum order requirements and production timelines. articleType: Reference primaryTopic: custom-plushies-guide-and-best-practices categories: - Products tags: - custom-plushies - minimum-order-quantity - plushie-design - sample-creation - preorder-campaign - bulk-ordering - product-sampling - bespoke-products - plushie-keychain tasks: - Submit a custom plushie request - Prepare design files for production - Review and approve a plushie sample - Launch a preorder campaign for plushies - Set delivery expectations for supporters - Choose a fulfillment method for plushies terms: - custom plushie - plush toy merch - minimum order quantity plushie - plushie sample cost - preorder plushie - bulk plushie order - plushie design guide - custom stuffed animal - plushie keychain - plushie shipping time - plushie fulfillment - plushie production timeline labels: - best-practices - custom-product - moq - fulfillment contextString: Requires a minimum of 300 units per design. Sample cost starts at $150. Production is based in China with 60-65 day timelines. breadcrumbPath: "Create and sell products > How to Guides > Custom Plushies Guide and Best Practices" path: create-and-sell-products/how-to-guides/custom-plushies-guide relatedModules: - name: samples-order route: /admin/dashboard/contributions/orders/samples/order - name: settings-custom-inserts route: /admin/dashboard/settings/custom-inserts/ - name: products-list route: /admin/dashboard/products/all/ - name: catalog-product-all route: /admin/products/all - name: apps-youtube-shelf route: /admin/dashboard/apps/youtube-product-shelf last_updated: '2026-04-07' --- # Custom Plushies Guide and Best Practices Custom plushies are fully personalized products made from scratch, requiring a minimum of 300 units per design and a 60 to 65 day production timeline. The process involves submitting a design, approving a physical sample, paying for production, and choosing a fulfillment method. Fourthwall's production team coordinates every stage. ## How custom plushies work Custom plushies require manual setup and coordination with Fourthwall's production team. The process runs in five stages: 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. Each stage depends on the previous one. Production cannot start until the sample is approved and payment is received. ## Step 1: Design your plushie You have three options for preparing your design: - **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](https://fourthwall.com/design-community/all-designers).** Commission a community designer to create your artwork in the correct format. For a detailed breakdown of design requirements, refer to the [Plushie Design Guide](https://storage.googleapis.com/cdn.help.fourthwall.com/Fourthwall%20FAQ%20-%20How%20to%20Design%20Your%20Custom%20Plushie.pdf). ### Design specifications Your design should include all of the following so the manufacturer can accurately bring it to life: - **Views.** Include front, side, and back views at minimum. Top and bottom views help for more complex designs. - **Dimensions and size.** Specify the plushie's height and proportions. The most common range is 6 to 16 inches. Plushies larger than 16 inches have higher transport and production costs. - **Colors.** Provide Pantone C color numbers for accurate color matching. Screen colors vary 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. Provide all feedback for a revision at once. If more than one sample 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 begins, unless you are running a pre-order campaign. ## Step 4: Production Production takes 60 to 65 days depending on order size and complexity. This timeline covers production only and does not include delivery to a destination. The 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. Production takes place in China. Production timelines may be affected by manufacturer holidays, such as Chinese New Year (typically late January through mid-February). Fourthwall's team will communicate any expected delays in advance. ## Step 5: Shipping and fulfillment Once production is complete, you have three options for getting 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.** Fourthwall stores and fulfills 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 You can choose between two approaches to selling your plushie, depending on your goals. **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** means you pay for production upfront and hold inventory that ships immediately when supporters place orders. This is best for creators who want fast turnaround on supporter orders. It requires more upfront investment, but supporters receive their plushies sooner. ## Additional information - **Certifications.** Fourthwall can assist with additional certifications (at an extra cost) if needed for bulk imports. ## References - [Custom Plushie product listing](https://fourthwall.com/products/custom-plushie?selectedColor=White) (includes downloadable pricing guide) - [Custom Plushie Keychain product listing](https://fourthwall.com/products/custom-plushie-keychain) - [Plushie Design Guide](https://storage.googleapis.com/cdn.help.fourthwall.com/Fourthwall%20FAQ%20-%20How%20to%20Design%20Your%20Custom%20Plushie.pdf) (downloadable)