8 Best Custom Plaque Engraving Services Online & Near You

You need a custom engraved plaque. Maybe you're recognizing an employee who went above and beyond. Or celebrating a retirement. Or marking a championship win. Whatever the occasion, you want something that looks professional and arrives on time. The problem? Finding a reliable engraving service isn't as simple as it should be. Some companies have confusing websites. Others charge hidden fees. Many can't handle rush orders when you need them. And if you've ever searched for "plaque engraving near me," you know how hard it is to judge quality from online reviews alone.

We tested dozens of custom plaque engraving services to find the best options available. This guide covers eight companies that consistently deliver quality work, from online retailers with extensive catalogs to local shops that offer same day service. You'll learn what each service does well, who they're best for, how their pricing works, and what to expect for turnaround times. By the end, you'll know exactly where to order your next custom plaque.

1. Prize Possessions

Prize Possessions operates as both a retail and wholesale supplier of custom engraved plaques, awards, and gifts. The company has served customers since 2002 as a family-owned business, which means you get the attention to detail that comes with decades of engraving experience. You can order directly from their website with no minimum purchase requirement, or you can set up a wholesale account if you need bulk orders regularly. They specialize in glass engraving but work with multiple materials including wood, acrylic, and metal.

How Prize Possessions works

You start by browsing their online catalog, which organizes products into specific categories like Corporate, Golf, Scholastic, and Yachting. Once you select a plaque, you use their customization tool to add text, logos, or other personalization details. The company reviews your design for quality assurance before production begins, which helps prevent errors that waste your time and money. If you need something outside their catalog, their team can source additional items or create fully custom pieces from scratch. They handle rush orders when you're working against tight deadlines, though this typically adds extra charges to your final cost.

Custom plaque engraving requires precision, and Prize Possessions reviews every order before engraving to catch potential issues.

Who is Prize Possessions best for

Prize Possessions works well for corporate buyers who need reliable service and quality control. If you're an HR manager ordering employee recognition awards or an event coordinator planning a golf tournament, you'll appreciate their dedicated account support and ability to handle complex customization requests. Individual customers benefit too, especially when you need a meaningful gift with professional engraving. The company's experience across industries (corporate, sports, education) means they understand what works for different recognition events.

Prize Possessions pricing and turnaround

Pricing varies by product type, material, and customization complexity. You'll see base prices listed on their website, with engraving costs calculated during the design process. Wholesale accounts receive volume discounts and custom quotes for larger orders. Standard production takes 7 to 10 business days, but you can request expedited service for rush orders. The company provides customer support Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8:30 PM, with an average response time of 24 hours.

Pros and cons of Prize Possessions

The biggest advantage is their dual retail and wholesale model, which gives you flexibility whether you're ordering one plaque or one hundred. Their custom sourcing capability solves problems when standard products don't fit your needs. Customer support responds quickly, and their quality control process catches errors before production. On the downside, rush orders cost extra, and their standard turnaround time runs longer than some competitors who offer same-day service.

2. K2 Awards

K2 Awards runs an online custom plaque engraving shop that focuses on making the ordering process straightforward. The company ships plaques, trophies, and engraved awards across the United States with free personalization on every order. Their website organizes products by category (corporate, sports, academic, special events), which helps you find what you need quickly. You can choose from materials like wood, glass, acrylic, and crystal, with various finish options available for each plaque style. K2 Awards handles orders from single pieces to bulk quantities without complicated pricing tiers.

How K2 Awards works

You browse their catalog by category or use the search function to find specific plaque types. Each product page shows clear pricing that includes basic engraving, so you know your total cost upfront. The customization interface lets you add text, select fonts, and preview your design before checkout. K2 Awards provides digital proofs for approval before they start engraving, which prevents mistakes on your final product. Their production team handles glass etching, laser engraving, and traditional plate engraving depending on your chosen plaque material.

Who is K2 Awards best for

K2 Awards serves budget-conscious buyers who want transparent pricing without sacrificing quality. If you're a small business owner recognizing employees or a team captain ordering season awards, you'll appreciate their straightforward cost structure. The company works well when you need multiple plaque styles from one supplier, since their catalog covers corporate, sports, and academic categories. Individual customers ordering retirement gifts or anniversary plaques benefit from the free engraving that's built into each price.

Free engraving eliminates surprise costs and makes budgeting for recognition awards simpler.

K2 Awards pricing and turnaround

Plaques start around $20 for basic wood designs and go up to several hundred dollars for premium crystal pieces. The listed price includes standard text engraving with no hidden customization fees for typical orders. Logos or complex designs may carry additional charges. Standard production runs 5 to 7 business days after you approve the proof, with expedited options available when you need faster delivery.

Pros and cons of K2 Awards

The main advantage is their all-inclusive pricing that covers basic engraving, which simplifies budgeting for your order. Digital proofs give you confidence before production starts, and their category organization makes browsing efficient. Their selection covers most common plaque needs across different industries. However, customization beyond standard text can add unexpected costs, and their turnaround times run slower than local shops that offer same-day service.

3. PlaqueMaker

PlaqueMaker specializes in custom plaque engraving with an extensive material selection that includes glass, wood, crystal, acrylic, and metal options. The company operates as an online retailer serving customers across the United States with a focus on awards, recognition plaques, and commemorative pieces. Their website showcases hundreds of pre-designed templates you can customize, or you can start from scratch with a blank plaque. PlaqueMaker includes free engraving on every order, which keeps costs predictable when you're planning recognition events or corporate awards programs.

How PlaqueMaker works

You select a plaque style from their organized categories (corporate awards, sports trophies, academic recognition, retirement gifts), then use their online design tool to add personalized text and formatting. The customization interface shows real-time previews of your engraving, so you see exactly how the final product will look before ordering. PlaqueMaker's production team handles laser engraving, traditional plate engraving, and glass etching depending on your chosen material. They review each order for quality control, then ship the completed plaque directly to your address.

Who is PlaqueMaker best for

PlaqueMaker serves organizations that need reliable bulk ordering capabilities along with individual customers ordering single pieces. If you manage corporate recognition programs or coordinate annual awards ceremonies, you'll find their material variety useful for creating cohesive sets of plaques across different recognition levels. The free engraving benefit works particularly well when you're ordering multiple plaques with different personalization on each piece.

Free engraving on bulk orders reduces total costs significantly compared to services that charge per character or line.

PlaqueMaker pricing and turnaround

Prices range from $25 for basic plaques to over $200 for premium crystal designs, with the listed cost including standard text engraving. Complex logos or intricate designs may add extra fees. Production typically takes 5 to 7 business days after you finalize your design, with rush options available for urgent deadlines.

Pros and cons of PlaqueMaker

Their extensive material selection lets you match plaques to specific occasions, and the free engraving simplifies budget planning. The real-time preview tool reduces ordering errors. However, rush service carries premium charges, and their standard turnaround doesn't compete with local shops offering same-day pickup.

4. Crown Awards

Crown Awards operates as a high-volume online retailer that specializes in custom plaque engraving alongside trophies, medals, and recognition products. The company built its reputation on same-day shipping for orders placed by 5:00 PM EST, which makes them a reliable choice when you need plaques delivered quickly. Their website offers hundreds of plaque styles organized by category, with customization tools that let you add text, logos, and design elements. Crown Awards handles orders from single pieces to bulk quantities, serving both individual customers and businesses with ongoing recognition needs.

How Crown Awards works

You browse their plaque categories (corporate, sports, academic, achievement) and select a design that fits your needs. Their customization interface walks you through adding personalized engraving with options for different fonts, text layouts, and logo placement. Crown Awards processes orders through their production facility, then ships completed plaques using their expedited fulfillment system. The company's same-day shipping capability requires order submission before 5:00 PM EST, so you need to finalize your design early in the day to take advantage of this service.

Who is Crown Awards best for

Crown Awards serves customers who prioritize fast delivery over extended customization options. If you're an office manager who forgot about an employee recognition ceremony until the last minute, their same-day shipping solves your problem. The company works well when you need standard plaque designs with straightforward text engraving, though their capabilities for complex custom work lag behind specialty engraving shops.

Same-day shipping turns urgent recognition needs into manageable deadlines when you order before the cutoff time.

Crown Awards pricing and turnaround

Plaques start around $15 for basic designs, with prices increasing based on size, material, and engraving complexity. Standard personalization costs are included in the base price. Orders placed before 5:00 PM EST ship the same day, giving you the fastest turnaround available from online suppliers.

Pros and cons of Crown Awards

The same-day shipping option eliminates wait times when you need plaques urgently, and their streamlined ordering process gets you from selection to checkout quickly. Pricing remains competitive across their product range. However, customization options feel limited compared to specialty engraving services, and their focus on speed means less hand-holding through complex design decisions.

5. Awards.com

Awards.com runs a nationwide custom plaque engraving operation that emphasizes lasting recognition through personalized awards. The company offers free engraving and customization on all orders, which includes adding recipient names, dates, achievement descriptions, and congratulatory messages. Their product catalog spans corporate recognition plaques, sports awards, academic achievements, and commemorative pieces, with materials ranging from traditional wood to modern acrylic and glass. Awards.com targets customers who want professional results without navigating complicated customization processes or unexpected engraving fees.

How Awards.com works

You start by selecting a plaque from their organized product categories, then use their customization interface to add personalized text and design elements. The system guides you through font selection, layout options, and logo placement with clear visual feedback. Awards.com's production team handles laser engraving, plate attachment, and quality inspection before shipping your completed plaque. Their free customization includes standard text formatting and basic logo integration, though complex multi-color designs or intricate artwork may require additional consultation with their design team.

Who is Awards.com best for

Awards.com serves organizations that need consistent quality across multiple plaque orders without managing separate engraving charges for each piece. If you coordinate annual recognition programs or manage ongoing employee achievement awards, you'll appreciate their predictable pricing structure. The company works well when you need professional presentation plaques with straightforward personalization, making them suitable for corporate buyers, school administrators, and association leaders who handle regular recognition events.

Free engraving and customization remove budget uncertainty when you're ordering plaques for multiple recipients.

Awards.com pricing and turnaround

Plaque prices typically start around $30 for standard designs, with costs increasing based on size, material quality, and mounting options. The listed price includes basic text engraving at no extra charge. Standard production runs 7 to 10 business days after you approve your design, with expedited service available for urgent deadlines.

Pros and cons of Awards.com

Their inclusive pricing eliminates surprise engraving fees, and the straightforward customization process works well for repeat orders. Quality inspection catches production errors before shipping. However, complex custom designs require additional consultation, and their standard turnaround times don't match local shops offering same-day service.

6. SmartSign

SmartSign operates as an online custom plaque engraving provider that emphasizes design support alongside product variety. The company offers free artwork and design help on every order, which sets them apart from competitors who charge for design consultations. Their catalog includes hundreds of plaque designs in materials like brass, acrylic, wood, and plastic, covering needs from building identification to recognition awards. SmartSign targets customers who want professional results but need guidance through the customization process.

How SmartSign works

You select a plaque type from their extensive catalog, then work with their design team to create custom artwork and layouts. SmartSign's free design assistance means you can request modifications, submit rough concepts, or ask for professional input on layout and typography. Their production facility handles engraving across multiple materials, from traditional brass plates to modern acrylic panels. The company reviews your final design for approval before starting production, which prevents costly mistakes.

Who is SmartSign best for

SmartSign serves customers who value design guidance over self-service customization. If you're ordering building plaques, memorial markers, or facility identification signs without design experience, their free artwork help solves your problem. The company works well when you need professional-looking results but lack confidence in creating layouts yourself.

Free design assistance transforms rough ideas into polished custom plaques without additional consultation fees.

SmartSign pricing and turnaround

Plaque prices vary widely based on material, size, and engraving complexity, typically starting around $30 for basic designs. The company provides custom quotes for larger or more complex projects. Standard production takes 7 to 10 business days after design approval.

Pros and cons of SmartSign

Their free design assistance provides real value for customers without graphics experience, and material variety covers most plaque applications. However, reliance on design consultation slows the ordering process compared to fully automated systems, and pricing transparency suffers when you need custom quotes.

7. Custom Engraving Plates

Custom Engraving Plates operates as a specialized supplier of blank engraving plates rather than fully assembled plaques. The company manufactures brass and aluminum plates in custom sizes, all made in the United States. Their business model focuses on providing blank plates to engravers, trophy shops, and individuals who handle their own engraving or work with local engravers. You can order plates cut to your exact specifications, with options for standard finishes or laser-engravable surfaces. Custom Engraving Plates serves customers who need the raw materials for custom plaque engraving projects rather than turnkey engraved products.

How Custom Engraving Plates works

You specify the dimensions and material type you need for your engraving plates, then Custom Engraving Plates manufactures them to your specifications. The company cuts brass or aluminum sheets into plates of any size, offering standard metal finishes or specialized laser-engravable coatings. Their production process focuses on precision cutting and edge finishing, delivering blank plates ready for engraving. You receive unadorned plates without text or designs, giving you complete control over the final engraving work.

Who is Custom Engraving Plates best for

Custom Engraving Plates serves professional engravers and trophy shops that need reliable plate suppliers. If you run an engraving business or handle in-house recognition programs with your own engraving equipment, their custom sizing eliminates waste from standard plate dimensions. The company works well when you need American-made materials with precise specifications for professional engraving projects.

Custom Engraving Plates pricing and turnaround

Pricing depends on material choice, plate dimensions, and order quantity, with custom quotes provided for each specification. Bulk orders receive volume discounts. Production timing varies based on order complexity and current workload.

Pros and cons of Custom Engraving Plates

Their custom sizing capability reduces material waste for professional engravers, and American manufacturing ensures consistent quality. However, you need your own engraving equipment or local engraver, making this option unsuitable for customers wanting finished plaques.

Custom-cut plates eliminate the cost of trimming oversized stock to fit specific plaque dimensions.

8. Local trophy and engraving shops near you

Your neighborhood trophy and engraving shop provides hands-on service that online retailers can't match. These local businesses operate storefronts where you can walk in, discuss your needs face-to-face, and often pick up completed plaques the same day. Most towns have at least one shop that handles custom plaque engraving, trophy assembly, and personalized gifts. You'll find these businesses through Google searches for "plaque engraving near me" or by checking local business directories. Local shops typically work with wood, metal, acrylic, and glass materials, offering both traditional rotary engraving and modern laser engraving capabilities.

How local trophy and engraving shops near you work

You visit the shop in person or call to discuss your plaque needs with the owner or staff. Local engravers show you physical samples of materials and finishes, which helps you make better decisions than browsing photos online. You provide your text, logos, or design ideas directly to the engraver, who creates the layout and confirms details before starting work. Many shops offer same-day or next-day service for simple orders, cutting out shipping delays entirely. You return to pick up your finished plaque and can request adjustments if something doesn't look right.

Who local trophy and engraving shops are best for

Local shops serve customers who need immediate results or want to see materials before ordering. If you're planning a recognition event this weekend or need to replace a damaged plaque before a ceremony, your local engraver solves timing problems that online shipping can't address. These businesses work well when you value personal consultation over online convenience, particularly for complex projects requiring material advice or design guidance.

Local shops let you hold actual plaque samples and compare finishes before committing to your order.

Local shop pricing and turnaround

Prices vary significantly between shops and locations, typically starting around $25 for basic plaques and increasing based on size, material, and engraving complexity. Local shops often charge premium rates compared to high-volume online retailers, reflecting their personalized service and overhead costs. Same-day service usually carries rush charges. Standard turnaround runs 2 to 5 business days for most orders.

Pros and cons of local trophy and engraving shops

The biggest advantage is immediate pickup that eliminates shipping delays and costs. Personal consultation helps you make informed material choices, and same-day service handles urgent needs. You support local businesses and build relationships for future orders. However, local shops typically charge higher prices than online competitors, and their selection may not match the variety available from national suppliers. Small shops might struggle with large bulk orders or complex custom designs.

Final thoughts

You now have eight reliable options for custom plaque engraving that cover different needs, budgets, and timelines. Online services like Prize Possessions, K2 Awards, and PlaqueMaker offer extensive catalogs with free engraving, making them ideal when you need predictable pricing and professional results. Crown Awards delivers same-day shipping for urgent orders, while SmartSign provides free design assistance that helps you create polished layouts without graphics experience. Custom Engraving Plates supplies blank materials for professional engravers, and local trophy shops give you immediate pickup with hands-on consultation.

The right choice depends on your specific situation. If you need bulk orders with dedicated support and quality control, wholesale-friendly suppliers make sense. Individual customers ordering single plaques benefit from retailers with no minimums and straightforward customization. When urgent deadlines drive your decision, local shops or expedited online options prevent last-minute stress. Ready to order your next recognition plaque? Browse our custom plaque collection to explore materials, designs, and personalization options that match your needs.