Minimum Order Quantity for Custom Printed Advent Calendars
Why 50 Pieces Is the Minimum
Digital printing enables cost-effective production even at low volumes. Unlike offset printing, there are no high setup costs that would need to be spread across just a few pieces. This means: from as few as 50 pieces the unit price is attractive, and custom design (full coverage, all colours) is included in the price. How the entire process from enquiry to delivery works is explained in our ordering process guide.
Who Are Small Quantities Suitable For?
Small Teams
50–100 calendars as employee gifts for a department or branch office.
Targeted Customer Campaigns
50–150 calendars for top clients or as new customer acquisition.
Test Before Large Order
50 pieces as a pilot project before ordering larger quantities next year.
Events & Trade Fairs
Limited edition specifically for a Christmas party or trade fair attendance.
Tiered Pricing: When Does Ordering More Pay Off?
Example based on the classic chocolate advent calendar. A complete price overview for all 4 models can be found in our cost overview.
| Quantity | Price / piece | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 50 pieces | €4.90 | — |
| 100 pieces | €4.20 | -14% |
| 250 pieces | €3.60 | -27% |
| 500 pieces | €3.10 | -37% |
| 1,000 pieces | €2.80 | -43% |
| 2,000 pieces | €2.60 | -47% |
All prices net excl. VAT · incl. custom design & setup costs
The Multi-Location Problem: When a Quantity Is Split Across Many Addresses
A classic scenario from our daily work: a company with 12 branches wants 30–40 calendars per location. Technically that's 360–480 pieces, but each branch should receive a separate delivery. This is entirely possible, but requires some planning.
Split delivery is possible — the unit price is based on total quantity
The lower tiered price always applies to the total order quantity, not per delivery address. 12 × 40 pieces = 480 pieces total → unit price of the 500-piece tier. This represents real savings compared to 12 individual orders of 40 pieces.
What we need for split deliveries
A table with delivery address (street, postcode, city), contact person and desired quantity per location. We ship directly from our production to all addresses in a single production batch.
Plan a delivery buffer for many addresses
For more than 5 delivery addresses, we recommend a buffer of 2–3 business days compared to the standard delivery date — logistical reassurance at no extra cost.
50 or 100 Pieces: When Is Upgrading Worth It?
In our experience, customers who ordered 50 pieces regret their decision more often than those who upgraded to 100. The reason: the price difference is small, but the risks of running short are real.
When 100 pieces is the better choice:
Recipient lists tend to grow
Almost every year, customers or employees are added who weren't originally on the list. A 10% reserve is a proven rule of thumb.
Transport damage and breakage
Despite careful packaging, individual calendars can arrive damaged. A handful of spares avoids awkward explanations to recipients.
Photo opportunities and internal communications
Companies often use 3–5 calendars for photographs, social media posts or as office displays. These then go missing from the recipient planning.
Late decision-makers and new contacts
Sales staff typically add recipients shortly before the shipping date — especially for customer calendars.
The additional cost for 50 extra pieces of the classic calendar is around €210 (at €4.20/piece from 100 pieces) — in return you have reserves, replacements for damaged items and the ability to accommodate last-minute recipients.
What Returning Customers Do Differently in Year Two and Three
After years of working with recurring customers, we've observed clear patterns and shared them:
First year: Caution
Most first-time customers order conservatively — often 50–100 pieces. The result impresses, and recipient reactions are overwhelmingly positive.
Second year: Scaling up
Almost all returning customers order more the following year. Typical: +30–50% of the first-year quantity. The main reason: more recipients and more trust in the product.
From the third year: Routine
Returning customers know the process, have their delivery list saved and order increasingly early — often as early as August/September to take advantage of early bird benefits.
Summary
- Minimum quantity: 50 pieces
- Custom design from 50 pieces (digital printing)
- Setup costs always included, no surcharge
- Tiered pricing from 100 pieces — the more, the cheaper
- Split delivery to multiple addresses possible — unit price based on total quantity
- Custom conditions from 2,500 pieces upon request
Not sure whether a specialist or a platform is the right choice? This comparison shows why a specialist provider pays off, especially for small and medium quantities. Particularly popular with first-time customers: custom Lindt advent calendars — or as corporate advent calendars for the entire workforce.
For larger quantities, take a look at our custom advent calendars from 100 pieces.
Ready for your custom advent calendar?
Send your logo, specify the quantity and preferred delivery date — we take care of the rest. Free design preview included.
Choose a calendar & request a quote