What you can make · Soft goods
Custom plush toys
Plushies, mascot plush, plush keychains, pillow plush, dolls. What they cost by quantity, the ways to get them made, what manufacturers need from you, and who makes them.
Commish turns your idea, or a photo of something close, into a spec with request images and a price ladder, then collects quotes from the manufacturers you pick. Free; you pay the manufacturer directly. In ChatGPT, install Commish once, then describe what you want.
What it costs
| Quantity | Per piece | Total | Cheapest way |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pc | $60-$300 | $60-$300 | Handmade one-off / tiny batch (artisan) |
| 10 pcs | $51-$218 | $510-$2,180 | Handmade one-off / tiny batch (artisan) |
| 50 pcs | $51-$214 | $2,550-$10,700 | Handmade one-off / tiny batch (artisan) |
| 100 pcs | $6-$20 | $600-$2,000 | Factory production (sample first) |
| 500 pcs | $3.80-$12.33 | $1,900-$6,165 | Factory production (sample first) |
| 1,000 pcs | $3.10-$10 | $3,100-$10,000 | Factory production (sample first) |
Planning ranges in US dollars, including one-time setup (screens, molds, samples), before shipping and import duties. Real quotes depend on size, colors and materials.
Ways to get it made
Handmade one-off / tiny batch (artisan)
Factory production (sample first)
Tips
- 10-99 units is the awkward zone: handmade gets expensive while factories want 100+. Compare 100 factory units against your handmade total before deciding.
- With an audience, a pre-order campaign (Makeship) can fund production with no upfront cost.
- Approve a physical sample before mass production; expect 1-2 revision rounds.
Design rules
- Design in simple, chunky shapes: plush cannot hold thin limbs, sharp points or tiny features.
- Faces are embroidered: details smaller than ~5 mm get simplified or dropped.
- Give front, side and back views plus a 5-8 color palette; the manufacturer makes a paid sample first.
What manufacturers need from you
- Height (cm): 20-30 cm is the sweet spot; keychains 10-12 cm
- Fabric (optional): minky, short plush, fleece, faux fur
- Details (optional): embroidered eyes, applique, printed patterns
- Pose (optional): sitting, standing, lying, keychain
- Color palette (5-8 colors) (optional)
- Labels / tags (optional): sewn-in brand label, hang tag
- Audience (optional): 14+ collectible, kids (needs safety testing)
Files
- Front/side/back concept images
- Color palette (hex or Pantone)
- Size and label details
Safety and legal checks
- Toys for children need safety testing: US CPSIA/ASTM F963 with a Children's Product Certificate, EU/UK EN71 with CE/UKCA, India BIS. Until then, sell as a 14+ collectible.
- No detachable small parts (buttons, beads) on anything a young child could get.
Who makes it
Manufacturers Commish works with for this, in a fixed order. You can also ask any manufacturer to quote through Commish, including local shops.
Budsies
Turns artwork or photos into a one-off plush.
Order on Budsies ↗Makeship
For creators with an audience: no upfront cost; Makeship produces and ships.
Apply on Makeship ↗Etsy (custom-order sellers)
Message 2-3 sellers who take custom orders, with your design link.
Search Etsy ↗Alibaba.com (RFQ)
Post a Request for Quotation or message verified suppliers; pay for a sample first and use Trade Assurance.
Search Alibaba.com ↗IndiaMART
Post a buy requirement to get quotes from Indian manufacturers.
Search IndiaMART ↗Get quotes for your own design
Describe it in chat and Commish writes the spec, shows the price at each quantity and sends it to the manufacturers you choose. They reply on a private link, no account needed.
Do you make this? List your company free and get quote requests with a full spec.