Packaging Guides
Custom Stickers: Types, Pricing & How to Order in 2026
Cubit Editorial Team
May 22, 2026
What Are Custom Stickers?
Custom stickers are adhesive-backed printed graphics manufactured in specific shapes, sizes, and materials for branding, packaging, marketing, and decoration. Unlike labels (which identify products), stickers serve branding, promotional, and decorative purposes — sealing packages, building brand awareness, or adding visual flair.
The custom sticker market generates approximately $8.7 billion globally in 2025 (Grand View Research), growing at 5.1% CAGR driven by e-commerce brands using stickers as low-cost brand touchpoints in every shipment.
Types of Custom Stickers
Die-Cut Stickers
Cut to the exact shape of your design with no background border. Die-cut stickers are the most popular format for brand logos, product seals, and promotional giveaways. Pricing: $0.08-$0.25 per sticker at 500 units.
Kiss-Cut Stickers
Cut through the sticker material but not the backing paper, leaving a border for easy peeling. Perfect for sticker sheets and multi-sticker packs. Pricing: $0.05-$0.15 per sticker at 500 units.
Vinyl Stickers
Durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant. Vinyl stickers last 3-5 years outdoors without fading. Ideal for laptop stickers, car decals, outdoor equipment, and water bottles. Pricing: $0.10-$0.30 per sticker. Custom vinyl stickers
Holographic Stickers
Rainbow-reflective material that catches light and creates an eye-catching prismatic effect. Used for premium packaging seals, limited editions, and brand authentication. Pricing: $0.15-$0.40 per sticker.
Sticker Sheets
Multiple stickers arranged on a single sheet. Popular for planners, craft brands, and promotional packs. Pricing: $0.50-$2.00 per sheet depending on size and sticker count. Custom sticker sheets
Sticker Materials Compared
| Material | Durability | Waterproof | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matte Paper | Indoor only | No | Product labels, packaging seals | $0.05-$0.12 |
| Gloss Paper | Indoor only | No | Promotional stickers, retail | $0.06-$0.14 |
| White Vinyl | 3-5 years outdoor | Yes | Laptops, cars, outdoor gear | $0.10-$0.25 |
| Clear Vinyl | 3-5 years outdoor | Yes | Windows, glass, transparent surfaces | $0.12-$0.28 |
| Holographic | 2-3 years outdoor | Yes | Premium branding, authentication | $0.15-$0.40 |
| Kraft Paper | Indoor only | No | Natural/organic branding | $0.05-$0.10 |
Custom Sticker Pricing
| Quantity | Paper Stickers | Vinyl Stickers | Holographic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $0.20-$0.35 | $0.30-$0.50 | $0.40-$0.65 |
| 500 | $0.08-$0.15 | $0.12-$0.25 | $0.20-$0.40 |
| 1,000 | $0.05-$0.10 | $0.10-$0.20 | $0.15-$0.30 |
| 5,000+ | $0.03-$0.07 | $0.06-$0.12 | $0.10-$0.20 |
How much do custom stickers cost?
Custom stickers cost between $0.03 and $0.65 per sticker depending on material, size, shape, and quantity. Paper stickers start at $0.05/sticker at 500 units. Vinyl stickers start at $0.10/sticker. Holographic stickers start at $0.15/sticker. Volume discounts of 50-70% apply at 5,000+ units.
What is the best sticker material for outdoor use?
White vinyl with UV lamination is the best outdoor sticker material. It withstands rain, sun exposure, and temperature changes for 3-5 years without fading, peeling, or cracking. Clear vinyl works for transparent surfaces like windows and glass.
What is the minimum order for custom stickers?
Most digital printers offer MOQs of 50-100 stickers. However, per-unit pricing drops significantly at 500+ units. For the best value, order 1,000+ stickers. Cubit offers MOQs starting at 250 stickers for most formats.
Die-cut vs kiss-cut stickers: which should I choose?
Choose die-cut for standalone stickers with custom shapes (logos, mascots, brand seals). Choose kiss-cut for sticker sheets, multi-packs, and small stickers that are easier to peel from a backing sheet. Die-cut costs 10-15% more due to custom cutting dies.