Per-character vs per-word pricing for engraving — which one?
Use per-character pricing for short engravings — jewelry (name necklace, ring), tags, cufflinks — where every character counts and customers care about tight limits. Use per-word pricing for longer engravings — wooden signs, plaques, quote frames — where words are the natural unit. Print It My Way supports both via Cart Transform.
Step-by-step setup
- Identify your engraving product. Short (jewelry) = per-character. Longer (signs) = per-word.
- Set the free tier. First 10 chars free or first 2 words free.
- Configure Cart Transform pricing. Print It My Way handles both models.
When per-character pricing wins
Best for:
- Jewelry — 15-25 char limits typical
- Metal tags, cufflinks, keychains
- Small engraved gifts
- Watches, bracelets
Typical structure: first 10 characters free, characters 11-25 at $0.50 each, characters 26-40 at $1 each.
When per-word pricing wins
Best for:
- Wooden signs and plaques (10-50 words)
- Quote-based products
- Longer inscription products
- Cake message text
Typical structure: first 2 words free, then $2 per additional word.
What the customer sees
Per-character — live counter: "Character 15 / 40. Fee: $2.50."
Per-word — live word counter: "5 words. Fee: $6."
Both update in real time. Cart Transform applies the final fee at checkout.
Set up engraving fees
Print It My Way Cart Transform is on every tier.
Install Print It My Way — Free Add per-character pricing →Frequently asked questions
Which pricing model is more common?
Per-character for jewelry / small metal items. Per-word for signs, plaques, and longer inscriptions.
Do both work with Cart Transform?
Yes. Print It My Way supports both via configurable formulas.
Can I combine both?
Rarely useful — one or the other is cleaner. Different fields on the same product could use different models.
What's a good free tier for engraving?
First 10 characters or first 2 words. Removes friction from short standard engravings.
How do POD partners handle per-character pricing?
Neutrally — the customer's text flows to production as line-item property; POD partner charges you their standard rate.