How much does the NFC epoxy card cost at 5K pcs? Stock mold (50+ options) + NTAG213 + single-color CMYK + no epoxy dome: $0.78-1.15 per unit at MOQ 5,000. Epoxy dome finish: +$0.20-0.40. Custom mold: NRE $350-2,400 + per-unit premium $0.12-0.25 until volume amortization.
Volume brackets? MOQ 500 (stock mold, evaluation) = $1.85-2.75; MOQ 2,000 = $1.25-1.85; MOQ 5,000 = $0.78-1.15 (base); MOQ 20,000 = $0.55-0.85; MOQ 100,000 = $0.42-0.65.
Chip upgrade? NTAG213 (base): included. NTAG215 (504 bytes): +$0.04-0.08. NTAG216 (888 bytes): +$0.08-0.14. NTAG424 DNA (AES-128 SUN): +$0.45-0.75. MIFARE DESFire EV3 2K (AES-128): +$0.85-1.35. MIFARE Classic 1K: +$0.15-0.28. LF EM4305 R/W: +$0.12-0.22.
How should I compare against a standard PVC loyalty card? The per-card premium for a shaped epoxy keytag buys daily-carry presence: a credential on the keychain is available at every visit, while a wallet card often is not. Pilot one region, measure your own tap-rate difference, and let that decide the rollout.
Accessories cost? Split-ring (keyring): included. Polyester lanyard: +$0.08-0.15. Cotton / nylon cord: +$0.10-0.18. Beaded ball-chain: +$0.05-0.10. Specialty clip / loop: +$0.12-0.25.
Eco positioning? Epoxy resin is durable but not readily recyclable. For sustainable positioning (net-zero hotel programs, eco-brand marketing), switch to the RFID wood card (bamboo / wood substrate) at $1.40-3.80/unit.