Ordering a custom bobblehead is one of the most fun ways to turn a person, pet, or character into a unique 3D gift or collectible. A well-planned custom bobblehead order can capture facial expressions, clothing, logos, and even hobbies in a miniature figure that will last for years.

This guide walks you step by step through how to order a custom bobblehead online or from a manufacturer: choosing the right custom bobblehead style, preparing photos, understanding proofs and revisions, managing timelines, and checking packaging and shipping. By the end, you will know exactly how to place a custom bobblehead order with confidence, whether you need a single bobblehead or a large batch.

How To Order A Custom Bobblehead

What Is A Custom Bobblehead?

A custom bobblehead is a personalized figurine with a spring-mounted head, sculpted and painted to match a specific person, pet, or character. Instead of using a generic sports player or celebrity design, a custom bobblehead uses your photos and instructions so that the bobblehead looks just like the subject.

Common uses for a custom bobblehead include:

- Birthday, wedding, and anniversary gifts.

- Employee recognition, corporate awards, or retirement gifts.

- Promotional bobbleheads for teams, brands, or events.

- Collector's items for fans of particular hobbies or professions.

When you learn how to order a custom bobblehead correctly, you can make sure that the final bobblehead matches your expectations and becomes a memorable keepsake.

Step 1: Decide What Type Of Custom Bobblehead You Want

Before you order a custom bobblehead, you should decide which type fits your budget, timing, and purpose. Most custom bobblehead sites offer several main categories.

Custom Head On Pre-Made Body

In this option, the bobblehead head is fully customized from your photos, but the body uses a pre-made pose or outfit, such as:

- Business suit bobblehead.

- Casual clothes bobblehead.

- Doctor, nurse, engineer, or teacher bobblehead.

- Sports player bobblehead (football, basketball, baseball, etc.).

This type of custom bobblehead is usually more affordable and faster to produce because the manufacturer reuses an existing body mold and only sculpts a new head.

Fully Customized Head And Body

A fully custom bobblehead means both the head and the body are designed uniquely for you. You can define:

- Exact clothing style, including uniforms, dresses, or costumes.

- Accessories such as tools, musical instruments, equipment, or pets.

- Custom base shapes and text, like logos, slogans, or dates.

This type of custom bobblehead suits special gifts, corporate campaigns, or projects where the pose and outfit matter as much as the face.

Single Custom Bobblehead vs Bulk Custom Bobblehead Order

Many platforms distinguish between:

- Individual custom bobbleheads (1–5 pieces).

- Bulk or corporate custom bobblehead orders (dozens or hundreds of pieces).

If you want to order a custom bobblehead in larger quantities, you may get lower unit pricing, fuller customization, and additional services like custom packaging or drop shipping. Decide early whether your custom bobblehead order is personal or commercial, as this affects price and process.

Step 2: Choose A Reliable Custom Bobblehead Supplier

Once you know the type of custom bobblehead you want, you need to select a trustworthy manufacturer or website.

When evaluating a custom bobblehead supplier, pay attention to:

- Portfolio photos: Real examples of finished custom bobbleheads, including close-ups of faces and details.

- Customer reviews: Ratings and written feedback about likeness, communication, and delivery times.

- Proofing policy: Whether they send photos of the custom bobblehead for your approval before shipping.

- Revision policy: How many changes you can request and whether additional revisions cost extra.

- Production capacity: For bulk orders, whether they can handle your required quantity in the given time.

A good supplier will clearly explain how to order a custom bobblehead, provide realistic timelines, and show genuine past projects rather than only computer mockups.

Step 3: Prepare Your Photos For The Custom Bobblehead

High-quality photos are the foundation of a successful custom bobblehead. Artists rely on your images to sculpt an accurate likeness.

What Photos Are Best For A Custom Bobblehead?

For a realistic custom bobblehead, you should typically provide:

- One clear, front-view photo of the face, taken in good lighting.

- At least one side-view photo to show the profile, nose, and jawline.

- Additional photos showing hairstyle, hair length, facial hair, or glasses.

- Full-body photo or clothing reference if the custom bobblehead will have a specific outfit.

Avoid heavily filtered, low-resolution, or backlit photos, as they make it harder for the artist to capture accurate details in the custom bobblehead.

Details To Specify With Your Photos

When you upload or send pictures for your custom bobblehead order, also include:

- Eye color, hair color, and skin tone if the photos are unclear or taken in different lighting.

- Whether the bobblehead should include glasses, hats, or other accessories from the photos.

- Any changes you want (for example, remove sunglasses, add a company logo, change clothing color).

The more precise your instructions, the easier it is for the artist to get your custom bobblehead right on the first proof.

Step 4: Configure Your Custom Bobblehead Online

Most modern custom bobblehead sites use an online form or configurator. While designs differ, the basic process is similar.

Typical configuration steps when you order a custom bobblehead:

1. Choose product type

Select “Custom head on pre-made body” or “Full custom bobblehead” depending on your needs.

2. Select body style or pose

For pre-made bodies, choose from categories like business, casual, sports, wedding, or profession-themed bobbleheads. For full custom, describe or upload a reference image for the pose.

3. Pick size and quantity

Decide the height of the custom bobblehead and how many copies you need. For gifts, one or two may be enough; for events, you might order dozens.

4. Upload photos

Attach the front, side, and any additional photos. Some sites let you drag-and-drop or email the photos after placing the order.

5. Enter personalization details

Add text for base engraving, select colors, mention logos or numbers, and describe any customization like “include beard” or “add basketball in right hand.”

6. Select production speed

Many custom bobblehead services offer standard, rush, or super rush options. Faster processing usually costs more.

7. Confirm price and checkout

Check the total price, including shipping, then complete payment. Make sure contact details and shipping address are accurate for your custom bobblehead delivery.

Once you finalize these steps, your custom bobblehead order goes into the production queue.

Step 5: Understand The Custom Bobblehead Proofing Process

One of the most important parts of ordering a custom bobblehead is reviewing the proofs that the artist sends.

What Is A Custom Bobblehead Proof?

A proof is usually a set of photos of the sculpted, unpainted custom bobblehead head (and possibly body) sent to you for approval. This allows you to see whether the face and shape match the person in your photos before painting begins.

Common proofing steps:

- First proof: Basic sculpted head shape and facial structure.

- Second proof: Adjusted head with refined details or added hair/hat, sometimes shown on the body.

- Final proof: Painted custom bobblehead with colors and base details ready for final approval.

Some suppliers include one or two rounds of free revisions; others may charge after multiple change requests. Read the policy before you order a custom bobblehead.

How To Give Effective Feedback On A Proof

When you receive proof photos of your custom bobblehead:

- Compare them with your reference photos side by side.

- Highlight specific areas: nose shape, eye size, jawline, hairstyle, or eyebrows.

- Be clear and concise: “Please make the nose narrower” or “Shorten the hair at the back” is more useful than “It does not look right.”

- Confirm which details are correct so the artist knows what to keep.

Good communication at the proof stage ensures the final custom bobblehead feels accurate and satisfying.

Custom Bobblehead From Photo

Step 6: Production Time And Shipping For Custom Bobbleheads

After proofs are approved, the custom bobblehead moves into final production: molding, casting, painting, and packaging.

Typical Production Time

Standard timelines for a custom bobblehead often look like this:

- Sculpting and proofing: About 2–4 weeks, depending on revisions and complexity.

- Mold making, casting, and painting: Around 1–3 weeks.

- Shipping and delivery: Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on your location and shipping method.

Overall, many custom bobblehead orders take about 4–8 weeks from order to delivery, though rush services can shorten this. For bulk custom bobblehead projects, timelines may be longer; plan well ahead of events and promotions.

Shipping And Packaging

Reliable custom bobblehead suppliers package each bobblehead carefully, usually with:

- Foam or molded inserts to hold the bobblehead in place.

- A strong cardboard box to protect against impact.

- Optional custom printed boxes with logos or event artwork for commercial orders.

When you order a custom bobblehead, track the shipment if possible and inspect the package upon arrival. If damage occurs, take photos immediately and contact the supplier with order details.

Step 7: Bulk Custom Bobblehead Orders For Companies And Events

If you represent a company, club, or event organizer, ordering a custom bobblehead in quantity can be an effective marketing tool.

Typical bulk custom bobblehead applications include:

- Stadium giveaways and fan promotions.

- Corporate gifts with executive or mascot bobbleheads.

- Trade show swag or booth draws.

- Team rewards for sales, performance, or anniversaries.

For bulk orders, discuss the following with your supplier:

- Minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom bobbleheads.

- Unit price at different quantity levels.

- Whether the design will be identical for all bobbleheads or customized per person.

- Lead time for the entire batch of custom bobbleheads.

- Options for individual packaging, barcodes, or direct shipping to end customers.

Planning ahead ensures your custom bobblehead order arrives on time and within budget for your campaign.

Step 8: Working With Corporate Branding And Licensing

When a custom bobblehead uses logos, uniforms, or characters related to a company or sports team, branding and licensing issues may arise.

Important points to consider:

- If you use your own company's brand, make sure artwork files (logos, color codes) are provided in high resolution for accurate reproduction on the bobblehead.

- For sports teams, movie characters, or other third-party brands, verify whether licenses or permissions are needed before you order custom bobbleheads that display protected designs.

- Work with suppliers who have experience in corporate or licensed bobblehead production and can guide you on what is allowed and what is not.

Taking branding and licensing seriously protects you from legal problems and ensures your custom bobblehead project runs smoothly.

Step 9: After You Receive Your Custom Bobblehead

Your role in the custom bobblehead process does not end when the package arrives. To get the best long-term value from your bobblehead, you should:

- Inspect the custom bobblehead carefully for damage, paint issues, or incorrect details.

- Compare the final bobblehead with the approved proof photos to ensure all agreed changes are present.

- Store or display the bobblehead in a stable, dry place away from direct sun to prevent fading or warping.

- For corporate or promotional uses, take high-quality photos and videos of the custom bobblehead for marketing campaigns, social media, and product pages.

If there are any problems, contact the supplier promptly with clear photos and a description of the issue so they can propose solutions such as repair, replacement, or partial refund.

Tips To Get The Best Results When You Order A Custom Bobblehead

To maximize the success of your custom bobblehead project, consider these practical tips:

- Choose clear, unfiltered photos for better likeness in the custom bobblehead.

- Decide early whether you want a cartoon-like, exaggerated bobblehead or a more realistic style, and tell the supplier.

- Limit revisions to important changes and group your comments to avoid endless small adjustments.

- Confirm base text spelling and numbers (such as jersey numbers or dates) before final approval.

- If the custom bobblehead is a surprise gift, plan extra time in case proof revisions take longer than expected.

By managing expectations and communicating clearly, you greatly increase the chance that your custom bobblehead will look exactly how you imagined.

Conclusion

Learning how to order a custom bobblehead is the key to turning a simple idea into a detailed, personalized, and memorable figure. By choosing the right type of custom bobblehead, selecting a reliable supplier, preparing clear photos, and participating actively in the proofing process, you can guide the sculptors and painters toward an accurate likeness. Whether you are ordering one custom bobblehead as a special gift or hundreds of custom bobbleheads for a major event, understanding timelines, shipping, branding, and communication will help you get a finished product that delights recipients and showcases your brand or story in a fun, three-dimensional way.

Custom Bobblehead Ordering Tips

FAQ

1. How long does it take to receive a custom bobblehead?

Most custom bobblehead orders take around 4–8 weeks from order to delivery, depending on proofing time, production speed, and shipping method. Rush options can shorten the timeline, but they usually cost extra. For bulk custom bobblehead orders or very detailed designs, you should plan even more time to avoid delays before important events.

2. How many photos do I need to order a custom bobblehead?

Ideally, you should provide at least one clear front-view photo and one side-view photo to order a custom bobblehead. Additional pictures showing hairstyle, glasses, beard, or clothing details are very helpful. If you only have one good photo, many artists can still create a custom bobblehead, but the likeness might not be as precise as when multiple angles are available.

3. Can I make changes after I see the proof of my custom bobblehead?

Yes, most suppliers allow at least one or two rounds of changes after you receive proof photos of your custom bobblehead. You can request adjustments to facial features, hairstyle, or minor body and color details. However, major redesigns or many revision rounds may cost extra and extend the total production time for your custom bobblehead order.

4. What affects the price of a custom bobblehead?

The price of a custom bobblehead depends on several factors: whether it is a custom head on a pre-made body or a fully custom bobblehead, the level of detail in the sculpt and painting, the number of bobbleheads you order, and the delivery speed. Extra options like pets, accessories, special bases, or custom packaging can also increase the cost of each custom bobblehead.

5. Is a custom bobblehead a good corporate or promotional gift?

A custom bobblehead is an excellent corporate or promotional gift because it is fun, memorable, and highly personalized. Companies use custom bobbleheads of founders, executives, mascots, or employees to celebrate milestones and events. With a well-planned custom bobblehead order, you can create unique branded items that stand out far more than ordinary gifts like pens or mugs.