Why I Don't Just Buy the Cheapest Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plates for Corporate Gifts

By Jane Smith

Here's My View: Cheap Royal Copenhagen Isn't a Bargain

After six years of managing our corporate gift budget—roughly $45,000 annually—I've learned one hard truth: the cheapest Royal Copenhagen Christmas plate on the market is almost never the best value for your company.

I know that sounds counterintuitive. Price is what procurement managers are supposed to optimize for. But when you're buying porcelain collectibles for clients, partners, or employees, the real cost lives in a completely different spreadsheet. Period.

Let me show you what I mean.

Why the 2003 Christmas Plate Taught Me a Lesson

A few years ago, I needed 100 identical Royal Copenhagen Christmas plates for a client appreciation event. The budget was tight. I found a vendor offering the 2003 model at $89 each—nearly 30% below the average market price for that year (which was around $125 back then, as of my Q3 2024 price check on collector forums).

I almost pulled the trigger. Then I did a side-by-side comparison of total cost of ownership (TCO). That's when the contrast hit me:

"When I compared the cheap 2003 plate vs. buying a current-year plate at full retail—including shipping, handling, and the risk of breakage—the difference narrowed to just $18 per unit. And the current-year plate had a higher collector value potential. Simple."

The cheap option wasn't cheap at all. Not when you factor in what your client might think when they Google the edition year and see a discontinued, lower-demand model. Perception matters.

It's tempting to think you can just compare unit prices. But the 'always take the lowest quote' advice ignores nuance. The 2003 plate was produced in larger quantities, so its aftermarket value growth is slower. A newer, rarer edition often holds—or increases—its value better. That matters if your corporate gift is meant to be a keepsake.

Three Hidden Costs in Every 'Cheap' Royal Copenhagen Order

1. The Collector Value Gap

Royal Copenhagen Christmas plates appreciate at different rates. According to the official Royal Copenhagen collector guide (as of January 2025), limited editions from the 1970s have increased in value by an average of 12% per year. Plates from the 2000s? Closer to 3-5%. If you're buying for long-term relationship building, a plate that loses perceived value reflects poorly on your brand.

What I mean is that the 'bargain' plate might be cheap today, but in three years your client will see it selling online for less than you paid. That's not a gift that says 'we value you.' It says 'we saved a few bucks on you.' (Note to self: always check the appreciation curve before bulk ordering).

2. Quality Variability Across Product Lines

Christmas plates are one thing, but what about Royal Copenhagen candles, figurines, or snow globes? (Where to watch snow globe? I'm still searching for a reliable distributor—circa February 2025, only a handful of authorized dealers carry them). The point is: not all Royal Copenhagen products are created equal. A figurine marked 'collectible' has stricter quality control than a standard seasonal ornament. Buying the cheapest figurine might mean accepting minor glaze imperfections or slight color variations.

Worse than expected? Yes. I once ordered 50 'budget' figurines for a sales kickoff. Three had visible pinholes. We couldn't give those out. That's $1,200 in inventory write-off plus the rush shipping to replace them. A lesson learned the hard way.

3. The Relationship Cost

Every vendor relationship involves hidden transaction costs. Cheapest vendor often means slower response, less flexibility on returns, and no willingness to reserve inventory for your next order. Over five years, that adds up.

"After tracking 28 orders over 6 years in our procurement system, I found that 60% of our 'budget overruns' came from emergency replacements when the cheapest vendor couldn't fulfill on time. We implemented a policy requiring at least two pre-qualified vendors for every gift category. Cut overruns by 35%."

When the 'Cheap Option' Actually Works

Let me be honest—because that's the whole point of this article. There are situations where buying the lowest-priced Royal Copenhagen Christmas plate makes perfect sense.

  • One-time promotional events where the plate is a disposable giveaway, not a long-term keepsake.
  • Internal employee morale gifts where the sentiment matters more than collector value.
  • Bulk orders for a single client who you know won't resell or appraise the gift—they just want something pretty for their desk.

I recommend the budget route for those three scenarios. But if you're buying for C-suite clients, long-term partners, or anyone in the art-collecting industry? Do yourself a favor: pay the premium. Your ROI will thank you.

The Bottom Line

I've been burned by the 'cheapest price' mentality enough times to know better. Royal Copenhagen is a heritage brand (since 1775, as their site states). Its value comes from craftsmanship, collectibility, and the story behind each piece. When you strip that away to save $20 per unit, you're not just buying porcelain. You're buying a weaker relationship with your client.

Price isn't everything. Period.

Next time you're sourcing Royal Copenhagen corporate gifts, pull up the full TCO spreadsheet. Factor in collector appreciation, quality risk, and vendor reliability. The answer will surprise you—every single time.