Production companies rarely buy prop money once. A series has multiple episodes, a feature has several cash scenes, and a studio may run more than one project at a time. Buying prop cash per scene usually costs more once shipping, handling and mismatched stacks are counted, and it gives the art department a continuity problem. This guide explains the prop money price structure at PROPPS, how bulk and wholesale pricing works, how to plan a season-long order, how to compare quotes fairly and what to ask a supplier. It is written for line producers, production managers, prop masters and accountants. All PROPPS notes are specimen-marked, non-legal tender props.
The short answer
The prop money price at PROPPS starts with stack tiers, from $115 for a Starter Stack to $14,000 for 100 Stacks, with orders from $300 AUD and free delivery from $500 AUD. Larger and repeat runs qualify for wholesale tiers of 10% to 30% off, and crypto payments receive a 10% discount. Order the full quantity for a block of shooting to keep stacks matching and keep paperwork simple.
The standard price tiers
Every product in the New Notes range is sold in the same tiers. Sizes are described by face value, and prices are in AUD.
- Starter Stack: $1,500 face value, $115
- 1 Stack: $2,000 face value, $200
- 5 Stacks: $10,000 face value, $850
- 10 Stacks: $20,000 face value, $1,600
- 50 Stacks: $100,000 face value, $7,500
- 100 Stacks: $200,000 face value, $14,000
The price per dollar of face value falls as the tier rises, so one large order costs less than several small ones. Orders start at $300 AUD, and delivery is free from $500 AUD.
What wholesale adds
Wholesale pricing is for production companies and agencies that order in volume or repeatedly. It typically offers:
- Tiered discounts. Larger runs qualify for 10% to 30% off the standard price.
- A named contact. Reorders do not need to go through the standard checkout each time.
- Matching stock. Stacks from the same run match from episode to episode.
- Planned dispatch. Deliveries can be scheduled around shooting blocks.
- One invoice. A single invoice or a clear schedule simplifies production accounting.
Our wholesale page has the form, and our money stacks range shows the sizes.
Why buying per scene costs more
Buying cash one scene at a time looks cheap, but the costs add up.
- Repeated minimum orders. Each order has a minimum, so several small orders pay it several times.
- Shipping and signatures. Each delivery needs someone at the address to sign.
- Mismatched stacks. Notes from different runs can differ slightly in colour and finish.
- Rush fees. A late scene change forces an urgent order.
- Admin time. Each order is a purchase order, an invoice and a reconciliation.
Ordering once for a block of shooting removes most of these. It also lets the art department weather and plan the cash as a single set, as our art department guide explains.
Questions your accountant will ask
Production accountants usually want to know the total cost, when it is due, what is included and what the paperwork looks like. Prepare answers: the price per tier, the minimum order and the free delivery threshold, the payment methods, the tax treatment on the invoice and the delivery schedule. A clear quote makes budgeting and cashflow easier, and an invoice that names the notes as specimen-marked props makes the file complete.
Scheduling deliveries across a shoot block
A single order can still be delivered in stages. Tell the studio when each scene is shot and which stacks are needed first. Dispatch leaves our Melbourne studio within 24 business hours of payment, and Australia Post Express delivery needs a signature, so nominate someone at each address. If a second location is interstate, plan a day for travel. A short schedule sent with the order avoids a missed delivery.
Storage and security for larger orders
A pallet of stacks is a valuable item for a production, even though the notes are props. Store it in a locked room or cage, give one person the key and keep a movement log. Count in and out each day. Do not leave stacks in vehicles or on location overnight. Treat the notes as production property, because losing a stack mid-shoot costs time even when it costs little money.
Planning a season order
Use this method to size a wholesale order.
- List every scene with cash across the season. Use the scripts or the breakdown.
- Count the visible stacks per scene. Our guide to how much prop money you need for a scene explains how.
- Identify reusable stacks. Stacks that appear in several scenes can be bought once.
- Group by denomination. $100 and $50 hero stacks, plus smaller denominations for tills.
- Add a reserve of 10% to 15%. Damage, loss and reshoots happen.
- Round to the nearest tier. Compare the price of two tiers, because a bigger tier can be cheaper than the sum of small ones.
Comparing quotes fairly
Not every quote is comparable. Ask each supplier the same questions.
- Are the notes specimen-marked on every note? Ask for a photo.
- What is the paper and the weight? PROPPS uses 120gsm matte archival paper.
- Is print double-sided and consistent across runs?
- Are stacks counted and strapped?
- Is delivery traceable with a signature? PROPPS uses Australia Post Express with signature.
- Is there an invoice and paperwork for the production file?
- What is the lead time and the reorder process?
Our guides to cheap prop money and local vs overseas suppliers explain why the cheapest quote is not always the lowest cost.
Payment and paperwork
Wholesale buyers usually need clear paperwork. PROPPS provides an invoice for each order, accepts bank transfer, PayID and crypto, and gives a 10% discount on crypto payments. Keep the invoice on the production file together with a note of the specimen markings. That answers most questions from insurers, location owners and legal teams. Our compliance page and Section 22 guide set out the standard.
A worked example
A six-episode series has a bank scene in episode one, a briefcase handover in episode three and a vault scene in episode six, plus recurring tills and wallets in every episode. The line producer plans 5 Stacks for the bank and briefcase scenes, which are reused, 10 Stacks for the vault, and a Starter Stack and 1 Stack per episode for tills and wallets, with a reserve. At standard prices, that comes to roughly $850 plus $1,600 plus six Starter Stacks and six 1 Stacks, before any wholesale discount. Ordering the whole quantity once keeps every stack matched, and the wholesale tier lowers the total further. Tell the studio your breakdown and we will quote.
Reading a quote line by line
A wholesale quote should show the quantity, the tier, the price, the delivery cost, the payment terms and the estimated dispatch date. If any of these is missing, ask. Check that the quantity matches your plan, that the finish is the one you tested and that the tax treatment is shown. Keep the quote with the production file, because it records what was promised if a problem comes up later.
Wholesale for agencies and events
Wholesale is not only for film. Agencies buying branded or themed prop notes for several clients, event companies stocking casino-night kits and schools ordering for a whole year can all use the same approach: plan the whole quantity, order once and keep the stock together. Ask about tiers when you send your enquiry, and mention if the order will repeat, because repeat business is part of what wholesale pricing rewards.
Reordering mid-season
If the script changes or a reshoot is added, reorder from the same run where possible so the new stacks match the old ones. Tell the studio the original order reference and the quantity, and ask about timing. Keep a small reserve from the start, because it is the cheapest insurance against a late change.
Compliance and handling
Every note carries permanent specimen markings, is printed on paper rather than polymer and is sold as a non-legal tender reproduction for motion pictures, television, theatre, visual arts and simulation training. On a larger order, assign one person to hold the stock, count it in and out each day and keep it in a secure place. Never spend the notes. The Reserve Bank publishes guidance on banknote reproductions.
Where to go next
Send your breakdown through the wholesale page, see money stacks for counted bundles or contact the studio and we will quote your season.
