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why are custom pins so expensive

More than just a decorative accessory, custom pins are an expressive way to share your style, brand or message with the world. Whether you’re designing pins for an event, business promotion, or personal collection, they offer endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.

These custom pins are made by high-quality materials like enamel or metal. They feature detailed designs, dazzling colors, and they can even be customized to create the perfect shape for your purposes. They make great giveaways, cool collectibles, or even just a neat addition to your merchandise table.

Making custom pins is a unique and exciting way to set yourself apart. With plenty of ideas for every budget and aesthetic, you’re sure to find the perfect idea!

In the blog posts to come, we’ll step through everything – from design advice to picking the best materials – to help you create your perfect custom pin!

Why Are Custom Pins Expensive?

Sure, épingles de revers personnalisées may initially appear expensive, but consider that price to be a representation of the time and effort that goes into creating them. Especially when we’re talking about smaller orders, the cost of making the mold is a big factor. If you order under 50 pieces, the mold charge will add a considerable amount to your bottom line.

Using an example of a basic 1-inch 2D enamel pin, there’s a mold cost of roughly $60. This greatly raises the cost per pin. When you order larger quantities, as in 100 pins, that mold cost is shared. This makes the unit price drop to just $1.90 a piece, demonstrating the “buy more, save more” principle in custom pin manufacturing.

The more complex the design, the more it impacts the price. Pins that are highly detailed may require several color separations, extending both the production time and cost. The mold has to be four different heights or depths to allow for the different levels to form.

That 30mm pin requires a steel mold that’s roughly the size of a half a loaf of bread. This requirement really adds to the cost. The mold is kept on reserve for two years, so reorders during that time do not incur additional mold costs. Yet, this precious service drives up the upfront costs of quality custom lapel pins.

medal mold
medal mold

The type of pin also affects cost. If you’re looking for high-quality, durable, smooth finish hard enamel pins, they tend to be pricier than soft enamel. These differences in material choices, labor cost, and design intricacy all come together to play a huge role in the overall price of custom pins.

Types of Custom Pins and Their Features

One big reason custom pins are such a popular item is the versatility in design. Depending on your use, each type has different features that make them notable and special.

Épingles en émail souple are known for their color vibrancy, with more than 21 different enamel shades to choose from. Their unique textured finish creates a dimensional effect that makes any design jump right out at you. Unlike their hard enamel counterparts, these softer enamel pins are left unpolished to create a textural quality with a matte finish.

These are perfect for when you want a clean, professional appearance. Die-struck pins are perfect for anyone who wants a more textured, metallic look. They highlight both raised and recessed designs, giving them a dimensional look.

Un pin's en émail vibrant sur lequel on peut lire "Real Hip Hop", représentant l'essence de la culture hip hop.

If you’d like a more intricate design, 3D mold pins are available. Even though they begin at only $0.46 per pin, the dimensional detailing makes them well worth the price, especially when ordered in bulk quantities.

Offset printed pins are the top-of-the-line option, with the resolution of your imagery sealed underneath an epoxy dome. They are priced somewhat higher, starting at $0.48 per pin, because of their detailed printing and coating process.

pièce imprimée
epoxy print coin

Metal + enamel pins merge the long-lasting qualities of metal with colorful soft enamel to create a strong, yet fashionable pin. For buyers on a tight budget, the least expensive type of pin is die-struck pins, beginning at just $0.40 even more lower each for large quantities.

The Studio can equip your pins in 14 different metal finishes—some shiny, some antique—so you can truly customize your pins to fit your aesthetic. You can even select backings, like butterfly or deluxe clutches.

When you have brands like Svaha Apparel taking advantage of custom pins so effectively, it becomes evident just how impactful these things can be for promotion.

épingle en émail

The Production Process of Custom Pins

The production process of custom pins is an art that requires both imagination and meticulous craftsmanship. This process begins by turning a design into a physical mold. The design for the mold is pressed into a metal plate. This process requires about 5 tons of pressure to reproduce each intricate detail flawlessly.

Une partie de notre usine

For designs that have detailed elements, we recommend larger pin sizes such as 1.25 or 1.5 inches to make your design easier to see and read. Once the mold is completed, the production team goes into action. They address the next stages, which are different depending on what kind of pin you’re creating.

Hard enamel pins involve electroplating, a technique where charged metal ions adhere to the pin, depositing the chosen metal finish. This process provides the pin with its luxurious, long-lasting finish. Soft enamel pins omit the metal plating stage. Rather, they utilize a color-dying process with PMS colors, allowing for unlimited customization.

Custom colors, enamel, hard or soft, is meticulously mixed to create exact Pantone matched colors and shades. Adding just a tad of Vaseline keeps the enamel moving smoothly, as it melts. After the enamel is applied, the custom pins are left to set for several hours to ensure a long-lasting finish.

The backside of the pin, consisting of a nail and a clutch, is then added on. This lays the groundwork for ensuring a pin can be securely fastened to clothing or accessories. While this step might look easy, it takes several dedicated hours of pinning. We work hard to produce the best quality product possible, living up to our customers’ design standards.

Épingles Accessoires

Cost and Profitability of Custom Pins

Custom lapel pins make for excellent marketing tools, allowing you to express your brand’s creativity and vision. To ensure the most lucrative bottom line, you need to understand their cost structure.

The majority of custom pin prices range from $0.61 to $3.48 per pin. Size, quantity, and pin type are the three biggest factors influencing these costs. For instance, the smaller the pin and the simpler the design, the lower the cost and vice-versa. The more you order, the more the cost goes down on each individual unit. If you place an order for 300 pins or more, you’ll save hundreds of dollars by skipping the mold fees and lowering production costs.

To avoid exceeding production costs, it’s wise to modify or streamline your designs as necessary. Selecting no more than seven colors is advisable, as that’s the limit without incurring additional costs. Next, consider the backing options. Many manufacturers, including PeaKeen, offer this option at no extra charge.

Un pin's de parc national représentant une scène de montagne pittoresque, symbolisant la nature et l'exploration.
National park pin with backcard

Lesser sizes, like 1-inch or 2-inch pins, are less expensive and very desirable to buyers. When pricing out your pins, I recommend starting at $10/pin and going up depending on the complexity of the design and what the market will bear.

The demand for custom products is on the rise, indicating a growing interest in personalized pins for both personal and business use. Prioritize cost-effective production to maximize your profitability while leveraging current trends to create offerings that consumers will be eager to purchase.

In conclusion, custom pin processes can significantly enhance your marketing strategy. By focusing on quality custom lapel pins and understanding market dynamics, you can create a product that not only meets consumer expectations but also drives your business success.

Why Are Enamel Pins Made in China?

 The reasons for Chinese dominance on enamel pin production are steeped in its long history and experience. Chinese artisans have been making pins and badges for almost a thousand years, honing techniques that shape today’s manufacturing. That timeless artisan tradition has transformed by a strong union of old-world craftsmanship and new-world technology into a thriving industry.

Additionally, many factories in China are equipped with cutting-edge machinery that can create highly detailed, quality enamel pin designs with exceptional accuracy.

Another big consideration is the reduced cost of labor in China. This means that manufacturers are able to provide high-quality enamel pins at a very competitive price point. This cost efficiency is coupled with rigorous quality control investments, providing a guarantee that products comply with international quality standards.

The best factories follow TONS of stringent guidelines, leading to pins that are super high quality, extremely consistent and incredibly durable. These impressive standards of quality are what have granted Chinese manufacturers a strong reputation of reliability and competence amongst international buyers.

In addition to speed and convenience, flexibility and customization are other strengths of Chinese enamel pin manufacturers. To expand on the above, manufacturers are able to meet varied client demands including but not limited to specialty design, materials and finishes.

China’s sophisticated logistics networks increase efficiency. Through their collaboration with global shipping services, they make certain of efficient production and regularity in delivery. This infrastructure is used to help export about 70% of the world’s enamel pins.

China thus offers a unique combination of innovation, affordability, and crafty skilled craftsmanship. This potent combination has made the country a global force in the enamel pin manufacturing market.

Its unique hybrid manufacturing approach, integrating time-tested techniques with the production demands of the present, guarantees that clients get products of the highest quality and detail.

Do People Still Buy Enamel Pins?

Indeed, custom lapel pins continue to be favored by the masses, combining art with self-expression. These small but impactful items are still widely embraced as fashion accessories, appealing to individuals across different age groups and interests. Their adaptability has led them to be used in everything from streetwear ensembles to high fashion tailoring.

Épingle en émail représentant un motif hip hop, avec des couleurs vibrantes et une représentation élégante de la culture hip hop.
hip hop pin

For many people, lapel pins serve a purpose that goes beyond decoration. They convey loud and clear statements, providing visibility and support for worthy causes.

You’ll often see custom enamel pins or designs tied to activism and social justice, reflecting the wearer’s values in a subtle yet visible way.

Un badge à épingles représentant Donald Trump, avec sa coiffure et son expression emblématiques.
turmp pin
Un pin's rond sur lequel figure la phrase "Stop Trump" en lettres grasses sur un fond coloré.
stop trump pin

Pin cultures and scenes, hobbies, and lifestyles are incorporated into custom designs, appealing to collectors and hobbyists alike. Whether your bestie is obsessed with music, sports, travel, or books, there’s probably a custom pin out there that captures their personality perfectly. Nostalgia is a big factor as well. Many who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s see enamel pins as a charming nod to their past, evoking memories of youth while still feeling modern and relevant.

Épingle en émail représentant l'emblématique skyline de la ville de New York, mettant en valeur ses célèbres bâtiments et sa vie urbaine trépidante.
Vintage City Badge

These items are incredibly tempting to go for based on price, price point, and accessibility. Their allure is undeniable, which makes them an easy investment for anyone trying to upgrade their wardrobe with quality custom lapel pins.

Social media platforms including Instagram, Pinterest and Tik-tok have put enamel pins in the limelight. They play an extremely important role by helping creators reach new audiences. The opportunity size is 10% of the global fashion accessories market.

That said, consider that custom pin processes are a viable solution both to express creativity and as a thriving revenue-generating business model.

enamel pin photoes on pinterest
enamel pin photoes on pinterest

Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Custom Pins

Whether you are designing custom lapel pins for a presentation, social media, or something else, simplicity and clarity need to be your design principles. Worse yet, overcomplicating a design usually creates an even bigger problem. Too many tiny graphics or too much wording will quickly ruin a design’s attractiveness.

This is especially true since most lapel pins are small—generally between one and three inches. Filling in little sections with lots of detail, or overcrowding the design with text, will dilute the message you’re trying to send. For example, limit it to your organization’s logo or name, the chosen year, and a brief tagline. This custom pin process ensures that the design remains focused and intentional.

Une collection de quatre pin's, chacun avec des motifs distincts, dont un pin's avec le logo de l'entreprise.
company logo pins

Color choice is the third big focus to keep in mind. Keeping your color palette to four colors or less will make your design more visually appealing while making it easier to maintain color consistency through production. Loading too many colors into the design makes it difficult to match shades precisely, resulting in a greater risk that your final product will be of subpar quality.

Les Pantone color matching system is an excellent tool to maintain precision and ensure your chosen colors align with your vision. Don’t overcomplicate your design with flashy elements, like QR codes or NFC chips, unless they have a real, relatable use. Often, these features purely over complicate the design without providing any actual benefit.

Text should be kept to a minimum and be easy to read. Overloading this pin with too much information would compromise the simplicity and effectiveness of its design. The last and most important tip is to make sure you design for your brand. Since your custom lapel pin serves as an extension of your organization, making sure it’s in line with your larger branding strategy will help build recognition and trust.

Often, a go with less-is-more will leave you with a more sophisticated and professional outcome.

Leveraging Custom Pins for Marketing Success

Custom lapel pins are more than colorful collectibles — they’re powerful tools for creative self-expression and smart branding.

Their small dimensions create an amazing opportunity to communicate a brand’s message, while their highly customizable nature allows for truly impactful custom pin designs.

How to Leverage Custom Pins for Marketing Success

To maximize custom pins’ potential, your design should fit seamlessly with your brand’s marketing design overall. This includes adding things such as your logo, brand colors, or even a call-out that speaks directly to your target customers.

A well designed pin will be a tiny brand ambassador, taking your message along with it wherever it roams. By incorporating some kind of interactivity into your custom pins, you’ll make them even more alluring.

With features such as QR codes or NFC chips built into the pin, patrons can interact immediately with your products and services. Scanning a QR code on a custom pin through the Pinterest lens can unlock unique promotions.

Médaille pour chien en émail doux avec couronne rose NFC RFID QR
NFC RFID QR Tag

You may receive special event registrations or premium content. This adds an additional layer of interactivity to the pins and creates a marriage between real-world merchandise and digital marketing efforts.

Custom pins foster community and brand loyalty. When customers proudly wear a pin of your brand’s likeness, they send a message of belonging that can instantly make them a walking advertisement.

One of the best examples of this is the way baristas have taken to pins to project a sense of unity and expertise in their craft. PeaKeen and other companies provide massive customization opportunities to make sure your pins capture all of your ideas just like you envision.

When you want a polished, jewelry-like finish, hard enamel pins are a good option that lends a luxe feel to your branding efforts.

Un barista portant un tablier avec un badge visible, indiquant son rôle dans un café.
Barista badge

Customer Experiences with Custom Pins

In actuality, custom lapel pins are so much more than a lovely trinket. They offer one-of-a-kind opportunities for individuals to showcase who they are, what they believe in, and who they cheer for. For companies both small and large, custom pins provide a low-barrier solution to personalized, memorable swag or collectibles. These custom products can be tailored to meet various needs, making them a versatile choice for many occasions.

What customers enjoy most about custom pins is that they can be created for a variety of reasons, like honoring a milestone anniversary or keeping your brand front-of-mind in a gentle way. The ability to personalize these items allows businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Épingle commémorative arborant le logo de l'université d'État du Tennessee à l'occasion de son 20e anniversaire.
Anniversary Pin

One of the most important factors in why people connect with custom pins is their function as a personal billboard.

At charity fundraising walks, participants sometimes wear custom lapel pin badges featuring the event logo or motto. This simple token of appreciation makes them feel very personally invested in the initiative, reinforcing their commitment.

charity badge
Charity Badge
Épingle de boutonnière en forme de ruban rose symbolisant le soutien aux initiatives de sensibilisation et de recherche sur le cancer du sein.
pins octobre rose

Similarly, businesses use pins to foster brand loyalty by giving employees or customers something tangible that represents shared goals or achievements.

A tech startup might distribute custom enamel pins featuring their logo at industry events, making attendees feel included while increasing brand visibility.

Logo de The Athletes Gym sur une épingle bleue, symbolisant le fitness et l'excellence sportive.

Let’s not overlook the real-world benefits to this, either. Pins are small, lightweight, and inexpensive, allowing you to produce a lot for a little money and get them out to as many people as possible.

Whether it’s a sports fan collecting team-themed pins or a retailer adding flair to packaging with a custom pin, the low cost and high impact make them appealing to both creators and recipients.

Customers frequently mention how pins spark conversations, offering a natural way to engage with others who share similar hobbies or values.

Un pin's représentant une main tenant une carte étiquetée "Pile" et "Face", symbolisant les décisions des arbitres de football à l'issue d'un tirage au sort.

Conclusion

Custom pins offer more than just aesthetically pleasing designs. Their perfect mix of imagination and functionality is what makes them such a smart investment for any collector, business, or community.

An art piece to establish individuality, a custom logo pin to cultivate customer loyalty, these small trinkets are more powerful than you think. Their design possibilities are endless.

Whether you are a budding T-shirt entrepreneur or coupon clippers, these tools are great for all who are ready to shift themselves and others.

Whether you’re creating custom pins to make money, create awareness for your organization or cause, or as a hobby, the return on investment is there.

When quality and detail are important, investing time in the design and production process pays off. Interested in having your voice carry more weight? Begin to discover the possibilities now and find out how custom pins can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are custom pins expensive?

Custom lapel pins can be quite pricey due to the unique designs, high-quality materials, and labor-intensive custom pin processes involved in their creation. But 90% of that cost is design fees, and those are profits. A badge that sells for $15 a piece on Etsy may cost as little as $1.50 to manufacture.

Factors like the type of enamel used, plating, and hand-finishing also contribute to the cost. However, with bulk orders of custom lapel pins, you can significantly lower your per-piece pricing.

What are the most popular types of custom pins?

Enamel pins, including soft enamel pins and hard enamel pins, are popular for their colorful, shiny surfaces and sturdy production. Additionally, custom lapel pins, like die-struck pins, offer an elegant, traditional appearance.

Is it profitable to sell custom pins?

We think selling custom lapel pins is a great lucrative idea. They’re easy to produce, and with quality custom lapel pins, you can achieve great markup potential. Focus on creative designs and target markets with less competition for greater success.

Badges that sell for $15 may cost as little as $1.50, and your ROI is as high as 900%!

Why are enamel pins often made in China?

That’s where the expertise in custom lapel pin manufacturing lies, thanks to experienced labor, up-to-date technology, and cheaper production costs, ensuring the best quality custom lapel pins at the best price with no middle men involved.

Do people still buy enamel pins?

Enamel pins, especially custom lapel pins, remain wildly popular as they serve as cool, collectible accessories for personal expression or branding, making them ideal for multimedia marketing campaigns.

What mistakes should I avoid when designing custom pins?

Avoid overly-complicated designs and ensure your artwork for custom lapel pins is scalable, with legible text and good color contrast. Always conduct a final check of proofs before proceeding to production for quality custom lapel pins.

How can custom pins boost marketing success?

Custom lapel pins are inexpensive, unique, and fun to collect, making them perfect for giveaways, event merchandise, or brand identifiers to raise your visibility and grow your audience.

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