This article covers the custom enamel pins creation process from creating the original design to communicating with the manufacturer. From vectors, to design briefs, the entire creative process is explained. As part of this guide, you can find information on how to choose a supplier, understand shipping as well, and insight into the benefits of using custom enamel pins for your business.
Introduction:
For decades enamel pins have become a staple style accessory and memorabilia for many years. The unique possibility of customizing all of your clothes and items based on your sense of style using pins has made pins desirable merchandise for businesses across the world.
For both smaller and larger businesses, custom enamel pins offer the opportunity to supply their customers with an affordable product that reinforces their brand identity. Organizations, festivals, and event planners have also frequently used customized pins as memorabilia, or to build loyalty and community.
Still, if you don’t know where to start with creating your own custom enamel pin designs and lines, it can seem daunting. This is why we have created this all-encompassing guide to help you through the process of making your own custom enamel pins. Using the guide, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure that your pin creation venture is a success.
Benefits of Custom Enamel Pins for Brands
- Versatility
Enamel pins are a versatile product that can be used as part of your marketing campaigns, promotional items, or commemorative pieces. A music artist might create pins and sell them during tours or concerts. Big festivals and events will often give out pins as freebies from their event. Book publicists will use them as part of their campaign to generate buzz for the launch of a new book.
The versatility of custom enamel pins is that they can be adapted to your own brand needs. There is no one way that they should be used, but because of their affordable nature, they have become a staple freebie or sellable memorabilia product.
- Affordability
Custom merchandise can be expensive to create, however enamel pins are rather inexpensive. The fact that they are affordable means that most brands, both small and big, can actually afford to batch-produce a lot of pins and use them over time.
It is also possible for brands to create multiple designs without having to suffer a big blow to their accounts. This can be great for brands who are still trying to decide on the ways that they should use custom enamel pins for their brand, or choose between different designs.
- Brand Loyalty and Promotional Impact
Custom enamel pins are a subtle but powerful way of promoting brand loyalty and helping a brand promote its message. As the pins are wearable, fans of a brand are going to actively associate with the brand through a physical symbol. This can help them unite with other fans of your brand or it could spark conversations with strangers about your brand and what you do.
- Durable
Enamel pins are known for their durability. This is great for the consumers who will not need to worry about their pins breaking, as well as for your business or brand. For brands, the durability of pins means that the pins created can be used for years without worrying about them perishing. It is also a positive to be associated with an item that is unlikely to break, as most customers want to know that their products were made using the highest possible quality of materials.
- Collectible
Enamel pins are a collectible for many people. This unique aspect means that there is no limit to how many pins someone is going to purchase. For a business, this could mean the constant release of new limited edition collections, that collectors are going to try and get their hands on. Many people enjoy collecting and trading enamel pins, which also adds a level of engagement to your product if you’re offering them commercially.
Step 1: Finding a Supplier: Tips on researching and choosing a reliable manufacturer.
If you are starting your journey towards creating custom enamel pins then the first thing you are going to need to do is research possible suppliers. The right supplier is not just about a lower price, but more importantly, it should be a company that has the specialization and experience in the industry to help you create the best possible product. Manufacturers such as Vivipins can offer the perfect combination of an affordable price and true expertise in the enamel pins industry.
When you do find the supplier that you would like to go with, always make sure to request samples. Many reputable suppliers will offer samples so that you can test and see their production abilities and pin quality in action.
Finally, make sure to ask them about their production capabilities. When you choose a manufacturer, you will need to ensure that they can handle the volume and customizations you are looking for.
Step 2: Communicating Your Design: Preparing clear design briefs.
Once you have found your supplier you will need to communicate your design with them. This is usually done through a design brief. If you are not sure how to make one then here is some advice.
Your design brief should include specifications such as:
- Pin size and shape
- Colors (using Pantone or HEX codes)
- Type of enamel (hard or soft enamel)
- Type of plating (gold, silver, black nickel, etc.)
- Backing options (butterfly clutch, rubber clutch, etc.)
- Any special requirements, such as additional features like glitter, glow-in-the-dark, or custom backstamps.
Communicating with the manufacturer clearly on what your design is can be crucial. As part of your brief, you should also include your vector files that contain your design. These are going to help the manufacturer clearly envision what exactly you are looking for.
During this process, you can also ask the manufacturer for feedback about any aspect of the production process you are unclear on. Having good communication at this stage can really help you save money by cutting down on possible errors later in this process.
Step 3: Production Timeline
Having a clear understanding of the production line can be really important especially if you need your custom enamel pins to be ready by a specific date for an event or other promotional launch. When looking at the production timeline you should.
- Discuss the Production Timeline with Your Supplier
Manufacturers will often have different production timelines depending on the complexity of your design, volume, and other demands. Prior to placing your order, it is important to discuss the estimated timeline for every stage of the production. This includes design proofing, enamel filling, plating, mold creation, and finally quality control.
The majority of manufacturers will usually take anywhere from two to four weeks for their production. Additional customization and features could however increase your production timeline.
- Plan for Potential Delays
While the production process can be fairly straightforward, you should always plan for delays especially as often times international shipping can take extra time. Planning for those delays ahead of time will help you not worry as the deadlines are approaching.
Step 4: Cost Breakdown
The cost of your custom enamel pins will vary depending on several factors including:
- Mold or Setup Fees
Many manufacturers will charge an initial setup fee, ranging between $50 and $100 usually. This fee could vary depending on the complexity of your design.
- Per-Unit Cost
The per-unit cost of each pin decreases the more pieces you buy. This is why bulk orders of 500 or more pieces could cost you around half the price per piece when compared with smaller orders, such as for 100 pieces. Soft enamel is usually a more affordable option than hard enamel, so the materials you are using could also affect pricing.
- Additional Features
Custom options, such as glow-in-the-dark enamel, glitter, or custom back stamps, can often be charged extra. The same is true for specialty plating options.
- Shipping and Handling
Shipping costs may vary based on where you are buying from and where you are shipping to. Always plan for the shipping and customs costs in order to avoid any unexpected hits to your budget.
- Additional Expenses
Depending on how you created your design, you might need to also plan for paying a designer, paying for packaging, or even insurance. These are things to consider especially if you are planning on selling your pins, as they can affect the overall price.
Step 5: Reviewing Proofs
Prior to the finalization of the custom enamel pins, most suppliers are going to provide you with digital proof. This will include a mockup of your design. You should take the time to properly examine this mockup to ensure it is what you want.
When checking the mockup place close attention to the accuracy of the design, including the size, the color, and the text you are using. Always ensure that the details match exactly the design that you had agreed on with the manufacturer.
If there is any aspect of the design that is not exactly how you want it, this is the time to speak up and ask for revisions. Most manufacturers will allow one to two revisions at this stage, as reviewing the proofs can help you save money from costly errors at a later stage.
Step 6: Shipping and Receiving
After all that hard work, you have finally finished manufacturing your custom enamel pins, still, the process does not end there. If you are the one to make the choice on what shipping company should be used, you should check whether you want to have standard or expedited delivery. You should also make sure to know what the customs duties are going to be to avoid any possible delays.
Once the order has been received make sure to carefully inspect your pins for consistency, quality, and color. If you find that the pins are damaged, or that they do not meet your standards then the supplier will need to be immediately contacted. Most manufacturers are quick to resolve any issues, whether through providing replacements, supplying return options, or refunds.
If there are issues during the manufacturing process or you find that the final products do not match what you wanted, then you should make note of that and choose a different more reliable manufacturer in the future. Building a relationship with a good manufacturer is the key to having great products at all times.
Conclusion:
While ordering custom enamel pins can be a time-consuming process, following this guide will help you get through it unscathed. By streamlining the process and knowing what you need to be on the lookout for you can make great choices in your design choices, manufacturer, and shipping options. From finding a reliable supplier to reviewing proofs and managing costs, each step is essential to the creation of a final product that you are proud of.
Custom enamel pins are long-lasting and a representation of your creative vision and brand. Take your time and create something truly memorable that you will be happy to share as part of your promotions, freebies, or events. With the right planning and a good manufacturer, you can create custom pins at the drop of a hat and build your business up in no time.