Ordering custom pins can be exciting, but many first-time buyers make custom pin mistakes that lead to delays, higher costs, or unsatisfactory results. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial to ensure your pins look professional and meet expectations. This pin ordering guide from HIPINS highlights the 10 most common custom pin mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Rushing Your Design – One of the Top Custom Pin Mistakes
One of the biggest custom pin mistakes is rushing your design without proper planning. Pins with unclear or cluttered artwork can look unprofessional.
How to avoid it:
- Sketch or mock up your design carefully.
- Focus on bold shapes and simple color schemes.
- Use HIPINS’ design support to refine your artwork for clarity and impact.
A well-planned design prevents custom pin mistakes related to poor visuals.
2. Ignoring Size Selection
Another common custom pin mistake is choosing the wrong size. Pins that are too small can lose detail, while oversized pins may be uncomfortable or impractical.
How to avoid it:
- Determine where the pins will be worn: lapel, hat, or backpack.
- Check HIPINS’ size recommendations.
- Request a prototype to see your design at actual size.
Proper size selection avoids custom pin mistakes that make pins look cheap or unclear.
3. Overcomplicating Artwork
Complex designs with tiny text or details are a frequent custom pin mistake. Small elements can be lost during production.
How to avoid it:
- Keep designs simple and bold.
- Limit the number of colors.
- Provide high-resolution artwork and allow HIPINS to optimize it.
This prevents custom pin mistakes that affect clarity and premium appearance.
Selecting a plating that doesn’t complement your design is a major custom pin mistake. Wrong finishes can make pins appear cheap or clash with colors.
How to avoid it:
- Consider gold, silver, or antique finishes.
- Ask HIPINS for plating tips to enhance your design.
- Request samples to verify appearance.
Proper plating avoids custom pin mistakes and elevates the look of your pins.
Choosing the wrong backing is a common custom pin mistake. Improper backings can lead to pins falling off or being uncomfortable.
How to avoid it:
- Choose from butterfly clutch, rubber clutch, or magnetic backing.
- Consider your audience and usage.
- HIPINS can advise on the right backing for small-batch or large orders.
Correct backing prevents custom pin mistakes related to functionality.
6. Skipping Color Proofing
Not checking colors is another frequent custom pin mistake. Digital designs often look different from the final enamel.
How to avoid it:
- Review digital proofs carefully.
- Use Pantone references for precision (Pantone Color System).
- HIPINS ensures color accuracy in every order.
Color proofing prevents custom pin mistakes that affect the final look.
7. Underestimating Production Time
Expecting instant delivery is a common custom pin mistake. Pins require time for production, polishing, and shipping.
How to avoid it:
- Plan your order in advance.
- Ask HIPINS for estimated production timelines.
- Include extra time for proof approval and potential revisions.
Proper planning avoids custom pin mistakes related to missed deadlines.
8. Overlooking Small Batch Options
Assuming you must order in bulk is a frequent custom pin mistake. Small orders allow testing without overproduction.
How to avoid it:
- HIPINS supports no minimum orders and small batches.
- Test multiple designs before committing.
- Adjust designs based on feedback or sales.
Small batch orders prevent custom pin mistakes like wasted inventory.
Poor packaging is another common custom pin mistake. Even high-quality pins can look cheap without presentation.
How to avoid it:
- Use custom backer cards or boxes.
- Match packaging style to your brand or event.
- HIPINS offers affordable custom packaging solutions.
Good packaging reduces custom pin mistakes related to perceived value.
10. Ignoring Vendor Communication
Poor communication with manufacturers is a top custom pin mistake. Misunderstandings can affect design, plating, or delivery.
How to avoid it:
- Provide detailed instructions and reference images.
- Respond promptly to proofs and questions.
- Work with HIPINS, known for clear communication and quality control.
Strong communication ensures you avoid custom pin mistakes on every order.
Conclusion
Avoiding custom pin mistakes ensures your pins are professional, collectible, and visually stunning. By planning designs, selecting proper sizes and plating, proofing colors, choosing the right backing, and communicating effectively, you can create custom pins that impress. HIPINS supports small-batch orders, no minimums, and high-quality finishes to help you avoid all common mistakes.
With careful attention to these details, your pins will achieve a premium look, whether for gifts, events, or promotional purposes. Start your project today and avoid custom pin mistakes from day one!