Custom enamel pins are one of the most creative and affordable ways to promote a brand, celebrate an event, or showcase original artwork. But when it comes to pricing, things can get a little confusing. What affects the cost? Why do different factories quote different prices? And how can you plan your order to stay within budget without sacrificing quality?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about custom enamel pin pricing, including materials, finishes, sizes, plating, and MOQs, so you can make informed decisions when placing your next order.
1. Understanding the Basics of Enamel Pin Pricing
Every custom pin begins with a design — but once you send that design to production, several cost factors come into play. The total price is influenced by mold fees, materials, enamel type, plating, size, quantity, and extra details like printing or glow effects.
A standard enamel pin usually ranges from $0.5 to $2.5 per piece, depending on complexity and order size. For small batches or samples, mold fees are a one-time cost that can range between $50 and $120, depending on design details and factory standards.
When working directly with a factory like HIPINS, you get transparent pricing without extra middlemen costs — which means better value and control over every production stage.
2. Material Choices: Zinc Alloy, Brass, or Iron?
Different metals create different textures, weights, and costs.
- Zinc Alloy: Lightweight and flexible, perfect for complex cut-out shapes.
- Iron: Strong, durable, and cost-effective, ideal for soft enamel pins.
- Brass or Copper: Premium options used for hard enamel pins or gold-plated finishes.
If your design involves multiple layers, special cutouts, or large surfaces, zinc alloy often offers the best balance between cost and quality.
Learn more about our custom enamel pins and explore how each metal affects the look and feel of your pin.
3. Hard Enamel vs. Soft Enamel — What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest pricing differences comes from your enamel choice.
- Soft Enamel Pins: Colors are filled below the metal lines, creating a textured surface. They’re vibrant and slightly more affordable.
- Hard Enamel Pins: Each color layer is polished flat, giving a smooth and jewelry-like finish. These take more labor and time, so the cost is usually 10–20% higher.
If your brand or artwork demands a high-end, smooth texture, hard enamel is the way to go. For large quantities or creative fan merch, soft enamel keeps costs low without losing detail.
4. Size, Thickness & Plating — Small Details, Big Impact
Pin size directly affects both material usage and mold size. Common sizes range from 1 to 2 inches; larger pins naturally cost more due to metal volume and enamel fill.
Thickness also plays a role — 1.2mm for standard pins, 1.5mm or thicker for a premium look.
Then there’s plating — the finish that gives your pin its metal color:
- Nickel or Silver — sleek and classic
- Gold or Brass — luxurious and bold
- Black Nickel — stylish, modern contrast
- Antique Finish — vintage feel for textured designs
Premium finishes like rose gold or dyed black may increase unit price slightly but significantly elevate visual appeal.
Check our custom lapel pins collection to see how different platings transform the final result.
5. Add-ons That Affect Price
Several optional features can customize your pins — but they also impact pricing:
- Screen printing or UV printing for gradient or logo details
- Glow-in-the-dark enamel for special effects
- Epoxy coating for extra protection
- Backstamp or custom backcards for branding
- Packaging upgrades such as velvet boxes or display cards
At HIPINS, our team reviews every design to suggest the most cost-effective combinations before production begins.
6. Understanding MOQs and Sample Orders
MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, refers to the smallest number of pins a factory can produce in one batch. For most enamel pins, the MOQ is 50 to 100 pieces per design.
Producing fewer pieces means higher per-unit costs since mold setup, material preparation, and labor remain the same. However, once you exceed 100–200 pcs, unit pricing drops significantly.
Need a pre-production sample? HIPINS offers sample runs with your real mold and plating, so you can verify quality before full production. This helps brands and designers minimize risk and stay on schedule.
Learn more about our promotional merchandise options for large-scale campaigns.
7. Factory Direct vs. Trading Companies
Ordering directly from a factory ensures consistent quality, shorter communication chains, and lower prices. Factories like HIPINS control every step — from mold cutting to enamel filling and final plating — guaranteeing precision and accountability.
In contrast, middlemen or trading companies often mark up costs or outsource production to multiple suppliers, leading to inconsistent results.
By partnering directly with HIPINS, you’re working with a factory-direct team that understands both design aesthetics and manufacturing details.
8. How to Get an Accurate Quote
To get an accurate quote for your project, prepare:
- Artwork (AI, PSD, or high-resolution PNG)
- Desired size and quantity
- Enamel type (soft or hard)
- Plating preference
- Optional effects or packaging
Our professional sales team will review your artwork and provide a detailed breakdown — ensuring clarity and transparency at every stage.
Send your inquiry to sales@hipins.com or connect with us on Instagram.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the average production time for custom enamel pins?
Usually 2–3 weeks after artwork approval. Mold and plating can take several days, followed by enamel filling and polishing.
Q2: Can I order a small batch below the MOQ?
Yes, HIPINS accepts small sample runs for testing. However, unit prices will be slightly higher due to setup and mold costs.
Q3: What file format is best for submitting my design?
We recommend AI or vector-based PDF for best precision, but high-resolution PNGs are also acceptable.
Final Thoughts
Custom enamel pins are small items with huge storytelling potential. Whether you’re launching a new brand, creating fan merchandise, or rewarding loyal supporters, understanding the pricing structure and production process helps you balance creativity with budget.
At HIPINS, we turn your ideas into metal and color — with precision, quality, and care.