• This case study documents the design and manufacturing process of a custom lapel pin titled “Pow! Pom!” for Client 509, ordered through Hipins. The vibrant and comic-inspired design exemplifies both creative branding and high-quality craftsmanship. With a quantity exceeding 50 units, the client requested a direct-to-production approach without sampling, highlighting their confidence in the process and the end result.

Design and Production Specifications

• Order Number: 250109F02-Jinx_board fillers
• Item: Lapel pin
• Type: New custom order
• Process: Hard enamel with screen printing
• Plating: Gold
• Polish: Thick metal
• Attachment: Rubber Clutches
• Backside: Backstam
• Packing: PVC + Bubble Bag
• Metal Thickness: 1.5mm Zinc Alloy
• Dimensions: 1.25 inches
• Base metal: Gold
• Fill colors:
  • White
  • 807 Glitter Pink
  • 2727 Glitter Blue
• Special Features:
• No sample needed
• Gold outline and glitter infills
• Cutouts marked with red “X”

This design integrates pop art elements and bold typography to create a visually dynamic pin. The usage of glitter enamel enhances visual interest and appeal, especially for collectors and fans of street-style aesthetics.

Communication Process

The order was placed through Hipins with a clear and detailed brief. The client provided a specific design concept, including color choices (Pantone 807 and 2727 with glitter effects), dimensions, and text formatting. Communication was smooth and efficient due to the following:

• Clear Artwork Submission: The client submitted precise artwork, including both colored mockups and metal cut templates.
• No Sample Required: The note “No Sample Needed” indicated that the client trusted Hipins’ production quality. Instead, photo documentation of the production process was to be shared.
• Inspection Tags: Labels such as “initial inspection” and “plating” ensured that internal quality control checkpoints were followed.
• Language Clarity: Both English and Chinese were used in the production sheet, facilitating bilingual coordination across teams.

This streamlined communication reduced production lead time and eliminated the sampling stage, allowing the factory to move into bulk manufacturing immediately after confirmation.

Post-Production and Client Feedback

Once production was completed, photos were sent to the client for record and approval. Because the process was pre-agreed upon and samples were waived, the visual updates helped ensure transparency and manage expectations.

Client Feedback Highlights:

• Design Accuracy: The client appreciated that the glitter enamel matched their selected Pantone references.
• Build Quality: The pins were reported to be well-polished, with no visible bubbles or uneven fill in the enamel.
• Packaging: The individual PVC and bubble bags provided adequate protection during shipment, ensuring no damage occurred.
• Timeliness: The order was completed and shipped on time, further reinforcing the client’s confidence in Hipins’ reliability.

FAQs

Q1: What does “hard enamel” mean?
Hard enamel refers to a technique where colored enamel is filled into recessed areas and polished flat, resulting in a smooth, durable surface that’s resistant to scratching. It gives a high-end, glossy finish.

Q2: What is the advantage of using glitter enamel?
Glitter enamel adds a sparkling effect, enhancing the pin’s visual appeal. It is particularly popular for novelty designs, events, or collectors’ items.

Q3: Why was no sample needed?
Some clients, especially repeat customers or those confident in the supplier’s capability, opt to skip the sample phase to speed up production. In such cases, photographic updates during production serve as a substitute.

Q4: What is a backstamp?
A backstamp is custom text or logo engraved on the reverse side of the pin, often used for branding, authentication, or serial numbering.

Q5: Can I change the attachment type?
Yes, clients can choose from different attachments such as butterfly clasps, magnetic backs, or rubber clutches depending on their needs.

Q6: How are colors matched?
Colors are selected based on Pantone codes, and glitter or plain versions can be used. It’s important to specify if glitter enamel is desired, as shown here with “807 glitter” and “2727 glitter”.

Q7: Is gold plating real gold?
No, gold plating in this context typically refers to a gold-colored metal finish (usually imitation gold) applied over a base metal. It’s mostly for aesthetic purposes.

Conclusion

This “Pow! Pom!” pin project exemplifies the power of clear design, efficient communication, and quality manufacturing. From vibrant pop art aesthetics to robust metal plating and glitter detailing, the final product met all client expectations. The ability to skip sampling without compromising results shows that with the right systems in place, speed and quality can coexist. This case continues to stand as a benchmark for smooth custom production at Hipins.