A Collector’s Guide Based on Real Community Answers
If you’ve ever browsed pin collections online or joined a pin-focused community, you’ve probably noticed one recurring question—especially from newcomers:
“Where do people actually get enamel pins from?”
This exact question has been asked countless times across forums, social platforms, and most notably on Reddit’s r/EnamelPins community. The answers are rarely short, because the truth is simple but layered:
Most pin collectors don’t rely on just one source.
Instead, enamel pins come from a wide ecosystem—ranging from resale marketplaces and artist-run shops to crowdfunding platforms, conventions, and direct manufacturer collaborations.
This article breaks down the most common sources people use to get enamel pins today, based on real community discussions and long-term collector behavior.
1. eBay: Resale, Vintage, and Discontinued Pins
eBay remains one of the oldest and most established platforms for enamel pins, especially for collectors looking backward rather than forward.
What collectors typically use eBay for:
- Discontinued or retired pins
- Older brand releases
- Theme park and travel souvenirs
- Event-exclusive pins no longer in circulation
- Secondary-market fantasy pins
For experienced collectors, eBay is often about completion, not discovery—finding that one missing pin to finish a set.
Pros & Cons of Buying Pins on eBay
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Huge selection | Higher prices for rare pins |
| Access to old releases | Risk of fakes or poor-quality photos |
| Global sellers | Limited artist interaction |
Tip: Most seasoned collectors recommend cross-checking seller history and photos carefully, especially for fantasy pins or high-value items.
External reference:
https://www.ebay.com
2. Instagram: The Heart of the Modern Pin Community
Instagram is widely considered the primary discovery platform for enamel pins today.
Most independent pin artists and pin brands use Instagram as their main hub to:
- Share original designs and concepts
- Test interest through posts or stories
- Announce drops, preorders, and restocks
- Build long-term relationships with collectors
Once someone follows just a few pin accounts, the algorithm naturally introduces more artists through hashtags, reposts, and mutual followers.
Why Instagram Matters So Much
Unlike traditional marketplaces, Instagram allows collectors to:
- See behind-the-scenes process
- Interact directly with creators
- Join community-driven releases
- Access limited or exclusive designs
Many pins never appear anywhere else.
Fantasy Pins & Instagram
Fantasy pins—unofficial designs inspired by popular media—are especially tied to Instagram.
Most fantasy pin creators:
- Do not sell through mass marketplaces
- Rely on community feedback before production
- Release pins in limited editions
- Announce sales exclusively via social posts
Typical flow for fantasy pins:
Instagram → Community feedback → Production → Fulfillment
Because of licensing limitations, fantasy pins are rarely found in physical stores or large online retailers.
External reference:
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/enamelpins/
3. Etsy: Artist Shops and Small Brands
Etsy is another major source for enamel pins, particularly for collectors who prefer a more traditional storefront experience.
On Etsy, people commonly find:
- Artist-run pin shops
- Small-batch or made-to-order designs
- Illustration-focused or handmade aesthetics
Some artists treat Etsy as their main sales channel, while others use it alongside Instagram or Patreon.
Etsy vs Instagram for Pins
| Etsy | Instagram |
|---|
| Stable storefront | Drop-based sales |
| Searchable listings | Community-driven discovery |
| Easier checkout | Limited-time availability |
For collectors who dislike chasing drops, Etsy can feel more approachable.
External reference:
https://www.etsy.com/market/enamel_pins
4. Kickstarter & BackerKit: Project-Based Pin Releases
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and BackerKit play a major role in modern pin production.
Creators often use these platforms to:
- Fund large pin series
- Unlock stretch-goal designs
- Launch themed collections
- Collaborate with multiple artists
For collectors, these platforms offer early access and exclusive variants—but also require patience.
What Collectors Should Check Before Backing
- Has the creator completed previous projects?
- Do they already sell pins elsewhere?
- Are timelines and production plans clearly explained?
Many successful pin projects start with an Instagram audience and move to Kickstarter for funding.
External references:
https://www.kickstarter.com
https://www.backerkit.com
5. Retail Stores, Museums, and Souvenirs
Not all enamel pins come from online communities.
Many collectors still obtain pins from:
- Museum gift shops
- Tourist locations
- Theme parks
- Brand retail stores
These pins often hold strong sentimental or location-based value, even if they aren’t limited editions.
For some collectors, these pins mark:
- Travel memories
- Life milestones
- Personal experiences
Which makes them irreplaceable.
6. Conventions, Artist Alleys, and In-Person Events
In-person events remain a cornerstone of pin culture.
Common sources include:
- Comic conventions
- Anime expos
- Craft fairs
- Artist alleys
These events allow collectors to:
- Meet artists face-to-face
- See pins in person before buying
- Access event-exclusive designs
- Trade pins with other collectors
While online platforms dominate discovery, conventions often create the strongest emotional connection.
For artists, brands, or businesses, enamel pins often come directly from manufacturers.
This route is typically used by:
- Independent artists scaling production
- Small brands launching merch
- Companies creating promotional pins
Manufacturers handle:
- Artwork conversion
- Mold creation
- Plating and coloring
- Quality control and mass production
Collectors may never see this stage—but it’s where every pin begins.
Where Do Most People Actually Get Enamel Pins From?
In reality, most collectors combine multiple sources over time.
Common Collector Path
| Stage | Typical Source |
|---|
| Beginner | Retail stores, Etsy |
| Intermediate | Instagram, conventions |
| Advanced | eBay, Kickstarter, direct artist drops |
As collectors gain experience, many shift away from mass-produced pins and toward artist-made designs.
Final Thoughts
There is no single answer to where enamel pins come from—because pin collecting is personal.
Some people collect for nostalgia.
Some collect for art.
Some collect for community.
And each motivation leads to different sources.
FAQ – Quick Answers
Q: Where do people usually get enamel pins from?
A: Most people get enamel pins from Instagram, Etsy, eBay, Kickstarter, retail stores, conventions, and artist-run shops.
Q: Is Instagram a good place to find enamel pins?
A: Yes. Instagram is currently the main discovery platform for independent pin artists and fantasy pin creators.
Q: Where do fantasy pins come from?
A: Fantasy pins usually come from independent artists who promote and sell their designs primarily through Instagram and direct sales.
Q: Are enamel pins from Etsy handmade?
A: Most are artist-designed and professionally manufactured, not handmade one-by-one—but sold directly by the artist.
Q: Why are some pins so limited?
A: Limited editions help artists manage risk, control costs, and create exclusivity within the pin community.