1. Why Costs Vary: A Quick Overview
Every enamel pin goes through mold-making, stamping or casting, plating, coloring, polishing, and final assembly. Different materials, processes, and details influence the final price. As one of our clients noted: “Once I understood the mold fee and color count, the quote finally made sense.”
Let’s walk through each cost component.
2. Mold Fee (Setup Cost)
The mold fee is the one-time cost to create your pin’s shape.
- Soft enamel, hard enamel, die struck pins: require a 2D or 3D mold.
- Printed pins: use a printing plate instead of a metal mold.
- Many factories waive the mold fee for 5,000+ pcs or repeat orders of the same design.
This fee usually ranges from moderate to high depending on the complexity (fine lines, inner cutouts, larger size).
Good news: Once you’ve paid it, the same mold can usually be reused for up to 2 years.
3. Material Cost
Different metals come with different pricing tiers:
- Brass / Copper → highest clarity lines, ideal for premium hard enamel; more expensive.
- Iron → budget-friendly, great for soft enamel; widely used for trading pins.
- Zinc Alloy → best for large or 3D designs; cost-effective for bulk production.
- Stainless Steel / Bronze → commonly used for printed pins.
Material selection is one of the biggest drivers of cost.
4. Plating Options
Plating affects both appearance and budget.
- Standard finishes (no extra cost): gold, nickel, copper.
- Premium finishes (additional cost): black nickel, antique gold, antique silver, misty/matte plating.
For example, antique finishes require more processing steps, adding to both time and cost.
5. Enamel Colors & Effects
Color count and effects have a direct impact on pricing:
Most pins include up to 4 colors at the base price. Extra colors add a small additional charge per color.
Special effects such as glitter, glow-in-the-dark, or translucent enamel increase the cost slightly.
6. Size & Thickness
Larger pins require more metal, more enamel, and longer production time.
- Soft enamel / die struck: typically 1.2 mm thick.
- Hard enamel: about 1.5 mm thick.
- Printed pins: 0.8 mm.
Even a small increase (e.g., 30 mm → 40 mm) can significantly impact the unit price.
7. Backing & Accessories
Most quotes include:
- One back post
- One rubber or butterfly clutch
Upgrades such as deluxe clutch, magnetic backings, or safety pins add a slight extra fee.
8. Packaging Options
Standard packaging is an individual OPP bag at no extra cost.
Premium options include:
- Backer cards
- Plastic cases
- Velvet boxes
These add cost depending on material and printing.
9. Quantity (Bulk Pricing)
Quantity is one of the strongest price influencers.
- Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is typically 300 pcs.
- Higher quantities = lower unit price.
- 5,000+ pcs usually qualify for mold-fee waivers.
A client once shared: “We increased our order from 300 to 1,000 pcs and the savings per pin were surprisingly huge.”
10. International Shipping
Shipping cost depends on:
- Weight (affected by material & packaging)
- Destination
- Courier choice
Soft enamel pins packaged individually typically weigh 7–15 grams per piece. International express (DHL/FedEx) is fast but more expensive, while economy services reduce costs for larger orders.
11. Sample (Proof) Cost
Factories offer optional sampling:
- 5–7 days for production
- Cost equals mold fee
- Often deducted from the final mass order if design doesn’t change
Many clients love this option because it helps ensure details and colors match expectations.
One customer said: “The proof gave us full confidence before moving to 2,000 pcs.”
Final Thoughts
Custom enamel pins involve a mix of artistic work and precision metal craftsmanship. Once you understand each cost component — mold, materials, plating, colors, accessories, packaging, shipping — you can request quotes more confidently and avoid surprises.
If you’re planning a project, feel free to ask for guidance on materials, sizing, and cost optimization. We’re here to help transform your ideas into high-quality, durable pins you’ll be proud of.