Skip to content 
Have you ever scrolled through Etsy or Instagram and thought, “Wait, people are making money selling hat pins?” Well, guess what? They absolutely are. And if you’re in the business of selling fashion accessories, you might be sitting on an untapped goldmine.
Hat pins aren’t just stylish trinkets; they’re a booming niche product with strong demand, high profit margins, and an ever-growing fanbase. Whether it’s vintage lovers, collectors, or alternative fashion enthusiasts, people love expressing themselves with unique hat pins. But how do you turn this tiny accessory into a big business? That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this guide. From profitability breakdowns to marketing strategies, customer targeting, and sourcing the best manufacturers—this is your one-stop playbook to making money with hat pins.
1. Can You Make Money Selling Hat Pins?
The short answer is: Yes, and quite a lot! Hat pins cater to a variety of markets, making them a fantastic product to sell. Here’s why they’re a smart business move:
- Low production costs, high profit margins – A single hat pin can cost as little as $1 to manufacture and sell for anywhere from $8 to $30, depending on the design and materials. That’s a massive markup!
- A growing trend – Custom enamel pins, vintage-style accessories, and collectible fashion items are trending. Hat pins are a part of this movement, thriving on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and specialty fashion shops.
- Minimal storage & shipping costs – Unlike bulky fashion items, hat pins are easy to store, lightweight to ship, and require little upfront investment.
- Diverse customer base – Whether it’s fashion lovers, collectors, or companies ordering custom designs, the demand for hat pins isn’t slowing down.
2. Understanding Hat Pins: Sizes, Styles, and Design Complexity
Before jumping into sales, you need to understand the product itself. Different customers will have different needs, and the more you know, the better you can sell.
- Sizes – Hat pins generally range from 1.5 to 6 inches. Smaller pins (1.5-2 inches) are perfect for everyday wear, while longer pins (4-6 inches) are used for decorative or formal purposes.
- Materials – Options include brass, stainless steel, and silver, often adorned with enamel, gemstones, or engravings. Higher-end materials = higher price points!
- Design Complexity – Simple metal pins are budget-friendly, while intricate designs with enamel and engraving can fetch a premium price.
- Customization – Offering custom hat pins for brands, businesses, and special events can be a huge money-maker.
3. Finding the Right Customers for Your Hat Pins
To sell effectively, you need to understand who buys hat pins and why:
- Fashion Enthusiasts – Vintage, gothic, and alternative fashion lovers use hat pins as accessories. Show them why your designs are must-haves!
- Collectors – Many designs hold historical or cultural significance, making them appealing to collectors. Limited-edition drops create hype.
- Bridal & Formal Wear – Elegant hat pins are used in weddings and formal events. Offer customized designs for bulk bridal orders.
- Cosplay & Costume Designers – Unique hat pins work well for costumes, reenactments, and themed events.
- Corporate & Brand Promotions – Businesses often use branded hat pins for giveaways and promotional events.
4. Best Sales Channels for Hat Pins
There are many ways to sell hat pins. Some of the most effective channels include:
Online Sales Channels
- Etsy – A top marketplace for handmade and artistic hat pins.
- Amazon Handmade – Ideal for reaching a large audience.
- Shopify – A self-hosted store gives full control over branding and pricing.
- Social Media – Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are perfect for showcasing pins in action.
Offline Sales Channels
- Boutiques & Gift Shops – Perfect for placing hat pins in front of fashion-forward buyers.
- Craft Fairs & Vintage Markets – Great for direct customer engagement and instant feedback.
- Wedding & Costume Shops – Specialty stores looking for elegant accessories.
5. Marketing & Branding Strategies for Hat Pins
A solid marketing strategy is what separates successful sellers from the rest. Here’s how to get eyes on your hat pins:
- Social Media Marketing – Post engaging content on Instagram and Pinterest. Show how to use hat pins in fashion and styling.
- Influencer Collaborations – Work with fashion influencers to showcase your pins.
- Email Marketing & Pre-orders – Build anticipation and gauge demand before launching new designs.
- SEO & Blogging – Write content about styling hat pins, historical significance, and trends to attract organic search traffic.
6. Pre-Sales, Crowdfunding, and Building Demand
New to selling? Reduce your risk by testing demand first:
- Kickstarter & Indiegogo – Use crowdfunding to generate early sales and cover production costs.
- Limited-Edition Drops – Create urgency with exclusive releases.
- Wholesale & Bulk Orders – Sell in bulk to boutiques, brands, and event organizers.
7. Sourcing & Working with Manufacturers
Finding the right manufacturer is crucial to maintaining quality and keeping costs low:
- Choosing a Reliable Supplier – Work with experienced hat pin manufacturers who specialize in custom designs.
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – Know the minimum order requirement before committing.
- Production Time & Shipping – Plan ahead for lead times, especially during busy seasons.
Conclusion
Selling hat pins isn’t just a fun business—it’s a profitable one if done right. By understanding the market, choosing the right designs, and executing a strong sales and marketing plan, you can turn this small accessory into a big revenue stream.
At Factorypin, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality custom hat pins at competitive prices. Whether you need small-batch production or large wholesale orders, we provide expert craftsmanship to help your business succeed. Contact us today to start creating your custom hat pins!
