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When creating custom pins, one of the biggest questions is: How much will they cost? On average, the price of a standard custom pin starts as low as $0.38 to $0.68 per piece for bulk orders of 30+ pieces, depending on factors like size and finish. While costs can vary with additional features like colors or special effects, this gives you a clear starting point. In this post, we’ll break down the pricing for each pin type and explain how factors like design and order quantity affect costs, helping you make an informed decision.
Types of Custom Pins and Their Prices
The price of custom pins largely depends on the type you choose. Here’s a quick look at the most common options:
1. Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins are affordable and popular, with recessed areas filled with enamel that create a textured, raised effect. These pins are great for promotional events and giveaways.
Price Range (1-inch Soft Enamel Pins):
- 100 pins: $2.49 each
- 250 pins: $2.15 each
- 500 pins: $1.75 each
- 1000 pins: $1.50 each
- 2500 pins: $1.20 each
Soft enamel pins offer a great balance between cost and quality, making them the go-to option for most custom pin projects.
2. Hard Enamel Pins
Hard enamel pins have a smooth, polished finish with durable materials. The enamel is baked at a higher temperature, resulting in a glossy, glass-like surface. These pins are more expensive but ideal for high-end giveaways and events.
Price Range (1-inch Hard Enamel Pins):
- 100 pins: $2.85 each
- 250 pins: $2.45 each
- 500 pins: $2.05 each
- 1000 pins: $1.80 each
- 2500 pins: $1.50 each
Hard enamel pins are perfect for projects that demand a more refined, premium look.
3. Die-Struck Pins
Die-struck pins are made by stamping designs into metal, leaving the design raised. These pins have a clean, professional look and are great for corporate or military-related designs.
Price Range (1-inch Die-Struck Pins):
- 100 pins: $2.99 each
- 250 pins: $2.65 each
- 500 pins: $2.25 each
- 1000 pins: $1.99 each
- 2500 pins: $1.75 each
Die-struck pins are perfect when you need a more refined, metal-focused look with no enamel.
4. 3D / Photo Etched Pins
These pins have a raised design or etched details, offering a more dynamic, tactile feel. They’re more expensive due to the additional steps in the production process.
Price Range (1-inch 3D / Photo Etched Pins):
- 100 pins: $3.50 each
- 250 pins: $3.00 each
- 500 pins: $2.50 each
- 1000 pins: $2.20 each
- 2500 pins: $1.95 each
3D pins are ideal for designs that require extra depth and texture to stand out.
Factors That Affect Custom Pin Pricing
Aside from the type of pin, other factors can influence the cost. Here’s a look at what else you need to consider:
1. Colors in Your Design
The more colors you use, the higher the price. Adding colors requires more time and material, which increases the production cost. Typically, 2-4 colors are the standard.
Price Increase per Additional Color:
- 2-4 colors: Included in base price
- 5+ colors: Add $0.10 – $0.20 per pin
2. Special Effects
If you want to add flair to your pins, special effects like glow-in-the-dark or glitter come with an additional cost. These effects require more steps in the production process, which increases the overall price.
Price for Special Effects:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Enamel: Add $0.25 – $0.50 per pin
- Glitter Enamel: Add $0.30 – $0.55 per pin
- Translucent Enamel: Add $0.40 – $0.70 per pin
- Custom Shapes: Add $0.30 – $0.60 per pin
3. Size of the Pin
The size of your custom pin plays a significant role in its pricing. Larger pins require more raw materials, greater precision during manufacturing, and often involve more labor-intensive processes. For example, while a 1-inch pin may cost between $0.38 and $0.68 per piece in bulk orders, a 2-inch pin could range from $0.90 to $1.20 per piece due to the added complexity and material usage.
Why Does Size Matter?
- Material Costs: Larger pins naturally use more metal and enamel, increasing the base material costs.
- Mold Complexity: Bigger designs often require a more intricate mold, which can sometimes lead to higher mold preparation expenses.
- Weight Impact: Heavier pins may also incur slightly higher shipping fees, particularly for international orders.
How to Choose the Right Size
- Small Pins (1 inch or less): Ideal for minimalistic designs, brand logos, or collectible sets. Cost-effective and lightweight, these are perfect for giveaways or bulk orders.
- Medium Pins (1.5 to 2 inches): Best for detailed artwork or designs that need to stand out. Strikes a balance between cost and visual impact.
- Large Pins (2 inches and above): Great for bold statements or premium, display-worthy pins but may not be budget-friendly for larger quantities.
Pro Tip:
If your design requires a larger surface for details, consider optimizing the artwork to fit into a slightly smaller pin size. Our design experts can help ensure your vision is maintained without inflating costs unnecessarily.
4. Backing and Packaging
The backing and packaging of your pins may seem like minor considerations, but they can have a significant impact on both the functionality and the perceived value of your custom pins. Different backings and packaging options come with varying costs, but they offer you the flexibility to tailor the pins to your target audience or specific event needs.
Backing Options and Costs
- Rubber Clutch: The most economical option, suitable for casual or temporary uses. Adds just a few cents per pin to your order.
- Butterfly Clutch: A secure and popular choice for most pins, slightly more expensive than rubber but offers a polished look.
- Magnetic Backing: Convenient for delicate fabrics or uniforms. While these cost more (around $0.20-$0.30 extra per pin), they’re a customer favorite for their ease of use.
- Safety Pin Backing: Great for bulk orders, especially for schools or community events. Usually falls within the mid-range pricing bracket.
Packaging Options and Customization
- Basic Polybags: Included at no extra charge, these protect your pins during transit but don’t offer a premium unboxing experience.
- Custom Backing Cards: For a small additional fee (around $0.10-$0.20 per card), your pins can be affixed to a personalized backing card that highlights your brand or event theme.
- Gift Boxes: Premium packaging options like branded gift boxes add an upscale touch. These typically cost $0.50-$1.00 extra per pin, depending on the material and finish.
Why It Matters
- First Impressions: Packaging can elevate the perceived value of your product, making it more attractive to collectors or as a gift item.
- Functionality: Choosing the right backing ensures your pins stay secure and are easy for users to wear and remove.
How to Save on Custom Pins
To get the best value for your custom pins, consider these tips:
- Order in Bulk: The more pins you order, the lower the price per unit. Larger orders allow you to take advantage of bulk discounts.
- Simplify Your Design: Fewer colors and no special effects will reduce production costs.
- Shop Around: Compare prices and quality between suppliers to find the best deal.
FAQs about Custom Pin Pricing
Q: What’s the minimum order quantity for custom pins? A: The minimum order typically starts at 30 pins, but the price per pin will decrease as you increase your order quantity.
Q: Can I get a discount for large orders? A: Yes! Larger orders (100+ pins) usually come with a lower per-pin price. Contact us for custom quotes based on your quantity.
Q: How long does it take to make custom pins? A: Depending on the complexity of your design and order size, production time can range from 10 to 20 business days.
Conclusion
Custom pins come in a variety of types, each with its own pricing structure. By understanding the factors that affect custom pin costs—like type, quantity, colors, and special effects—you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.
At Factorypin, we offer high-quality custom pins at competitive prices. Whether you need simple enamel pins or more intricate 3D designs, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start creating your custom pins!
