If you search for “custom enamel pins in bulk cheap” on Google, you’ll see plenty of results promising prices as low as a few cents per pin. But once you actually try to place a bulk order, you’ll quickly realize those prices are rarely true.
Experienced buyers know that if you want to get the best deal on enamel pins, the smartest move is to look for an enamel pin factory in China. After all, around 95% of enamel pins are produced in China, and buying directly from a factory means you’re not paying the extra markup added by intermediaries or trading companies.
Of course, if convenience and communication matter more to you than saving a few dollars, a good intermediary can still be a solid choice. But if your goal is to find custom enamel pins in bulk at the lowest possible price, then working directly with a Chinese enamel pin factory is your best option.
Why Are Enamel Pins Cheaper in China?
The main reason custom enamel pins in bulk are cheaper in China comes down to labor and craftsmanship. While some simple designs can be partially automated — such as machine coloring or plating — most steps in the enamel pin production process still rely heavily on manual work.
From mold making, stamping, and polishing to color filling and quality checking, each pin passes through the hands of at least 10 skilled workers before it’s complete. For complex designs or special effects like glitter, glow, or cut-outs, human precision is irreplaceable — and that’s exactly what makes enamel pins both affordable and artistic.
Because of this labor-intensive process, China has become the global center for enamel pin production. In fact, around 95% of the world’s enamel pins are made in China, including many produced for international brands like Disney through long-term partnerships with factories in Guangdong.
Even with higher shipping costs or tariffs in recent years, it’s still difficult to find reliable alternatives outside of China that match the same balance of cost, quality, and craftsmanship.
That said, not every factory in China is the right one to work with. Some focus on speed over quality, or outsource parts of the process to smaller workshops.
How to Choose a Reliable Enamel Pin Factory in China
In general, Chinese enamel pin factories that work with overseas clients tend to be confident in their product quality. However, some factories that offer extremely low prices aren’t necessarily scams — they simply cut corners in ways you can’t easily see. That’s why you might think you’re getting an amazing deal, only to find unexpected issues when your order arrives.
For example, if you ask for a gold-plated finish but the result looks overly yellow, it’s probably brass plating, also called imitation gold. It looks shiny at first but oxidizes very quickly. The pins may look fine when they leave the factory, but by the time they arrive at your door, the metal edges could already show tarnish or defects. If this is something that concerns you, make sure to confirm the plating material with the factory before production.
Another common way factories save cost is by reducing the thickness of the metal. You might not notice this from product photos, but once you hold the pin, you’ll feel the difference. Thinner pins feel lighter and less premium — and they’re easier to bend or damage. If you care about the overall texture and durability, it’s best to confirm the thickness in advance. A solid, high-quality pin is usually around 1.5mm thick, which offers a nice weight without feeling bulky.
If you don’t mind these compromises, you can certainly get cheaper enamel pins in bulk, and you may find many suitable factories on Alibaba that meet your price expectations.
But if you value consistent quality and professional craftsmanship, it’s better to choose your factory carefully. Both intermediaries and direct manufacturers may use these cost-cutting tactics, so you’ll need to decide based on your budget and expectations
Here, I introduce three reliable Chinese enamel pin factories that avoid these common problems and consistently deliver high-quality results.
1. Hipins
Hipins is one of the most popular enamel pin manufacturers among small businesses and independent artists. They’re known for their meticulous craftsmanship and refined metal finishing, especially on hard enamel pins with complex color fills. Their attention to detail often means higher pricing, but customers say the quality justifies the cost.
Customer feedback: “Thank you for showcasing my pin! You all have done an amazing job ❤️❤️❤️”
2. Splendid Factory
Splendid is a large-scale enamel pin manufacturer that serves both domestic and international clients. They have a reputation for stable quality and bright, accurate color matching, which makes their pins stand out visually. The production process is well-managed, and delivery times are generally reliable.
Customer feedback: “Thank you, Cathy and Kunshan Splendid, for the high quality pins and great customer service.”
3. Factorypin
Factorypin focuses on producing enamel pins, challenge coins, and medals for global customers, emphasizing craftsmanship, reliability, and service. Our factory maintains a 70% repurchase rate, thanks to strict manual inspections and responsive communication throughout the process. Each product is handled with care to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
Customer feedback: “Hi Daisy!! I just want to say thank you so much for the
wonderful job you guys did on my pins!! They turned out amazing!! ”
| Size | 50 | 100 | 200 | 300 | 500 | 1000 | 3000 | Mold Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75” | US$2.51 | US$2.07 | US$1.92 | US$1.43 | US$1.20 | US$1.11 | US$0.70 | US$50 |
| 1” | US$2.79 | US$2.15 | US$1.89 | US$1.52 | US$1.25 | US$1.14 | US$0.91 | US$58 |
| 1.25” | US$3.06 | US$2.04 | US$1.87 | US$1.64 | US$1.30 | US$1.17 | US$0.97 | US$79 |
| 1.5” | US$3.15 | US$2.14 | US$1.85 | US$1.82 | US$1.44 | US$1.29 | US$1.03 | US$83 |
| 1.75” | US$3.18 | US$2.14 | US$2.31 | US$2.21 | US$1.73 | US$1.57 | US$1.33 | US$94 |
| 2” | US$4.03 | US$2.55 | US$2.50 | US$2.44 | US$1.94 | US$1.77 | US$1.53 | US$103 |
💡 Note: Our price table is for reference, to help you better estimate the actual cost of enamel pins when ordering in bulk.（These mold charges include the cost of a custom back stamp. If you do not require this back stamp, the mold charge can be reduced by $25.）
We do not display the detailed pricing of other factories out of respect for their business confidentiality. However, based on customer reports and our industry experience, Hipins tends to offer higher-end pricing due to their premium finishes, while Splendid’s rates are around the industry average.
Hopefully, the information above can help you find a trustworthy enamel pin manufacturer that fits your needs and budget.
Hi, I’m Warren— founder of Factorypin.com. I’ve been running multiple factories in China for over 20 years, helping artists, brands, and event teams bring their designs to life as custom pins, medals, coins, keychains, and more. Through this blog, I share behind-the-scenes insights from the maker’s side of things.
