Custom enamel pin manufacturer guide
The Best Custom Enamel Pin Manufacturers and How to Work With Them
Finding the right custom enamel pin manufacturer is one of the most important steps in turning your artwork into a real product.
This guide explains how to compare enamel pin factories, what a fair quote should include, how long production usually takes, how payment terms work, how to approve proofs, what to do if something goes wrong, and which manufacturers Pinlord recommends researching before you order.
Quick navigation
What you’ll learn in this manufacturer guide
Factory basics
How custom enamel pin manufacturing works
Custom enamel pins are usually made by specialist factories that create a mould, stamp or cast the metal shape, add plating, fill colour areas, polish the surface, attach pin backs and inspect the finished pins before shipping.
Because each custom pin needs a unique mould and production setup, most manufacturers have a minimum order quantity. For many pin projects, a common starting point is around 100 units per design, although some factories may offer lower quantities at a higher unit price.
Working directly with a factory can reduce costs and give you more control over production details.
You may need to manage time zones, language differences, production terminology and proof approvals yourself.
A local manufacturer or agency may offer clearer support, project management and customer service.
Pricing can be higher because service, communication and management are built into the cost.
Pinlord tip: choose a manufacturer based on the full experience, not just the lowest quote. Communication, proof quality and mistake handling matter just as much as price.
Pricing
What is a fair price for custom enamel pins?
Custom enamel pin pricing depends on size, material, pin type, quantity, plating, colours, packaging, mould cost, shipping, complexity and turnaround speed. A simple 1–2 inch hard enamel or soft enamel pin is usually much cheaper than a large, highly detailed pin with special effects.
The older benchmark in the original Pinlord article was around USD $175–$250 for 100 simple enamel pins, but pricing can change with material costs, shipping costs, currency rates, labour, rush production and supplier updates. Always confirm current pricing directly with each manufacturer.
| Cost factor | Why it changes the price | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Pin size | Larger pins use more material and often need more production work. | How does price change between 1 inch, 1.25 inch and 1.5 inch? |
| Pin type | Hard enamel, soft enamel, die-struck, printed and special finishes can price differently. | What is the price difference between hard enamel and soft enamel? |
| Mould fee | Custom moulds usually need to be created for each design. | Is the mould fee included or charged separately? |
| Shipping | Shipping can vary by country, speed, carrier and order weight. | Is shipping included in the quote? |
| Packaging | Backing cards, bags and custom packaging can increase cost. | What packaging is included by default? |
Important: do not compare quotes unless they include the same size, quantity, pin type, plating, packaging, mould fee and shipping terms.
Turnaround time
How long does enamel pin production take?
Turnaround time usually starts after you approve the final production proof, not when you first email the factory. Production can be delayed if artwork needs revisions, colours need clarification, the factory is busy, holidays occur, shipping is delayed, or the design is more complex than expected.
The factory checks your design, confirms size, pin type and pricing.
The factory sends final production artwork for your approval.
You pay the agreed deposit so production can begin.
The factory creates the mould, produces, plates, fills, polishes and inspects the pins.
The factory sends photos of the finished pins before shipping.
You approve, pay the remaining balance and receive tracking.
Payment terms
How should you pay an enamel pin factory?
Payment terms vary by manufacturer. Many pin makers prefer 50% upfront before production and 50% after the factory sends photos of the finished pins for approval. This gives you more leverage if there is a visible production issue before the order ships.
PayPal Goods and Services, credit card payments, trade assurance tools or other protected payment methods may offer more buyer protection than an unprotected wire transfer. Always confirm payment terms, refund rules and dispute processes before you pay.
50% deposit before production and 50% after finished product photo proof approval.
100% upfront payment before you see the finished product or confirm quality.
Keep a written record of product details, quantity, price, timing and payment status.
Save emails, proofs, photos, payment receipts and agreements in case a dispute happens.
Quality control
What should you do if something goes wrong?
Most factory problems become harder to fix after the order has shipped. That is why proofing and photo approval are so important. You want to catch spelling mistakes, colour issues, plating issues, missing details, incorrect backs or obvious defects before the final payment and shipment.
- Review the production proof carefully before production starts.
- Check spelling, line work, colours, size, plating and pin backs before approval.
- Ask for photos of finished pins before paying the final balance.
- Request close-up photos if anything looks unclear or suspicious.
- Ask for tracking once the pins are shipped.
- Be fair if the issue came from your approved artwork or unclear instructions.
Good factory relationships matter. Be kind, clear and professional. Treat production like a partnership and ask the factory for feedback before problems happen.
Factory research
How do you find a reliable enamel pin manufacturer?
You can find custom enamel pin factories through Google, Alibaba, factory directories, maker recommendations, Pinlord factory reviews, and direct manufacturer profiles. The hard part is not finding factories. The hard part is knowing which ones are reliable.
Start by shortlisting 2–4 manufacturers. Send each one the same quote request, using a low-resolution artwork preview, not your final production file. Then compare their answers side by side.
Do they answer clearly, quickly and professionally?
Do they explain mould fees, unit cost, shipping and packaging?
Will they send production artwork and final product photos before shipment?
Do they accept a deposit and final payment after photo proof approval?
Factory quote template
Copy/paste email to request an enamel pin quote
Use this email template when contacting custom enamel pin manufacturers. Send the same information to each factory so you can compare quotes fairly.
Production workflow
The 7-step process for working with an enamel pin factory
Include size, quantity, pin type, plating, backs, packaging and delivery country.
The factory gives pricing, timing and production artwork for approval.
After reviewing proof and cost, pay the agreed deposit to start production.
The manufacturer creates the mould, plates, colours, polishes and checks the pins.
Check product photos carefully before final payment and shipment.
If everything looks right, pay the remaining balance and approve shipment.
Ask for a tracking number and monitor your shipment until delivery.
Recommended manufacturer research
Where to compare custom enamel pin manufacturers
The manufacturers below are useful starting points for research. Pricing, turnaround, product range and service quality can change over time, so always confirm current details directly before ordering.
Pinlord.com
Pinlord’s custom enamel pin and merchandise manufacturer profile, built for makers who want ethical support, product guidance and custom product expertise.
YourStuffMade
Artist-owned ethical manufacturer offering pins, patches, charms, apparel, packaging, gift products and more.
Erich Gift
Custom product manufacturer historically recommended for enamel pins, pricing, communication and production quality.
GS-JJ
Manufacturer producing pins and promotional products, with a broad custom gifts catalogue including coins, stickers, ribbons and lanyards.
Jiayue Pins
Factory producing custom enamel pins, medals, coins, dog tags, keychains, lanyards, bottle openers and patches.
This section is intended as a research starting point. Always confirm current pricing, lead times, products, proofing, payment terms and quality expectations directly with each manufacturer.
Choosing the best fit
How to choose the right enamel pin factory for your project
- Choose the clearest communicator if this is your first order.
- Choose the best payment terms if you want more protection before shipment.
- Choose the strongest product range if you plan to make pins, patches, charms and merch with one supplier.
- Choose the most ethical option if supplier standards, sustainability and customer support are priorities.
- Choose the best proofing process if your artwork has small details, text or colour-critical elements.
- Choose the best long-term partner instead of only chasing the cheapest first quote.
Final recommendation: email multiple manufacturers, compare replies, ask follow-up questions, and choose the factory that gives you the best mix of price, quality, communication and trust.
More resources
Helpful Pinlord guides for enamel pin makers
Learn the full process from artwork to production.
Create better artwork before sending it to a factory.
Learn pricing, product photos, bundles, Instagram, Etsy and events.
Make your orders look professional and arrive safely.
Understand fan art, copyright risk and original design protection.
Find a better-fit custom product manufacturer for your project.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about custom enamel pin manufacturers
What is the best custom enamel pin manufacturer?
The best custom enamel pin manufacturer depends on your budget, design complexity, timeline, communication preferences, ethical standards and product needs. Compare multiple factories before ordering.
How much does it cost to make 100 enamel pins?
Pricing varies by size, pin type, plating, colours, packaging, mould cost, shipping and complexity. The older Pinlord benchmark was around USD $175–$250 for 100 simple pins, but always request current quotes directly from manufacturers.
What is the minimum order quantity for enamel pins?
Many enamel pin manufacturers start around 100 units per design. Some may offer 50 units, but the unit price is often higher because mould and setup costs are still required.
How long does enamel pin production take?
Many projects take around 2–4 weeks after final proof approval, depending on factory capacity, design complexity, rush service, holidays and shipping method.
Should I pay a pin factory 100% upfront?
Paying 100% upfront can be riskier. Many makers prefer 50% deposit before production and 50% after finished product photo approval, so issues can be addressed before shipment.
What should I send to an enamel pin factory for a quote?
Send a low-resolution artwork preview, pin type, size, quantity, metal plating, pin back requirements, packaging needs, delivery country and timeline. Ask for total price, turnaround, proofing process and payment terms.
How do I avoid bad enamel pin factories?
Compare multiple suppliers, check communication quality, avoid unclear pricing, ask for proofing, request finished product photos before shipment, use safer payment terms and read recent reviews where possible.
Can Pinlord help me find a custom pin manufacturer?
Yes. You can use Pinlord’s factory reviews, Factory Finder and manufacturer comparison tools to research custom product suppliers.
Final advice
Ready to choose an enamel pin manufacturer?
You now have the key questions, quote template, payment guidance, production workflow and manufacturer research links needed to start comparing custom enamel pin factories.
Be clear, be kind and treat your factory contact like a production partner. The best manufacturer relationships can help you improve artwork, avoid mistakes and create pins you are proud to sell.
I’m glad that you mentioned that prices of an enamel pin will vary because each design is different. One of my cousins has melanoma, and I wanted to get a pin to show my support for him. Your advice will help me to find a reliable place to get the pins made. https://ribbonpins.com/shop/melanoma-cancer-awareness-products/melanoma-awareness-pin/
Followed your instructions and sent an email to Erich Gifts. Received a response in a day or two. I sent my pin ideas and they had artwork work up in just a couple of days. It looked good so I paid using PayPal. The next day they started production and I received my pins a week later. The quality is exceptional and they communicated every step of the way. They will keep my molds for two years and as long as I place orders, I won’t have to pay the molds setup fee again. Highly recommend these folks. Couldn’t have been any better!
Thank you so much for this article! For years I’ve been looking for help on “how to… enamel pins etc” So I’m really thankful for you to write such a detailed article on how to start. From what I’ve seen most people who do pins don’t like sharing how they do it as the market is gettint bigger. Which is understandable but at the sametime you doing this encourages me to keep trying! So Thank you for doing this! It helps so much!! ♡
THANK YOU SM for this very detailed article!
Lately I’m interested in enamel pins as a collector, and now (since I already create other things personally, as jewelry and accessories, artworks with mixed media, etc.) I would like to transform my designs into pins.
Therefore I’m looking for all the information but, unilke you, other artists usually refuse to give such informations and advices. You’ve been very kind and helpful, thank you!
Oh my goodness, this article was incredibly helpful. I need to look around your website and see if you have a donation button somewhere. 💚💚
By chance, do you have any sort of similar information for washi tape producers or production process? I’ve been poking away at this for months, but haven’t really figured out how to find someone that can do a gradient watercolor style background, with foiled icon stamping on top.
I’d be more than happy to pay for this information, I just don’t even know where to ask, lol.
Thank you for such helpful information!
Hello, thank you for the great detailed information and for suggesting businesses you have worked with. Is the “pinlord” still usable?
Lots of enamel pin factories in north america bud my guy is in vancouver
Wow, thanks for the great article and contact information. It’s very generous of you to share so much terrific info.