Can You Make A Living Selling Enamel Pins?
Enamel pins are as popular now as they've always been and we've previously examined whether or not people still buy pin badges.
Spoiler alert: They do!
Collectors and enthusiasts are constantly looking for unique and creative designs to add to their collections, which, in some cases, has led people to wonder if they can turn their love for enamel pins into a profitable business.
In this article, we'll explore the art of selling pins and whether or not it's possible to make a living from it.
The Popularity of Enamel Pins
Enamel pins have been around for decades, but they have recently experienced a surge in popularity, which can be attributed to the rise of social media and the ability of pin collectors to connect and share their collections with other pin badge maniacs.
Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have become hubs for badge enthusiasts to showcase their collections and discover new designs.
Additionally, enamel pins are popular form of self-expression and a way for people to show off their interests and personalities, whin in turn has led to a high demand for unique and creative designs, making it a lucrative market for pin sellers.
The Potential for Profit
The short answer to the question, "Can you make a living selling enamel pins?" is yes. You can make hefty profits without needing space for production and storage. But like any business, it takes hard work, dedication, and a solid strategy to turn a profit.
Finding Your Niche
The first step to making a living selling enamel pins is to find your niche. With so many pin sellers, standing out and offering something unique is essential. This could mean focusing on a specific theme or style, such as pop culture, animals, or cute designs. It could also mean targeting a particular audience, such as pin collectors who are fans of a specific TV show or movie.
By finding your niche, you can establish yourself as an expert in that area and attract a loyal following of customers interested in what you offer.
Creating High-Quality Designs
The success of your enamel pin business will largely depend on the quality of your designs. In a market saturated with pins, it's essential to create high-quality designs that stand out. This means investing in a sound designer and using high-quality materials for your pins.
Fortunately, we offer a free design service that will shoulder the hard work of turning your ideas into tangible products your customers and fans will love.
It's also essential to stay on top of trends and create relevant and in-demand designs which will help attract new customers and keep existing ones interested in your products.
Setting the Right Price
Pricing your enamel pins can be tricky. You want to make a profit but don't want to price yourself out of the market. Researching and seeing what other pin sellers charge for similar products is essential. You can also consider the cost of shipping and materials when determining your prices.
It's also a good idea to offer different price points for your pins. This could mean offering a range of designs at various prices or limited edition or exclusive pins at a higher price point.
We offer several discounts or extras, such as backing cards or backstamps, that can help you curb your overheads or give your products a premium feel to make them more marketable.
Marketing and Promotion
To make a living selling enamel pins, you must get your products in front of potential customers.
Investing time and effort into marketing and promotion on social media is an excellent tool for promoting your badges, as is attending events and conventions where pin collectors gather.
We often help our customers promote their products by posting pictures of their enamel pin badges across our social media platforms (we have about 60,000 followers in total). If you're doing well, so are we!
It's also essential to have a solid online presence, such as a website or online store, where customers can easily purchase your pins. This will make it easier for customers to find and buy your products, increasing your chances of making a sale.
Challenges of Selling Enamel Pins
While it is possible to make a living selling enamel pins, it's essential to be aware of the challenges that come with it. These include:
High Competition
The market for enamel pins is highly competitive, so you'll have to work hard to stand out and attract customers. It's crucial to constantly develop new and unique designs to keep your customers interested and stay ahead of the competition.
Production Costs
Producing enamel pins can be expensive, especially if you're just starting out. You'll need to invest in products, production, and packaging, which can add up quickly. It's important to carefully consider your costs and pricing to ensure that you're making a profit.
If you have a design that will sell well, you can drastically decrease unit costs by bulk ordering. Our product pages have price guides and breakdowns to ensure you're armed with the information to make the best possible decisions.
Shipping and Fulfillment
Shipping and fulfilment can also be a challenge for enamel pin sellers. It's important to have a reliable and efficient shipping process in place to ensure that your customers receive their orders promptly. This can be incredibly challenging if you're selling internationally, as shipping costs and customs regulations vary.
Real-Life Examples of Successful Enamel Pin Businesses
Despite the challenges, many successful enamel pin businesses have turned their passion for design and pin badges into a profitable venture. Here are a few examples:
Nacho Scratcho
We always love it when Nacho Scratcho drops a new design because his pop culture and horror pins have a unique take on a popular genre that is instantly recognisable.
Nacho adopts a limited edition business model, which allows him to set higher price points. Thanks to their rarity, the badges are more collectable, increasing the profit margin on each unit.
The Nerdy Queer
Our friends at The Nerdy Queer not only make a living out of selling LGBTQ+ pins, they spread their positive vibes and messages of inclusivity everywhere they go.
A meaningful career can be crucial to some people, so combining a passion for pins with a good cause is an excellent way to get started.
Literary Emporium
The Literary Emporium is the gold standard of business models when selling pin badges. Their beautiful designs always align with their incredible branding, which is instantly recognisable to their supporters.
Incorporating famous book quotes and passages into their designs makes their book-related pin exceedingly popular and profitable.
Key Takeaways to Skyrocket Your Business
Our clients have proven time and time again that it is possible to make a good living selling enamel pins, but it takes hard work, dedication, and a solid strategy to profit. Finding your niche, creating high-quality designs, setting the right prices, and investing in marketing and promotion can increase your chances of success in this competitive market.
With the right approach, selling enamel pins can be a fulfilling and profitable business venture.
If you're ready to get started, shoot us a message, and we'll help you get the ball rolling, or check out our custom merch range for inspiration.