Did you know the custom lapel pin market is worth $150 million? That is a lot of pins! I have helped many clients create their own custom pins and the first question is always about the lapel pin cost. So let us break it down, so you can budget properly.
What actually goes into the price of a lapel pin?
Multiple things affect the price, like the pin type, how big it is, the design, the amount you order, what it is made of, the attachments and even the packaging. I am going to break down each part.
- Pin Type: Soft enamel, hard enamel (cloisonné), die struck and printed pins all involve different manufacturing, and this impacts the price.
- Size: Bigger pins need more materials and labor, which increases cost.
- Design Complexity: Complex designs with many colors and small details raise production costs.
- Quantity: Ordering a lot gives you discounts, which lowers the price per pin.
- Materials: The metal (brass, iron or stainless steel) and finishes (gold plating or antiquing) change the price.
- Attachments: Butterfly clutches, rubber clutches, safety pins and magnets all add to the final cost.
- Packaging: Cards, plastic sleeves or custom boxes increase the expense.
What kind of lapel pin you pick affects the final lapel pin cost. Let us look at some options.
Different Types of Lapel Pins and What They Cost
Soft Enamel Pins
Soft enamel pins are popular and usually cost less. Enamel paint fills the recessed spots, and this makes a textured surface where the metal lines are a bit higher than the enamel. It gives definition and feels different. Soft enamel pins work best for designs with strong colors and good separation. I suggest these when clients want a vintage look.
Normally, soft enamel pins are not as expensive as hard enamel pins, and that makes them good if you are watching your budget.
Hard Enamel (Cloisonné) Pins
Hard enamel pins, also called cloisonné pins, have a fancy, jewelrylike look. Enamel is carefully put on to match the height of the metal lines and then polished, and this makes a smooth, even surface. Hard enamel pins are durable and have strong colors. I often suggest this style for designs that need a polished and professional look.
Hard enamel pins will have a higher lapel pin cost because of the polishing and detail work.
Die-Struck Pins
Die struck pins are made by stamping the design right into the metal. These pins do not have enamel fills, so they use the metal texture to show the design. Antique finishes or plating can make them look better. People often pick them for milestones or designs that have a classic style. Many groups use die struck pins to mark achievements.
The lapel pin cost for die struck pins depends on how complex the die is and what metal is used. If designs are simple, they can be cheaper than enamel pins.
Printed Pins
Printed pins are good when designs have gradients, photos or details that enamel cannot do. The design is printed on the metal and sealed with a clear coating. This lets you copy complex details and colors, and that makes printed pins the best choice when putting a complex logo on something small.
Printed pins are often cheaper than enamel pins, especially when the design needs a lot of colors. Just remember that the coating might not last as long as enamel.
Besides the pin type, size and design also matter for the lapel pin cost.
How Size Affects Lapel Pin Cost
Bigger pins need more stuff, and this affects the custom pin cost. The extra material also makes them heavier, and that could change shipping costs. I tell clients to think about what the pin will be used for when they decide on a size. A smaller pin might be good for everyday, but a bigger pin could work better for special events.
For example, a 1 inch pin will usually cost less than a 1.5 inch pin, if the design and pin type are the same.
How Design Complexity and Colors Affect Pin Pricing
Detailed designs with a lot of colors need more time and care during making. Each color needs to be put on one at a time, and this increases labor costs. Designs with small lines or text can also be hard to copy, and that raises pin pricing. I try to work with clients to make designs simpler without losing what they want, and this helps them stay on budget.
A simple design with one color will always cost less than a design with five or more colors.
Ordering more means the price per pin goes down. Setup costs, like making molds, are spread out, and this lowers the enamel pin cost per pin. I tell clients to order a few more pins than they think they need. The price per pin can drop a lot if you order more, and having extra pins gives you options.
For example, 100 pins might cost $3 each, but 500 pins could cost $1.50 each.
The materials and attachments also change the final lapel pin cost. Picking the cheapest options might seem good, but think about how long your pins will last.
Base Metals and Finishes Affect Lapel Pin Cost
Pins are made of different metals like brass, iron and stainless steel. Brass is popular because it lasts and can hold small details. Iron is cheaper but might not work for complex designs. Stainless steel does not rust, and it is good for pins used outside. The finish, like gold or silver plating, also changes the price. Gold plating normally costs more than silver, and antique finishes can raise the custom pin cost.
How Attachment Types Affect Price
What kind of attachment you pick should match how you will wear it. Butterfly clutches are standard and cheap, and rubber clutches hold better. Safety pins work for bigger pins, and magnets do not hurt fabric. Each attachment has a different pin price, so you need to balance what you need with your budget.
Besides making the pins, these other things can also change the lapel pin cost.
- Design Fees: If you do not have a design ready to print, you might need to hire a designer.
- Mold Fees: Enamel and die struck pins need molds, and this costs extra at the start.
- Shipping Costs: Shipping costs change based on weight, where it is going and how fast it gets there.
- Packaging: Cards, pouches or boxes will increase the custom pin cost.
To get the best price quote, give your manufacturer details like:
- Pin Type: Tell them soft enamel, hard enamel, die struck or printed pins.
- Size: Give the exact size.
- Design: Send a good picture of your design with all colors and details.
- Quantity: Say how many pins you need.
- Materials and Finishes: Tell them what metal and finish you want.
- Attachment Type: Tell them what attachment you want.
- Packaging: Say if you need packaging and what kind.
I tell my clients that the more information they give when they ask for a quote, the better the price they will get.
Even though a lot of things change the lapel pin cost, you can still negotiate.
- Shop Around: Get prices from different manufacturers to see what the market price is.
- Be Flexible with Your Design: Making your design simpler or using fewer colors can lower pin pricing.
- Consider Alternative Materials: Ask about cheaper metals or finishes.
- Order in Bulk: Order more to get volume discounts.
- Ask About Discounts: Ask about discounts for new customers, charities or big orders.
I try to give good prices without losing quality. I want to work with my clients to find options that match their budgets.
Here are some examples to show you the different custom pin cost considerations.
Case Study 1: Small Business Branding How Much do Lapel Pins Cost?
A small business wants to buy 100 soft enamel pins with their logo to give away. The logo is simple with three colors. They want butterfly clutches and plastic pouches.
Cost: $300 to $400
Case Study 2: Corporate Recognition – What is the Lapel Pin Cost?
A big company wants to buy 500 hard enamel pins to celebrate what employees have done. The design is complex with five colors and small details. They pick rubber clutches and presentation cards.
Cost: $1,000 to $1,500
Remember these are just examples. The real lapel pin cost can change based on the manufacturer and what you want in the design.
Knowing what affects lapel pin cost helps you make smart choices and budget for your pin projects. Think about the pin type, size, design, amount, materials and attachments, and you can work well with manufacturers to get good pins that match what you need without going over budget. I believe custom lapel pins are a good investment, and I want to help my clients make pins they will be proud to wear.
