In today’s evolving work landscape, the notion of an ideal job has undergone a remarkable transformation. Gone are the days of being tethered to a cubicle or office desk, replaced by a growing desire for flexibility and autonomy in our careers. The global pandemic has played a significant role in reshaping our work preferences, pushing remote and home-based work into the mainstream.
But what if your current job hasn’t quite caught up with these changing dynamics? Fear not, for financial freedom remains within reach. In a world where having a unique idea is no longer the sole key to success, this blog post will unveil a thriving marketplace for creative entrepreneurs. Have you ever considered staking your claim in this tried and tested arena? If not, you’re about to discover why enamel pins, sold on platforms like Etsy, could be your ticket to a fulfilling side gig that not only adds to your income but also lets your personality and artistic flair shine.
Selling Pins On Etsy
If you look through the enamel pin offerings on Etsy, you’ll find plenty of listings with hundreds of sales each.
By creating and selling your custom enamel pins, not only will you make some extra money, but your personality and artistic talent will also shine through and be appreciated by tons of people.
So, if you have the desire to draw, paint and scribble, if you have a love for anime, music or movies, you’re already halfway to being a pin-slinging e-merchant! It’s just a matter of putting your talents out there.
How to Make and Sell Enamel Pins
You do need to arm yourself with your design and information before contacting a company though. When thinking up what your custom pin might be, keep in mind that pins are rather small, around 1″ to 2″ in size typically. Sketch out your pin design on a piece of paper, at size, to give yourself an understanding of what you will be working with.
To maximize the profitability of your pins, be sure there is an existing audience for them. Make your pin designs colourful with unique shapes so that they stand out against the crowd. If you’re not confident creating your enamel pin designs, you can always ask a designer on a website such as Fiverr that will help bring your ideas to life.
Once you have all of that figured out, find a reputable manufacturer to produce your enamel pins. You can choose to work with manufacturers either domestically or internationally. You’ll need to provide your chosen manufacturer with your design files and specifications, ensuring they understand your requirements for colours, materials, and quality.
There are Enamel Pin makers on Etsy who will turn your art into enamel pins so that you can start selling; this store will make you 100 pieces. On sites like Alibaba you will find companies that produce custom pins as well.
To assess quality, it’s a good idea to order a small sample batch before committing to a larger order.
To ensure your business’s success, marketing plays a huge role. It’s a must to cultivate a social media audience online and with photo and video-based platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Share current and future offerings in your feeds and make friends with people in the community to increase your relevance with them.
The beautiful pins in the image above are made by Glitter Punk Jewellery on Etsy.
What Type Of Pins Are There?
Enamel pins come in a wide variety of types and styles. Here are some of the most common enamel pins:
Hard Enamel Pins:
Hard enamel pins have a smooth and polished surface, giving them a jewellery-like appearance. They are made by adding multiple layers of enamel and then polishing the surface.
Soft Enamel Pins:
Soft enamel pins have raised metal edges and recessed enamel areas, creating a textured and dimensional look. They are typically more affordable than hard enamel pins.
Lapel Pins:
Lapel pins are often used as accessories on clothing, such as on suit lapels, ties, or shirts. They can feature various designs, including company logos, flags, or symbols.
Cloisonné Pins:
Cloisonné pins are a type of hard enamel pin that has a glass-like finish. They are known for their bright, vibrant colours and fine detailing.
Die-struck Pins:
Die-struck pins are made by creating a mould and striking the design into the metal, creating raised and recessed areas. They are often used for elegant and minimalistic designs.
Trading Pins:
Popular among collectors and sports enthusiasts, trading pins are used for trading at events like sports tournaments, conventions, and Disney parks. They often feature intricate designs related to the event or theme.
Custom Shaped Pins:
Enamel pins can come in various shapes, from standard circles and rectangles to custom shapes that match the design of the pin.
Flair Pins:
These small, whimsical pins are often used to add personality and decoration to clothing, bags, or accessories. They can feature cute animals, witty phrases, or pop culture references.
Hat Pins:
Hat pins are designed to be attached to hats, caps, or beanies, adding a touch of personal style to headwear.
Puzzle Pins:
Puzzle pins are designed to fit together, creating a larger image or design when multiple pins are collected and displayed together.
Inspirational or Motivational Pins:
These pins feature uplifting messages or affirmations and are often given as gifts or worn for personal encouragement.
Limited Edition Pins:
These pins are produced in limited quantities, making them collectable items. They are often numbered and can be associated with special events, anniversaries, or collaborations.
Pop Culture and Fan Pins:
These pins are inspired by movies, TV shows, video games, books, and other forms of popular culture. They cater to fans of specific franchises and characters.
Political and Cause-related Pins:
These pins are designed to support a cause, raise awareness, or promote a political message. They often feature symbols, slogans, or logos associated with the cause.
Minimalist and Abstract Pins:
These pins feature simplified or abstract designs, focusing on aesthetics and artistic expression.
Vintage-style Pins:
These pins are designed to have a retro or vintage look, often resembling pins from past decades.
DIY or Custom Pins:
Some individuals and artists create their enamel pins as one-of-a-kind pieces or in small batches, allowing for highly personalized and unique designs.
If selling enamel pins sounds like a good business idea to you, then it’s time to start sketching out your financial future!
