5 Tips To Start Your (Profitable) Enamel Pins Business

Starting an enamel pin business can be more lucrative than you think. People have been earning around $1200 to $1500 per month, and that's a commendable income for a side hustle.

The best part of starting an enamel pin business is that it's not a bank-breaker. You don’t need a considerable investment, a factory, a warehouse, or specialized equipment. You don’t need to learn new skills or acquire a new degree.

All you need is creativity and a solid business strategy. That's what this blog intends to provide.

Below are some proven methods to start a profitable enamel business.

Tip 1- Find a high-potential niche

The first rule for making your enamel business profitable is to sell pins that people want to buy but can’t easily find.

Don’t waste your time in a crowded market. Too many people are already selling pins on cats and food.

Here is how you can find profitable niches.

• Set a target audience.

Image source: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/what-is-a-target-audience-and-how-do-you-find-it/467926/

 

Determine who you want to target for your enamel pin business and understand their taste so you can create designs that captivate them.

Do you want to make enamel pins for Gen Z, who is extremely vocal about their opinions? Or environment lovers who use enamel pins to spread awareness about sustainability.

Start with one or two buyer categories that resonate with you. You can add more categories as you start getting sales.

Select only those categories that suit your interests and expertise.

 

• Look for emerging trends.

Once you have narrowed the buyer category, it's time to understand your target audience's current and future needs (that's important). 

1. Start following social influencers, celebrities, and brands that are popular among your target audience.  
2. Join relevant social media groups, forums, and online communities.
3. Attend events and tradeshows to learn about upcoming trends in the enamel pin business.
4. Follow your competitors. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses and identify opportunities where you can excel.

Make a list of ideas you believe will help make your enamel business profitable.

 

• Identify demand and supply gaps.

Although you have a long list of ideas, not all guarantee profitability.

Most of these ideas are already overused. You need to target unexplored but high-potential areas.

For example, enamel pins featuring common themes like cats and dogs are common, whereas unique concepts such as zero-waste lifestyles and vintage-themed cats have yet to be explored.

Focusing on these untapped ideas can help you carve out a niche for your enamel pin business and increase its profitability.

 

• Make a list of niches that you are expert in

A thorough understanding of the niche can help you create high-quality enamel pins that resonate with your target audience.

For instance, while the dog punk theme has tremendous potential, diving into it without sufficient knowledge could leave you confused and uninterested.

And let's remember passion!

With genuine enthusiasm for your selected niche, you will find it easier to invest the time and effort needed to understand what your buyers genuinely want.

• Ensure the niche you select is sustainable and scalable

Stay away from short-lived themes such as viral sensations or trendy phrases. While they might initially give you some quick sales, they will only be profitable in the short run, especially for startups like yours.

Focus on niches that have lasting appeal and a consistent demand. Such niches often have a stable customer base and offer plenty of scalability opportunities.

 

Tip 2 - Come up with uniquely designed pins.

 

Image Source: https://vivipins.com/wedding-pins/

Unique designs help your enamel pins stand out from your stronger competitors and improve your brand reputation.

So, don’t back - let your creativity run wild, create visually appealing designs, and build an emotional connection with your audience.

• Sketch them yourself, hire a designer, or save money and choose a manufacturer that can design your pins.

You don’t have to be an artist or a graphic designer to start a profitable enamel pin business.

Even if you have a rough sketch in mind, you can hire a graphic designer to create the designs.

Good news!

At Vivipins, we can design your enamel pins for free. Even if you have a rough sketch on tissue paper, our designers can work with you to bring your vision to life. We also offer unlimited revisions until you are happy.  

 

• Be original; avoid copyright issues.

Copying or reproducing designs without permission can land you in legal trouble.

While drawing inspiration from existing designs is okay, you must create your artwork from scratch.

Pro tip: Check out our blog on ‘How to make enamel pins’ to understand the basics of designing enamel pins.

 

Tip 3 - Find a reliable enamel pin manufacturer

Poor-quality pins will affect your reputation, no matter how great your designs are. So, you must choose a manufacturer renowned for producing high-quality pins with high accuracy.

The manufacturer must use high-quality materials and strict quality control measures to guarantee high accuracy.

Well-crafted, durable pins enhance your brand's reputation and can get you repeat business from satisfied customers.

Here are a few things to remember while selecting your enamel pin manufacturer.

• Understand the basics

1. Quality workmanship: Read client testimonials and conduct thorough online research to ensure the manufacturer has a spotless reputation.
2. Minimum order quantity: Manufacturers with high MOQs might not be a good option for a small-scale enamel pin business like yours. Opt for manufacturers willing to take smaller orders to prevent excess inventory.
3. Mold fees: Most manufacturers charge mold fees for custom designs. Compare these fees and inquire if they will adjust the mold fee for future reorders. 
4. Delivery timelines: The faster the delivery timelines, the sooner you can start selling.
5. Customization options: While most manufacturers allow you to customize your enamel pins as you want, many options are paid. Compare the options thoroughly and make sure they align with your budget.
6. Ease of ordering: Since you will be working with the manufacturer for a long time, you need a company that is easy to do business with. They must have a responsive customer support team and should be willing to resolve issues quickly.

 

• Get a quote and a sample.

Once you have selected a few enamel pin manufacturers that meet your criteria, request quotes and samples from them.

The quotes should mention the total production cost, shipping time, and other details so that you can compare and choose a manufacturer that provides the best value for money.

Why request a sample?  

A physical sample will allow you to evaluate the quality of the pins before placing your order. Thoroughly compare the detailing, color accuracy, and overall craftsmanship and choose a manufacturer that meets your quality standards.

Need a quote from ViviPins? Contact us.

 

Tip 4 - Create a streamlined selling process.

• Set your price

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQWUm_eHjGk

1. Calculate the total production cost. Remember to add overhead expenses like packing, shipping, taxes, licenses, marketing, office space leasing (if any), salaries (if any), utility costs, etc.
2. Decide your profit margin. This could be tricky. A higher profit margin will make your pins expensive, making it difficult to get sales. With lower profit margins, it could take years to make your enamel pin business profitable.

Price-calculating software can help you find the right balance between pricing and profitability, especially for a small startup like yours.

 

• Decide how you want to sell your enamel pins

• Online marketplaces

Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and other online shopping platforms have a vast user baseing it easier to reach your target audience.

Additionally, these platforms have a user-friendly interface, making it easy to manage your inventory, process orders, and track your competitors.

Further, buyers trust these websites due to their solid buyer protection policies. If you want to start your profitable enamel pin business, you must tap the potential of these marketplaces. 

• Website

Although you can get a website later when your business picks, we strongly recommend having one sooner rather than later.

A well-built website can get you direct business from search engine results, reducing dependence on online marketplaces. Moreover, a website will portray you as a reputable brand rather than someone pursuing a side hustle.

• Social media platforms

Identify social media platforms where you are likely to find your target audience. Join their marketplaces and start targeted advertising.

• Collaboration with local retailers, boutiques, etc.

They already have a well-established loyal customer base.

Displaying your enamel pins in their stores will boost your brand's visibility among their clientele, increasing the likelihood of making your enamel pins business profitable.

• Figure out shipping and return policies.

Image Source: https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/comparing-international-shipping-cost/

 

Compare multiple shipping providers' prices, delivery times, and insurance policies and select the most cost-effective yet reliable option.

Based on these quotes, decide whether you would offer free shipping irrespective of order value. Or would you have a minimum order value to qualify for free shipping?

Study the return policies of other enamel pin businesses to understand their strategies and the typical customer expectations.

Determine if you would accept unconditional returns or if there are certain conditions under which you will accept a return.

Also, decide on the return window and refund method.

And don’t forget to figure out who will cover the cost of return shipping.

Here is a helpful resource for understanding how to calculate shipping costs. 

 

• Keep your policies relatively simple.

Simple, straightforward policies, especially where the customer is given value, increase the chances of conversions. They also instill confidence in buyers, especially when dealing with a new business like yours. 

 

Tip 5- Portray yourself as a brand. 

A small local business run by a single person from a home office doesn’t sound convincing.

People prefer shopping from well-established brands with streamlined processes and a dedicated customer support team.

When you portray yourself as a brand, prospective buyers feel more confident while purchasing. They start perceiving you as a trustworthy business with ample resources to fulfill their needs.

Here is what you need to do.

 

• Have a brand name and logo.

A well-designed logo and a catchy brand name that instantly clicks with buyers can help improve your reputation.

You can either brainstorm some ideas or hire a professional logo designer.

There are plenty of free logo designing tools if you are OK with using templates.

• Create a brand story

https://youtu.be/pYknWsUc6jM

Building an emotional connection is the key to making your enamel pin business profitable.

One of the most effective ways to do that is to develop a unique, touchy, compelling story that differentiates you from the rest.

1. Define your purpose. Weave a story that convinces users that you have a noble objective in starting your enamel pin business.
2. Understand your audience. Tailor your story to address their needs and interests. Your story must strike a chord with them.
3. Be honest. While sharing your USPs and milestones is essential, do not hesitate to discuss your struggle stories. Being authentic and transparent can help you build credibility.

 

• Establish trust by showcasing testimonials.

When your potential customers see social proof of your credibility, they will feel more confident buying your enamel pins.

Once their order is delivered, send a follow-up email or message asking them to share their feedback. You may offer discounts to increase the likelihood of receiving reviews.

Display your reviews everywhere, from your social pages and websites to Google My Business Page.

Do not use fake reviews, as it is unethical and can damage your reputation. 

 

Tip 6 - Come up with a rigorous marketing strategy 

• Opt for social media marketing

With a vast active user base, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok are the perfect places to advertise your enamel pin business.

1. Choose social platforms that are most popular among your target audience.
2. Establish a solid online presence on these platforms. Share compelling, like-worthy content revolving around your enamel pins. Don’t just promote; share interesting stories to captivate your audience.
3. Run targeted ad campaigns to reach your potential buyers.

 

• Do not hesitate to invest in paid ads.

Image Source: https://zapier.com/blog/google-ad-examples/

In case you don’t know, some of the search results you see on Google are paid ads. They are often labeled as ‘sponsored’ or ‘Ad.’ See the above image for an example.

With paid ads, you can quickly appear in search results and reach people actively searching for enamel pins.

Paid advertising is one of the fastest ways to make your enamel pins business profitable.

The best part about paid ads is that you pay only when someone clicks on your ads.

 

• Optimize your listings for better rankings.

Paid ads are effective but not sustainable in the long run.  

Fortunately, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a free alternative. It is a process of optimizing your content (text, images, and videos) to rank naturally in search results without paying for ads.

Optimize your website and online marketplace listings to maximize your chances of appearing in search results.

Wondering how to optimize?

This video may help, but you may have to hire an SEO professional.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLSxn5GR_9M

 

• Try influencer marketing

Social media influencers have loyal followers who trust them and their recommendations.

Partner with influencers who are followed by your target audience 

Partnering with them can quickly increase sales and improve your brand’s exposure.

 

• Hold contests and offer giveaways

Do you know that around 55 million Americans participate in social media contests annually?

People love sharing their creativity, opinions, and ideas.

So, why not hold a theme-based enamel pin-designing contest? Ask people to unleash their creativity. Showcase their work on your social pages and encourage others to participate.

The buzz generated by such contests and giveaways helps build brand awareness and generate quick leads to make your enamel business profitable.

 

Tip 7 - Make customer satisfaction your top priority

Here is the bottom line.

91% of dissatisfied customers will never come back to you. Shockingly, 25 out of 26 unhappy buyers won’t even complain; they will just leave silently.

The good news is people are willing to pay more for better customer service.

Here are some key things you can do to keep your buyers happy.

 

• Sell high-quality products at a reasonable price.

As a new business, you have to strike a balance between quality and affordability.

While lower prices may tempt your buyers, resulting in quick sales, they could eat into your profit. Keep your rates higher, and your buyers will run to your competitors.

Even big corporations have to work hard to find the sweet spot. So, don’t worry; keep experimenting with your prices.

Set your price strategically, ensuring you still provide the best quality enamel pins.

 

• Listen to your customers.

Whether their feedback is positive or negative, listen and respond to it. Resolve their issue as quickly as possible. If they are eligible for a refund, offer it promptly without making them chase you. 

Use their feedback to improve your business processes.

 

• Make your customers feel valued at every step.

1. Personalize your messages. Address them using their name to show that you treat them as ‘individuals’ instead of customers. 
2. Assure them that you are taking their concerns and issues seriously.
3. Thank them for their patience and understanding.
4. Follow-up after a purchase or a complaint resolution to gather their feedback.
5. Offer special discounts or exclusive offers as a token of appreciation for being your valued customers.

These small customer-centric gestures can help you build a local customer base, get repeat business, and make your enamel pin business profitable. 

 

• Engage with your audience.

Don’t be a dull, sales-focused business. Try to build genuine, meaningful relationships with your audience.

• Invite them to share pin ideas.
• Host Q&A sessions to clarify doubts.
• Create lively polls and quizzes.
• Share lighthearted memes and make them smile.
• Comment on your audience’s posts and show them you are genuinely interested.
• Share DIY tutorials and let them explore their creativity.
• Ask for caption suggestions.

These are just some of the ideas. Feel free to explore other creative ways to entertain your audience.

 

Starting your profitable enamel pin business - FAQs

• Is selling enamel pins profitable?

Absolutely!

Enamel pins are in high demand, especially for self-expression and brand promotion. People of all ages like to wear them and use them to accessorize their handbags, totes, ties, beanies, and more. Here is an interesting blog on how to wear enamel pins.

Now is the perfect time to start your enamel pin business and make it profitable using the abovementioned tips.

 

• What is a good price for an enamel pin?

The price depends on several factors, such as size, complexity of the design, colors, finishing, and more. Further, soft enamel pins are more affordable than hard enamel pins.

Contact us today to understand how the pricing works.

• Can you sell enamel pins on Etsy?

Yes. Etsy is one of the most trusted online marketplaces for selling unique, personalized products like enamel pins. Here is our detailed blog on how to sell enamel pins on Etsy.

 

Wrap up

Starting a profitable enamel pin business requires time, patience, dedication, and an excellent partnership.

If you are looking for a manufacturer you can trust for all your needs, we are here to help. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation. 

 

References

1. Make Big Money Selling Enamel Pins- Medium.com
2. 19+ eye-opening statistics about giveaways & contests- Forms.app
3. 100 Stats that Prove the Importance of Customer Satisfaction, Retention, & Loyalty- SurveySparrow.com