Custom enamel pins are an affordable way for small businesses to build brand awareness, sell merch, create community, and stand out from the crowd — even with a tight budget.
Why Custom Enamel Pins Work for Small Businesses
When you're a small business, every dollar matters — and every customer counts. Whether you're a local coffee shop, Etsy seller, tattoo artist, bookstore, or fitness coach, you need creative ways to grow your brand without breaking the bank.
That’s where custom enamel pins come in.
They’re small, affordable, and super versatile. And when designed right, they can turn first-time buyers into repeat customers — and customers into fans.
What Can Small Businesses Do with Custom Pins?
Here are just a few high-impact ways Bella Forge customers use enamel pins to grow their business:
Use Case |
How It Helps Your Business |
Brand Awareness |
Pins with your logo or tagline = free marketing |
Customer Loyalty |
Give pins to VIP customers to build connection |
Retail Merch |
Sell pins as part of your product line |
Event Giveaways |
Promote your business at markets or expos |
Online Sales Add-Ons |
Offer pins as upsells or free gifts with orders |
Employee Recognition |
Boost morale with staff pins |
5 Smart Ways to Use Custom Pins as a Small Business
1. Sell Branded Pins as Merch
If you’re a creative brand or lifestyle-focused business, pins can become part of your actual product line.
- Tattoo artists design pins of their artwork
- Coffee shops sell logo pins near the register
- Bookstores make literary pins inspired by popular titles
Pins are high-margin, low-overhead merch — and customers love to collect them.
2. Use Pins to Build Customer Loyalty
Bella Forge works with many small businesses that give pins to:
- Repeat customers
- Subscribers
- Patreon supporters
- Loyalty program members
It's a low-cost way to say "thank you" — and it makes your best customers feel special.
3. Offer Pins as Free Gifts or Upsells
Throw in a free pin with large orders. Or offer a “limited-edition pin” when customers spend over a certain amount.
This boosts average order value and gives customers a reason to come back.
4. Give Pins Away at Markets and Events
If you attend craft fairs, art walks, farmers markets, or trade shows — pins make perfect giveaways.
They’re small, easy to carry, and way more memorable than business cards.
5. Use Pins to Celebrate Your Brand Story
Create pins tied to your values, milestones, or personality:
- “Day One” pin for your grand opening
- “Plant-Based & Proud” for a vegan food business
- “Fueled by Caffeine” for your coffee roastery
These build emotional connection — and invite your customers to be part of your story.
What Kind of Pins Should You Choose?
For small business branding, Bella Forge recommends:
Pin Type |
Best Use Case |
Soft Enamel |
Bright, affordable, and great for bold designs |
Hard Enamel |
Polished, premium feel — great for selling as merch |
UV Printed |
Perfect for detailed logos or full-color art |
Die Struck |
Classy, metal-only look for high-end brands |
Most small businesses choose soft or hard enamel for balance of cost and quality.
How Much Do Custom Enamel Pins Cost?
Here’s a general pricing breakdown (based on averages from Bella Forge customers):
Quantity |
Approx. Price Per Pin |
Total Cost (Soft Enamel) |
100 pins |
$2.50 – $3.25 |
$250 – $325 |
300 pins |
$1.80 – $2.40 |
$540 – $720 |
500 pins |
$1.50 – $2.10 |
$750 – $1,050 |
Factors that affect cost:
- Size (1" is standard)
- Type (hard enamel costs a little more)
- Add-ons like glitter, backer cards, or custom packaging
We’ll always provide a custom quote — no pressure, no obligation.
Design Tips for Small Business Pins
- Keep your branding front and center — logo, colors, slogan
- Use bold outlines and contrast — pins are small, so clarity matters
- Stick to 4–6 colors — this keeps cost low and design clean
- Use a consistent shape — circles, shields, or simple die-cut outlines work well
- Add a backer card — include your website or QR code on the packaging
Bella Forge provides free digital proofs and can work from just a sketch or idea — no design experience required.
Why Custom Pins Make Sense for Small Businesses
Unlike paid ads or temporary promotions, pins stick around. Customers wear them, display them, and sometimes even collect them.
They're a physical reminder of your brand — and a surprisingly effective word-of-mouth tool.
For a small investment, you can create something that:
- Builds community
- Starts conversations
- And reinforces your brand — day after day
Ready to Make Pins for Your Business?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, Bella Forge makes it easy to create enamel pins that help your small business stand out.