Why Custom Enamel Pins Work for Small Businesses

When you run a small business, every dollar matters and every customer counts. Whether you own a coffee shop, sell on an ecommerce site, run a tattoo studio, manage a bookstore, or coach fitness, you need creative ways to grow your brand without overspending.

That’s where custom enamel pins come in.

They’re small, affordable, and versatile. When designed well, they can turn first-time buyers into repeat customers, and loyal customers into true fans.

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What Can Small Businesses Do with Custom Pins?

Here are some popular 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 act as free marketing
Customer Loyalty	Reward VIP customers with exclusive pins
Retail Merch	Sell pins as part of your product line
Event Giveaways	Promote your business at markets or expos
Online Add-Ons	Offer pins as upsells or free gifts with orders
Employee Recognition	Give pins to staff to boost morale

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5 Smart Ways to Use Custom Pins

1. Sell Branded Pins as Merch

Pins can become part of your actual product line.

• Tattoo artists sell pins of their artwork
• Coffee shops offer logo pins at checkout
• Bookstores make pins inspired by popular titles

Pins are low-cost, high-margin items that customers love to collect.

2. Use Pins to Build Loyalty

Many small businesses give pins to:

• Repeat customers
• Subscribers
• Patreon supporters
• Loyalty program members

It’s a simple way to say “thank you” and make your best customers feel valued.

3. Offer Pins as Gifts or Upsells

Add a free pin with larger orders, or create a limited-edition design for customers who spend over a set amount. This raises average order value and encourages repeat purchases.

4. Give Pins Away at Events

Craft fairs, art walks, farmers markets, and trade shows are perfect for pin giveaways. They’re more memorable than business cards and easy for customers to keep.

5. Celebrate Your Brand Story

Pins can highlight your values, milestones, or personality. For example:

• A “Day One” pin for your grand opening
• “Plant-Based & Proud” for a vegan food business
• “Fueled by Caffeine” for your coffee roastery

These designs build emotional connection and invite customers into your story.

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What Kind of Pins Should You Choose?

Pin Type	Best Use Case
Soft Enamel	Bright, affordable, great for bold designs
Hard Enamel	Polished, premium feel, ideal for merch
UV Printed	Best for detailed logos or full-color art
Die Struck	Classic, all-metal look for high-end brands

Most small businesses choose soft or hard enamel to balance cost and quality.

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How Much Do Custom Enamel Pins Cost?

Here’s a typical cost range for soft enamel pins:

Quantity	Approx. Price Per Pin	Total Cost
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

Cost factors include:

• Size (1 inch is standard)
• Pin type (hard enamel costs slightly more)
• Add-ons like glitter, backer cards, or custom packaging

Bella Forge always provides a custom quote with no pressure or obligation.

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Design Tips for Small Business Pins

• Keep your branding clear (logo, colors, slogan)
• Use bold outlines and high contrast so designs stay readable
• Limit designs to 4 to 6 colors to keep costs low
• Choose simple shapes like circles or shields
• Add a backer card with your website or QR code

Bella Forge offers free digital proofs and can work from a sketch, so no design experience is needed.

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Why Custom Pins Make Sense

Pins last longer than ads or short-term promotions. Customers wear them, display them, and collect them. They become small but powerful reminders of your brand.

For a small investment, you get something that:

• Builds community
• Starts conversations
• Reinforces your brand every day

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Ready to Create Pins for Your Business?

Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, Bella Forge makes it simple to design enamel pins that help your small business stand out. Start here