Want to get into manufacturing? Here’s a pin production cost breakdown. (Patreon)

Things to consider:

size. The bigger, the more costly it will be.

hard or soft enamel? Hard is better quality and more expensive; soft is lower quality and considerably cheaper.

mold fee: you pay for this only once per design, no matter how many times you decide to reorder. It’s determined by how complex your design is.

  quantity: the more you buy, the cheaper it is overall per pin. Most places have a minimum pin order of 50 or 100 pieces per design.

Back side etching: I have begun lasering my online handle to the back of each pin. It’s completely optional, but if the customer loses your card or the pin changes hands, they can find you.

shipping/fees: always expect at least $50 for shipping per pin design. Mine is more because the 5” pin will be so heavy.