Enamel Pins 101: Finding a Manufacturer and Producing your Pins

[@leetree20]

I’m sorry but asking who is your manufacturer is not the same like stealing away your business, it’s calling helping other fellow artists. Basically it’s better for people to do research on their own and get into a shitty situation with someone who might rip them off or create crappy merch just because an artist feels protective over a manufacturer who actually does good business who loses clientele at the end of the day. I’m not saying reveal all your business secrets, but saying “hey, this company is actually pretty good with making this kind of stuff “ would be beneficial to lots of people, it’s not like someone asked you to show your privates. I feel that artists who are overly protective of the manufacturers like this are just revealing deep insecurity over their own creations.

[@dimwintersssss1669]

Same. I just getting into pins and stuff and it's hard to find a manufacturer. I don't know why people act like it should be a secret, it's really annoying. Noe I hardly want to get started since I don't want to be scammed and it's kissing me off. No one talks about manufacturers

[@JasperASantiago]

She will never give you the information of it , because she isn't a genuinely trying to help you guys , she reels you in for the views . Although the content does help but she will have a permanet viewer following because she doesn't give you the exact info you need.

[@BeckyHelms]

If you'd like to check out reviews of actual manufacturers, I'd recommend the PMR: Pin Manufacturer Review group on Facebook! Here's the link: facebook.com/groups/PinManufacturerReview/. I didn't know about it when I made this video, but I think it will be helpful!

[@kerteeveeyuh]

Why should she give all the information that she had to work hard to get. And then just give it to you. The reason people don’t give the info because of all of her subscribers start making pins and then her manufacturers starts giving crappy quality like she said in the video. People are trying to ride coat tails all the time

[@JasperASantiago]

@@kerteeveeyuh lol hard work ? you get it from alibaba dam thats hard

[@RainbowEster]

I'm glad to know people weren't trying to be rude by refusing to share their preferred factories. I almost felt like it was something against me (like I wasn't part of the club) but this makes so much more sense. You're a blessing for sharing this much and explaining all the things! Thank you thank you!!! It's so very helpful.

[@BeckyHelms]

It's definitely not something about you! It's just something that some folks don't feel comfortable sharing and nothing personal. I'm glad it was helpful!!

[@stevenlopez9149]

ugh i hate that there are rules about " dont ask this dont ask that? whatever happened to artist helping artist.. as an artist i help with open arms and tell everyone my tricks and secrets. people like that are soo elitist. and who wouldn't get hurt ? especially if you just want advice and help.

[@theroaringbohemian2189]

Thank you so much for putting up this series! This is something i have grown interest in for over a year now. I'm mainly just scared of a middle-man or manufacturer now.

[@kilyetran]

I made the same mistake as asking about manufacturers? or like somewhere to start? (like the starter pin manufacturer haha) I heard the keyword alibaba? but I'm still confused what site that is? Eventually I just created a research file about manufacturers and comparison to make sense of it all. I know you said try not to get your feelings hurt, but that stung pretty hard. Just stopped asking people about stuff altogether up till now. I do however get it now, why people kept it a secret but at the time asking I didn't realize it was a secret or it was a kind of taboo question. I think it honestly wasn't out of malice or anything :S

[@chab1937]

I love this ☺ I've designed many pins for Hardrock Cafe, but I've been wanting to branch out to my own art. This was really helpful since I've never had to deal with the factories/middle people before. 💖

[@BeckyHelms]

Whoa! That's so cool! Glad I could help you branch out!

[@chab1937]

:-) :-)

[@awardsgiftjie262]

Wow it is really cool thing! you are talented! We are glad to make enamel pins for you! Looking forward to hearing from you soon! www.awardsgift.com [e-mail] instagram.com/awardsgift/

[@dean3519]

Your videos are so helpful!! You talked about alibaba, can you give any tips on how to choose a good manufacturer? Like what to look for?

[@Betty-Siebel]

Hi,We're a trusted pin manufacturer from China.We provide many kinds of pins that might suit your needs.

[@Betty-Siebel]

hi,we're a professional custom pin manufacturer from China,if you have any need,please feel free to message us.

[@ellona3645]

I think I'll stay with selling stickers at Etsy for now.

[@ang.giselle2024]

Yes, I made the mistake of asking someone where they had their pins made because I would like to sell my designs too. I just said sorry didn't know it was a secret. I said I guess you're the only customer, oh well. I am so new at this.

[@BeckyHelms]

Yeah, it can be tricky sometimes. These manufacturers have been around for years, but people can get pretty protective with their favorites. I'd always recommend The Pin Department, though!

[@KennyRider137]

+Becky Helms try Ace Buckles, too.

[@KennyRider137]

+Becky Helms also, The Studio.

[@kristaliaastari2856]

Yeah I don’t get that if I had a great manufacturer making things for me I’d sing it from the rooftops and tell anyone and everyone. I really don’t get hiding that info unless things aren’t on the up and up.

[@to-json925]

people are embarassed by the idea of markup. if i know your supplier, i can infer your costs, and then i can infer your markup which, fucking great, if anything i'm gonna tell you it's too low and you should take more money or use a cheaper supplier. but some consumers act ripped off when they notice, which makes some sellers want that data hidden. stupid capitalist culture, all of it

[@artistaazzurro]

Hi Becky! Ive just started getting into pin designing and your videos have been super helpful and informative. I had a quick question regarding manufacturers vs kickstarters, A number of pin designers I've noticed create kickstarters to make sure enough people back their pins before manufacturing them to not lose money. But do manufacturers get annoyed if you ask for price estimates and such and then notify them you dont want to go through with the order anymore (if) because your kickstarter fell through? Have you ever been in that situation or know a fellow pin designer who has? Thanks!

[@hairscrunchieltd]

Knowing the amount of scammers out there (specially when you order form places like alibaba and some others in the us) I find the hoarding of information, just because "they did their research", incredibly selfish and almost dangerous. It's such a sociopathic and childish attitude to take. "I was screwed over and finally found a good manu. Let's not tell anyone" I can't wait for artists that hoard information to die out so that artists that actually try to create a safe community can bloom. EDIT: A friend just told me that apparently you do give your manus out but you charge for that info. I don't know if that's the most clever or the scummiest thing ever.

[@miriamhernandez5256]

Just started watching your videos, THANK YOU Soo much for all the help. Also my name is Becky and I say Hi friend all the time, I just thought this was crazy. Thanks again!

[@alydotson]

I’m sure pricing varies a lot, but can you give a rough estimate as to what it might cost to make your first pin?

[@katebailey946]

This is the chart from the Pin Department. www.thepindepartment.com/pricing/ I've used Made by Cooper and it is much more expensive. The product is excellent, but the base cost for 100 completely basic hard enamel 1" pins by MbC is $2.74 each versus the same item by PD at $2.03 each. You can expect to pay $200-400 per 100 pins (depending on size, colors, and detail) with a middleperson. If you are starting out, it honestly is the best way to step into the waters.

[@BeckyHelms]

The cost varies so much, it's hard to say. It depends on the the size and complexity of your molds plus how many colors, posts, back imprints, etc that you include. Plus that can vary from place to place. I definitely think starting with The Pin Department is the best way to go. She can help you out and give you a better idea of pricing your specific pin. Plus, I'm making a more in-depth e-course that will have some more accurate estimates, so keep an eye out for that this year!

[@MultiTrinket]

@@katebailey946 this was more helpful than the actual video, thank you

[@dandefish]

@@BeckyHelms thank you !

[@nannarama6878]

I was wondering if you will be including Info for variants in your ecourse or videos in the future? Like the best way to do them or how to go about them? Finding information on pins is really hard sometimes!

[@sydneym98]

How do you sort out keeping stock? Do you sell in batches and just have that 1 month wait in between restocking? Or do you try to always have more and like reorder at half stock or something?

[@AFateSoTwisted]

You don't own the manufacturer. I'm running into the same issue with a lot of artists keeping their suppliers a secret. How is this video helpful at all?

[@BeckyHelms]

Very true, but people spend a lot of time and money in their search for a manufacturer and I try to respect that. This video is more about what to look for, how communication works and sharing my favorite middle person: The Pin Department. ^_^

[@AFateSoTwisted]

@@BeckyHelms Oh. Did you pay for information then? I'm just confused about what the big secret is. There is room for all of us to make it in this world. I design my things. I didn't swipe an image off the internet, which I have seen a lot of "pin makers" doing. I would probably be hard pressed to buy from someone who thinks she is the only artist in the world. I know this, when I learn new info, I will be sharing on my channel.

[@BeckyHelms]

A Fate So Twisted Some people are just protective of their sources, and I don’t fault them for that decision because it’s theirs to make 🤷🏼‍♀️ There’s room for everyone and I make these videos to help people get into pins. I do share who I started with and am happy to support them and I totally understand your position! Also, it drives me crazy when people plagiarize and openly trace designs!

[@xStraightEdgeBarbiex]

You are so right, in the end this video isnt helpful a all. This secretive BS has got to stop.

[@meluvsquki]

Thank you so much for making this series! It's been super helpful. I wish I had seen these before I started on searching for manufacturers on Alibaba. It's been such a money and time suck and I've wasted a few hundred dollars by working with poopy factories. While browsing through Alibaba, are there any red flags we should be looking out for? There's just so so many and I'm feeling a bit lost and frustrated (I just went through 200 pins and had to chuck 40% of them into the seconds bin AND had to polish every. single. pin because they were all pretty much tarnished).

[@BeckyHelms]

Oh no!! I think the biggest things to check for are the quality of the pins in the photos, if they have good photography at all and how long they've been in business. Some have their certifications listed and if they're approved by US companies, those are usually a safe bet. I still recommend working with a middleperson like The Pin Department because they'll take care of all that junk for you!

[@awardsgiftjie262]

Oh no!!! i saw many artist said they find enamel pin factory in Alibaba,it is true that there are many suppliers gather in there,while have your notice there is a mark on the website say 1 year/ 2years / 3 years... it is time they do business. I totally agree what Becky said,how long time they've been in business and have them cooperated with US companies for a long time? Because time is the touchstone of quality. We engaged in enamel pin production over 10 years,i hope we can help you to make nice enamel pins: www.awardsgift.com [e-mail] instagram.com/awardsgift/

[@jennifervolintine7510]

If someone does steal your pin design - are there any options that you can take?

[@BeckyHelms]

There are! My friend Serena has a great blog post about report infringement here: ohplesiosaur.com/tutorials/art-theft-part-1-a-really-big-list/ I've reported things on Etsy, Ebay, AliExpress and sent individual cease and desists before. Her post has a ton of links to help you report it on lots of different platforms! I hope this helps!

[@jennifervolintine7510]

Yes, it does help! Thanks so much.

[@WithMia]

Thank you so much for the informational videos! Can't wait to make my pin dreams come true! 😊

[@BeckyHelms]

Mia Lor I’m so glad they’ve been helpful! I’d love to see what you make!

[@helenvelazquez4]

Thanks for this videos. I love pins and I wanna get into them!!!

[@JuanMendez-wp9jw]

4Helen 4travels same but idk where to start

[@GideonWright]

Truly awesome video series

[@IceBloodXxX]

Do you worry about the working conditions and hazardous work environments in the factories you use?

[@BeckyHelms]

I do! I like to vet my manufacturers by doing research into the facility and their certifications.

[@sam17simba]

I have a question, people who make pins based on designs that nintendo/ghibli... have made.. isn't this copyright? like can't those companies sue the artists who made, for example, a Totoro pin or pokemon pin? it's kind of daunting ...

[@HelloImAru]

Those people are definitely breaking copyright law and should be sued. Just make your own original designs and characters and you'll be golden.

[@sam17simba]

Peachfaced thank you for your reply!! Yes I’m going to make unique designs that will stand out!!! Hopefully hehe

[@rylienimchick4368]

what would be the total cost for 50 1 inch pins?i emailed a company and im a little confused

[@purrlstar]

I’ve been curious how to make pins for a while now and I’ve looked through quite a lot of videos and everyone mentions Alibaba in passing and I had never heard of it before this. I looked on the website but I have no idea what I’m looking at or what to look for! Will there be a tutorial video for navigating the website and making sense of the content there?

[@BeckyHelms]

You know, I thought I had made one, it might have just been a topic from an IG Live! I'll have to add that to the queue, thank you!

[@kylecardenas1924]

What sizes are your pins? Im worried that my pins will be too big, as i am planning to have people use them on jackets hats and bags

[@blessyponnachen9528]

Middle man is the name of the manufacturer?

[@xmariax3186]

You just got a new subscriber! ❤️

[@kwp4047]

I love that you keep saying middle woman

[@BeckyHelms]

Thank you!

[@Sesshy2KH]

Hi! I was wondering if the e-course you mention in this video is available yet? :)

[@BeckyHelms]

Not yet! It's biiiig project, but I'm hoping to have it out there in the next couple of months! Thank you for checking in! If you're subscribed to my email list, I'll be keeping everyone updated there!

[@Sesshy2KH]

Becky Helms Oh! Okay! I’m new to your videos (I have followed on Instagram for a while though) and I hadn’t heard you talk about it till now so I wasn’t sure how far along it was! Thank you so much for responding! I just signed up for your newsletter a few days ago, so I’m good to go with that. Thanks again, and I’m looking forward to it! And thank you for making these videos as well, they’re very informative! :)

[@BeckyHelms]

Thanks so much! I hope the videos are helpful!! I'll definitely keep you posted!

[@Sesshy2KH]

Becky Helms the videos are definitely helpful! And thank you so much, I really appreciate it! :)

[@fredtwospuds3934]

Very insightful points to consider.

[@JessKaDaniels]

Can you explain the recessed areas?

[@innis22]

These videos are really great and the information about pins is quite informative and helpful. One question for you though: are we really listening to your actual cat purring right on the microphone or are you adding that in post to drive me crazy? Lol.

[@innis22]

Ha! I saw later from another comment that it was your camera auto-focus. I was convinced it was a cat purring!

[@VeggieTomahawk29]

How do I sign up for the Pin Maker Newsletter? It just says sign up here but there’s no link :/

[@BeckyHelms]

Oh shoot! I'll add it to the description, but you can follow this link here: mailchi.mp/74f772dbfa77/enamel-pin-template-for-illustrator this link will get you a free download, too! Thank you for letting me know!

[@thefourstooges2376]

why did you abandon your old channel

[@BeckyHelms]

It's still the same channel, but I just didn't have enough time last year to really keep up with it. But, I'm excited to get back into stuff this year!

[@thefourstooges2376]

cool! also, when will your internet class thing come out? i can't wait

[@geekyourlikeslulu]

The cracking voice is really hard to hear

[@joseortiz9629]

Are there any enamel pin makers in the United States?

[@Betty-Siebel]

There are very few pin manufacturers in the US, and many bosses outsource this business to Chinese manufacturers

[@craigsworld9159]

Really cool video thanks

[@temperances320]

It’s not fine not to share a manufacturer; you lost money finding one, so everybody else should?

[@user-zc4cu6rz1d]

How can you tell if a company has intellectual property

[@BeckyHelms]

Intellectual Property is owned by the person who created the art. So, no manufacturer should be allowed to replicate a design without express permission from the artist. Making sure that your manufacturer will respect your work and not allow any counterfeiting of your intellectual property is very important when choosing who you work with!

[@ambercook8743]

Hi, I was thinking of making pins myself and was wondering how you add text to pins? Also how long does it typically take to sell 100 pins if you're just starting out?

[@BeckyHelms]

Amber Cook I just all text in illustrator! And it really depends on the pin and your audience for how long it takes to sell 100. There are lots of ways to launch and grow your audience before and after you get your pins! I’ll be making some videos about that soon!

[@ambercook8743]

Becky Helms thank you!

[@julietearth8282]

love the tsum tsums behind!

[@mrjamesleon]

👍❤👍

[@TheHazelip]

Vocal fryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@BeckyHelms]

J. Hazelip there are more constructive ways to offer up criticism. I appreciate your feedback and it’s something that I need to work on for sure, but maybe think about the human on the other end of the internet before commenting.

[@wserenam]

:O

[@RedakaiCity]

Middlewoman? It's middleman SJW cat lady.

[@fizzfizzbang]

Uh, she's literally talking about a woman. So, nah.

[@Rick.Grayson]

The Monopoly Troll don't do that. Also it's literally a woman in this case.