If you're looking to get some custom pins, you might have already seen that the MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is 100. This is pretty standard across the board with anyone who manufactures pins. 'But I only want one' or 'Well that's stupid' are common replies I get when I inform potential customers of this minimum amount. Which, you know, fair enough, I suppose.
Still, the question stands, why can't you get just one pin? Let's find out.
The Mould
Metal pins require a mould to be mass produced. The base metal is poured into the mould and formed into a simple version of your design.
Above: Enamel Pin moulds work in the same way as chocolate moulds do. However, instead of tasty chocolate it's a metal alloy poured in. Also, pin moulds are usually made of metal and not silicone!
There are 'pockets' or recesses deliberately left in these design and later, once the metal is cooled, these lower areas will be filled with colour.
These moulds are not cheap to produce. Typically, you can pay anywhere from 50-100 for a good mould. Even then, they only have a shelf-life of about three to five years and a new fee will need to be paid for a replacement should it be needed after that time.
So, if someone wanted just one pin, the cost of the mold alone would mean the pins is going to cost at least €100 once you factor in the materials, the time, the operator, the colour filling and shipping. Not many people are going to pay at least €100 for a standard 1-inch pin.
On top of that very few manufacturers are interested, or have the time to make a mould that they will only be used once; normally the manufacturer makes their money in bulk orders, getting a small cut of each pin. Manufacturers usually insist on the minimum order quantity being 100 to make it worth their time.
The Time
The time it takes to arrange a pins production isn't insignificant. The initial design has to be drawn up, it then passes to a manufacturer who will check it's actually makable, then a first draft is drawn up, it goes to the client for sign off, then once it's approved it goes to production. It enters a production queue, gets made and then gets delivered.
Above: the detailed Lenny & Karl pin, which took more time than usual to 'fill'.
Doing all this for one pin is a waste of most people's time in the production line. They could be working on bigger projects that don't require much more work, but which will pay considerably better. So to avoid wasting time and to get back working for the greater good, so to speak, projects usually require a 100 minimum order quantity.
Weeding out the 'Cheapskates'
Another important aspect is to weed out the cheapskates. 'Cheapskates' according to Emmanuel Torty, 'are very demanding' and oftentimes 'require the same amount of work as higher paying clients'. Having worked in retail for a decade plus, there is wisdom to this soundbite.
Cheapskates don't read the instructions. They want things to look as they do in their heads, without ever communicating that fact. They don't put in much work and yet, the expect perfection. By setting a minimum of 100, these 'cheapskates' are cut out of the equation, allowing people like myself to deal with clever, business-savvy people like yourself.
Alternatives
Button badges! If you only want one pin, the reality is that you're not going to get one. That said, websites like Camaloon allow minimum orders of 5 button badges. These are still small and wearable items, though they're not as professional looking. Another option for button badges is to create a Redbubble account, upload the design you want as an artist, and buy your own button badge.
You can also get button badge makers online. They're relatively inexpensive, I think my one cost be about €120 at the time. It does require a printer and templates to make the pins. I also found it took up a large amount of space.
Get your custom pins from me!
In Ireland? Need custom pins (or keyrings?) get in touch and I'll make your pin-based dreams come true!