Beginner Pin Maker Tips!
I tried to include things that I didn't know when starting out, I am in no way qualified to say i know everything. These are simply tips and tricks I learned that help me out.
Finances
Starting a business is expensive, and that putting it lightly. You need to have at least $300 saved up just in case something goes wrong.
The best thing I can say is make sure to stay on top of your finances. Download all your invoices, keep your receipts, know what money goes to orders. You'll need to stay on top of finances for write offs. Even stuff like candy as freebies, paper (office supplies), your website, there's tooooons of stuff you can write off but you have to have your receipt. If you don't stay on top of it, TAXES WILL BITE YOU IN THE ASSSS.
I personally use Quickbooks, its a little pricey but i like it.
Manufacturers
The best places to look for manufacturers would be through the #pinmanufacture hashtag (plus any other variation on that) and the Alibaba website. When looking at stores, check to see the number of years and the ratings for them. Personally I've found all my manus on Instagram, and that mainly was because they messaged me first.
I do suggest going through Alibaba to place an order if your Manu is willing. This protects both you and them. Also the fee is less, some manus try to make you pay the PayPal fee and that is a nono. In PayPal terms and conditions it states that the seller cannot charge the buyer the PayPal fee
You also don't need to order 100 of your pin. I was a young naive bb for a long time and thought that 100 was the MQA you have to order. Ask your Manu what their MQA is and see if that’s a good fit for you. One of my manus is 50 pieces while the other is 40.
You don't need to send your Manu a vector file, they can work with jpegs or PSDs. Do thoroughly check your art proof, and i mean, magnifying glass checking.
ALSO MAJOR POINT - Definitely get a Manu that is willing to take 50% of the total up front and then 50% when the pins are ready to ship and you've seen a picture of them
Building your Rep
I would also concentrate on putting your art out there. Make an Instagram page and start posting. And keep posting. Use hashtags and don't give up. (tbh when I was at 50 followers I wanted to stop. It felt like an unattainable dream to even get over 100.)
I also suggest self funding your first pin. This let's your customers trust you more, since sadly Scammers are a problem.
Website options
Big cartel is a good and cheap website to start out in. Shopify has options for secret shops, however it is more expensive. And to print labels, use Pirate Ship. It's cheaper.
Shipping
ALSO lord forbid you do what I did,
Make sure you have at least $100 for shipping labels. Shipping is EXPENSIVE, for one of my pin drops it can cost anywhere from $300-700 on average (that's inhands)
Email template and example
Remember to be nice to your Rep. However do not be a pushover. At the end of the day, they need you. You can go to any other factory if the quality isn’t satisfactory.
New Manu Template
- Do you accept payment 50% up front and 50% on completion?
- Are you able to make an order through Alibaba?
- How fast is your turnover time once production artwork is approve
- How much is the price difference between a back stamp and Laser engraving?
- (if you're interested in venturing out of enamel pins you can also ask some other questions)
- what other products do you offer besides enamel pins?
- ( other questions you could ask)
- What plating options do you offer?
- What special effects do you offer, like pearl enamel, stained glass, sandblasting, etc?
- What colors of glow do you offer?
Then proceed with a design quote if you have one.
Design Quote Layout
Helpful Links
You don't need a fancy label printer, although it is useful. You can get cheap labels off of Amazon and a normal printer will work.
Rollo printer link: ROLLO PRINTER
If you do get a rollo or any thermal printer with labels, trust me and buy THIS, its a stand thing to hold your labels in. It will save your life. Just trust me.
Bubble mailers in bulk are also available on Amazon.
Links to ones that i use:
Backing and biz cards - I use Vista Print
Stickers - makestickers.com is a cheap and reliable website
Freebie stickers: Search _____(insert anime of your choice)_____ STICKERS on amazon and they have a ton of options. Click HERE to just see a bunch of different anime stickers.
Storage
I started out storing my pins in little organizational buckets, you can find them usually in the kitchen isle or the homeware.
Now i use stackable containers and they are superior. Click HERE for the link to the ones i use.
Packaging Links
Drawstring Baggies: There are a ton of different versions, they're mainly called jewelry bags i think. But this link will lead you to a stars and moons version.
Resealable bags: (this is the mint version but there's lots of colors)
Pinback Remover
I have two that I use, Cat and Normal
