What is it?
Creating and selling enamel pin badges is a fun and creative way for teenagers to raise funds for their trips. By designing unique pins that reflect your interests or trip themes, you can attract friends, family, and fellow students to support your cause while sporting cool accessories.
Why does it work?
People love personalised and limited-edition items, especially ones that represent a cause or adventure. Enamel pins are affordable, collectible, and easy to wear, making them appealing to a wide audience. Plus, offering a tangible, high-quality product gives supporters a reason to buy instead of just donating.
Step-by-step plan
1
Brainstorm and sketch your pin designs. Think about themes related to your expedition, interests, or popular trends among your peers. Make sure your designs are clear and simple enough to work well as small pins.
2
Create digital versions of your designs using graphic design software. Keep in mind the size (usually around 25-30mm) and simple colour palettes, as enamel pins have limitations on detail and colour.
3
Research and contact enamel pin manufacturers. Compare prices, minimum order quantities, production times, and shipping fees. Some popular UK or international suppliers include The Enamel Pin Factory, PinMart, or Alibaba-based factories.
4
Place your order for a batch of pins, ideally starting with a small quantity to keep upfront costs manageable. Confirm delivery dates so you can plan your sales timeline.
5
Design and print backing cards for your pins that include your name, the fundraising cause, and social media or contact details. This adds a professional touch and spreads the word about your trip.
6
Package your pins neatly in small bags or boxes with the backing cards. Keep your stock organised and ready for sales.
7
Set a fair price, usually between £5-£8 per pin, depending on your costs and what your audience can afford.
8
Start selling your pins at school events, local markets, family gatherings, and online via social media or platforms like Depop or Etsy (with parental permission). Always explain your fundraising goal to encourage support.
9
Keep track of your sales and restock if needed. Consider releasing new designs to maintain interest over time.
Realistic earnings
Most teenagers can expect to earn between £50 and £150 depending on the number of pins sold and the price point. With consistent sales and multiple designs, you may exceed this, but enamel pins are best suited as a supplementary fundraising activity rather than the sole method.
Top tips
✅ Start with simple, bold designs that work well at small sizes to ensure your pins look great.
✅ Order a sample pin first if possible to check quality before committing to a full batch.
✅ Engage your audience by sharing the story behind your pins and your expedition to create emotional connection.
✅ Keep your customers informed about the fundraising progress to encourage repeat purchases and support.
Common mistakes to avoid
⚠️ Ordering too many pins at once without confirming demand, leading to unsold stock.
⚠️ Choosing overly complicated designs that don’t translate well to enamel pins and look blurry or messy.
⚠️ Neglecting to factor in all costs like shipping, packaging, and payment fees when setting prices.