What Does Your Trading Pin Say About You?
Does it sparkle or flash? Does it bobble or have moving parts? Maybe your perfect lapel pin looks stylish and bold without extra features. Your trading pin represents you and your team at events and in public. Make sure it truly reflects your team’s identity! Whether your pin is colorful and funky or gritty and edgy, ensure it’s ready for trading by following these simple guidelines.
Experience Counts
Your team’s image matters. Choose a pin company with years of experience to create your design. We have a 20-year reputation for delivering high-quality pins. Trust The Pin Creator to bring your vision to life.
Set a Budget
Know your budget before designing your pin. Size, material, and add-ons all impact the total cost. Check our pricing section to get a clear idea of what to expect.
Order Early
This is essential! Ordering early guarantees your pins arrive in time for big tournaments. Some companies even offer early-bird bonuses.
Order Enough
Buying in bulk saves money. The more pins you order, the lower the price per pin—sometimes by as much as 50%. You don’t want to run out after creating the perfect design!
Check Your Proofs
Always double-check details before ordering. Verify spelling, roster numbers, and player names. The last thing you want is a misspelled name on a finished pin.
Get Your Team Involved
Designing a pin is a creative process. Let your team participate to make it memorable. Players often keep their pins for years, so ensure they love the design.
Designing Your Trading Pin
You have many options when designing your pin. The choices can feel overwhelming, but planning helps simplify the process. Consider these key elements before sharing your ideas with the designer.
Pin Type
Choose between “die-struck” or “offset” pins. If your design has intricate artwork, lots of colors, or a roster, choose offset printing. This option allows for 3D effects and complex details. If you prefer a bold, simple design, a die-struck pin may work best. These are great for basic logos or minimal colors.
Team Name
Decide how your team’s name should appear. Do you want just the mascot name, or will you include the city and state? Choose a specific font for consistency with team branding.
Mascots
If your team has a mascot, include it in the design. A mascot helps tie the pin to your jerseys and marketing materials. If you don’t have one, designers can suggest options. Be clear about your preferences—do you want a fierce or friendly mascot? The more details you provide, the better the result.
Your State
Decide if you want your state represented on your pin. Your state can appear in the background, as a shape, or even as a dangling charm. Let the designer know if you want the exact map outline or a stylized version.
Team Colors
Your team’s colors set the pin’s tone. If you have a PMS (Pantone Matching System) color scheme, share it with the designer. If not, describe your colors clearly. Instead of just saying “orange,” specify “burnt orange,” “red-orange,” or “neon orange.” Designers often use extra colors for balance, so specify if you want to avoid certain shades.
Roster or No Roster?
Adding a roster personalizes your pin but takes up space. If including names or numbers, ensure the pin is at least 1.75 inches. You can display numbers in creative ways, like on baseballs, bats, gloves, or stars. The more details you add, the bigger the pin should be to keep it readable.
Adding Extras Boosts Trading Power
Enhancements increase a pin’s trading value. For a small fee, you can add:
- Glitter
- Blinkers
- Spinners
- Sliders
- Bobbleheads
- Dangles
You can also choose unique metal finishes like gleaming silver or antique brass. These premium extras make pins highly sought after at trading events.
Personal Touches Make a Difference
Details like age brackets, mottos, special dates, or tournament names add personal significance. Providing specifics upfront helps designers create a balanced, legible pin.
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect trading pin is a fun and collaborative experience. By following these guidelines, you can design a pin that reflects your team’s spirit and becomes a cherished keepsake.
