Guide
How to Read an Enamel Pin Quotation: Line Items Explained
Every line on a factory enamel pin quotation explained: unit price, mold, plating, backing, packaging, sample, freight and Incoterm. What to question.
A factory enamel pin quotation has eight parts: the specification block, unit price by quantity, mold charge, options (plating, backing, special enamel), packaging, sample charge, shipping line with Incoterm, and terms (payment, lead time, validity). If any of those is missing, the quote is incomplete and the missing item will appear later as a surprise. Here is what each line means and what to check.
1. Specification block
At the top: size, thickness, process (soft enamel, hard enamel, printed), plating, number of enamel colors, backing, quantity, design count. This block is the contract. If the proof later differs from the block, the quote is void. Check that the number of colors matches your artwork and that the backing is the one you asked for. "Standard backing" without a name usually means rubber clutch.
2. Unit price by quantity
Most quotes show two or three quantity breaks. The unit price falls as quantity rises because the mold and setup are shared. Check which quantity the total is based on, the currency, and that the unit price includes the enamel colors in the specification block; some quotes price a base and add per color.
3. Mold charge
One line, one time, per design. It covers cutting the steel mold and casting setup. It is not charged on a reorder of the same design. Two designs, two mold lines. If a quote says "mold free," ask what quantity that is conditional on; it is usually built into the unit price.
4. Options
Anything beyond the base is listed separately:
- Plating. Standard gold, silver, nickel and black nickel are usually the base. Antique finishes, two-tone, rose gold and gunmetal appear as adders.
- Backing. Rubber and butterfly clutch are base. Locking, magnetic (adult use only) and screw back are adders. Two posts may be an adder.
- Special enamel. Glitter, glow-in-the-dark and transparent enamel are listed per color.
- Extras. Epoxy dome, laser engraving on the back, spinner, slider or dangler elements.
Each adder should say whether it is per piece or per order.
5. Packaging
Poly bag is usually included in the base. Backing card, blister card, presentation box and custom retail packaging are separate lines and usually per piece. A printed card also carries a one-time print setup. If you asked for a card and there is no packaging line, the quote is for poly bag.
6. Sample charge
A physical sample, if requested, is a line. It covers a short run through the full process and courier. Some factories credit it back against the production order; check whether ours does on your quote. Digital proofs are not charged.
7. Shipping line and Incoterm
This is the line buyers skip and regret. It must state:
- The Incoterm: FOB Shenzhen, CIF, DAP or DDP.
- The destination: port or full address.
- The mode: air, sea or courier.
- What is included. Under DDP, duty and VAT are inside. Under FOB, nothing after the port is. See DDP vs FOB.
If the line says "freight to be confirmed," the total is not a total.
8. Terms
- Payment: T/T, PayPal or credit card. First orders normally 100% in advance; larger orders can be discussed. If the quote says something else, ask.
- Lead time: digital proof within 2 working days; physical sample 10 to 14 working days; production 30 to 60 days by quantity; clock starts on written proof approval and receipt of payment.
- Validity: how long the prices hold. Metal and plating costs move; a quote older than its validity date should be re-issued.
- Duty note: for the US, UK and EU the quote should say the duty rate assumed and "as of [month], subject to change."
What a clean quote looks like
| Line | Present? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Specification block | Must be | Colors, backing, size match your request |
| Unit price × quantity | Must be | Which break the total uses; currency |
| Mold charge | Must be, once per design | Not repeated on reorder |
| Options | If ordered | Per piece or per order |
| Packaging | If ordered | Card print setup listed |
| Sample | If requested | Credited back or not |
| Shipping + Incoterm | Must be | Term, address, mode, what is included |
| Terms | Must be | Payment, lead time, validity, duty note |
Compliance lines you may see
A quote for the EU may reference the GPSR Responsible Person (Regulation 2023/988) and REACH Annex XVII limits (nickel entry 27, lead entry 63, cadmium entry 23). A quote for the US may note the Made in China marking (FTC 16 CFR 323 governs US origin claims) and, for magnetic backs, 16 CFR 1262. These lines do not add cost; they tell you the factory knows where the pins are going. Enamel options and processes are on the custom enamel pins page.
This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Order Facts
- From 100 pcs per design · better price at 500+, best at 1,000+
- Free artwork proof within 2 working days
- Sample 10–14 working days · bulk 30–60 days · rush from 10–15 days
- DDP door-to-door available: duties and taxes included in the quote
- Bella replies within 12 hours
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do two factories quote different unit prices for the same spec?
Usually the base differs. One includes packaging or a finish the other lists as an adder. Line the quotes up item by item before comparing totals.
Is the quote binding?
Within its validity date and for the specification stated, yes. A change at proof stage triggers a revised quote before anything is cut.
Can I get DDP and FOB on one sheet?
Yes. Ask for both. The gap is your cost of importing.