It’s not groundbreaking news that 2020 has proven to be the hardest year the world has ever faced this century. The pandemic has shuttered us in our homes instead of our schools, offices and other places of business. This meant months of unemployment or outright firings and layoffs. We saw tens of millions of people, in the USA alone, without jobs and on the brink of financial ruin. What do we do to make ends meet? What do we do when we can’t go to work, find work or educate ourselves? These are excellent questions and answers to them aren’t readily available.
One answer is making an online business. You’ve heard it before but maybe you didn’t actually have an idea to test out. You might then ask what would you sell? How about a custom enamel pin? Pursuing Etsy, eBay and Instagram, I was coming across these small trinkets of varying designs inspired by music and television fandoms, or based on hobbies like food and cars! The possibilities were endless because they match up with your own interests. We have the time anyway right? Use your quarantine vacation to research your new business’ products.
I find these enamel pins and lapel pins as expressions of our artistic souls that need a release. Our typical day jobs aren’t exactly imaginative. You don’t get to apply that eye of design you might have or share with people your love of your favourite anime show. But with selling custom enamel pins, you have the best of both worlds! Immersing yourself within your interests by pinpointing memorable characters or scenes and recreating them in enamel pin form while also making a little bit of money on the side. It sounds like a perfect situation.
What’s the catch? Well, with any business people need to know about your new venture. Marketing is so important and it is a huge barrier to overcome when starting a business. The great thing about custom enamel pins is that your audience is already grouped together be it in Reddit subreddits, Facebook groups, internet forums and Instagram followings. Focusing on your specific interests means you get to market to an already established and enthusiastic fandom. Finalizing sales can be made with online platforms like the aforementioned Etsy, eBay and Amazon but also with your own brand’s website! Make an online presence and store with companies like Squarespace, Shopify and Bigcartel.
The trick in all of this enamel pin stuff is making something amazing and that is all about choosing the right design. This is where you need to be picky because not only do you need to like it but your customers need to like it as well. Choose a broad theme or idea that brings in fans of all types and doesn’t alienate any number of people. At the end of the day, this is your business and a business needs money to thrive. So get out there and redefine your life and turn this unfortunate opportunity into a lifelong endeavour that supports you and your family.
