Buttons and pins are a wonderful form of self-expression that can demonstrate pride, show appreciation, and share timely information. During such uncertain and challenging times, it is important companies and corporations relay positive, uplifting messages that can be worn proudly.
Brian Bergler at Express-A-Button recalls when the trend began to shift in this segment of the market. “It is crazy to think that at the beginning of this year we were selling mostly political/election-related buttons and then that came to a screeching halt to absolutely nothing,” he notes. “After a slow week, a few orders trickled in and since the end of March, most orders are related to social distancing, six feet, and thanking front line workers. End users have included Amazon drivers, Fed Ex, U.S. Postal Service, Kroger, and most of all, health care facilities.”
LarLu’s Joe Durand also sees an increase of buttons that serve to recognize the nation’s working heroes. “Demand is good for the healthcare markets, retail as well,” he adds.
“One of the hottest trends we’re seeing is custom card packaging for lapel pins,” Tom Farrell at EMT comments. “Trends in retail and the fashion industry have spurred a whole new generation of lapel pin trading enthusiasts who are using lapel pins as a tool for self-expression. That renewed interest in pin collecting and trading has spread from pop culture to corporate branding campaigns. Collectible pins and pin sets on custom cards give those efforts a finished, retail look, and help convey a more complete branding message.”
“Demand for custom pins has exploded,” Farrell continues. “Every group, product launch, and event seem to include a lapel pin as part of their promotional product mix. And if they do not, they certainly should.” He adds that lapel pins are low-cost, high perceived value pieces that will be appreciated and worn for years. “Few products carry the kind of longevity or the pound-for-pound promotional punch of lapel pins.”
Full color is also an important trend, Eric Johnson of ID Line maintains. “You want your message and brand to pop and jump off the products; in a digital world items need to be bright and colorful,” he comments. Secondly, personalization of buttons and pins allows companies to have the ability to make each item stand on its own and be “one” with the client or the recipient, he explains, adding that demand has been steady during the recent pandemic crisis.
In response to this demand, ID Line has introduced wood pins that are available quickly. Johnson notes that they are greatly in demand—particularly with tech companies.
EMT relies on tradition when it comes to its line of pins. “The classic custom enamel pin is always our best-seller,” Farrell shares. “Die struck enamel pins are low cost, colorful, and completely custom—which provides individuals and brands the opportunity to create totally unique branding items.”
Over at LarLu, Durand points out that the company’s new matte finish soft-touch buttons are performing well. “They have a different look to them that draws more attention,” he elaborates.
EMT’s Farrell advises companies that have not yet bought custom lapel pins to get started. “Any good distributor will walk you through the process and make it easy for you,” he says. “Check out Pinterest, Instagram, or other social media to see the creative ways others are using lapel pins to market their message or brand.
“If lapel pins are already part of your product mix, we recommend adding custom card packaging,” he continues. “Custom cards are great, low-cost add-ons that will give your lapel pin project a retail look. Whether it is a collector’s pin or a recognition pin, a custom card helps tell the full story and provide that emotional brand experience we are always seeking through promo products. No one has ever had an emotional connection to a polybag.”
Durand at LarLu agrees that these items appeal to the emotions. “Though the product is inexpensive, the thoughtful message placed on a button can be very impactful to the recipient.”
Finally, Bergler at Express-A-Button suggests tying buttons and pins to the current state of affairs. “If you practice social distancing, or if your place of business is still practicing it, wouldn’t it be nice to have a constant reminder in everyone’s face?” he queries.