Grading Policy

PIN GRADING

Pin grading is not a universal practice. Some pin makers use  it and some do not. Every artist has a different scale at which they grade their pins. It is important to remember that all pins are handmade and no pin is ever perfect. Small variations can occur from pin to pin. Below is how I grade my pins.

 

INSPECTION 

I inspect my pins in natural light. I hold the pin closer than arm's length and look over the surface, checking for gouges, low fill, scratches, large areas of scuffing and more. I then rotate the pin in my hand to check the sides to ensure there aren't large areas of missing plating. Finally, I turn the pin around and ensure the posts on the back are secure and my backstamp is present. Usually when inspecting pins, I place less scrutiny on the sides and back of the pin then I do on the front.

 

A GRADE/STANDARD GRADE

A grades or Standard grades are scrutinized primarily on their facing surface (the front or design side of the pin) and are graded on a strict curve. The sides and back of the pins are less scrutinized except with regards to the posts and the back stamp. Generally, these are pins that have some minor blemishes or flaws that are only noticeable if inspected up close and under bright light.

 

These pins are sold at full price and make nice gifts or additions to a collection. They are beautiful and are great for wear or display purposes. The vast majority of pins that I sell are A grade or Standard grade.

 

B GRADE/SECONDS GRADE

These pins have more noticeable flaws that become obvious if looked at in normal light and at arm's length. Some have more minor or major blemishes than others. Like A grade pins, B grade pins are primarily scrutinized based on their facing surface (the front of the pin) with some scrutiny for their sides and, with exception to the posts and back stamp, are not scrutinized on the back of the pin. B grade pins can still make good display pieces if a collector doesn't mind some blemishes, and they are perfect pins for wear.

These pins are sold at a discounted rate. 

 

C GRADE/NON-GRADE

Pins in this category may have multiple and very obvious defects that are immediately noticeable at arm's length and under normal lighting conditions. These blemishes prevent them from being sold as standard or even seconds. These pins are sold at a significant discount.

 

GRADING DISPUTES

Though I inspect my pins by hand and try my best to sort out the flaws, mistakes are bound to occur occasionally. If you are unhappy with a pin you receive please contact me @fandomodiumpins@gmail.com (See return policy) https://dtskristy.wixsite.com/fandomonium-pins/shipping-returns

 

*Reminder- Pins are hand made items and no pin is ever perfect as a result. It is also important to remember that pin grading is a subjective matter and standards will vary from artist to artist. 

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If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at fandomoniumpins@gmail.com

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DISCLAIMER

 

**None of the items for sale are official merchandise or are licensed in anyway. These products are fan made and are *INSPIRED* by movies, music, characters and books.

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GRADING PRICE ADJUSTMENTS 

If you feel the pin you received was graded incorrectly, we will ask you to send us several photographs of the flaw/flaws. We will gladly exchange the item or offer a grading price adjustment if it is determined that there is a grading error.  You will be issued a refund for the difference between the two grades. If the item is no longer available you can request a full refund or shop credit minus the shipping cost. In order to receive a refund, the item in question must be returned. Please contact us to receive a return shipping label. We will pay for shipping back to us. All grading price adjustments and/ or returns are done on a case by case basis.