Pin-Grading Policy

Standard / A Grade Pins

Standard / A Grade pins are ones best described as the top of the batch for the particular design. We strive to keep these pins as close to perfect as possible. However, realistically, very rarely are pins truly perfect as they are handmade items with natural variations and flaws from the production process. This means that even Standard / A Grade pins might have some small flaws such as, but not limited to:
  • Relatively minor low-fill or overfill of enamel.
  • Relatively minor misalignment of screen printing.
  • Relatively minor misalignment of the hinge’s closing in hinged-pins.
  • Relatively minor stray glitter or random debris (such as dust).
  • Relatively minor bubbles or smudges in enamel, glitter or epoxy coating.
  • Relatively minor scratches, nicks, scuffs, dents, enamel bleeding and/or tarnish.
  • Relatively minor metal discoloration or thickening. 
  • Relatively minor metal protrusions on the sides of the pin.
  • Imperfections related to the back of the pins that do not hinder the functionality of the pin.
  • Imperfections related to the chain (in chained pins) that do not hinder the functionality of the chain.
Further, as this is the "standard" grade, if there is an imperfection that is across more than about 20% of the batch, it will be considered Standard Grade for that design/batch as we see fit depending on the severity of the imperfection! Please also note that hard enamel pins with large areas of metal are more likely to have scratches and imperfections on them and this can be standard.
Finally, in the case of pin listings of a multi-part pin such as chained pins, for example:
  • If it's made up of two pins: Standard / A Grade option means that both pins are Standard / A Grade pins.
  • If it's made up of three pins: Standard / A Grade option means that either all pins are Standard / A Grade pins or one of the smallest of the three might be a B Grade.

B Grade Pins

B Grade pins are ones that can have the previously mentioned faults in Standard / A Grade pins, but on a more noticeable level and/or in a higher quantity. Additionally, B Grade pins can include additional types of faults, such as but not limited to:
  • Missing enamel. 
  • Wrong enamel fill colors.
  • Missing or badly printed screen printing.
  • Moving posts.
In the case of pin listings of a multi-part pin such as chained pins, for example:
  • If it's made up of two pins: B Grade variant means that only one of the two pins has B Grade faults, while the other is a Standard / A Grade pin. 
  • If it's made up of three pins: B Grade variant means that any two of the three pins are B Grade while the last one is a Standard / A Grade pin, or The largest of the three pins is a B Grade while the other two are Standard / A Grade pins.
C Grade Pins
C Grade pins are the ones with the most obvious flaws in a batch; this means that they can have the previously mentioned faults in B Grade pins, but on a  largely noticeable level and/or in a higher quantity. Additionally, C Grade pins can include more relatively major faults such but not limited to missing or broken posts. It is the least expensive of the grades and is perfect for those on a budget!

In the case of pin listings of a multi-part pin such as chained pins, for example:
  • If it's made up of two pins: C Grade variant means that both pins in the listing are B Grade and have B Grade faults. 
  • If it's made up of three pins: C Grade variant means that all three of the pins are B Grade.
Preordered Pins (including club pins!)

We will try to ensure that those who pre-order their pins will receive Standard / A Grade ones. However, if the percentage of batch faults is higher than usual and there isn't enough Standard / A Grade pins, then the priority will be given to those who placed their order first: This means that, if Standard / A Grade pins run out, we will contact those who pre-ordered later with an appropriate solution/s such as to wait for another batch to be manufactured, accept a partial refund in exchange for receiving a Grade B / C pin, cancel their preorder, and/or other solution/s depending on our discretion at the time.
Further, preordered pins may have some differences from the shown mockups. Kindly note that this is normal and to be expected due to the manufacturing process. Thus, some variations from the shown design will probably occur and should be expected when ordering!
Bonus: Fixing a Bent Post
 
If you end up with a bent post, it is usually easy to fix, so don't stress! Simply take a rubber clutch and place it on the post. Then, in a slow and gentle way, use it to push the post back in place. If it is a little difficult, you can try clasping the post with a pair of pliers too!
Be careful not to be too rough in either case so the post doesn't break and we hope this resolves the issue ♥
Bonus: Making a Glow-in-the-Dark Pin Glow
 
If your glow in the dark pin stops glowing, all you need to do is expose it to some natural light! This is because glow in the dark pins need to charge up the UV enamel to glow, kind of like a battery! We hope this resolves the issue ♥

Other Inquiries 

Please get in touch at  hibahudastore@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns that were not answered here or in FAQ