Grading Guidelines

Enamel Pin Grading

Collector's/Perfect Grade:

This grade IS NOT offered currently. Sorry!

Standard Grade:

This is the highest possible quality of pin offered. Standard-grade pins may still be susceptible to very minor imperfections that are only visible upon extremely close-up inspection and/or when the light hits the pin at a specific angle. As a general rule, if the lay person would hardly notice an imperfection, it's standard grade.

By purchasing this grade, you have read this and understand that these minor imperfections are acceptable and will NOT be grounds for a return, refund, partial refund, nor replacement.

Examples of potential Standard Grade imperfections:

• Imperfections in tone, texture, or finish in either the enamel OR metal only visible at specific light angle(s).
• Minor surface scuffs on metal/enamel
• Small ripples/pores or bubbles in enamel that may be exacerbated by viewing angle
• Slightly lower fills in minor areas
• Wrong color fills in small/minor areas
• Tiny specks in enamel <1mm
• Marks in minor areas (e.g. right on the edge of a fill where visually minor)
• Slight rippling or variance in surface texture
• Non-gloss surface finish

Seconds Grade:

These are the pieces that have more noticeable defects. As a general rule, if a defect visible very easily at a distance, it is seconds grade.

Examples of potential Seconds Grade imperfections:

• Imperfections in tone, texture, or finish in either the enamel OR metal
• Major surface scuffs on metal/enamel
• Poor coloration or mismatching colors of enamel
• Wrong color fill in major areas
• Noticable ripples/pores or bubbles in enamel
• Dust, markings, debris in enamel
• Apparent mechanical damage
• Lower fills in certain areas
• Specks in enamel >1mm
• Rippling or variance in surface texture
• Missing or loose pin posts

 

Examples of Seconds Grade Pins

Examples showing some defects - poor plating, dripped/overrun enamel	Examples of potential coloration issues -- these tend to be present only in certain specific batches. if you're unsure, send us a message.	Examples of common defects - scratches, pores, specks, and punctures.

 

 

Ita Bag Grading

Collector's/Perfect Grade:

This grade IS NOT offered currently. Sorry!

Standard Grade:

This is the highest possible quality of ita bag offered. Standard-grade bags may still be susceptible to very minor imperfections that are only visible upon close-up inspection and do not impact the functionality of the bag. As a general rule, if the lay person would hardly notice an imperfection, it's standard grade.

By purchasing this grade, you have read this and understand that these minor imperfections are acceptable and will NOT be grounds for a return, refund, partial refund, nor replacement.

Examples of potential Standard Grade imperfections:

• Minor deformation or warping of bag panels and overall shape
• Dents that are minor on the bottom/back of bag (less conspicuous places) -- these can often be rubbed our or removed
• Minor scratches, scuffs, wrinkling, or creases on bag exterior surface
• Small loose threads
• Discoloration in minor areas
• Small Specks/flecks that may or may not be able to be removed
• Squeaky/catchy hardware (may be resolved with silicone lubricant)
• missing back stamp
• slight smudged/scratched print
• Flawed inserts where, once inserted into the bag, are hidden
• Insert flaws that can be hidden by placing a pin
• Wrinkled inserts

Seconds Grade:

These are the pieces that have more noticeable defects. As a general rule, if a defect visible very easily at a distance or impacts use, it is seconds grade.

Examples of potential Seconds Grade imperfections:

• Highly visible flaws on bag exterior
• large scratches or marks visible at all angles
• Damaged or torn material at edges or panels
• Poorly functioning hardware 
• Missing Accessories/Pieces
• unraveling stitching
• Major warping or bending to parts
• Misaligned parts
• Inserts with poor screen print (misaligned, chipping)
• Inserts with large flaws that cannot be hidden by placing pins or placing into ita bag window