I grade my pins loosely based on any flaws' impact on overall design. Please keep in mind that P4P pins are all priced the same because they are non-profit. Better grade P4P pins are given on a first-order-first-serve basis. They are graded more on a gradient (good to bad) rather than strict grades.
All pins are made by multiple hands and machines. Perfection cannot be expected for all pins, but I still expect a large majority of my pins to be of acceptable quality. Otherwise, I will make an effort to have the batch remedied.
Every flaw is unique, which makes it difficult to categorize pins into grades sometimes. For example, I would consider a wrong color speck on a character's face as a more severe flaw than if it were amongst their clothing details. I will try to list the common flaws of a pin batch when they are listed on my shop.
Grades:
- Standard/A/A- Grade
May include small flaws
- B+/B Grade
May include more noticeable flaws
- C/Seconds Grade
May include very noticeable flaws or damage
Examples of flaws:
- wrong color enamel
- wrong color specks in enamel
- dust in enamel
- underfill enamel
- missing enamel
- bubbles in enamel
- missing screenprint
- misaligned screenprint
- scratches/scuffs
- nicked metal line
- broken pin post(s)
- broken metal
Please be aware that I do not typically grade the back of pins.