If you’ve been making or collecting enamel pins for a while, you’ve probably seen people label their products as “A grade,” “B grade,” or even “C grade.”
But here’s the thing: everyone seems to define those grades a little differently.
So what really makes an enamel pin “A grade”?
That’s exactly what we’re going to explore here — not just with checklists and rules, but from a bigger-picture perspective. Whether you’re a pin maker, seller, or just curious about enamel pin flaws, this post might give you a fresh way to think about it.
Curious? Keep reading — you might never look at “A grade” the same way again.
Why Do People Even Grade Enamel Pins?
Let’s start with the basics. Enamel pins are handmade, and because of that, it’s completely normal for small flaws to show up during production. That’s where grading comes in — it helps both makers and buyers stay on the same page.
1. It Helps You Judge the Factory You’re Working With
Not all enamel pin manufacturers see flaws the same way. Some will happily fix tiny imperfections at no cost, while others might say “this is within our normal tolerance.” A clear grading standard helps you figure out which factory fits your quality expectations — and who you want to work with long-term.
2. It Helps Sellers Set Expectations
If you’re selling enamel pins, your customers are going to care about quality — especially if you’re charging premium prices or marketing to collectors. Grading helps you:
- Price your pins fairly
- Offer discounted “seconds” when needed
- Avoid misunderstandings or complaints
So What Do A/B/C Grades Usually Mean?
As a pin factory, we’ve worked with hundreds of artists, brands, and small businesses. One thing we’ve learned? Everyone has their own definition of “A grade.”
That said, we’ve noticed a few common themes among our customers. Here’s a general breakdown of how many creators define each enamel pin grade:
| Grade | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| A Grade (Standard or Collector Grade) | Looks perfect at first glance. No visible flaws on the front under normal lighting. Tiny imperfections may exist, but nothing you’d spot without really looking. |
| B Grade (Seconds) | Obvious flaws like scratches, specks, uneven enamel fill, or plating spots — but still wearable and nice enough to sell at a discount. |
| C Grade (Defective or Junk Grade) | Bigger issues like broken metal, chipped enamel, missing color, or deep scratches. Usually not sellable — used as freebies or test pieces. |
And here’s a tip we’ve heard from a lot of pin makers:
Most people only grade the front side. Tiny marks on the sides or back? Usually ignored unless they’re really bad.
So… What Should Count as A Grade?
Even though we just gave you some common grading definitions, here’s the truth:
You get to decide what counts as A grade.
That’s right — there’s no official enamel pin grading rulebook. What matters is how you price your products and communicate quality to your audience.
For example:
- If you sell your A grades as premium collector items, maybe you want them to be nearly flawless.
- If your buyers are more relaxed, you might allow tiny flaws and still call it A grade.
- If a pin has a small scratch, maybe you drop it to B grade and give a small discount.
At the end of the day, grading is really a pricing strategy.
It’s about sorting your pins into groups that make sense for your brand and your customers. What you’re really doing is asking:
“Does this pin feel worth full price? Would my customers be happy receiving it?”
That’s what matters.
Final Thoughts: Make Grading Work for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to how to grade enamel pins. And honestly? That’s okay.
What matters is that your system:
- Makes sense to you
- Matches your audience’s expectations
- Helps you sell confidently and fairly
Whether you’re a perfectionist or more easygoing, grading is just a tool to help you price and communicate better. Don’t let it stress you out — make it work for you.
Looking for a Pin Factory That Understands Grading?
If you’re still on the hunt for a manufacturer who really gets what you’re looking for, why not give Factorypin a try? We’ve helped hundreds of creators around the world bring their enamel pin designs to life — and they love our consistency, speed, and care.
Or if you’re still exploring, check out this blog post where we review and compare several top enamel pin factories, so you can find the one that fits your needs best.
