♡ Catfe Grading Pin Menu ♡

Hello traveler, thank you so much for visiting the Catfe. Before kicking your feet up and relaxing, we would love to tell you more about the pin-making process! Enamel pins combine both machine and handmade processes, much like pastries; each recipe is made using specific ingredients, and each batch can have some imperfections or differences to it! Below are more details on how we sort and grade batches of pins!

Friendly reminder: Grading focuses on visible features at arm’s length in normal lighting. Variations across batches are normal and part of small-batch manufacturing.
A A-Grade Pins

Best of the Batch — we strive to ensure all preorders are A-standard, perfect for collections or gifts.

Potentially feature very small cosmetic markings on the face of the pin, which can include:

  • Slight overfill or underfill of enamel
  • Slight back post curve
  • Screenprinted details may be slightly askew
  • Possible discoloration/small scratches from the polishing process on large raised-metal sections
  • Small scratches/blemishes or very minor divots present
B B-Grade Pins

Some slight blemishes — still perfect to display/for growing pin collections or carry in an ITA bag.

Features a few noticeable imperfections upon the face of the pin, which can include:

  • Small marks or smudges in the enamel
  • Noticeable scratches or scuffs on raised-metal surfaces
  • Noticeably small pores/divots in enamel
  • Small color discolorations
  • Incorrect enamel color placement
  • Noticeable screenprinting errors — more than slightly askew
C C-Grade Pins

They’ve seen some stuff and have been through war — but still deserve a loving home!

Features some major flaws or imperfections, which can include:

  • Missing enamel
  • Bent or missing back posts/severely loose back posts
  • Large/deep scratches, scuffs, or large divots
  • Severe overflow of enamel or enamel color bleeding
  • Noticeable black areas or dust accumulation
? Mystery Pins

Depending on the type of mystery item you purchase, the potential grade of the pins varies:

  • Blind Pin Series (ex. Chibi Tails): Features A-Standard graded pins.
  • Mystery Grab Bags (ex. Mini/Mega/Ultimate): Can feature A-B graded pins.
  • Sale Items / As Is (ex. last chance): Can feature A-C graded pins. C-graded pins will be explicitly noted.

♡ Additional Information ♡

Enamel pins are an amazing way to collect beautiful art, and we strive to make each pin something worth collecting! Our designs often feature mockup art that may differ from the finalized pin. This may happen during the RGB to Pantone color process, or designs may be altered to ensure the integrity and stability of the pin. If you have any questions regarding our pin grading process, please reach out to us!